GOAT (2026): Release Date, Cast, Plot & Everything We Know About Sony’s New Animated Sports Comedy

If you love underdog stories, high-energy sports comedies, or animation with attitude, get ready — GOAT is about to change the game.

From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and produced by NBA legend Stephen Curry, GOAT is shaping up to be one of the most exciting animated films of 2026.

Packed with all-animal worldbuilding, kinetic sports action, and an A-list voice cast, GOAT brings the explosive energy of Spider-Verse to a brand-new sports universe where anyone — even the smallest goat on the field — can become the greatest of all time.

📅 Release Date:

February 13, 2026 — only in theaters.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sony’s newest animated blockbuster.

⭐ What Is GOAT About? (Plot Overview)

Set in a vibrant, all-animal world, GOAT follows Will Harris, a small, scrappy goat with massive dreams. Will wants nothing more than to compete in roarball — a high-speed, full-contact, co-ed sport dominated by the biggest and fiercest animals in the league.

When Will miraculously gets the chance to join the pros, his teammates aren’t exactly thrilled to be saddled with a tiny goat who looks better suited for snack time than game time.

But Will is stubborn.

Will is talented.

And Will is determined to show the entire world that—

“Smalls can ball.”

With fast-paced action, comedy, and heart, GOAT delivers the ultimate underdog (or under-goat?) sports story for every age.

⭐ Why GOAT Is Already One of 2026’s Most Hyped Animated Movies

Sony Pictures Animation has perfected a formula: innovative animation + big heart + big humor + big spectacle.

Now the studio behind visual revolutions like Across the Spider-Verse is bringing that same creative energy to a high-octane sports universe.

Here’s why audiences and critics are buzzing:

✔ A fresh animated world full of personality

Anthropomorphic animals + sports chaos = animated gold.

✔ Spider-Verse-level creativity

Sony is pushing animation boundaries again — action, expression, and movement inspired by high-speed sports.

✔ Stephen Curry involvement

Curry isn’t just producing — he’s voicing a character, shaping action scenes, and bringing authenticity to the sports side.

✔ Perfect February release

Family films thrive in early-year windows (see: The Lego Movie, Sonic, Puss in Boots).

✔ An irresistible underdog story

Everyone loves a small hero with big dreams.

⭐ The Voice Cast: One of the Best Ensembles in 2026

GOAT boasts a stacked voice cast mixing comedy icons, dramatic heavyweights, musicians, and household stars.

Main Cast

• Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things) — as Will

• Gabrielle Union

• Stephen Curry (also a producer)

• Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton)

• Nick Kroll

• David Harbour (Stranger Things, Violent Night)

• Jenifer Lewis

• Patton Oswalt

• Aaron Pierre

• Andrew Santino

• Bobby Lee

• Eduardo Franco

• Sherry Cola

• Jelly Roll

• Jennifer Hudson

It’s a powerful mix of comedy, comedy-drama, and sports personalities — ideal for a movie full of personality, pace, and emotional punch.

⭐ Who Made GOAT? (Directors, Writers & Producers)

🎬 Directed by:

• Tyree Dillihay

🎬 Co-Directed by:

• Adam Rosette

✍️ Written by:

• Aaron Buchsbaum

• Teddy Riley

⭐ Produced by:

• Stephen Curry

• Erick Peyton

• Michelle Raimo Kouyate

• Adam Rosenberg

• Rodney Rothman (producer of Spider-Verse)

⭐ Executive Producers:

• Rick Mischel

• Fonda Snyder

This is a dream team combining:

• Spider-Verse animation DNA

• NBA-level sports authenticity

• High-energy comedy writing

• Hollywood’s best character actors

It’s the formula for a breakthrough animated hit.

⭐ Is GOAT Based on a True Story?

Not literally — but it feels real.

The film is about:

• fighting stereotypes

• proving your worth

• being underestimated

• pushing past physical limits

• teamwork, heart, and hustle

It’s the kind of universal underdog story that children, parents, and sports fans will connect with instantly.

⭐ Full Premise (Official)

GOAT follows Will, a small goat with huge dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball — a high-speed, full-contact sport played by the world’s fastest, strongest animals. His teammates doubt him, the league mocks him, and the competition is brutal. But Will is determined to prove that “smalls can ball,” and greatness can come in any size.

⭐ Release Date — When Can You Watch GOAT?

📅 February 13, 2026 — Only in Theaters

A prime family film slot.Perfect for word-of-mouth hits and holiday-season legs.

⭐ Final Thoughts: GOAT Might Be the Next Big Animated Sports Hit

Strong ensemble cast?

✔Spider-Verse pedigree?

✔Stephen Curry on board?

✔A lovable underdog hero?

✔A unique world full of energy and humor?

✔Everything about GOAT points toward a film with major breakout potential.

If you love:

• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

• Zootopia

• Kung Fu Panda

• The Mitchells vs. the Machines

• The Lego Movie

Then GOAT is absolutely one to watch.

February 2026 might just belong to one tiny goat with very big dreams.