A Small Goat Ready to Take on a Big League
In a world where the biggest animals dominate the biggest sport, one small goat is ready to challenge the rules. GOAT, the latest animated feature from Sony Pictures Animation, introduces audiences to an all-animal universe where roarball reigns supreme—and size often decides success. At the center of the action is Will Harris, a gifted young player whose passion for the game burns brighter than any doubt thrown his way.
Will has heard it all before: “smalls don’t ball.” Still, armed with talent, confidence, and an unshakable dream, he refuses to be sidelined. His goal is simple yet daring—to play alongside his heroes and prove that heart matters just as much as strength.
Caleb McLaughlin Finds Meaning in Will’s Journey
Voicing Will is Caleb McLaughlin, widely known for his work on Stranger Things. The actor saw an immediate connection between himself and the determined young goat.
“Will is a hero in his own world,” says McLaughlin. “He’s got this bigger vision for himself and for the people he loves, and that’s what keeps him going. He’s inspired by the role models around him, and I totally connect to that idea of being on a personal quest with a lot of heart behind it.”
That emotional bond translates into a performance filled with warmth, confidence, and authenticity—making Will a character audiences can root for from start to finish.
Watch the Trailer here:
A Reflection of Today’s Youth
Director Tyree Dillihay describes Will as a symbol of the younger generation—driven, passionate, and unafraid to chase dreams without a clear path.
“He represents the youth generation,” Dillihay says. “He doesn’t have a route to get there but he’s hungry, passionate, hardheaded. He wears an armor of courage and strength and go-get-it-ness. I love that about Will.”
Will’s journey mirrors the reality many young dreamers face today: uncertain roads, loud doubts, and the courage to keep moving anyway.
Building Will’s Confidence and Swag
Head of Character Animation Daniel Pozo and his team had a blast shaping Will’s movements and attitude. Inspired by basketball legends and McLaughlin’s on-screen presence, they crafted a character who radiates confidence.
“He’s a teenager with a lot of confidence—he’s got swag,” says Pozo. “We looked at references like Kobe Bryant when he was in high school and Caleb’s own movie performances. He exudes so much confidence in how he walks. We started with that and layered in these idiosyncratic behaviors that basketball players tend to have—they seem to always have a ball passing between their hands, always in movement.”
From the way he walks to how he handles the ball, Will’s animation reflects a player who knows he belongs on the court.
Adding Personality, One Quirk at a Time
For McLaughlin, part of the fun was shaping Will’s small but memorable traits.
“One of the most fun parts for me was finding Will’s signature moments—like his unique laugh or those improv bits that really capture his personality,” says McLaughlin. “I think everyone has their own version of that little signature quirk—their own goat ‘baa,’ if you will. Discovering Will’s personal touch really made those scenes enjoyable.”
These playful touches give Will extra charm and make his journey feel genuine and relatable.
More Than a Sports Story
Co-director Adam Rosette believes GOAT speaks to anyone who has ever held onto a dream, whether it involves sports or not.
“It represents what it’s like to have a dream, not only what it’s like to play sports,” he says. “It’s about Will’s dream, which just happens to be becoming a pro roarball player. If you’ve ever had a dream—something that you aspire to be—this movie is for you. There’s heart, there’s hustle and humor.”
Game On This February
With its uplifting message, dynamic animation, and heartfelt performances, GOAT celebrates courage, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself—no matter your size.
GOAT opens in Philippine cinemas on February 11. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
