Smalls Can Ball—and This Time, It’s Animated
Smalls can ball, and GOAT is ready to make that message loud and clear. The latest animated feature from Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind the visually stunning Spider-Verse films and KPop Demon Hunters, delivers a fresh, feel-good sports story filled with humor, heart, and hustle.
At the center of the action is Will, a small goat with enormous dreams, voiced by Caleb McLaughlin. When he gets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play professional roarball—a high-octane sport ruled by the biggest and fiercest animals—Will must prove that size doesn’t define skill, courage, or destiny.
Watch the Trailer here:
Stephen Curry’s Personal Connection to the Story
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, who serves as a producer on GOAT, saw his own journey reflected in Will’s struggle.
“My journey resembles Will’s—being overlooked, underrated—but finding your self-confidence through it all. It’s about the power of the team.”
Beyond personal experience, Curry was drawn to the film’s message about teamwork and community.
“No matter what walk of life, you can’t do anything great without the people around you. It’s cool to bring that into ‘GOAT,’ knowing how relatable it is—not just to my story, but to everybody.”
Bringing Sports Culture to the Big Screen
Curry also wanted GOAT to feel authentic to sports culture, translating life on the court into animation. From stylish accessories and expressive fashion to a carefully curated soundtrack, the film captures the rhythm and personality of athletic life.
“We included the accessories, the clothes, a dope soundtrack–the cultural references that everybody can laugh at and appreciate,” he says. “This is a timeless story–if you watch it 20 years from now, you’ll go back to a moment in time. We’re super excited to have those relatable references throughout the entire movie.”
Why Underdog Stories Never Miss
For Caleb McLaughlin, Will’s journey resonates on a deeply human level.
“I think underdog stories hit people because we’ve all felt like underdogs at some point,” he says. “We all start from a low place and have to push through our own version of concrete. And when you finally reach a goal, you remember the moments you struggled, or wanted to give up, but didn’t.”
McLaughlin believes the film speaks to viewers when they need it most—right when doubt creeps in.
“People doubt you along the way, and I think audiences relate to that. These stories usually find people right at the moment they feel like quitting, and watching an underdog win reminds them to keep going.”
Inside the Wild World of Roarball
Roarball is no ordinary sport. Set across diverse environments—from tropical jungles to frozen tundras—the game allows animals to use every physical advantage they have.
“They can make use of all of their animal attributes,” says producer Michelle Raimo Kouyate. “They run on two paws, four paws, use their tails, horns, snouts, wings, tongues—anything goes.”
But with danger comes discrimination.
“In our world, there’s no difference between bigs and smalls as far as the culture is concerned,” says co-producer David Schulenburg. “But roarball is so dangerous—the pace, the terrains—the idea that a small goat would play the game is just unheard of.”
A Story About Dreams, Not Just Sports
For co-director Adam Rosette, GOAT goes beyond competition.
“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.”
With humor, emotion, and relentless optimism, GOAT celebrates believing in yourself—even when no one else does.
Game Time This February
Get ready to cheer for the ultimate underdog. GOAT kicks off in Philippine cinemas on February 11, bringing a joyful, inspiring animated experience that proves heart matters more than size—and dreams are always worth chasing.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
