UPDATE: In a thrilling reunion for fans, Caleb McLaughlin and David Harbour from the hit series Stranger Things have joined forces in a new animated comedy titled GOAT, which just scored an impressive 80% on Rotten Tomatoes from 20 reviews. Directed by Tyree Dillihay, this film is set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026, and the excitement is palpable.
This exciting project transports audiences into a vibrant world of anthropomorphic animals, where a small goat gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at playing the intense sport of “roarball” alongside the fiercest athletes in the animal kingdom. With GOAT debuting to critical acclaim, Sony Pictures Animation seems to have another winner on its hands.
ScreenRant’s Gregory Nussen praised the film as “a really effective, stunningly animated, inspiring success,” despite its reliance on familiar sports film formulas. The positive reviews highlight the film’s stunning visuals and uplifting storyline, which are expected to resonate with families and animation fans alike.
Joining McLaughlin and Harbour are fellow Netflix star Nicola Coughlan, and a stellar cast including Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, Stephen Curry, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Aaron Pierre, and Jennifer Hudson. This marks a significant return for both McLaughlin and Harbour, as it is their first major project after the conclusion of Stranger Things.
The film’s studio, Sony Pictures Animation, has a solid track record, having produced critically acclaimed titles like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters. With the latter receiving praise for its streaming success, the anticipation builds around whether GOAT can convert its critical acclaim into box office success. Deadline reports that the film is projected to open with around $30 million, although its budget has not yet been disclosed.
Animated family films have proven to be big earners, particularly since 2020, with hits like Zootopia 2 grossing over $1 billion. However, GOAT faces the challenge of being an original project in a market often dominated by sequels. Recent Pixar originals, like Elio, have struggled despite strong reviews, raising questions about the film’s potential performance.
As GOAT prepares for its February release, industry experts will be closely monitoring both its critical reception and audience response. The combination of a beloved cast, an engaging storyline, and stunning animation sets the stage for a potentially blockbuster hit. Fans of animated films should keep their eyes peeled as this film gears up for its big debut.
Stay tuned for further updates as GOAT continues to generate buzz leading up to its release!
