UPDATE: The excitement is palpable as Caleb McLaughlin and David Harbour, stars of the hit series Stranger Things, reunite in the animated comedy GOAT, which has just debuted with a commendable 80% Rotten Tomatoes score. This new film, directed by Tyree Dillihay, marks a significant milestone for both actors, as it is their first major project since the conclusion of the beloved Netflix series.
Set to release on February 13, 2026, GOAT follows a small goat with a dream to compete in the intense sport of “roarball” alongside anthropomorphic animal pros. With its heartwarming story and stunning animation, the film is already generating buzz in the animation community.
Critics are taking notice; ScreenRant reviewer Gregory Nussen praised the film, stating, “A movie that has no shortage of pre-chewed cliches probably shouldn’t work, and yet, it resoundingly does.” This enthusiasm indicates that GOAT could become another critical success under the banner of Sony Pictures Animation, following the footsteps of their Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
With a projected opening weekend box office of $30 million, GOAT is poised to capture family audiences. However, it must navigate the challenges of being an original animated project in a market dominated by sequels. Notably, animated films have seen significant financial success, with several grossing over $1 billion since 2020.
Alongside McLaughlin and Harbour, the film features a star-studded cast including Nicola Coughlan, Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, Stephen Curry, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Aaron Pierre, and Jennifer Hudson. This impressive lineup further elevates the film’s profile.
As audiences await the film’s release, the industry is closely watching to see if GOAT can replicate the success of previous Sony animated hits. The film’s visual appeal and engaging storyline may just be the key ingredients for box office triumph.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the box office performance and audience reactions to what promises to be a memorable cinematic experience. Will GOAT soar to new heights? Only time will tell!
