- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Vineland Today
By the People, for the People
Animated 'Goat' Film Praised for Nuanced Storytelling, Stunning Animation
The basketball-themed movie features an underdog goat hero and tackles themes of inclusivity in sports.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Tyree Dillihay's animated film "Goat" follows a young goat named Will Harris who dreams of playing professional Roarball, a sport similar to basketball but with environmental hazards. Despite being told that smaller animals like goats can't compete, Will perseveres and ends up signing with the worst team in the league, the Vineland Thorns. The film is praised for its nuanced characters, progressive themes around inclusivity in sports, and stunning visual animation.
Why it matters
"Goat" challenges traditional sports movie tropes by arguing for absolute inclusivity in its fictional Roarball league, where there are no weight classes or gender divisions. The film's message of allowing anyone to play, regardless of size or identity, is seen as an important commentary on recent regressive legislation restricting participation in certain sports.
The details
The film stars Caleb McLaughlin as the determined goat protagonist Will, who humiliates a superstar Roarball player in a publicity stunt and ends up signed to the struggling Vineland Thorns. Will's teammates include an insecure ostrich, unmotivated giraffe, exhibitionist Komodo dragon, and overworked single-dad rhinoceros. The star player, a muscular panther voiced by Gabrielle Union, is a skilled but selfish veteran who must learn from the idealistic Will.
- Will Harris first challenges the superstar player Mane Attraction on his local court.
- Will signs with the Vineland Thorns, the worst team in the Roarball league.
The players
Will Harris
A young goat who dreams of playing professional Roarball despite being told smaller animals can't compete.
Jett Fillmore
The star Roarball player, a muscular panther voiced by Gabrielle Union, who is skilled but selfish and has never won a championship.
Tyree Dillihay
The director of "Goat", praised for the film's nuanced storytelling and stunning visual animation.
Vineland Thorns
The worst team in the Roarball league, who sign Will Harris as a novelty act.
Roarball
The fictional basketball-like sport played by anthropomorphic animals in the world of "Goat".
What’s next
The film is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2027.
The takeaway
"Goat" delivers a heartwarming underdog story that challenges traditional sports movie tropes, championing inclusivity and progressive values through its nuanced characters and stunning visual animation.
