Animated 'Goat' Brings Basketball Culture to Life on the Big Screen

Filmmakers and stars Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, and more discuss re-animating the world of basketball for Sony's new animated film.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Sony's new animated film 'Goat' immerses viewers in a world where basketball is the ultimate culture-definer. Inspired by the illustrated children's book 'Funky Dunks,' the film follows Will, a Boer goat with big dreams of playing professional roarball, a co-ed, intense version of basketball. The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade, and more, and draws heavily from real-world basketball culture, including social media, streetwear, and the high-profile tunnel walk.

Why it matters

As basketball continues to sit at the intersection of music, art, technology, and fashion, 'Goat' provides a unique animated take on how the sport has become an unshakable part of pop culture. By immersing viewers in the world of roarball, the film explores themes of pursuing one's dreams, the role of social media, and the evolution of basketball culture.

The details

In 'Goat,' Will, a Boer goat, dreams of playing professional roarball, a co-ed, intense version of basketball. After a viral video of him taking on rival player Mane Attraction catches the eye of team owner Flo Everson, Will is signed to the underperforming Vineland Thorns. The film features nods to real-world basketball culture, including the influence of social media, the tradition of diss tracks between rivals, and the high-fashion tunnel walk. Costume designer Dominique Dawson drew heavily from streetwear and NBA player off-duty looks to inform the characters' styles.

  • Will's viral video that catches Flo's attention happens before the start of the film's events.
  • The film's main events take place over the course of Will's journey to make the Thorns' roster and play professional roarball.

The players

Will Harris

A Boer goat with big dreams of playing professional roarball, the co-ed, intense version of basketball at the center of the film's world.

Jett Fillmore

A black panther and star player for the Vineland Thorns, who Will idolizes growing up.

Flo Everson

A warthog with perfectly manicured hooves who owns the underperforming Vineland Thorns and signs Will to the team.

Mane Attraction

An Andalusian horse and rival roarball player to Jett, known for his flashy streetwear style and diss track aimed at Will.

Stephen Curry

Four-time NBA champion who produced 'Goat' and voices the character of Thorns player Lenny Williamson, a giraffe.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to create this multidimensional film that touches culture on many points. Yes, we get the on-court action. But it's good to understand what the real lifestyle is off the court.”

— Tyree Dillihay, Co-Director of 'Goat' (Variety)

“As long as you have a ball and a hoop, or a ball and a bucket, you can play. That's what makes basketball the perfect sport to illustrate this underdog journey.”

— Gabrielle Union (Variety)

“Sneakers are an extension of basketball culture. You've got on-court sneakers, you've got off-court sneakers. It's just a part of the lifestyle.”

— Tyree Dillihay, Co-Director of 'Goat' (Variety)

What’s next

The film 'Goat' is set to premiere in theaters on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

By immersing viewers in the vibrant world of roarball, 'Goat' provides a unique animated exploration of how basketball has become deeply embedded in modern pop culture, from fashion and music to social media and celebrity.