Stephen Curry Embraces Fan Theory Linking 'GOAT' Villain to Rival Dillon Brooks

The Golden State Warriors star leans into speculation that the animated film's antagonist is inspired by the Phoenix Suns guard.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Stephen Curry, the voice actor and producer behind the new animated film 'GOAT,' has embraced fan theories that the movie's villain character, Mane Attraction, is inspired by his on-court rival Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns. While Curry didn't explicitly confirm the connection, he stoked the speculation, saying 'People are taking from the movie what they're supposed to take.' The long-running rivalry between Curry and Brooks dates back to the 2022 playoffs and has continued through this season, with Brooks emerging as one of the league's most controversial players.

Why it matters

The fan theory linking the 'GOAT' villain to Dillon Brooks taps into the ongoing rivalry between the two players, which has become one of the more compelling storylines in the NBA. By leaning into the speculation, Curry is able to further promote his new animated film while also keeping the focus on his competitive history with Brooks, a rising star who has embraced a villainous persona.

The details

In the film 'GOAT,' Curry voices the hero character Lenny Williamson, a giraffe competing in a fictional basketball-like sport called 'roarball.' The story centers on Lenny's pursuit of greatness, with the character Mane Attraction serving as the main antagonist. Given the well-documented on-court rivalry between Curry and Brooks, fans have naturally drawn comparisons between the villain and the Phoenix Suns guard. When asked directly about the connection, Curry refused to dismiss the theory, saying 'See? People are taking from the movie what they're supposed to take.'

  • The rivalry between Curry and Brooks dates back to the 2022 NBA playoffs.
  • Tensions resurfaced last postseason after Brooks and Curry went into it.
  • In December, Brooks was called for a Flagrant 1 foul after striking Curry in the chest during a Suns-Warriors game.

The players

Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors star who voices the hero character in the animated film 'GOAT' and has an ongoing rivalry with Dillon Brooks.

Dillon Brooks

The Phoenix Suns guard who has emerged as one of the league's most controversial players, embracing a villainous persona on the court.

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What they’re saying

“See? People are taking from the movie what they're supposed to take.”

— Stephen Curry (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The rivalry between Curry and Brooks is expected to continue as the NBA playoffs approach, with both players and their teams jockeying for position in the Western Conference standings.

The takeaway

By embracing the fan theory linking the 'GOAT' villain to Dillon Brooks, Stephen Curry is able to further capitalize on his ongoing rivalry with the Phoenix Suns guard, who has become one of the league's most polarizing figures. The connection between the animated film and the real-life drama highlights how athletes can leverage pop culture to enhance their personal narratives and rivalries.