Goat’s All-Animal Roarball World Brings Big Names to the Court Ahead of Feb. 13, 2026 (ET) Release
The new animated feature Goat puts a pint-sized protagonist and a full-contact version of basketball called roarball front and center, pairing a crowd-pleasing underdog story with a voice cast that mixes Hollywood performers and real-life basketball stars. The film, opening in theaters Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), aims to deliver family-friendly laughs, slick animation and a take on sports-movie beats through the lens of an animal-populated world.
Cast package blends actors and athletes around a goat hero
At the heart of the story is Will Harris, a determined young Boer goat who dreams of playing professional roarball despite being one of the so-called "smalls. " The character is voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, who brings youthful energy and emotional clarity to Will’s underdog arc. Opposite him is Jett Fillmore, a veteran roarball star and team captain voiced by Gabrielle Union; their relationship provides the emotional through-line as mentor and mentee navigate fame, doubt and team dynamics.
The film’s vocal ensemble includes an eclectic mix of performers. David Harbour voices an imposing rhinoceros enforcer and single father figure; Aaron Pierre plays the hulking MVP rival Mane Attraction, an Andalusian horse; Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll and Patton Oswalt fill out the roster with comic and heartfelt turns; and Jenifer Lewis appears as a team owner character. On the athletics side, the cast features prominent basketball figures lending voices and presence to the project — a deliberate move that blurs the line between sports celebrity cameos and character-driven casting.
Producers leaned into the premise that roarball is co-ed, full-contact and dominated by the biggest, fastest animals on the planet, which sets up both physical comedy and stakes for a goat protagonist whose size works against him in the sport. The mix of seasoned actors, comedians and athletes is designed to ground the fantastical world in recognizable personalities while offering wide appeal for kids and sports fans alike.
Story and style: familiar beats, high-quality animation
Goat’s plot follows a familiar sports-movie trajectory: a talented underdog gets a break, faces skepticism and rivalry, and ultimately strives to prove that heart and skill can trump expectations. The screenplay and direction lean into that predictability but pair it with strong visual design and pacing. Animators deliver polished court sequences and expressive character animation that emphasize each species’ physicality and personality, making roarball feel kinetic and distinct from other animated sports offerings.
Performances are a key selling point. The leads provide emotional resonance that keeps the film from feeling purely formulaic, while supporting players inject humor and charm in ways that bolster the ensemble dynamic. The relationship between Will and Jett is highlighted as particularly effective: both characters grow in credible ways, and their on-court chemistry helps sell the film’s emotional payoff.
What audiences can expect on opening weekend
With its Feb. 13, 2026 (ET) release date, Goat is positioned as a family-friendly alternative in a season crowded with animated tentpoles. Viewers should expect an accessible, heart-forward story with a focus on team-building and identity, plus moments designed to showcase the voice cast and athletic cameos. While the narrative doesn’t stray far from well-worn sports-movie territory, the animation quality and the earnest performances aim to lift the material and give audiences a satisfying, youth-oriented outing.
For moviegoers drawn to sports stories or animated ensemble comedies, Goat promises a spirited ride — and, fittingly, a spotlight moment for a small goat with an outsized dream.
