Disneyand Pixar have announced a new, original movie titledOnward. This year saw the release of the long-awaitedIncredibles 2, with next year set to bring usToy Story 4. But Pixar is heading back to the world of original storytelling with their latest effort, which comes from the team behindMonsters Universityand features an all-star voice cast.
Chris Pratt(Guardians of the Galaxy),Tom Holland(Spiderman: Homecoming),Julia Louis-Dreyfus(Veep) andOctavia Spencer(The Shape of Water) are all set to star in the studio’s upcoming adventure.
Onwardis set in a suburban fantasy world and centers on two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. For now, that’s all Disney and Pixar are giving us as far as plot details go, but the cast alone should make this worth paying attention to. That and Pixar’s excellent track record which has produced very few disappointments in more than two decades. Director Dan Scanlon had this to say about the project.
“At Pixar we attempt to create stories that come from some kind of personal truth. This film was inspired by my own relationship with my brother.”
Dan Scanlon will work alongside producer Kori Rae, who he worked with on 2013’sMonsters University. While Pixar has dabbled quite a bit with sequels over the years, that was their first attempt at a prequel and it worked out quite well. The movie grossed $744 million worldwide and was met with mostly favorable reviews upon its release. Before the movie was given a title, Scanlon discussed it a bit at Disney’s D23 calling it a “mix of the fantastic and the everyday,” complete with “elves, sprites and pretty much anything that would be on the side of a van in the ’70s.” Scanlon also praised the cast they’ve assembled.
“Tom has an infectious charm and sincerity that makes you root for him in every character he plays… There is no one funnier than Julia, but she also brings a warmth and loving side to her character.”
Tom Holland and Chris Pratt worked together previously in this summer’sAvengers: Infinity War. Ultimately, that was also a Disney production and they clearly have a good relationship with the studio. Kori Rae had praise for Pratt and Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer.
“Chris brings equal parts huge heart and fantastic humor to his character… Octavia can do it all. We’re especially excited about the depth as well as humor that she brings to her character.”
Pixar’s most recent original efforts have done incredibly well for themselves. Last year’sCocowas critically heralded and grossed $807 million worldwide on its way to a Best Animated Feature Oscar win. 2016’sInside Outwas met with similar success and praise, grossing $857 million worldwide, also taking home an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.Onwardis set to arrive in theaters from Disney andPixaron July 23, 2025. Be sure to check out the movie’s logo below.
