In international markets where Disney+ isn’t currently available or won’t be available before the end of the year,Soulwill be released theatrically as originally intended, with releases dates to be announced soon.
Soulhails comes fromPete Docter, the Oscar-winning director behindInside OutandUp, as well as his co-director/writerKemp Powers, the playwright and screenwriter ofRegina King’s acclaimed dramaOne Night in Miami. The film features the voice talents ofJamie Foxx,Tina Fey,Phylicia Rashad,Ahmir Questlove Thompson,Angela BassettandDaveed Diggs.
Even cooler?Soulboasts original jazz music by globally renowned musicianJon Batisteand a score composed by Oscar winnersTrent ReznorandAtticus Ross(The Social Network).
Soulintroduces Joe Gardner (Foxx), a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions, like what it is that makes you…you.
“We are thrilled to share Pixar’s spectacular and movingSoulwith audiences direct to Disney+ in December,” said Disney CEOBob Chapek. “A new original Pixar film is always a special occasion, and this truly heartwarming and humorous story about human connection and finding one’s place in the world will be a treat for families to enjoy together this holiday season.”
“The world can be an exhausting and frustrating place – but it’s also full of unexpected joys, even in seemingly mundane things,” said Docter, who also serves as the chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios. “Soulinvestigates what’s really important in our lives, a question we’re all asking these days. I hope it will bring some humor and fun to people at a time when everyone can surely use that.”
Earlier this week, activist investorDaniel Loeburged Disney to release more content on Disney+, fearing that if the studio continues to hold top titles (such as Marvel’sBlack Widow) while waiting for the theatrical business to return to normal, it will never catch up to rival streamer Netflix. While some may read this move as a sign thatMulandidn’t perform well behind a $30 dollar paywall, I think that would be the wrong takeaway.Soulis a totally different movie aimed at a much younger audience, and I’m not surprised Disney isn’t asking families to shell out another $30 bucks on Christmas morning when most people’s finances are already tight due to the pandemic.
