Sony Pictures Animation is expanding its presence in the animated feature space with two distinct projects slated for release in : GOAT
, an original action-comedy, and an animated film based on the Marvel anti-hero Venom. The announcement of the Venom project, reported , signals a strategic move by Sony to leverage the success of its live-action Venom trilogy and apply the visual and narrative techniques honed during the critically acclaimed Spider-Verse series.
GOAT: A Roarball Story
GOAT, stylized as GOAT, is an animated sports comedy centered around an anthropomorphic goat who dreams of becoming the greatest roarball player of all time. The film, directed by Tyree Dillihay and co-directed by Adam Rosette, is scheduled for release on , following a premiere in Los Angeles on . The screenplay is by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley, based on a story by Nicolas Curcio and Peter Chiarelli. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast including Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Aaron Pierre, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Nick Kroll, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, Sherry Cola, Eduardo Franco, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, and basketball player Stephen Curry, who also serves as a producer.
Roarball, as depicted in the film, appears to be a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport, drawing parallels to basketball but with a unique, animal-centric twist. The $80–90 million production, by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation, has already grossed $105 million worldwide, indicating a strong initial reception. The film’s development began around and was officially announced in , with the majority of the cast revealed in .
Venom: A Symbiotic Shift to Animation
The animated Venom film represents a significant expansion of Sony Pictures Animation’s involvement with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following the financial success of the live-action Venom films starring Tom Hardy, the studio is exploring new narrative avenues through animation. The project is being directed and produced by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the filmmaking duo behind the horror film Final Destination: Bloodlines. A writers’ room is currently being assembled to develop the script.
Key figures from the live-action franchise, including producers Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach, are expected to return for the animated adaptation. While the specifics of Tom Hardy’s involvement remain undisclosed, sources indicate he will maintain a connection to the project, potentially through voice work or a producer role. This suggests Sony intends to leverage the established star power and fan base associated with Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom.
Strategic Implications and Production Pipeline
Sony’s decision to pursue an animated Venom film aligns with a broader trend within the animation industry, where established intellectual property is increasingly being reimagined in animated formats. The success of Sony’s Spider-Verse films, lauded for their innovative visual style and compelling storytelling, demonstrates the potential for animation to revitalize existing franchises and attract new audiences. The studio is clearly aiming to replicate this success with Venom.
The development of both GOAT and the animated Venom film highlights Sony Pictures Animation’s commitment to both original content and established franchises. GOAT represents a bold step into the sports comedy genre with a unique premise and a high-profile cast, while the Venom project capitalizes on the existing popularity of a well-known Marvel character. The timeline for the Venom film remains uncertain, given the early stage of development and the extensive production process required for feature animation. However, the studio’s investment in assembling a writers’ room and securing key creative personnel suggests a long-term commitment to the project.
The simultaneous development of these two projects also reflects Sony Pictures Animation’s broader slate, which includes original films like KPop Demon Hunters. This diversified approach allows the studio to mitigate risk and explore a wider range of creative possibilities. The studio’s 2025–2026 slate, as highlighted in a Facebook post, showcases a focus on bold originals and franchise extensions.
