Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios has revealed the title for its new animated feature film, “Onward,” along with a voice cast that includes Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer.
Directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae, the team behind 2013’s “Monsters University,” “Onward” is slated to be released in theaters on March 6, 2020.
Set in a suburban fantasy world, “Onward” introduces two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.
“At Pixar we try to create stories that come from some kind of personal truth,” Scanlon said in a statement. “This film was inspired by my own relationship with my brother.”
“Onward” follows Pixar’s scheduled 2019 release of “Toy Story 4,” and this will be their first original film since “Coco” in 2017.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is actually a Pixar alum, having appeared in “A Bug’s Life” from 1998, which was the company’s second feature film.
“There is no one funnier than Julia,” Scanlon said of the actress in a statement. “But she also brings a warmth and loving side to her character.”
Both Rae and Scanlon also spoke of assembling this “dream cast” for their film.
“Octavia can do it all,” Rae said in a statement. “We’re especially excited about the depth as well as humor that she brings to her character.”
“Chris brings equal parts huge heart and fantastic humor to his character,” Rae added about Pratt. And Scanlon said about Holland, “Tom has an infectious charm and sincerity that makes you root for him in every character he plays.”
Pratt and Holland both appeared together in “Avengers: Infinity War,” and Pratt will next provide the voice for “The Lego Movie” sequel. Holland also lends his voice to the animated “Spies in Disguise” and will next be seen in “Chaos Walking” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” Louis-Dreyfus was the most recent recipient of the Mark Twain Prize and will next be seen in the final season of “Veep.” And Spencer will next be seen in the drama “Luce.”
Just announced: The next original feature from Pixar Animation Studios, “Onward,” starring Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Octavia Spencer, will arrive in theaters March 6, 2020! #PixarOnward pic.twitter.com/SS8RZmjYR2
— Disney (@Disney) December 12, 2018