GOAT
Slam dunk for families this season
8 Mar 2026 
Russ Matthews Hot on the basketball-wearing heels of Zootopia 2 comes the anthropomorphic world of Roarball, where Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union) rules the game for the Vineland Thorns. It’s a sport and team that mesmerise this animal kingdom, where different species live out their everyday lives. Will Harris (Caleb McLaughlin) is a young goat who hopes one day to share the court with the Thorns—except there has never been a goat, or any small animal, who has managed to make it into the league.
That changes when he gets the chance to play a pickup game against Lava Coast Magma’s Mane Attraction, played by Aaron Pierre, at a local court. Despite losing the game, Will unexpectedly becomes a viral sensation and catches the attention of the Thorns’ owner, Florence “Flo” Everson (Jennifer Lewis). She offers him a short-term contract to finish out the season with her team, despite the objections of star player Jett Fillmore. Now the young goat must prove himself to his teammates and to the sport-mad public who all yearn for the elusive league championship trophy—the Claw.
Sony Pictures Animation delivers a new world reminiscent of Disney’s animal universes while drawing inspiration from the creative visual stylings of the animated Spider-Man series. Yet Will’s story charts its own path, introducing a fun and engaging option for families during the school holidays.
With echoes of the classic David and Goliath story, Will’s journey carries an originality and inspirational edge that will capture the hearts of sports fans and anyone who loves a good underdog tale. The fast pace and quick wit of the action and dialogue offer something for both young and old. Granted, the youngest viewers (under five) may struggle to stay focused throughout the full story, but there is little for families to object to within this film.
Having NBA star Stephen Curry involved as a producer and voice actor lends authenticity to the sporting elements. Meanwhile Aaron Pierre, David Harbour, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Jennifer Hudson, and even singer Jelly Roll deliver the comedy, drama, and emotional moments that make this team spirit believable and entertaining.
GOAT brings it both on the court and on the cinema screen for families this season. The messaging, action, animation, and laughs will keep audiences engaged to the very end. Parents can pick and roll, kids can make the fast break, and families as a whole will cheer for a swish from the three-point line when they choose this film during the Vineland Thorns season.
What should parents expect from GOAT?
Thankfully, there are few concerns for parents in Sony Pictures Animation’s latest film. Instead, families will leave the theatre with some meaningful talking points from Will Harris’s story: the value of teammates, the importance of following your dreams, and the reminder that each of us has unique gifts to contribute to our team and our friends.
Enjoy the film—and then take the opportunity to talk with your children afterwards about these themes.
Biblical backup for your chats
The value of teammates
1 Peter 4:10 — “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Following your dreams
Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
We all have something to offer the team (skills)
Psalm 139:13 — “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
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