“GOAT” dominated the North American box office this weekend, earning $17 million in ticket sales, according to industry analysts. The animated sports comedy, released February 13, 2026, by Sony Pictures Releasing, features an anthropomorphic goat pursuing a career in the high-stakes sport of roarball.
The film, directed by Tyree Dillihay and starring Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, and Stephen Curry, among others, has garnered generally positive reviews. McLaughlin voices the title character, Will, an aspiring roarball player. Union plays Jett Fillmore, a celebrated athlete who serves as Will’s idol. Curry, a professional basketball player, not only lends his voice to the film but also served as a producer.
McLaughlin described the dynamic between his character and Union’s as particularly meaningful. “It was wonderful,” he said in a recent interview. “I think it was a great take on… We’re in 2026, and you could aspire to be anything you want. And Jett is someone that Will, I agree, that I’m actually inspired by. I signify, I grew up watching Gabrielle in film and TV my whole life, and I’ve always looked up to her and her work. So being able to work with her is a dream come true and is an honor, honestly.”
“GOAT” was developed as early as 2019, with a formal announcement in May 2024. The majority of the cast was confirmed in June 2025. An early access screening took place on February 7, 2026, just days before its wide release. The film’s production involved Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation, with a budget estimated between $80 and $90 million. To date, the film has grossed $102 million worldwide.
The cast also includes Aaron Pierre, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Nick Kroll, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, Sherry Cola, Eduardo Franco, Andrew Santino, and Bobby Lee. The screenplay is credited to Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley, based on “Funky Dunks” by Chris Tougas. Music for the film was composed by Kris Bowers, and editing was handled by Clare Knight.
A recent discussion between McLaughlin and Union, highlighted on YouTube, focused on their favorite sports movies, and duos. The film’s unique portrayal of a young male protagonist looking up to a female athlete was also a topic of conversation during interviews with the cast, with McLaughlin noting the significance of the representation in a modern context.
