The Walt Disney Company announced that the upcoming Pixar movieSoulwill debut exclusively on Disney+ on December 25th, 2020. As for international markets where Disney+ isn’t currently or soon to be available, the movie will be released theatrically, with dates to be announced in the near future.Soulwas originally set to open in theaters in June, but was later pushed back to November, due to the public health crisis. Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, had this to say about the streaming decision.
“We are thrilled to share Pixar’s spectacular and moving ‘Soul’ with audiences direct toDisney+in December. 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.”
Souldirector Pete Docter spoke out about the timing of the release. “The world can be an exhausting and frustrating place - but it’s alsofull of unexpected joys, even in seemingly mundane things.” He went on to say, “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.” In addition to being the movie’s director, Docter is also the Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios.Soulwas named an official selection of the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year along with multiple upcoming festivals including the British Film Institute’s London Film Festival, which is set to happen this Sunday.
Soulintroduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie 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 placewhere 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 (voice of Tina 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.
