Disney Announces Latest Pixar Film "Soul" Will Hit Disney+ on Christmas Day

Joining the recent slew of films to either be pushed back or sent to streaming, The Walt Disney Company announced today that its much-anticipated Pixar film, SOUL, will hit Disney+ exclusively on Christmas Day. Since the streaming service is not currently available everywhere, the company also announced that it will release the film in select theaters in the international market.  

“We are thrilled to share Pixar’s spectacular and moving ‘Soul’ with audiences direct to Disney+ in December,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “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.”   

According to a statement from Disney, SOUL introduces 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 place where 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. 

Directed by Pete Docter, who—in addition to being Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios—has won two Academy Awards for his previous films, INSIDE OUT and UP, the film is star-packed with talent such as Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Amhir “Questlove” Thompson, Angela Bassett, and Daveed Diggs. GONE GIRL composers and Academy Award winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross round out the score, and the film also features original jazz from world-renowned musician Jon Batiste. 

“The world can be an exhausting and frustrating place – but it’s also full of unexpected joys, even in seemingly mundane things,” Docter said. “‘Soul’ investigates 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.” 

With Disney+ having over 60 million subscribers in its first year, this family-oriented platform could be the perfect place for the film to make its debut. While the pandemic may have put a strain on movie theaters, streaming services are thriving as families take advantage of the opportunity to watch these films from the comfort of their own homes.  

Will you be checking out SOUL when it hits the platform on December 25th? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!