Pixar's next original movie, Soul, makes its long-awaited debut on Disney+ today, December 25. It was originally scheduled for theatrical release this past June, but the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the film industry, shuttering theaters across the country and forcing studios to get creative with their movie launches.
Soul was delayed to November 20, 2020, but with no timetable for when life will return to normal and Disney's focus on streaming, the company canceled its theatrical release altogether and instead opted for a premiere exclusively on Disney+ in the United States. Soul will still see a limited traditional theatrical release in countries where Disney+ is not available and where theaters have re-opened.
Unlike Mulan, which also premiered on Disney+, there will be no "premiere access" charge to watch Soul. Disney charged subscribers an additional $30 to rent Mulan, on top of their monthly subscription. Soul is free for all subscribers with no added cost.
From the brilliant minds over at Pixar (Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc.), Soul is an ambitious film that explores the question: "What is it that makes you... YOU?" More specifically, the film tells the story of Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) -- a middle-school band teacher who scores the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. Unfortunately, a small misstep results in him landing in The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities before they go to Earth. On his journey to return to Earth, Joe meets 22 (voice of Tina Fey), a precocious soul who doesn't see the point of going to Earth in a body. Together the two embark on an adventure and learn some valuable lessons along the way.
Soul will undoubtedly try to answer some of life's most philosophical questions, but will also do so in a way that appeals to children and adults alike. Catchy music, brilliant animation, and an emotional, heartwarming story are almost guaranteed with this new Pixar film.
Soul is directed by Pete Doctor (Inside Out, Up) and co-directed by Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami). It is streaming exclusively on Disney+ on December 25, 2020.