Pixar announced that its next original animated film will be called “Luca,” an coming-of-age adventure set in Italy. It will be released in theaters in the United States next summer.
The film, which is expected to open on the big screen on June 18, 2021, is directed by Enrico Casarosa (“The Moon”). Disney shared details about “Luca” on Thursday after word of the company was released. a trademark application for the title
“This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it is set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the center of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course for who we want to become and it is those ties that are at the heart of our history in ‘Luca’, ”Casarosa said in a statement. “So, in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian coast, our film will present an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca.”
“Luca” focuses on a young man who lives on the Italian Riviera, who shares adventures with his new best friend. But a dark secret about his true identity (he’s an otherworldly sea monster just below the water’s surface) seeks to threaten that bond. The cast of voices has yet to be announced.
Before “Luca” sees his debut on the big screen, Pixar has “Soul” set to premiere on November 20. Disney delayed that movie, which was originally slated for June, due to the theater’s prolonged closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Soul” follows a high school music teacher (voiced by Jamie Foxx), whose dreams of being a jazz performer are put on hold after he has an accident that causes his soul to leave his body.
Earlier this year, Pixar’s fantasy adventure “Onward” launched shortly before the global health crisis forced theaters to close. It finished its box office with $ 100 million globally before Disney released it early on digital rental platforms.
