The first-ever Disney Pixar animation film to feature a Black lead character is being powered by two Hollywood heavyweights with impeccable credentials.
Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx (Ray) and the reigning monarch of Black TV, Phylicia Rashad (“The Cosby Show”), will star in Soul, which delves into the life of a jazz-loving music teacher who pines for the stage and stardom.
Foxx, who has given voice to previously animated characters in the blockbusters Monsters, Inc., Inside Out and Up, is now tackling the lead character Joe Gardner. The musician finally sees his dream beginning to materialize before him at an open mic opportunity at a local club. But that’s where his life jumps off the rails and his “soul” leaves him.
Just Announced: @iamjamiefoxx and Tina Fey will lead the cast of #PixarSoul, coming to theaters June 19, 2020. Here’s a first look at their characters, Joe Gardner and 22, and a new piece of concept art. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/4LTHAzalmE
— Disney (@Disney) August 24, 2019
Among the characters who help Garner’s soul return to earth is 21, which is played by “Saturday Night Live” sensation Tina Fey.
Disney, according to The Wrap, comes off very cryptically in describing the gist of this movie.
“Ever wonder where your passion, your dreams and your interests come from? What is it that makes you… YOU? Pixar Animation Studios will take you on a journey from the streets of New York City to the cosmic realms to discover the answers to life’s most important questions.”
Foxx and Rashad will have the company of other heavy hitters, such as bandleader Questlove and Daveed Diggs. According to The Wrap, Nine Inch Nails duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, are charged with composing the score for the film. Jon Batiste, the bandleader and musical director for the “Late Night With Stephen Colbert,” will create original jazz music for the film.
