Set for a June 19, 2020 theatrical release, Pixar’s Soul will answer the question of “what makes you…YOU”. The storyline dabbles into metaphysics (which, according to Wikipedia, is a branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, between substance and attribute, and between potentiality and actuality), and follows the journey of middle-school band teacher Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), Pixar’s first African American lead character.
In a recent Empire Online article, a new and exclusive image was released showcasing Joe in front of the legendary, Half Note Jazz Club (most likely a nod to now-closed Half Note Club, or Blue Note Jazz Club in NY). The image appears to take place right after Joe finally gets his chance to play at the famed club, however, a single unexpected step sends him to the cosmic realms where he meets 22 (voiced by Tina Fey), a soul who loathes humans and avoids earth.
Pete Docter shared with Empire Online, “If I had to explain to you the story in words, you would scratch your head and wrinkle your nose,” says Docter. “But when you can show it visually, even the five-year-olds get it.” This is what Pete Docter does best and what he has in common with the famed Disney Animators (known as the Nine Old Men) — Docter has the uncanny ability to convey a powerful message that anyone can understand — all without any words.
Speaking of visuals — the backdrop of the Fall season in New York City is incredible and from the image (shown above) you can see all kinds of city living that the team masterfully created. The uneven sidewalks, dirt upon the sides of the building, rust from the metal fire escapes, heck we even think we may have spotted an Up easter egg in the form of a ‘throw-up’ style of graffiti.
Now there’s a lot more to film than just effects, the lighting department has certainly showcased quite a sizzle reel from the first Soul trailer to this latest screenshot. One thing is certain, we cannot wait to see more teasers, images, and trailers from this incredible film.
CAST
- Joe Gardner — Jamie Foxx
- Libba (Joe’s Mother) — Phylicia Rashād
- Paul (Joe’s nemesis and neighbor) — Daveed Diggs
- #22 — Tina Fey
- Tina Fey lends her voice to a new soul named 86 billion, 783 million, 123 thousand, five hundred and 22—or just 22 for short—who’s been at the seminar for so long, she’s developed a unique view of Earth: It’s terrible.
- Curly — Ahmir “Quest Love” Thompson
SYNOPSIS
WHAT MAKES YOU… YOU? — Ever wonder where your passion, your dreams, and your interests come from? Disney and Pixar’s Soul journeys from the streets of New York City to the never-before-seen cosmic realms and “The You Seminar,” the fantastical place where we all discover our unique personalities. Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up), co-directed by Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award® nominee Dana Murray (Pixar short Lou), and featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashād, Daveed Diggs and Ahmir Questlove Thompson.
DETAILS & EXTRAS
Release Date — June 19, 2020
Director — Pete Docter
Co-Director — Kemp Powers
Producer — Dana Murray
Writer — Mike Jones
Composer — Jon Batiste
Score — Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
What are your thoughts? Chat with other Pixar fans in the Pixar Post Forum Soul thread.
Pixar Post — Julie
