We're all pining for long summer days at the moment – and Disney-Pixar is well aware of this. That's why its new movie Luca is currently scheduled for a mid-summer release, designed to blow away the cobwebs with a blast of vibrant, emotive animation.
Here's what you need to know about the film.
1. What is the story of Luca?
Set on the Italian Riviera in the 1980s, Luca brings us a story of fun, friendship and gelato. Lots of gelato. The titular Luca is a young boy, but in appearance only – in fact, he's a sea creature disguised as a human being. He's come onto the land to find out more about life above the surface. This is bad news when Luca's loving yet superstitious local community has built up a fear of such things.
During one vibrant summer, Luca attempts to conceal his true nature, all the while embarking on a series of mishaps with his new best friend, Alberto.
2. Who directs Luca?
Luca is directed by Enrico Casarosa who helmed the Oscar-nominated Pixar short film La Luna (attached to 2012's Brave).
Casarosa says Luca is a "deeply personal" project, "not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship". He adds: "Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in Luca. So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca."
3. Who is in the Luca voice cast?
The Oscar-nominated star of Room, Jacob Tremblay (soon to voice Flounder in Disney's The Little Mermaid remake) voices the inquisitive Luca. Meanwhile, IT and Shazam! star Jack Dylan Grazer voices the more outspoken and risk-taking Alberto. Supporting the two leads is Bridesmaids' Maya Rudolph, who portrays Luca's mother Daniela, and stand-up comic Jim Gaffigan as Luca's father, Lorenzo.
4. When is Luca released in cinemas?
Luca is scheduled for theatrical release (at the time of writing) on 18th June 2021.
5. What other Disney-Pixar movies are coming soon?
In 2022, we get Buzz Lightyear origin story Lightyear, starring Chris Evans as the voice of Buzz's human inspiration. We're also excited about Turning Red, the story of a pre-teen girl who turns into an adorable red panda.
Blasting into theaters June 17, 2022, Lightyear is the definitive story of the original Buzz Lightyear. Voiced by @ChrisEvans, get ready to go to “infinity and beyond” with Lightyear. 🚀 👨🚀 pic.twitter.com/LdYXlN33sP
— Pixar (@Pixar) December 11, 2020
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