Pixar’s Soul is currently aiming for a Nov. 2020 theatrical release. That may or may not happen as planned depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic by then, but this latest look behind the scenes paints an enlightening picture of what to expect whenever it does arrive in a place where people can watch it.
Pixar debuted a new, musical look at the movie as part of a longer Essence Festival panel called “Finding Soul.” Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, the moderator, sat down for a chat with co-directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers (also the movie’s screenwriter), producer Dana Murray, and musician Jon Batiste, who wrote the movie’s jazz numbers.
The group discusses the inspirations behind Soul, the music that drives it, and the range of well-known Black public figures who consulted on the movie and in several cases joined the cast as well.
The teaser pops up at the end of the above video, and you can also find a standalone version of it right here.