Disney Releases Preview Images for One Strange World
Disney unveiled an early look at One Strange World, an original animated adventure inspired by classic exploration tales, with a theater release planned for November 25. The film marks a notable moment for representation, featuring an openly gay couple among the ensemble.
Described by producer Roy Conli as a family saga spanning three generations, the story follows a grandfather, a father, and a son who set aside their differences to journey into a mysterious realm. The adventure is framed as a voyage beyond familiar horizons, expansive yet often challenging, with Conli noting during a Madrid visit that the journey will reveal both awe and danger.
Centered on the Clade family, the narrative shifts from their Avalonian home to a world that emerges after a technological leap triggered by a plant named Pando, capable of generating vast energy. As they explore this unfamiliar terrain, they discover they have landed in a world that defies their expectations.
Accompanying the Clades are their three-legged canine companion Legend and Splat, a blue, tentacled creature from the alien landscape who has no spoken language. According to the producer, Splat is expected to become a fan favorite thanks to expressive pantomime that resonates with audiences and helps the family connect through laughter.
Conli has spent three decades with Disney, contributing to projects such as Treasure Planet, Mixed, and Big Hero 6. He was drawn to the project by the promise of a legacy-driven tale that can resonate across generations and leave something meaningful for future audiences, including his own children. He described the core appeal as a powerful multi-generational relationship dynamic central to the film.
During an early screen viewing of some footage, Conli observed that while the movie remains in post-production, the ensemble has already achieved dazzling visual artistry and design. He praised the hand-drawn roots of Disney’s animation, noting that even as the workflow becomes digital, the team continues to draft by hand in a homage to traditional techniques, a blend that yields a distinctive, enduring look that excites him for its inclusivity and evolving storytelling.
In line with broader industry trends, Disney is increasingly featuring diverse characters and cultures to reflect a global audience. Conli expressed pride in this direction, stating that the studio aims to tell stories from around the world so viewers can see themselves represented on screen and in the characters they meet. He welcomed the stride toward greater inclusion as a meaningful step for the studio and its creative community.
The English-language cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal voicing Searcher Clade, the family’s steadying presence who finds himself thrust into an unpredictable mission. Dennis Quaid voices Jaeger Clade, the legendary explorer and Searcher’s father. Jaboukie Young-White voices Ethan, the 16-year-old son, while Gabrielle Union plays Meridian Clade, Searcher’s wife and a highly capable pilot. Lucy Liu lends voice to Callisto Mal, the administrator of Avalonia who leads the exploration of the strange new world.
As this cinematic goal comes into focus, audiences in Canada and the United States can anticipate a richly drawn world, brisk adventures, and humor that leans into family dynamics. The film’s blend of action, heart, and inclusive storytelling aims to appeal to families seeking both excitement and meaningful representation in animated cinema.