Pixar today announced the next movie you’re going to be crying like a baby at as your childhood emotions get tugged and pulled in every direction possible. Luca is a coming-of-age story set in a seaside town in the Italian Riviera where a young boy named Luca is enjoying his summer. First-time feature film director Enrico Casarosa will direct the Disney film, which has set a release date for June 18, 2021.
Meet “Luca.” Directed by Enrico Casarosa & produced by Andrea Warren, our all-new film will introduce a boy named Luca as he experiences an unforgettable summer in a seaside town on the Italian Riviera. “Luca” opens in theaters summer 2021. pic.twitter.com/orlIxzqXnB
— Pixar (@Pixar) July 30, 2020
The film’s story seems pretty standard at first glance. Luca is having a wonderful summer on the Italian coast, enjoying discovering a new best friend and all the wonders that childhood can bring. However, there’s a bit of a secret he’s keeping from everyone: Luca is actually a sea creature from another world below the water’s surface. Obviously, the film isn’t going to turn into some Lovecraftian horror movie, but it is a pretty interesting twist and will most likely lead to a story about discovering your true self and acceptance with others.
Casarosa has been working his way up the ranks of Pixar. He worked on Ratatouille, Up, and Coco and directed the Pixar short La Luna, which was attached to Brave in theaters. Much like Pixar has done down throughout its history, it’s bringing a talented employee up and giving him a chance at a big movie. And much like Pixar’s best films, the movie is something that resonates with the director.
“This is a deeply personal story for me, 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. 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,” said Casarosa. “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.”
Translation: Make sure you don’t use up all the tissues when you’re watching Soul.
