EXCLUSIVE: Director Tyree Dillhay Talks Bringing to Life ‘GOAT’
Sony Pictures Animation is gearing up to release its new pic, GOAT, tomorrow, February 13. To celebrate, we got to hear from the director of the movie, Tyree Dillhay.
During the conversation, Dillihay talked how the movie came to life, Stephen Curry, casting quirks, and so much more. Check out what he had to say below.
On the origin of the movie:
“Kristine Belson over at Sony had a wish for a film, and it was to make a sports movie set in an all-animal world. And it just so happened to be produced by a living GOAT, Stephen [Curry].”
On the choices of animals used in the movie:
“We really just wanted to exploit all potential possibilities of this all-animal world. It presents itself for a lot of comedy, a lot of authentic moments, and sometimes silly stuff. These present amazing opportunities for animators to go crazy. And it’s entertainment for the audience. Why not?”
On Stephen’s voice acting process:
“Stephen came in with such humility. The first thing he said was, ‘I’m coachable.’ He submitted to the process of voice acting wholeheartedly. I’m in the booth with all of these actors while we’re doing it. Stephen left sweating — like he played four quarters. He put in the work and allowed me to bring things out of him I don’t think he even knew he could do.”
On basketball culture in the film:
“Basketball is pop culture. It sits at the intersection of music, fashion, art, tech. I authentically love those things, so infusing them into this world was easy. What they drive, how they dress, tunnel walks, fan interaction — all authentic to pro basketball. I just wanted to exaggerate it and turn the volume up to 11 so the audience feels immersed.”
On casting quirks into characters:
“With Patton [Oswalt], Gabrielle [Union], Caleb [McLaughlin] — I tried to find little authentic things about them to infuse into their characters. Caleb is low-key a germaphobe, and that quirk made Will feel more real and specific.”
On personal challenge during production:
“Making an animated feature film is probably the most challenging thing I’ve ever faced in my career. We’ve been on this ride for years. The final product proves that if you keep putting in the work, you earn your place.”
On what he hopes audiences take away from the movie:
“I want this to be a generation-defining underdog story — a core memory film. I hope kids see themselves in Will, in Jett, in the whole team. We need inspiration right now. We need to stop looking for permission. Put the battery in your own back and pursue your dreams.”
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity
Photo credit: Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures Via Getty Images