One of the co-directors on Disney’s Soul revealed the touching story of where the idea for the animated film originated from.
Although audiences are disappointed that Disney’s Soul isn’t getting a theatrical release, the film should provide some perfect family entertainment during the holidays when it debuts on Disney Plus on December 25 later this year. And according to co-director Pete Docter, the idea for the otherworldly adventure has been in the works for over 20 years as he recently revealed where the story originated from. And surprisingly the backstory to the animated film is quite touching.
Pete Docter explained that the seeds of Disney’s Soul were originally sown when his son was born 23 years ago, pointing out that he already had a personality as a baby. The co-director was struck by the idea of asking where that personality had come from and how it had formed, noting that he thought a person’s individuality sprouted through being part of the world. The director noted that this idea evolved into the film’s concept that souls are trained first. It’s unsurprising that Disney has once again produced a wholesome adventure with an emotional undertone, especially after Onward‘s exploration of what it means to be a family. Take a look at Docter explaining the origin of Disney’s Soul below.
“It started with my son—he’s 23 now—but the instant he was born, he already had a personality. Where did that come from? I thought your personality developed through your interaction with the world. And yet, it was pretty clear that we’re all born with a very unique, specific sense of who we are. In our story, everyone is born with a soul. And those souls don’t just show up unprepared, they’re trained and given personality and interests.”
What do you make of the origin behind Disney’s Soul? Are you excited to watch the film later this year? Sound-off in the comments below!
Here is the synopsis for Disney and Pixar’s Soul:
What is it that makes you…YOU? This November, Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
Directed by Peter Doctor and Kemp Powers, Soul stars Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Questlove, Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs, and Angela Bassett.
Soul will be released December 25 on Disney Plus. Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for all the latest news surrounding Disney’s upcoming slate and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube for exclusive video content.