On paper, GOAT is an animated sports movie set in a world where animals play roarball and greatness is measured by trophies and titles. After joining the film’s press conference, it’s clear GOAT is doing something very special and intentional. This isn’t just a film about winning but more so it’s about permission.

Permission to want more out of life.

GOAT focuses on Will, voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, an undersized underdog with a dream that feels wildly unrealistic. Will’s journey mirrors a many feel all too well, being talented, driven, and committed, yet being constantly and consistently reminded that you don’t quite “fit” the mold.

That theme in particular hit especially hard coming from Stephen Curry, who produced the film and voices Lenny the giraffe. Curry spoke openly about being overlooked early in his basketball career, despite growing up around the game. The message he kept coming back to was simple but powerful: run your own race. Not the loudest one. Not the flashiest one. Yours.

That idea is complicated in the film, in the best way by Jett Fillmore, voiced by Gabrielle Union. Jett is already the crowning star. Jett is dominant, respected, and walking around with the “GOAT” label attached to her name. But Union made it clear that Jett isn’t the untouchable figure she appears to be. She’s wrestling with pressure, expectations, and what it means to evolve when everyone thinks you’ve already arrived.

What makes GOAT work is that it refuses to frame this as a simple mentor-and-underdog story. Will and Jett need each other. One reminds you why you started. The other reminds you that greatness doesn’t mean you should ever stop questioning yourself.

Through the visuals and tone GOAT leans into culture in a way that feels intentional, not gimmicky and clear representation of the sports world.

Through the press conference, came a moment when the conversation turned personal. The talent each shared moments of rejection, doubt, or failure that almost redirected their path entirely. Curry talked about a high school tournament that could’ve ended his trajectory. Erick Peyton reflected on being rejected from film school and showing up anyway. McLaughlin spoke about learning to advocate for himself in rooms where he wasn’t always expected to speak up. Union naturally talked about longevity and how success doesn’t erase insecurity, it just reshapes it.

None of these stories were about overnight wins. They were about endurance.

And ultimately that’s what GOAT offers to its younger audiences. It’s not portraying a fantasy that greatness is easy, but the reassurance that it’s possible even if your path doesn’t follow the traditional blueprint. As Union put it, greatness doesn’t have to be singular. There’s room for different styles, different timelines, different definitions of success.

GOAT hits theaters February 13th. Head to the theater and realize sometimes the dream isn’t too big, you’ve just been told to shrink it.