Sony Pictures Animation’s GOAT isn’t just another sports movie. It’s an underdog story wrapped in swagger, sneaker culture, and heart — and if the press conference made anything clear, it’s that this film is aiming to be a generation-defining classic.
With director Tyree Dillihay, stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gabrielle Union in person, and Stephen Curry and Patton Oswalt joining virtually, the conversation pulled back the curtain on what makes GOAT more than a roarball movie.
Here are the top 4 takeaways from the virtual press conference
1. This Story Is Personal — Especially for Stephen Curry
From the beginning, Curry made it clear: Will’s journey mirrors his own.
Will, the small goat with big dreams, faces constant doubt about whether he’s “big enough” or “fast enough.” Curry shared how, growing up in a basketball family, he constantly heard what he couldn’t do — not what he could.
Instead of folding, he learned to:
- Run his own race
- Block out critics
- Stay ready for his moment
That underdog mentality? It’s baked into the DNA of GOAT.
Curry also revealed a pivotal high school moment where he had one of his worst games in front of recruiters — but his coach noticed his resilience, not his stats. That lesson about process over results is at the emotional core of Will’s arc.
This isn’t just inspired by Curry. It feels like it.
2. Gabrielle Union’s Jett Redefines “Greatness”
One of the standout themes discussed was the relationship between Will and Jett.
Jett is already considered the GOAT in roarball. Confident. Decorated. Established.
But Gabrielle Union highlighted something deeper:
Jett’s greatness doesn’t look like Will’s — and it shouldn’t.
Union spoke about growing up idolizing women athletes like Sheryl Swoopes and Lisa Leslie, and how greatness is often boxed into one narrow definition. GOAT pushes against that idea.
Jett and Will bring out different strengths in each other:
- Will forces Jett back into the lab.
- Jett sets the bar for Will’s ambition.
- Both confront their own insecurities.
As Union put it, greatness should be allowed to stand on its own terms.
That dynamic gives the film emotional weight beyond the sport.
3. The Culture Is Authentic — And Turned Up to 11
Director Tyree Dillihay made it clear: basketball isn’t just a sport — it’s culture.
Sneaker drops. Tunnel fits. Team planes. Street art. Music. Swagger.
All of it made its way into GOAT intentionally.
Producer Erick Peyton even shared that Tyree pitched the film with a culture-heavy visual montage — shoes, stickers, fashion, art — telling executives, “That’s our movie.”
Stephen Curry confirmed the authenticity too, noting how Will’s rookie plane experience mirrors what it feels like entering the league for the first time: trying to belong while not stepping on toes.
Animation allowed them to:
- Exaggerate scale
- Amplify pageantry
- Blend sports and pop culture seamlessly
- Lean fully into the all-animal absurdity
And yes — the fancy toilet scene got its own shoutout.
4. This Is Meant to Be a “Generation-Defining” Underdog Story
Tyree Dillihay didn’t shy away from the ambition.
He wants GOAT to be the new classic underdog film — the one that becomes a core memory for families.
The cast echoed that sentiment.
Caleb McLaughlin shared a personal audition experience that left him feeling stereotyped and dismissed. That moment fueled his understanding of Will’s vulnerability and drive.
Patton Oswalt talked about bombing on stage for months and learning to use failure as fuel.
Erick Peyton described being rejected from film school — then auditing classes until they had to let him in.
The throughline?
There’s no single path to greatness.
Or as Tyree framed it:
Stop looking for permission. Put the battery in your own back and dream big.
Final Word
GOAT isn’t just about roarball. It’s about identity. Confidence. Culture. And redefining what it means to be “the greatest.”
Stephen Curry summed it up best:
He hopes this isn’t just a basketball movie — but a family movie.
And judging by the passion in that room, that’s exactly what they’ve built.
GOAT hits theaters February 13.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.