NBA star Stephen Curry has made his biggest crossover yet, from the court to the screen, producing the new animated film “GOAT,” which has received wide acclaim and opens in China on March 14.

A birthday wall for Stephen Curry is installed at the premiere of animated film “GOAT” in Beijing on March 7, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation]

From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and the artist who made “KPop Demon Hunters,” “GOAT” is an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world.

“‘GOAT’ is a generation-defining underdog story,” said director Tyree Dillihay. “Great sports movies are emotional, inspirational and transcendent. They inspire people to strive for greatness. I love that about our story. But it’s also funny. The idea of rhinos, polar bears and this tiny goat — with their oversized bling, tunnel walks and signature sneakers — dribbling, dunking or setting picks made me laugh out loud from the beginning.”

The story follows Will Harris, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to play “roarball,” a high-intensity, mixed-gender, full-contact sport dominated by the world’s fastest and fiercest animals. His new teammates aren’t thrilled, but Will is determined to prove that “smalls can ball.” The title is also a play on the sporting shorthand for “Greatest of All Time.”

“GOAT” was inspired by “Farm Team,” a chapter in Chris Tougas’ illustrated book “Funky Dunks.”

The film marks Curry’s debut as a producer, and the four-time NBA champion timed the Chinese release to coincide with his 37th birthday.

Curry said he wanted to showcase the world of sports both on and off the court. “We included the accessories, the clothes, a dope soundtrack — the cultural references that everybody can laugh at and appreciate,” he said. “This is a timeless story — if you watch it 20 years from now, you’ll go back to a moment in time. We’re super excited to have those relatable references throughout the entire movie.”

For Curry, Will’s story is a familiar one. “I relate to the entire story of ‘GOAT,'” he said. “My journey resembles Will’s — being overlooked, underrated — but finding your self-confidence through it all. It’s about the power of the team: No matter what walk of life, you can’t do anything great without the people around you. It’s cool to bring that into ‘GOAT,’ knowing how relatable it is — not just to my story, but to everybody.”

A preview screening was held in Beijing on March 7, with the venue decorated with elements from the story, including basketball hoops and a Curry birthday wall.

“GOAT”-themed decorations and installations at the film’s premiere in Beijing on March 7, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation]

In a video message shared after the screening, Curry said he was captivated by the story both as a producer and as the voice of Lenny Williamson, a veteran roarball player and giraffe. Having visited China seven times over the past decade, Curry added that he misses the country and particularly craves hot pot and spicy crawfish.

“GOAT” currentlyholds an 84% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 81 reviews and has grossed $148 million worldwide ahead of its China release.