Universal Pictures and Illumination are venturing into original sci-fi territory with Not Alone, an animated alien adventure slated for release on April 16, 2027. Directed by longtime Illumination collaborators Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, and Jonathan Del Val, the film represents one of the studio’s most ambitious non-franchise projects to date.

With its mix of heartfelt storytelling, quirky humor, and cosmic adventure, the film aims to bring a fresh original story to animation fans. Equally intriguing is the ensemble behind the adventure, with a diverse lineup of voice actors stepping into a cast of humans, aliens, and cosmic oddballs that make up the film’s colorful world.

Timothée Chalamet voices Joe, the lead character in Not Alone, and an introverted rocket mechanic whose quiet life is thrown into cosmic chaos. Widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, Chalamet rose to prominence with his Oscar-nominated performance in Call Me by Your Name and has since earned praise for films such as Little Women, Beautiful Boy, and Dune. He has also established himself as one of Hollywood's most bankable young stars, headlining major hits like Wonka.

In Not Alone, Joe enjoys solitude and spends his days repairing spaceships, but his routine is disrupted when he teams up with Fran and unexpectedly becomes the protector of three adorable alien fugitives hiding in his home. Forced out of his comfort zone, Joe finds himself navigating romance and an intergalactic adventure.

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The role marks a significant milestone for Chalamet, as Not Alone represents his first leading animated feature and introduces his talents to a broader family audience.

From topping global music charts to building a beauty empire and earning critical acclaim on screen, Selena Gomez has become one of the most recognizable stars in the world, and she brings that star power to Not Alone as the co-lead character, Fran. Best known for Only Murders in the Building, Emilia Pérez, and the Hotel Transylvania franchise, Gomez is no stranger to animation. In the film, she voices a brilliant astro-botanist dedicated to creating Earth’s first plant-fueled rocket.

Though a genius in the lab, Fran is hilariously awkward when it comes to romance, leading to an unexpected connection with the introverted mechanic Joe. Their lives are thrown into chaos when three runaway aliens discover that Fran’s revolutionary invention may be their ticket home. Gomez’s charm and comedic timing make her a natural fit for Illumination’s heartfelt sci-fi adventure, while her experience in animation and ability to balance humor with emotion make Fran one of the film’s most intriguing characters.

Fresh off multiple Emmy wins and widespread acclaim for Ted Lasso and Shrinking, Brett Goldstein brings his signature blend of deadpan humor and heartfelt intensity to Not Alone as Officer Zandro. Best known for his beloved portrayal of Roy Kent and his recent portrayal of Daniel Blanchflower in Office Romance alongside Jennifer Lopez and others, Goldstein adds another layer of prestige to Illumination’s ambitious sci-fi comedy, further strengthening the film's already star-studded ensemble. 

In the film, he voices Zandro, a zealous interplanetary law enforcer whose unwavering commitment to his job is matched only by his spectacular incompetence. Obsessed with capturing three tiny alien fugitives, the bumbling officer unwittingly throws the lives of Joe and Fran into chaos, setting off the movie’s central cosmic chase. Goldstein’s knack for portraying stern characters with hidden warmth makes him an ideal choice for the role, providing a hilarious contrast to the film’s adorable alien trio and awkward romance.

Comedy veterans Rob Brydon, Diane Morgan, and Jamie Demetriou bring a wealth of wit and eccentric charm to Not Alone as the film’s lovable alien trio, Dunk, Welly, and Shirm. Known for their acclaimed work across British television and comedy, the three actors form the heart of the movie’s extraterrestrial storyline. The tiny runaways are mischievous, unruly, and endlessly curious, but beneath their chaotic antics lies a simple desire: to return safely to their home planet.

Their hopes rest on Fran’s revolutionary plant-powered rocket, which they believe is their only means of escape. Unfortunately, they are relentlessly pursued by the overzealous Officer Zandro, forcing them to take refuge in Joe’s home and turning the pair’s quiet lives upside down. Their arrival sparks the film’s central adventure, bringing humor, heart, and a steady stream of intergalactic chaos to Illumination’s cosmic rom-com.

With an Academy Award winner and an Emmy-winning comedy star joining the lineup, Not Alone continues to build one of the most prestigious voice casts in recent animation. Allison Janney, the Oscar-winning actress celebrated for I, Tonya, The West Wing, and Mom, reunites with Illumination after voicing Madge Nelson in Minions. Alongside her is Lamorne Morris, the beloved New Girl star whose acclaimed work in Fargo earned him an Emmy Award and further cemented his reputation as one of television’s sharpest comedic talents.

Although their characters remain undisclosed, both actors are expected to provide key supporting voices in the film. Janney’s commanding presence and Morris’s effortless charm make them ideal additions to the cosmic adventure. Their involvement underscores Illumination’s ambition to make Not Alone a prestige animated project filled with memorable personalities and standout performances from top-tier talent.

From Oscar winners and Emmy recipients to beloved comedy veterans and global superstars, Not Alone boasts one of Illumination’s most impressive ensembles yet. With each actor bringing a distinct personality to their character, the film’s blend of romance, humor, and intergalactic adventure is poised to shine when it lands in theaters in 2027.

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Which casting choice has you the most excited for Not Alone? Let us know in the comments.