The film will be directed by Enrico Casarosa (La Luna, 2012), and produced by Andrea Warren (Cars 3, 2017). Disney shared details about Luca last week, after it was leaked online that the company have filed a trademark application for the title.
It will be set in Casarosa's Italian seaside hometown, and promises an "unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides". Much like with Coco (2017) and Brave (2012), Pixar will be continuing their exploration of different cultures through animation; filling the screen with exciting imagery and stories from around the globe. The directing choice is important as this will be a real insight into Italian culture; many fans have hopes this may mean the inclusion of Italian folklore on the big screen.
"This is a deeply personal story, for me , not only because it's set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship." Casarosa shared in a statement. The movie will explore how experiences shape our childhoods, and are at the very root of who we become as we grow up. "Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become, and it is those bonds that are at the heart of Luca." The concept art that has been released certainly paints this idyllic scene, with a bright colour palette used to create a vivid seaside landscape, and two young boys gleefully jumping into the ocean.
The film will ultimately send the message that friendship can be formed between anyone, even when two people come from entirely different backgrounds
The story itself will follow a child, Luca, as he navigates his newly found relationship with another young boy. They become best friends, yet there is a deep secret which threatens to destroy their bond; Luca is not a mere human, but a sea monster from another world that is just below the water's surface. The film will navigate this dilemma and how their relationship grows despite this obstacle; ultimately sending the message that friendship can be formed between anyone, even when two people come from entirely different backgrounds.
The voice cast has not yet been announced publicly, but the movie is set to release after Soul, which is scheduled for November this year after the initial release was delayed due to the pandemic. The last movie that Disney Pixar released was Onward, which achieved $100 million in box office globally, before being prematurely added to digital rental platforms during lockdown.
Ultimately, all we know for now about the movie seems to be summed up by Casarosa; a charming Italian coming-of-age, where Luca will experience an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change him. More details should hopefully be released soon, but for now we will have to be satisfied with these snippets.
Disney's 24th feature film, Luca, is expected to open on the big screen on June 18, 2021.
Feature image credit: IMDb