After cracking into the animation world with family-friendly animated features from the “Despicable Me ” and “Minions” franchise, “The Lorax,” and the musical menagerie of “Sing,” Illumination is finally setting their sights on outer space with next year’s “Not Alone.”
“Not Alone” isn’t due to arrive in theaters until Apr. 16, 2027 but this sneak peek — accompanied by David Bowie’s somber 1969 anthem “Space Oddity” — sets a sweet tone telling the lively tale of an introverted rocket mechanic name Joe, and Fran, his astro-botanist colleague who has engineered the planet’s first plant-based rocket, when alien fugitives toss their lives into chaos.
Xenomorph monstrosities and spaceship laser battles can often dominate sci-fi, so it’s great to see something different on the horizon, and while a space rom-com starring Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez wasn’t on our bingo card, the trailer has us really hyped for this one.
It’s a wholly original story that’s a definite departure for Illumination, but one that could strongly connect with audiences via the project’s colorful Euro style and humor. Vocal duties include the talents of Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, Brett Goldstein, Rob Brydon, Jamie Demetriou, Diane Morgan, Allison Janney, and Lamorne Morris.
“When Joe and Fran are brought together to prepare for the inaugural launch of this revolutionary rocket, there are immediate sparks, but neither is particularly adept at romance,” states the official synopsis.
“Life becomes more complicated when three aliens—tiny, unruly, and adorable—take refuge in Joe’s home. Dunk, Welly, and Shirm are on the interplanetary run from a zealous-yet-inept officer of the law named Zandro. The aliens determine that Fran’s rocket could provide their means of getting back home to safety.”
The French animation factory recently launched an early trailer for this charming romantic comedy directed by Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, and Jonathan Del Val.
Guillon is an Illumination veteran whose career includes serving as lead designer for “Despicable Me” and “Minions,” as well as co-directing “Despicable Me 3.” Here he’s joined by seasoned editor Claire Dodgson (“The Lorax,” ”Minions,” Despicable Me 3,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru”) and Jonathan Del Val (co-director of ”Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “The Secret Life of Pets 2”).
This fun animated rom-com is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and executive produced by Joy Poirel, Richard Curtis, and David Distenfeld.
“Not Alone” rockets into theaters Apr. 16, 2027.
