For Upcoming Movie Clay, Disney Is Officially Changing Its Award-Winning Animation Formula
A new world for Disney
Disney announced Clay at D23, with a theatrical release planned for 2028. Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn, the original feature takes place in a magical forest. The story follows Flip, voiced by Kieran Culkin, who is assigned to guide Mushy, a young ball of clay. Their mentorship leads them into an unexpected adventure.
A different visual approach
Speaking with Collider’s Steve Weintraub at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush confirmed reports that the film resembles claymation. He described it as the studio’s first major move toward a new art style.
Bush said the filmmakers consider whether changing a movie’s look will add to its story. For Clay, he said, the visual style is closely tied to the world the characters inhabit.
Clay, but not stop-motion
In the film’s community, Bush explained, people are born as balls of clay and shaped by a parental figure and mentor. The filmmakers want the setting to feel tactile and touchable.
Bush said Clay will use CG animation rather than stop-motion. He added that the film will look unlike anything Disney has done before.
Key points
- Clay is planned for theatrical release in 2028.
- Fawn Veerasunthorn directs the film, which follows Flip and Mushy.
- Kieran Culkin voices Flip, a reluctant mentor to Mushy.
- Jared Bush says the film will use CG animation, not stop-motion.