Illumination is heading back to theaters with an original story, and this time it’s taking audiences into space. Following the success of franchises like Despicable Me, Minions, Sing, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the studio is introducing a completely new animated adventure titled Not Alone.
The film stars Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez in the lead voice roles, joined by Brett Goldstein, Rob Brydon, Jamie Demetriou, Diane Morgan, Allison Janney, and Lamorne Morris. The first official trailer offers a glimpse of an intergalactic comedy filled with quirky aliens, heartfelt friendships, and a budding romance set against the backdrop of a colorful sci-fi world.
Here’s everything officially revealed so far about Not Alone, including its cast, trailer, story, release date, and what makes it one of the most anticipated animated movies of 2027.
TL;DR
• Not Alone is an original animated sci-fi comedy from Illumination and Universal Pictures.
• The movie stars Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez as the lead voice actors.
• The supporting cast includes Brett Goldstein, Rob Brydon, Jamie Demetriou, Diane Morgan, Allison Janney, and Lamorne Morris.
• The story follows a lonely rocket mechanic who joins an astro-botanist after three runaway aliens crash-land on Earth.
• The official trailer introduces colorful alien worlds, heartfelt comedy, and a charming romance.
• Not Alone arrives exclusively in theaters in April 2027.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie | Not Alone |
| Studio | Illumination |
| Distributor | Universal Pictures |
| Genre | Animated Sci-Fi Comedy |
| Release Date | April 2027 |
| Directors | Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, Jonathan Del Val |
| Lead Cast | Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez |
| Supporting Cast | Brett Goldstein, Rob Brydon, Jamie Demetriou, Diane Morgan, Allison Janney, Lamorne Morris |
| Status | Official trailer released |
Watch the Official Trailer
Illumination released the first official trailer for Not Alone, giving fans their first look at the studio’s newest original universe.
Unlike the fast-paced chaos of Minions or the musical energy of Sing, the trailer leans into adventure, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling while still delivering the colorful humor the studio is known for.
The preview introduces Joe, a quiet rocket mechanic whose ordinary life changes forever after an unexpected extraterrestrial encounter. Along the way, audiences meet Fran, an ambitious astro-botanist, along with three adorable runaway aliens whose arrival sparks an intergalactic chase.
Visually, the animation features vibrant alien landscapes, imaginative spacecraft, expressive character designs, and plenty of comedic moments that feel unmistakably Illumination. At the same time, the trailer hints at an emotional journey centered on friendship, belonging, and finding family in unexpected places.
The teaser avoids revealing major plot twists, instead focusing on introducing the main characters and setting up the movie’s central adventure.
What Is Not Alone About?
According to the official synopsis, Not Alone follows Joe, a lonely rocket mechanic whose routine life takes a dramatic turn after three runaway aliens unexpectedly crash-land on Earth.
The mysterious visitors are being pursued by Officer Zandro, an intergalactic law enforcement officer determined to capture them before they can escape.
Joe soon crosses paths with Fran, an optimistic astro-botanist who has developed a unique plant-powered rocket capable of reaching the stars. Together, Joe and Fran embark on an unforgettable journey across the galaxy while trying to protect their new alien friends from danger.
As they travel through unfamiliar worlds, the unlikely team discovers that courage, friendship, and connection can come from the most unexpected places. Along the way, Joe begins to overcome his loneliness, while Fran’s optimism inspires everyone around her.
Although the premise includes plenty of action and comedy, the trailer also suggests that Not Alone is ultimately a story about belonging, acceptance, and finding companionship beyond one’s own world.
Rather than relying on an existing franchise, Illumination has created an entirely original universe populated by imaginative alien species, futuristic technology, and colorful planets, making Not Alone one of the studio’s most ambitious original projects in years.
Why This Story Stands Out
Most recent Illumination releases have expanded well-known franchises such as Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing. Not Alone marks a refreshing change by introducing a completely original story with brand-new characters.
The film combines several genres into one adventure:
- Science fiction
- Comedy
- Romance
- Family adventure
- Space exploration
The trailer balances humorous alien antics with quieter emotional moments, suggesting that audiences can expect more than just slapstick comedy. Joe and Fran’s growing relationship appears to serve as the emotional heart of the story, while the runaway aliens add both humor and chaos to their mission.
Illumination has described the movie as a heartfelt adventure designed for audiences of all ages, blending spectacular visuals with relatable themes about loneliness, friendship, and hope.
Full Cast of Not Alone (2027)
The voice cast of Not Alone brings together Academy Award nominees, Emmy winners, acclaimed comedians, and beloved television stars. Leading the adventure are Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez, who headline Illumination’s first major original animated film in several years.
Below is a closer look at every confirmed cast member and the characters they play.
Timothée Chalamet as Joe
Joe is the emotional center of Not Alone. He is a quiet and somewhat isolated rocket mechanic whose ordinary life changes after an unexpected encounter with three runaway aliens.
Rather than being portrayed as a fearless hero from the start, Joe appears to be an everyday person who gradually discovers confidence as the adventure unfolds. The trailer shows him reluctantly stepping into danger before embracing the opportunity to help his new extraterrestrial friends.
For Timothée Chalamet, Not Alone marks another major milestone in an already impressive career. Best known for acclaimed performances in Dune, Wonka, A Complete Unknown, Call Me by Your Name, and Little Women, Chalamet brings both vulnerability and humor to Joe’s character.
This project also represents one of his most prominent animated voice performances, allowing audiences to hear a different side of his acting talent.
Joe’s relationship with Fran appears to form the emotional backbone of the movie, while his interactions with the mischievous aliens provide much of the comedy seen in the trailer.
Notable Works
- Dune
- Dune: Part Two
- Wonka
- A Complete Unknown
- Call Me by Your Name
- Little Women
Selena Gomez as Fran
Fran is an ambitious astro-botanist whose inventions make interstellar travel possible. She has created an experimental plant-powered rocket, demonstrating both scientific brilliance and an adventurous spirit.
Unlike Joe, Fran embraces exploration and new experiences. Her optimism and determination quickly make her one of the film’s most engaging characters, while her growing friendship with Joe hints at a touching romance.
The trailer presents Fran as fearless, compassionate, and endlessly curious about the universe around her.
Selena Gomez is no stranger to family entertainment. She previously voiced Mavis in the Hotel Transylvania franchise while balancing successful careers in music, television, and film.
Her recent acting work includes Only Murders in the Building and Emilia Pérez, making her one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.
Notable Works
- Only Murders in the Building
- Hotel Transylvania series
- Emilia Pérez
- Wizards of Waverly Place
- Spring Breakers
Brett Goldstein as Officer Zandro
Officer Zandro appears to be the film’s primary antagonist.
He is an intergalactic officer tasked with capturing the three runaway aliens before they escape. The trailer depicts him leading an energetic pursuit across space, suggesting he will provide both action and comedic tension throughout the story.
Brett Goldstein’s distinctive voice and comedic timing make him a natural fit for the role.
He is best known for playing Roy Kent in Ted Lasso, a performance that earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.
Other notable projects include Shrinking, Superbob, and various comedy specials.
Rob Brydon as Dunk
Rob Brydon voices Dunk, one of the three runaway aliens who unexpectedly arrive on Earth.
Although the trailer reveals only brief glimpses of Dunk, he appears energetic, lovable, and constantly getting into trouble. His expressive design and comedic reactions suggest he will become a fan-favorite character among younger audiences.
Brydon has extensive voice acting experience alongside a celebrated career in British television and comedy.
His recognizable voice brings warmth and humor to the adventurous alien.
Notable Works
- Gavin & Stacey
- The Trip series
- Early Man
- The Amazing Maurice
Diane Morgan as Welly
Diane Morgan voices Welly, another member of the runaway alien trio.
The trailer hints that Welly may be the more cautious and practical member of the group, often reacting with confusion as events spiral out of control.
Morgan is widely known for her brilliantly dry comedic style, making her an excellent addition to Illumination’s ensemble cast.
Audiences may recognize her from Philomena Cunk, Mandy, and Motherland.
Her unique delivery is expected to add plenty of laughs throughout the film.
Jamie Demetriou as Shirm
Jamie Demetriou lends his voice to Shirm, the third runaway alien.
Although little has been officially revealed about Shirm’s personality, the trailer suggests he enjoys causing mischief alongside his fellow aliens.
Demetriou has built a strong reputation through comedy series such as Stath Lets Flats and numerous animated voice roles.
His energetic comedic style fits naturally with Illumination’s brand of family entertainment.
Allison Janney
Academy Award winner Allison Janney joins the cast in a supporting role.
While Universal has not officially revealed her character’s identity, Janney’s involvement adds considerable prestige to the production.
Throughout her career, she has appeared in a wide variety of acclaimed projects, including:
- The West Wing
- I, Tonya
- Mom
- The Help
- Hairspray
Given her commanding screen presence and distinctive voice, many fans expect her character to play an important role in Joe and Fran’s adventure.
Lamorne Morris
Lamorne Morris also joins the ensemble cast in an undisclosed voice role.
Known for blending comedy with heartfelt performances, Morris has become a familiar face through television and film.
His notable projects include:
- New Girl
- Fargo
- Woke
- Game Night
Although Universal has yet to reveal details about his character, his comedic style should fit seamlessly within Illumination’s colorful universe.
Character Guide
| Character | Voice Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Joe | Timothée Chalamet | Lonely rocket mechanic who becomes an unlikely hero |
| Fran | Selena Gomez | Astro-botanist and inventor of a plant-powered rocket |
| Officer Zandro | Brett Goldstein | Intergalactic officer pursuing the runaway aliens |
| Dunk | Rob Brydon | One of the three runaway aliens |
| Welly | Diane Morgan | Member of the runaway alien trio |
| Shirm | Jamie Demetriou | Mischievous runaway alien |
| Unknown | Allison Janney | Supporting character (official details pending) |
| Unknown | Lamorne Morris | Supporting character (official details pending) |
Meet the Creative Team Behind Not Alone
While the star-studded cast has attracted significant attention, Not Alone is also backed by a creative team with deep roots at Illumination.
The film is directed by Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, and Jonathan Del Val, all of whom have contributed to some of the studio’s biggest animated successes. Their combined experience spans franchises such as Despicable Me, Minions, and The Secret Life of Pets, giving them a strong understanding of Illumination’s signature blend of comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and visually vibrant animation.
Rather than extending an existing franchise, the filmmakers are building an entirely original universe filled with new characters, imaginative alien species, and expansive space settings. The trailer showcases richly detailed planets, futuristic spacecraft, and expressive animation that reflects the studio’s evolution while maintaining the playful style audiences have come to expect.
With an experienced directing team and an accomplished ensemble cast, Not Alone is positioned as one of Illumination’s most ambitious original productions in recent years.
How Not Alone Is Different From Previous Illumination Movies
Illumination has built its reputation on beloved franchises like Despicable Me, Minions, Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While those films introduced memorable characters and family-friendly humor, Not Alone represents a different creative direction for the studio.
Rather than revisiting familiar worlds, Not Alone tells a completely original story with new characters, a fresh setting, and an emotional narrative centered on friendship and belonging.
The film blends science fiction, romance, comedy, and adventure into one story. Its space setting allows Illumination to introduce imaginative alien species, colorful planets, and futuristic technology while maintaining the studio’s signature humor.
The trailer also hints at a more character-driven journey than many previous Illumination releases. Instead of relying primarily on slapstick comedy, the story appears to explore themes of loneliness, courage, trust, and finding family in unexpected places.
For longtime fans of the studio, Not Alone feels like a welcome expansion of Illumination’s storytelling ambitions.
Official Trailer Breakdown
The first trailer packs plenty of details into just a couple of minutes. Here’s what stands out.
Joe’s Lonely Life
The teaser opens by introducing Joe, who spends his days repairing rockets while living a quiet, isolated life. His routine immediately establishes the emotional starting point of the story.
The title Not Alone begins to make sense from these opening moments, as Joe appears disconnected from those around him before his extraordinary adventure begins.
Fran’s Incredible Invention
The trailer quickly shifts focus to Fran, an enthusiastic astro-botanist working on an unusual spacecraft powered by plant life.
Rather than using conventional engines, her invention showcases a creative blend of science fiction and environmental imagination, making it one of the film’s most distinctive concepts.
Her excitement and optimism provide a strong contrast to Joe’s reserved personality.
Three Unexpected Visitors
The biggest surprise arrives when three adorable alien fugitives crash-land on Earth.
Although each alien has a different personality, they immediately bring chaos into Joe’s carefully ordered life.
Their playful behavior provides much of the trailer’s comedy while also serving as the catalyst for the larger adventure.
Officer Zandro’s Pursuit
The arrival of Officer Zandro raises the stakes.
Determined to capture the runaway aliens, he launches an intergalactic chase that stretches across planets and space stations.
Rather than portraying him as an outright villain, the trailer suggests he may be a determined authority figure whose pursuit creates both action and comedy.
A Growing Friendship
One of the trailer’s strongest elements is the developing partnership between Joe and Fran.
Although they come from different backgrounds and have contrasting personalities, they quickly learn to rely on one another as they protect their alien companions.
Several scenes hint that their relationship may evolve into a gentle romance, adding emotional depth to the adventure.
Stunning Animation
Visually, Not Alone looks impressive.
The trailer features:
- Bright, colorful alien planets
- Creative spacecraft designs
- Expressive character animation
- Dynamic chase sequences
- Rich lighting effects
- Detailed futuristic environments
The animation retains Illumination’s recognizable style while introducing a more expansive science-fiction setting than the studio has previously explored.
Not Alone Release Date
Universal Pictures has scheduled Not Alone for an exclusive theatrical release in April 2027.
At the time of writing, the film is expected to debut only in cinemas. No simultaneous streaming release has been announced.
As with most recent Universal and Illumination releases, audiences can likely expect a digital release several weeks after the theatrical run, followed by availability on streaming services at a later date. However, those plans have not yet been officially confirmed.
Will Not Alone Stream on Netflix?
No. There has been no announcement that Not Alone will stream on Netflix.
Since the movie is produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, it will first receive an exclusive theatrical release.
Following its cinema run, the film is expected to become available on premium video-on-demand platforms before eventually arriving on Universal’s streaming partners. An official streaming release date has not yet been announced.
Why Not Alone Is One of 2027’s Most Anticipated Animated Movies
Several factors have already generated significant excitement around the film.
An Original Story
After years dominated by sequels and established franchises, audiences are eager to see Illumination introduce a brand-new world.
A Star-Studded Cast
Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez headline an ensemble that combines award-winning actors with beloved comedians, giving the film broad appeal across age groups.
A Fresh Genre for Illumination
Space adventures have rarely been the studio’s primary focus, making Not Alone stand out from previous releases.
Heartfelt Themes
The trailer suggests the movie will balance comedy with meaningful messages about loneliness, friendship, courage, and finding where you belong.
Visually Creative Worldbuilding
From imaginative alien creatures to vibrant planets and inventive spacecraft, the film promises a universe unlike anything previously seen in Illumination’s catalog.
Final Thoughts
Based on the first official trailer, Not Alone is shaping up to be one of Illumination’s most exciting original films in years.
Its combination of heartfelt storytelling, imaginative science-fiction adventure, colorful animation, and a cast led by Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez gives it all the ingredients of a memorable family movie.
While many story details remain under wraps, the trailer successfully introduces an engaging world filled with humor, mystery, and emotional stakes without revealing too much.
As Universal releases additional trailers and confirms more information about the characters and plot, Not Alone is likely to become one of the most closely watched animated releases of 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Not Alone about?
Not Alone follows Joe, a lonely rocket mechanic whose life changes after three runaway aliens crash-land on Earth. Together with astro-botanist Fran, he embarks on an intergalactic adventure while protecting the aliens from Officer Zandro.
Who voices Joe in Not Alone?
Timothée Chalamet voices Joe, the film’s main protagonist and a quiet rocket mechanic who becomes an unlikely hero.
Who voices Fran?
Selena Gomez voices Fran, an astro-botanist whose experimental plant-powered rocket launches the adventure.
Is Not Alone an Illumination movie?
Yes. Not Alone is an original animated feature from Illumination and is distributed by Universal Pictures.
When does Not Alone release?
The film is scheduled to arrive exclusively in theaters in April 2027.
Is there an official trailer?
Yes. Universal and Illumination have released the first official trailer, introducing the main characters, story, and the film’s colorful science-fiction world.
Is Not Alone coming to Netflix?
No streaming service has been officially announced. The movie will first receive an exclusive theatrical release.
Is this Timothée Chalamet’s first animated movie?
While Chalamet has previously contributed voice work to animated projects, Not Alone marks one of his first major leading roles in a theatrical animated feature from Illumination.
Who are the three aliens in Not Alone?
The trailer introduces three runaway aliens named Dunk, Welly, and Shirm. They become the central companions of Joe and Fran during their journey across the galaxy.
Who directed Not Alone?
The film is directed by Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, and Jonathan Del Val, all of whom have previously worked on major Illumination productions.