Full Breakdown
Groove Tails: Music-Driven Animated Feature Poised for Annecy Pitch
6/18/2026, 8:44:16 PM
Film Overview
Groove Tails is an upcoming animated feature set in New York that follows an enthusiastic young mouse who dreams of becoming a world-famous dancer. After his father dismisses his ambitions, the mouse joins a group of misfit characters on a quest to discover their own rhythms and protect the place they consider home. The film is described as a four-quadrant, music-driven animated film with dance throughout.
Creative Team & Voice Cast
The project is produced by Imprint Entertainment, with Oscar-winning producer Maryann Garger and Imprint founder Michael Becker serving as producers. Bob Logan, writer of *The Lego Ninjago Movie*, is the writer-director and also an executive producer. Executive producers include Jeff Elliott, Mary Aloe, Gilian Hormel, Jeff Gum, Graham Chan, and Alan Ritchson. The voice cast comprises seven actors: Ansel Elgort, Halle Bailey, Ludacris, Alan Ritchson, J.B. Smoove, CeeLo Green, and Agnez Mo. The screenplay originates from Johnny Mack.
Development Timeline
Groove Tails entered production in early 2026. The film is slated to complete its animation phase in the fourth quarter of 2026. It will be presented to buyers and the international animation community at the upcoming Annecy International Animation Film Festival, scheduled for June 2026. No official release date has been announced; industry observers note that a distribution deal at Annecy could enable a theatrical debut in 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
Writer-director Bob Logan says the film celebrates individuality, perseverance and the universal language of music, and that the assembled cast brings energy, humor and heart for audiences of all ages. Producers Maryann Garger and Michael Becker state that the project aims to blend high-voltage, magnetic entertainment with the emotional resonance of a classic family adventure, delivered with premium artistry.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the film’s release schedule: while animation is expected to finish in Q4 2026, no distributor has been confirmed, leaving the exact premiere date uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Groove Tails is a celebration of individuality, perseverance and the universal language of music,” — Bob Logan, Writer/Director
- “We’ve assembled an extraordinary cast that brings incredible energy, humor and heart to these characters. This is the kind of movie audiences of all ages can enjoy together” — Bob Logan, Writer/Director
- “From the beginning, our goal was to create a film that blends high-voltage, magnetic entertainment with the emotional resonance of a classic family adventure, delivered with flawless, premium artistry” — Maryann Garger and Michael Becker, Producers
- “four-quadrant, music-driven animated film with dance throughout.” — Variety description
What’s Next
The film’s next public exposure will occur at Annecy, where producers hope to secure international sales. Following a successful market, the completed animation slated for late 2026 could lead to a 2027 theatrical rollout, subject to distribution agreements.
