Story perspectives

Illumination's “Not Alone” Set for 2027, Chalamet, Gomez Voice Leads

7/1/2026

Summary

Chalamet Voices Rocket

Illumination announced Not Alone will open on April 16, 2027.
Eric Guillon (director), Claire Dodgson (director), and Jonathan Del Val (director) co-direct, drawing on Despicable Me and Minions experience.
Chris Meledandri (producer) produces while Joy Poirel (executive producer) joins him, alongside Richard Curtis and David Distenfeld as executive producers.
Timothée Chalamet (actor) and Selena Gomez (actress) voice Joe and Fran, respectively, as they build a rocket, hide three alien fugitives, and pursue romance.

Summary

Gomez Shares Trailer

Selena Gomez posted the official trailer for the animated film Not Alone on Instagram on June 30, 2026.
The trailer pairs its visuals with David Bowie’s classic “Space Oddity.”
Timothée Chalamet posted an Instagram tease earlier in June 2026, noting the project’s announcement at the Annecy International Film Festival.
The clip reveals that the three alien characters speak with British accents, the second film pairing of Chalamet and Gomez.

Summary

Meledandri Announces Originality

Chris Meledandri said “Not Alone” marks Illumination’s return to originality beyond its star-studded cast.
He noted the studio is adopting a filmmaker-driven model inspired by French animation.
The film is directed by internal trio Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson and Jonathan Del Val, with producers Joy Poirel, Richard Curtis and David Distenfeld.
Universal Pictures will distribute “Not Alone” worldwide, extending Illumination’s partnership with the studio.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Pixar, backed by Disney and co-founder Steve Jobs, released Toy Story—the first fully computer-animated feature—on November 22, earning $373 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. Its breakthrough proved CGI’s commercial viability and sparked a long-term industry shift toward creator-driven animation. Illumination’s 2027 film Not Alone, starring Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez, follows that model, pairing star talent with filmmaker-led production for global distribution via Universal.

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Chalamet Voices Rocket

Illumination announced Not Alone will open on April 16, 2027.
Eric Guillon (director), Claire Dodgson (director), and Jonathan Del Val (director) co-direct, drawing on Despicable Me and Minions experience.
Chris Meledandri (producer) produces while Joy Poirel (executive producer) joins him, alongside Richard Curtis and David Distenfeld as executive producers.
Timothée Chalamet (actor) and Selena Gomez (actress) voice Joe and Fran, respectively, as they build a rocket, hide three alien fugitives, and pursue romance.

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