Updated

Updated · Deadline · Jun 22

Universal Sets April 16, 2027 Release for Not Alone as Chalamet, Gomez Lead Illumination Cast

Updated

Updated · Deadline · Jun 22

Universal Sets April 16, 2027 Release for Not Alone as Chalamet, Gomez Lead Illumination Cast

Q: After his dramatic Oscar-nominated roles, what convinced Timothée Chalamet to make his animation debut with the creators of 'Minions'?

There is no confirmed public explanation from Timothée Chalamet himself in the announcement. Based on the information released, the clearest reason is the project itself: *Not Alone* gives him a lead role in an original, family-oriented sci-fi romance at Illumination, marking a new lane in his career with a major commercial animation studio. The film offers Chalamet a very different showcase from his recent Oscar-nominated dramatic work. He plays Joe, an introverted rocket mechanic in a story that mixes romance, comedy and alien adventure, opposite Selena Gomez. That kind of tonal shift fits his recent pattern of taking varied roles and expanding his range. Illumination’s side of the equation also matters. The studio behind *Minions*, *Despicable Me* and *The Super Mario Bros.* films has a strong global track record and is pushing an original property rather than another sequel. For an actor making an animation debut, that means a high-profile platform with broad audience reach and a character likely designed for mainstream appeal. Some commentary in the additional material suggests Illumination may be aiming for more emotionally ambitious storytelling with *Not Alone*, potentially giving Chalamet a chance to join a project that is both commercial and more character-driven. But that remains interpretation, not a stated reason from Chalamet or the studio.

3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Jun 22

April 16, 2027 is the wide-release date Universal gave Illumination’s animated film Not Alone, replacing an untitled Illumination event slot on the studio calendar.
Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez lead the voice cast as Joe, an introverted rocket mechanic, and Fran, an astro-botanist building the world’s first plant-fueled rocket.
Three fugitive aliens — Dunk, Welly and Shirm — drive the plot by hiding in Joe’s home and eyeing Fran’s rocket as their route back to safety.
Annecy Film Festival in France hosted the reveal, with Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson and Jonathan Del Val directing and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri producing.