Illumination has announced the two lead actors for its next animation project, Migration. Eternals actor Kumail Nanjiani and The Hunger Games star Elizabeth Banks have been confirmed to be starring in this upcoming animated film about a family of ducks going on an adventure.
According to the film’s official plot, Migration is about a family of ducks trying to convince their “overprotective father” to embark on a vacation of a lifetime. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri expressed his love for ducks during CinemaCon and how he wants to use these animals to tell a story about a modern family.
“I find ducks so irresistible. In our movie, ducks worked beautifully to convey the relatable quirks and truths of a modern-day family.”
According to Variety, Illumination has also revealed the official cast list for this upcoming family adventure film. Nanjiani will be playing Mack, a Mallard duck and the father of the family. Joining him is Banks, cast to play the wife named Pam. Playing the children will be Sing‘s Caspar Jennings and newcomer, Tresi Gazal. It was also confirmed that Raya and The Last Dragon‘s Awkwafina, The Princess Bride‘s Carol Kane, The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, and Danny DeVito have been cast to play other characters in the film.
Illumination Studios has found recent success with the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned over $892 million at the box office worldwide. The studio has also created a successful film franchise with Despicable Me and The Minions. CinemaCon attendees were treated to a first look at Migration, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on Dec. 22, 2023.