Early Oscar Favorite ‘Arco,’ Gets New Trailer And U.S. Release Date, Unveils English-Language Voice Cast Featuring Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, And Producer Natalie Portman

Neon has released the first trailer for Arco, the French animated feature, earning critical acclaim on the festival circuit, which is being positioned as one of this year’s major awards contenders. The distributor has also unveiled an A-list voice cast.

The teaser offers a first look at the film’s lush, hand-drawn style and sweeping narrative, which blends futuristic adventure with an emotional story of friendship and hope. The film is one of the year’s highest-profile international animated features, thanks to strong screenings at Cannes and Annecy, winning the Cristal for best feature at the latter.

Directed by Ugo Bienvenu in his feature debut, Arco follows a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, far-off future who is suddenly transported back to the year 2075, a time when the planet faces existential threats. Teaming up with a young girl named Iris and her loyal robot caretaker Mikki, Arco embarks on a journey not only to find his way home but also to help save Earth.

Arco is directed by Bienvenu and produced by Bienvenu and Félix de Givry through their banner Remembers, alongside Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas for mountainA. The film’s evocative score and sound design, which won accolades at Annecy, further highlight its technical craft, while the English-language adaptation is overseen by Neon ahead of its U.S. release.

The newly produced English-language version will premiere September 7 in the Centerpiece section of the Toronto International Film Festival before arriving in U.S. theaters on November 14.

While the trailer emphasizes the film’s emotional scale and visual artistry, Neon also confirmed an impressive voice cast for the English-language release. The ensemble includes producer Portman as well as Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Flea, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, and Andy Samberg.

With its critical momentum, festival pedigree, and now a high-profile voice cast, Arco is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated films of the year and an early favorite for this year’s animated feature Oscar race.