Illumination’s Next Original Feature ‘Not Alone’ Gets First Teaser

Illumination has released the first teaser for Not Alone, the studio’s next original feature, directed by Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, and Jonathan Del Val.

After a rom-com setup that suggests the studio may be aiming for something completely out of character, the teaser eventually shifts to something more conventional and introduces the film’s colorful sci-fi world and comedic relief. The story follows Joe, an introverted rocket mechanic, Fran, an astro-botanist developing the world’s first plant-powered rocket, and the trio of tiny alien fugitives whose arrival throws their lives into chaos. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, Brett Goldstein, Rob Brydon, Jamie Demetriou, Diane Morgan, Allison Janney, and Lamorne Morris.

Not Alone marks Guillon’s first feature as lead director after years as Illumination’s production designer and co-director of Despicable Me 3. He is joined by editor-turned-director Claire Dodgson and Minions: The Rise of Gru co-director Jonathan Del Val. The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri.

Speaking with Cartoon Brew at Annecy earlier this month, Meledandri said the significance of Not Alone extends well beyond its star-studded cast. “The big story there is that we’re going back to originality,” he said. “It’s a homegrown directing team coming right out of the studio.” He added that after collaborating with Benjamin Renner on Migration and giving Minions & Monsters to Pierre Coffin, Illumination has increasingly embraced a more filmmaker-driven approach inspired by the French animation tradition.

Not Alone opens in theaters on April 16, 2027.