Disney Announces ‘Clay’: First CG Film to Mimic Claymation in 2028
Disney’s 2028 original ‘Clay’ will use a new CG style that looks like claymation, marking the studio’s biggest visual shift yet.
Disney just revealed its next original feature, Clay, at D23, promising a visual style that feels like real clay while remaining fully CG. The film follows Flip, a reluctant mentor, and a sentient ball of clay named Mushy on a magical forest adventure. By committing to a tactile, clay‑like aesthetic, Disney is taking its biggest artistic swing since the studio’s early CGI era, and the move could reshape audience expectations for animated storytelling.
What happened
Disney announced the project, titled Clay, as an original feature slated for a 2028 theatrical release. The film is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and stars Kieran Culkin as the voice of Flip, a reluctant mentor who guides a young ball of clay named Mushy through an unexpected adventure in a magical forest. At the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush confirmed that the movie will use computer‑generated animation that mimics the tactile quality of claymation. He emphasized that while the look will feel like stop‑motion clay, the production will remain fully CG, allowing the studio to explore a visual language unlike anything it has done before.
Why it matters
The decision represents a bold departure from Disney’s long‑standing animation aesthetic, which has defined the studio’s brand for generations. A new visual style could attract fresh audiences and inspire other studios to experiment with hybrid techniques, but it also carries the risk of alienating fans who expect the classic Disney look. The success of Clay may influence how future animated projects balance innovation with brand identity.
- Fresh visual identity could attract new audiences.
- Tactile aesthetic enhances storytelling immersion.
- Sets a precedent for hybrid CG techniques in mainstream animation.
- Risk of alienating fans of Disney’s traditional style.
- Higher production complexity may increase costs.
- Uncertainty whether the style will translate well on large screens.
How to think about it
When evaluating Clay, focus on how the clay‑like visual approach serves the narrative rather than just the novelty of the look. Compare it to Disney’s previous artistic experiments, such as the shift to full CG with "Frozen" or the stylized watercolor of "Soul," and consider whether the tactile feel deepens emotional connection with the characters.
FAQ
When is Clay scheduled to be released?+
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