Marvel Star Joins Cast of Oscar-Nominated Director’s Animated Feature

Zoe Saldaña has joined the cast of the animated feature Julián, marking a new collaboration with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Louise Bagnall. The project is backed by Cartoon Saloon and is set to make its debut at the Annecy Festival. Based on the bestselling picture book, the news has sparked significant anticipation among fans.

Cartoon Saloon’s Julián adds Zoe Saldaña to cast

According to Variety, Zoe Saldaña has joined the animated feature Julián, taking on both a voice role and an executive producer position. She is joined by her sisters Cisely and Mariel Saldaña under their banner Cinestar Pictures, marking a significant addition to the film’s creative and production team as it moves toward its festival debut.

The project is led by Cartoon Saloon, working alongside Melusine Studio, Aircraft Pictures, and Sun Creature. The film is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2026. New Europe Film Sales will oversee international distribution, while CAA Media Finance will handle U.S. sales.

Julián follows a seven-year-old boy who spends the summer with his grandmother in Brooklyn. Influenced by her storytelling and the world around him, he begins to dream of himself as a mermaid. The story then moves between his everyday surroundings and a fantasy setting, as his imagination takes him to an underwater world. The film is adapted from Julián Is a Mermaid, which has sold widely across global markets.

The feature marks the directorial debut of Louise Bagnall, known for her Academy Award-nominated short work. Production is being carried out using hand-drawn animation, with teams working across multiple countries, including Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Canada.

Speaking about the project, Saldaña said, “Cisely, Mariel, and I were deeply moved by the story of ‘Julián’ and its gentle, powerful message about self-expression and acceptance. We’re so excited to help share this heart-warming film with audiences around the world.”

Source: Comingsoon.net