Zoe Saldaña Joins Animated Feature Julián with Louise Bagnall

Zoe Saldaña has joined the cast of the animated feature Julián, a project by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Louise Bagnall. This collaboration is backed by Cartoon Saloon and is set for its debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2026.

Saldaña will take on a voice role and serve as an executive producer alongside her sisters, Cisely and Mariel Saldaña, under their banner Cinestar Pictures. This marks a notable addition to the film’s creative and production team as it approaches its festival premiere.

The project is a collaboration between Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Studio, Aircraft Pictures, and Sun Creature. International distribution will be overseen by New Europe Film Sales, while CAA Media Finance will manage U.S. sales.

Julián follows a seven-year-old boy who spends the summer with his grandmother in Brooklyn. Inspired by her storytelling, he begins to dream of himself as a mermaid, navigating between everyday life and a fantasy underwater world.

The film is adapted from the bestselling picture book Julián Is a Mermaid, which has seen extensive global sales. This feature marks the directorial debut of Louise Bagnall, known for her Academy Award-nominated short work.

Production utilizes hand-drawn animation, with teams collaborating from countries including Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Canada. Saldaña expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Cisely, Mariel, and I were deeply moved by the story of ‘Julián’ and its gentle, powerful message about self-expression and acceptance.”

The film is anticipated to capture audiences with its heartfelt narrative. As it stands, Julián is scheduled for its world premiere in June 2026.