Timothée Chalamet has cemented himself as a major force in modern sci-fi by headlining Denis Villeneuve’s Dune saga, which boasts two of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful space epics of the decade. The third and final movie in the trilogy hits theaters later this year, serving as the cinematic conclusion to Paul Atreides’ on-screen journey. His time in Arrakis might be coming to an end, but Chalamet has already lined up his next feature, and it’s one that keeps him firmly locked into the sci-fi genre.
The 2026 Annecy International Film Festival is currently underway in the French Alps, running from Jun. 21 to Jun. 27. The massive industry shindig plays host to an extensive lineup of studio showcases, masterclasses, screenings, competitions, and more. One of the hottest new announcements arrives courtesy of Universal Pictures and Illumination. The two studios formally revealed at the event that they are developing a new animated alien movie, titled Not Alone. The sci-fi romantic comedy will be led by Chalamet and Selena Gomez, marking a reunion between the pair, who first shared the screen in Woody Allen’s 2019 film A Rainy Day in New York. Their next collaboration will see them adopt entirely new looks, as teased in the first image.
The image doesn’t give much away about Chalamet and Gomez’s lead protagonists, as their tall, slender figures are silhouetted in the distance, holding hands, while three aliens invade the Not Alone title text. According to the official announcement, per Variety, Chalamet will voice Joe, “an introverted rocket mechanic who lives a quiet life alone,” while Gomez is set to play Fran, a “brilliant astro-botanist who is developing the world’s first-ever plant-fueled rocket.” However, as the synopsis notes, their story gets complicated when three aliens take refuge in Joe’s home and attempt to hijiack the rocket to escape back to their own planet.
“When Joe and Fran are brought together to prepare for the inaugural launch of this revolutionary rocket, there are immediate sparks, but neither is particularly adept at romance. Life becomes more complicated when three aliens — tiny, unruly and adorable — take refuge in Joe’s home. Dunk, Welly and Shirm are on the interplanetary run from a zealous-yet-inept officer of the law named Zandro. The aliens determine that Fran’s rocket could provide their means of getting back home to safety.”
The project marks a major milestone for Chalamet, as it expands his extensive filmography – which already spans indie darlings, major musicals, and massive sci-fi epics – with mainstream voice acting. He previously voiced a character in Kid Cudi’s adult animated television special Entergalactic, but Not Alone is the first time he has led an animated feature. He is in good company, as Dunk, Welly and Shirm will be voiced by Rob Brydon, Diane Morgan (who is involved with another buzzy title at the festival), and Jamie Demetriou, while Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein will play Officer Zandro. The film’s supporting cast is rounded out by Allison Janney and Lamorne Morris, who will also be given animated makeovers for the space adventure.
Co-directed by Illumination mainstays Eric Guillon, Claire Dodgson, and Jonathan Del Val, with production handled by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri, Not Alone is officially dated for release on Apr. 16, 2027. The early April period has become a signature launchpad for the animation powerhouse, having previously slotted The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in similar positions on the theatrical release calendar. Universal is no doubt hoping to find another animated blockbuster to anchor its slate amid the ongoing expansion of its hugely popular Despicable Me and Minions universe.
