CS Virtual Set Visit: Meet Joe Gardner in Pixar/Disney+'s Soul

Earlier in October, ComingSoon.net shared with our readers some of what we saw during our virtual tour of Pixar’s latest fantasy adventure Soul starring Jamie Foxx and now we continue our sharing of what we learned for the upcoming Disney+ release, as well as an exclusive featurette introducing our readers to the film’s protagonist Joe Gardner. The featurette can be viewed in the player below!

Meet Joe Gardner

Once the filmmakers had settled on needing to have a musician as the foil character to the uninterested-in-life 22 (Tina Fey), more specifically a jazz musician, one entrenched in “black improvisational music” as one of their consultants Dr. Johnnetta Cole put, the creative group of producer Dana Murray and co-writer/director Pete Docter (Inside Out) came to the conclusion that their main character needed to be Black and looked to co-writer/co-director Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami) for it.

“When I came on to the project almost two years ago, the film was definitely still in pretty rough form,” Powers recalled. “In particular, Joe was a character who needed a lot of fleshing out. Thankfully Joe, as we envisioned him, and I had a lot in common and I realized that in many ways Joe was me, so I was able to use a lot of my own personal experiences to inform writing the character. In terms of how similar we are, I mean, how old is the character? He’s 45, what a coincidence, I’m also in my mid-40s. Joe lives in New York, which is my hometown, though Joe is from Queens and I’m from Brooklyn, and all Brooklynites know Brooklyn is better [chuckles].”

Given his own past as a music critic and musician, even naming his son after the jazz legend Charles Mingus, Powers noted that diving into the world of jazz to further develop Joe “really came naturally” while also noting he “didn’t have to do this alone,” as he and the “internal culture trust” of other African-American Pixar employees would get together frequently to discuss their various experiences and how they could infuse them into their central character.

“We had lots of meetings and discussions about Joe, where he grew up, the important people in his life, what made him tick and then I reached into my own past and my own life experiences and put that down on paper,” Powers explained. “One place I spent a lot of time before the pandemic was the barbershop. So, we took our crew there so they could see and feel what it was really like to be in a barbershop. We also went to New York for research trips. One place we visited was a public school in Queens, New York, since that’s where Joe is the teacher in the film, and while we were there we met Dr. Peter Archer, an amazingly passionate middle-school jazz band teacher. And of course, since Joe plays in a New York jazz club, at least that’s his aspiration, we just had to visit a bunch of clubs in Manhattan, and so that was a really great experience as well.”

“The research and my personal experience definitely helped develop Joe in the story,” Powers continued. “I always said to Pete and Dana the film had to transcend one person’s life. It’s very important to understand that I don’t represent every single black person’s experience, it’s important on this journey that we reached out further, and that started at home. We partnered with a number of consultants on this film who we kept close throughout the entire process, this wasn’t a rubber stamping situation. They were part of the development the entire time. To make sure that our representation was as genuine as possible, we also turned to tons of experts outside of Pixar, including many music teachers and working jazz musicians from New York City and right here in Emeryville. Pete had already mentioned Dr. Johnnetta Cole earlier, Bradford Young, the incredible cinematographer, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Daveed Diggs, two of the performers in the film, also served as cultural consultants. So, we took all that research and input from our consultants and we put it into the script which we would then hand over to our story team.”

As to the reason for why it’s taken Pixar this long to develop an African American-led story, with some past entries such as The Incredibles, Toy Story 3 and Inside Out featuring POC performers in supporting roles, Docter noted that it has “been way too long” but finding that he “doesn’t know that we really have a good answer.”

“You know, we’re always looking to reflect as much of the world out there as we can, and we’re happy that it’s finally happened,” Docter chuckled. ‘That we are representing a part of the population that just hasn’t had as much voice in our films up to now.”

Soul stars the voice talents of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs and features original jazz music by globally renowned musician Jon Batiste and a score composed by Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network).

Previously scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2020, Soul was named an official selection of the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year along with multiple upcoming festivals including the British Film Institute’s London Film Festival this Sunday.

What is it that makes you…YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ Soul introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Soul is directed by Academy Award winner Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up), co-directed by Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short Lou).

The animated film will release on Disney+ December 25.

Virtual Soul Junket

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PROGRESSION IMAGE 1 of 5: STORYBOARD – To create a sequence in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” one of the early steps in the production pipeline is building storyboards. Artists sketch the key beats in a sequence, suggesting possible set positioning, camera angles and character poses. This sequence is called “Buskers” and shows Joe watching a busker perform music in a New York City subway station. This storyboard, specifically drawn by story artist Jamie Baker, is one of approximately 1,341 boards delivered to editorial for this particular sequence. In total, 73,811 storyboards were delivered for the entire film.
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PROGRESSION IMAGE 2 of 5: ART - Once the storyline for a sequence is determined, concept art is created by the production designer and art department to determine the look and feel of the film. This concept art piece was created by Ernesto Nemesio, and showcases the exploration of color and design for the characters and new environments, including the character scale and attention to detail within the New York City subway station.
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PROGRESSION IMAGE 3 of 5: LAYOUT – The Layout department uses the principles of cinematography and film language to translate each moment of the hand-drawn storyboards into the three-dimensional cinematic shots that make up the finished film. This team determines the compositions of each shot, as well as the choreography of camera movement and character blocking within the virtual sets. They work closely with the Director and the Editorial teams to determine the exact timing and sequence of shots that most effectively tell the story.
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PROGRESSION IMAGE 4 of 5: ANIMATION – To create a sequence in “Soul,” the animation team works with the suggested layout and recorded dialogue to create the physical and emotional character performances. This moment shows Joe’s focus on the busker performing music in a New York City subway station amid the noise and bustle of the environment.
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PROGRESSION IMAGE 5 of 5: LIGHTING AND FINAL IMAGE – The Lighting department helps to integrate all of the elements – characters, sets, effects, etc. – into a final, fully visually realized image. The Lighting process involves placing virtual light sources into the scene to illuminate the characters and the set. Technical artists place the lights to draw the audience's eye to story points and to create a specific mood. The lit images are then rendered at high resolution. Directed by Pete Docter, produced by Dana Murray, and co-directed by Kemp Powers, “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020.
Trevor Jimenez, Hyein Park, Andy Sakhrani, Scott Morse, Lisa Fotheringham and Kristen Lester during a Soul story meeting on June 25, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trevor Jimenez, Hyein Park, Andy Sakhrani, Scott Morse, Lisa Fotheringham and Kristen Lester during a Soul story meeting on June 25, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Kemp Powers, Pete Docter and Dana Murray during a "Soul" brain trust meeting on August 16, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Kemp Powers, Pete Docter and Dana Murray during a "Soul" brain trust meeting on August 16, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
A group of music consultants, including (second from left) Herbie Hancock, meet with the "Soul" filmmakers to give feedback about the film, as seen on December 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A group of music consultants, including (second from left) Herbie Hancock, meet with the "Soul" filmmakers to give feedback about the film, as seen on December 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
A group of music consultants meet with the "Soul" filmmakers to give feedback about the film, as seen on December 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A group of music consultants meet with the "Soul" filmmakers to give feedback about the film, as seen on December 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
(Second from right) Cinematographer Bradford Young meets with "Soul" film crew members, including Steve Pilcher, Bryn Imagire, Britta Wilson, Jaclyn Simon, and Ian Megibben, on February 5, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

(Second from right) Cinematographer Bradford Young meets with "Soul" film crew members, including Steve Pilcher, Bryn Imagire, Britta Wilson, Jaclyn Simon, and Ian Megibben, on February 5, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
(Second from left) Cinematographer Bradford Young meets with "Soul" film crew members, including Steve Pilcher, Pete Docter and Ian Megibben, on February 5, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

(Second from left) Cinematographer Bradford Young meets with "Soul" film crew members, including Steve Pilcher, Pete Docter and Ian Megibben, on February 5, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Filmmakers and key members of the crew meet with consultants for "Soul" on April 29, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Filmmakers and key members of the crew meet with consultants for "Soul" on April 29, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Filmmakers and key members of the crew meet with consultants for "Soul" on April 29, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Filmmakers and key members of the crew meet with consultants for "Soul" on April 29, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
A "Soul" brain trust meeting, including Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Trevor Jimenez and Mike Jones, on July 22, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" brain trust meeting, including Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Trevor Jimenez and Mike Jones, on July 22, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Pete Docter gives feedback to Bryn Imagire in her office during a "Soul" art review on August 7, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Pete Docter gives feedback to Bryn Imagire in her office during a "Soul" art review on August 7, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
A "Soul" review in the west screening room, including Pete Docter, Jude Brownbill and Kemp Powers, on September 12, 2019, at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" review in the west screening room, including Pete Docter, Jude Brownbill and Kemp Powers, on September 12, 2019, at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
A "Soul" story meeting with Pete Docter, Dana Murray and Kemp Powers on November 25, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" story meeting with Pete Docter, Dana Murray and Kemp Powers on November 25, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
(Right) Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, and chats with (left) Tom MacDougall and Atticus Ross, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

(Right) Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, and chats with (left) Tom MacDougall and Atticus Ross, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
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Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Jon Batiste and Pete Docter discuss music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Jon Batiste and Pete Docter discuss music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Pete Docter, Trent Reznor and Jon Batiste discuss music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Pete Docter, Trent Reznor and Jon Batiste discuss music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste and Atticus Ross at the music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste and Atticus Ross at the music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Trent Reznor gives notes during the music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trent Reznor gives notes during the music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Trent Reznor, Kemp Powers, Atticus Ross, Pete Docter, Dana Murray and Jon Batiste at a music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trent Reznor, Kemp Powers, Atticus Ross, Pete Docter, Dana Murray and Jon Batiste at a music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
A "Soul" animation review, including Pete Docter, on November 15, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" animation review, including Pete Docter, on November 15, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Ian Megibben during a lighting review with Pete Docter for "Soul" on February 6, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Ian Megibben during a lighting review with Pete Docter for "Soul" on February 6, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
"Soul" filmmakers Director Pete Docter, Producer Dana Murray and Co-Director Kemp Powers meet on March 4, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

"Soul" filmmakers Director Pete Docter, Producer Dana Murray and Co-Director Kemp Powers meet on March 4, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
"Soul" filmmakers Director Pete Docter, Producer Dana Murray, Co-Director Kemp Powers and Executive Producer Kiri Hart meet on March 4, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

"Soul" filmmakers Director Pete Docter, Producer Dana Murray, Co-Director Kemp Powers and Executive Producer Kiri Hart meet on March 4, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
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Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx), a middle-school band teacher. When he gets the chance of a lifetime to play with Dorothea Williams (voice of Angela Bassett) at the best jazz club in town, he believes his life is finally going to change. Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for the film and Oscar®-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from Nine Inch Nails compose the score. “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. ©2020 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.
SOUL

In Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” a middle-school band teacher finds himself in The Great Before—a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. There he meets the ubiquitous Counselors who run the You Seminar and the precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award® nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a., “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. ©2020 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.
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In Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. Set in fast-paced New York City and the abstract illusionary world of The Great Before, “Soul” capitalizes on the contrasts between the big city and the cosmic realm. Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for the film and Oscar®-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from Nine Inch Nails compose the score that drifts between the real and soul worlds. “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. ©2020 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.
SOUL

In Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” a middle-school band teacher finds himself in The Great Before—a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Unfortunately, Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) doesn’t feel like he belongs in this land of new souls. Determined to return to his life, he teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award® nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a., “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. ©2020 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.
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In Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is playing jazz, and his dedication to his dream is steadfast—he lives alone in his Queens apartment, immersing himself in his music, and when he does venture out, he spends most of his time talking about jazz. But when he finds himself in another realm helping someone else find their passion, he discovers what it truly means to have “Soul.” Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award® nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a., “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. ©2020 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.
SOUL

In Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for the film and Oscar®-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from Nine Inch Nails compose the score that drifts between the real and soul worlds. “Soul” opens in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2020. ©2020 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

CS Virtual Set Visit: Meet Joe Gardner in Pixar/Disney+’s Soul

Meet Joe Gardner

Virtual Soul Junket

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Trevor Jimenez, Hyein Park, Andy Sakhrani, Scott Morse, Lisa Fotheringham and Kristen Lester during a Soul story meeting on June 25, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Kemp Powers, Pete Docter and Dana Murray during a "Soul" brain trust meeting on August 16, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A group of music consultants, including (second from left) Herbie Hancock, meet with the "Soul" filmmakers to give feedback about the film, as seen on December 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A group of music consultants meet with the "Soul" filmmakers to give feedback about the film, as seen on December 20, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

(Second from right) Cinematographer Bradford Young meets with "Soul" film crew members, including Steve Pilcher, Bryn Imagire, Britta Wilson, Jaclyn Simon, and Ian Megibben, on February 5, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

(Second from left) Cinematographer Bradford Young meets with "Soul" film crew members, including Steve Pilcher, Pete Docter and Ian Megibben, on February 5, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Filmmakers and key members of the crew meet with consultants for "Soul" on April 29, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Filmmakers and key members of the crew meet with consultants for "Soul" on April 29, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" brain trust meeting, including Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Trevor Jimenez and Mike Jones, on July 22, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Pete Docter gives feedback to Bryn Imagire in her office during a "Soul" art review on August 7, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" review in the west screening room, including Pete Docter, Jude Brownbill and Kemp Powers, on September 12, 2019, at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" story meeting with Pete Docter, Dana Murray and Kemp Powers on November 25, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

(Right) Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, and chats with (left) Tom MacDougall and Atticus Ross, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

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Jon Batiste and Pete Docter discuss music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Pete Docter, Trent Reznor and Jon Batiste discuss music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste and Atticus Ross at the music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trent Reznor gives notes during the music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Trent Reznor, Kemp Powers, Atticus Ross, Pete Docter, Dana Murray and Jon Batiste at a music recording session for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Jon Batiste records music for "Soul," a Pixar Animation Studios film, on January 3, 2020 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

A "Soul" animation review, including Pete Docter, on November 15, 2019 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Ian Megibben during a lighting review with Pete Docter for "Soul" on February 6, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

"Soul" filmmakers Director Pete Docter, Producer Dana Murray and Co-Director Kemp Powers meet on March 4, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

"Soul" filmmakers Director Pete Docter, Producer Dana Murray, Co-Director Kemp Powers and Executive Producer Kiri Hart meet on March 4, 2020 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

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