Briarcliff Entertainment has secured North American distribution rights for the animated feature Sneaks, a sneaker-focused family film directed by Rob Edwards and featuring an all-star voice cast. Led by Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Laurence Fishburne, Chloe Bailey, and Grammy-winning producer Mustard, Sneaks also boasts Grammy winners Roddy Ricch, Ella Mai, and Macy Gray among its cast, with notable appearances from Swae Lee, Quavo, and NBA icon Chris Paul. Paul, in a cameo as himself, hosts a sneaker-focused event in the style of the Met Gala within the film’s storyline.
Set against the backdrop of New York City, Sneaks tells the story of Ty (voiced by Mackie), a rare collector sneaker separated from his sister Maxine (voiced by Bailey) after they’re stolen by “the Collector” (voiced by Fishburne). Ty’s journey to reunite with Maxine introduces him to JB (Lawrence), a streetwise, worn-out sneaker with a love for shiny objects. Together, they navigate a thrilling adventure that explores themes of self-discovery and stepping beyond one’s comfort zone. Adding a musical edge, a trio of comedic, singing Wire Shoes voiced by Mustard, Young Miko, and Donovan Louis Bazemore narrate the action.
The film, packed with a variety of character voices, includes talent such as Sam Jay, Keith David, Kiana Ledé, Jonathan Kite, Amari McCoy, and skateboarding phenoms Sky Brown and Rayssa Leal, who voice sneakers designed by Nike, mirroring their own roles as Olympic skateboarders.
Briarcliff Entertainment is eyeing a wide theatrical release for Sneaks across 1,500 theaters on Easter weekend, April 18, 2025. The deal, brokered by CAA Media Finance and Briarcliff representatives Tom Ortenberg, Jessica Rose, and Danielle Goodman Strong, aligns with GFM Animation’s international sales efforts, with the film set to premiere at the American Film Market this week in Las Vegas.
Behind the scenes, Sneaks brings together a powerhouse production team. Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland of Cinema Gypsy Productions join Len Hartman and Gil Cloyd of Lengi Studios as producers. On the musical front, Mustard curated a soundtrack that features Ella Mai, Roddy Ricch, Young Miko, Amirah, DSTRCT, Macy Gray, and composer Terrace Martin. Notable executive producers include Meko Yohannes, Quavo, and industry veterans like Robyn Klein and Jeremy Ross, the duo behind the Oscar-winning If Anything Happens I Love You.
Financing for Sneaks was provided by Ashland Hill Media Finance, Rabbits Black, RTG Features, and TPC, with GFM Animation securing production funding. Cultural advisor Bobbito Garcia helped shape the film’s authenticity, tying into its celebration of sneaker culture and urban style.