Migration trailer: Illumination’s next animated epic takes to the sky for an unforgettable flight of fancy

After visiting the Mushroom Kingdom for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Illumination is taking to the sky for Migration, an animated adventure of the avian variety that finds the Mallard family throwing caution to the wind for a chance at the vacation of a lifetime. Today, Illumination’s Migration trailer invites audiences of all ages on an unforgettable odyssey into the big blue, with infinite possibilities waiting behind every cloud.

Here’s the official synopsis for Migration, courtesy of Illumination:

The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.

As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined.

From a screenplay by Mike White, the Emmy-winning creator of The White Lotus and the screenwriter of School of Rock, the film stars a top-flight comedic cast led by Oscar and Emmy nominee Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, Eternals) as anxious Mallard dad Mack and Emmy nominee Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect franchises) as Pam, the Mallards’ daring, quick-witted matriarch.

Caspar Jennings plays Dax, the Mallards’ confident and restless son, and, in her feature film debut, Tresi Gazal plays Gwen, the family’s innocent and lovable daughter.

Golden Globe winner Awkwafina (The Farewell) voices the scrappy leader of a New York City pigeon gang; Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Carol Kane (The Princess Bride) plays Erin the heron, the first friend that the Mallards make on their journey; Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key (The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Lion King) voices a homesick Jamaican parrot locked away in a Manhattan restaurant, and BAFTA winner David Mitchell (Peep Show) plays the yogic leader of a mysterious duck farm. Legendary Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) co-stars as Mack’s curmudgeonly, adventure-averse Uncle Dan.

Benjamin Renner (Ernest & Celestine) directs, with Guylo Homsy co-directing. White’s script tells an engaging tale about overcoming fears, opening your heart to the unknown, and creating a special bond with your family and friends through unique experiences.

What do you think about Illumination’s Migration trailer? Does the studio that brought us Minions, Despicable Me, Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, and The Mario Bros. Movie have another hit on its hands? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Migration comes to theaters on December 22, 2023.