Netflix’s Animated Movie Musical Vivo Stars An Adorable Kinkajou

Take the lyrical genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda, combine it with an epic adventure set in Cuba, and you’ll get one of the most anticipated films to come out of 2021. Yes, we’re talking about Netflix’s new movie Vivo, a brand new animated, musical film that is guaranteed to be on your list of favorites.

Before Vivo hits your Netflix watchlist come August, here’s everything you need to know about the movie set in Cuba.

Vivo Is About A Singing Kinkajou

Miranda lends his voice to the titular character, Vivo, a one-of-a-kind singing kinkajou, which is a small, monkey-like mammal that lives in the rain forest. During the film, Vivo must find his way from Havana, Cuba, to Miami, Florida, “in order to deliver a song on behalf of his owner and mentor, Andrés,” according to Netflix, and goes on an epic adventure along the way.

In addition to the film having original songs, some of which are written by Miranda, the film will deliver an empowering message of “gathering your courage, finding family in unlikely places, and the belief that music can open you to new worlds,” according to Netflix.

Vivo’s Teaser Trailer Is Here

Netflix has released the first official teaser trailer for Vivo, and the film looks just as exciting as it sounds.

Andres introduces a crowd in a city square to the one and only Vivo, who looks ready to entertain the masses. “Is this thing on?,” the animated kinkajou asks into a microphone. Yes, yes it is.

Vivo Features An All Star Cast

In addition to the musical stylings of Miranda, Vivo features a cast full of notable and musically talented stars. Here is who you can hear lending their voice to Vivo:

• Grammy Award winner Juan de Marcos Gonzalez as Vivo’s beloved mentor and owner, Andrés
• “Conga” singer Gloria Estefan as Marta, the love of Andrés’ life
• Newcomer Ynairaly Simo as Gabi, Andrés’ grand-niece
• Avatar star Zoe Saldana as Rosa, Gabi’s mother
• Guardians of the Galaxy star Michael Rooker as Lutador, a villainous python that lives in the Everglades
• The hilarious Tyree Henry and Nicole Byer as a pair of spoonbills
• The Office’s Leslie David Baker as a Florida bus driver
• Katie Lowes, Olivia Trujillo, and Lidya Jewett as a trio of well meaning but overzealous scout troopers

Vivo’s First Song Preview Is Epic

On Wednesday, Netflix took to Twitter where they shared the first preview at a song in the film, and it’s all kinds of amazing.

The uplifting tune is sung while Vivo and Gabi, Andrés’ niece traverse through the Florida Everglades on their way to deliver the life changing song. “All I can when the road bends is lean into the curve,” Miranda as Vivo sings while encountering some scary looking alligators. “And all I can do when the tank’s run dry is see what’s in reserve. And all I can do when the plans break down is stay on my feet. And all I can do at the end of the day is play on, play on, and keep the beat.”

Now this sounds like the kind of song that you will want to play for your kid when they’re feeling down or in need of some major motivation.

Vivo Premieres On Netflix In August

Get ready, because you can now mark your calendars with Vivo’s premiere date. Vivo will premiere on Netflix on Friday, August 6, which means you have to wait just a few short weeks to see what looks like a pretty amazing film.

But in the meantime, as you wait for it to premiere, you can watch so many fun, family-friendly movies streaming on Netflix right now.