Andrew Stanton’s new science fiction film In the Blink of an Eye had its world premiere yesterday at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The movie, written by Colby Day and starring Kate McKinnon, Rashida Jones, and Daveed Diggs, tells three linked stories from humanity’s distant past to its possible future. It won the festival’s Alfred P. Sloan Prize right away for its take on science and technology.
Background
Andrew Stanton first got attention for his work at Pixar, where he directed hits like Finding Nemo in 2003 and WALL-E in 2005. Those films showed his skill at mixing big ideas with small, personal moments. Later, he tried live-action with John Carter in 2012, a space adventure that did not do well at the box office but later built a group of fans.
Searchlight Pictures announced In the Blink of an Eye in October 2022. They said the story drew from films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Magnolia, and Interstellar. Stanton signed on to direct Colby Day’s script, which looks at human history through connected tales. The cast came together in March 2023, with names like Kate McKinnon from Saturday Night Live, Rashida Jones from Parks and Recreation, Daveed Diggs from Hamilton, Tanaya Beatty, Jorge Vargas, and young actor Skywalker Hughes.
Filming started on March 24, 2023, in Vancouver, Canada, and ended on May 16 that year. The team worked fast over about two months. In March 2024, composer Thomas Newman joined. He had scored Stanton’s Pixar films before, including Finding Nemo, WALL-E, and Finding Dory. Newman’s music often fits stories about journeys and discovery, which matches this film’s scope.
The project stayed quiet after shooting wrapped in 2023. People in the industry kept an eye on it because of Stanton’s track record. Sundance picked it for the Premieres section, a spot for high-profile debuts. The festival runs from January 22 to February 1, 2026, drawing filmmakers, buyers, and fans to the snowy mountains of Utah.
Key Details
The film runs through three time periods: the end of the Neanderthal age, the present day, and a far-off future in space. One story follows a Neanderthal family fighting to stay alive as their time ends. Another shows two college students starting a relationship just as big changes loom. The third has a lone spaceship traveler carrying humanity’s future across the galaxy.
These threads tie together to show one main idea. Stanton describes it as the drive to exist, connect, and grow. The script covers everything from humanity’s start to its possible end, but focuses on quiet, everyday choices.
“Hi, I’m Andrew Stanton. Uh, I’m the director of In the Blink of an Eye, which is the recipient of the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at uh, Sundance this year. And, uh, we’re really honored to be in the premiere section and excited to show the film to fresh eyes for the first time outside of our own little crew and cast that have seen it.” – Andrew Stanton
“In the blink of an eye was a script written by Colby Day… everything from the literal beginning of the existence of humanity to what may eventually be its end. And um the scope was huge uh but it was told through such small delicate moments.” – Andrew Stanton
The cast brings different strengths. Kate McKinnon plays a key role, known for her sharp comedy and dramatic turns. Rashida Jones handles warm family parts well. Daveed Diggs adds energy from his stage background. The younger actors like Skywalker Hughes play family members in the past storyline.
Production Choices
Stanton and his team shot in Vancouver for its mix of city and wild spots. This let them build sets for ancient caves, modern campuses, and future ships without jumping locations. Producer Jared Ian Goldman oversaw the work, with executive producers Colby Day and Daniel Bekerman. Cinematographer Ole Brinch captured the looks for each era.
Thomas Newman’s score ties the timelines. His style uses simple themes that build, much like in WALL-E. The music shows the links between past, present, and future without overpowering the actors.
Sundance viewers saw the film on a big screen in the Premieres section. The festival award came fast, signaling strong early response from judges who look for smart science stories.
What This Means
In the Blink of an Eye skips movie theaters. After Sundance, it goes straight to streaming on Hulu on February 27, 2026, in the US. In places like the UK, it will likely hit Disney+ soon after. This move fits how studios release some films now, especially ambitious ones aimed at home viewers.
The Sloan Prize puts the film in good company. Past winners include movies that went on to awards buzz or cult status. It highlights science themes like human survival and tech’s role in our story. For Stanton, this live-action project tests if his animation skills translate to actors and real-world sets.
Fans of his Pixar work may see echoes of WALL-E’s lonely robot or Finding Nemo’s family bonds. The three-story structure recalls films like Magnolia, but with a sci-fi bend. Hulu’s release means wider access, though some say big-screen epics lose impact on TV.
The cast’s star power could draw viewers. Kate McKinnon’s return to drama after comedy roles interests many. Daveed Diggs keeps building his film resume. For newcomers like Tanaya Beatty and Jorge Vargas, this boosts their profiles.
Stanton has talked about the story’s hope. He sees raising the next generation as a bold stand against tough odds. In a time of fast changes, the film asks what keeps humanity going. Viewers will decide if the small moments land across such a wide timeline.
Searchlight Pictures, owned by Disney, picked this for Hulu to build its originals lineup. The direct-to-stream choice avoids box office risks like John Carter faced. Sundance success could spark talk and views online.
Colby Day’s script started it all. As a newer writer, this big break with Stanton shows promise. The film’s gentle take on big sci-fi ideas sets it apart from action-heavy space tales.
As Hulu date nears, eyes stay on reactions from Sundance and first online views. Stanton’s return to directing after years away marks a key point in his career.
