Alan Ritchson leads an A-list ensemble in an offbeat new film about a mouse with big Hollywood dreams

Let me introduce you to Groove Tails, which sounds like it could have been dreamed up after too many Red Bulls at a 3am brainstorming session: an animated film about a mouse with big ambitions to become a dancer. It’s attracting quite the line-up, so if ever you wanted to hear Alan Ritchson belt out a few lines as a rodent, consider your oddly specific wish granted.

What’s Groove Tails All About?

Groove Tails is basically Footloose but smaller, furrier, and probably less likely to start swooning over Kevin Bacon. The story follows a mouse (your lead, obviously) whose dream is to make it as a dancer. Naturally, his father’s far from impressed, so the pint-sized hero teams up with some other oddballs and sets off to win big and maybe save their home along the way. It’s all about finding your own rhythm—literally—and probably learning a lesson or two about friendship and not letting anyone stomp on your groove.

The Cast: A Proper Mixed Bag

• Alan Ritchson – Most folk know him from Reacher, and yes, he’s doing a voice here. Also one of the executive producers, as it happens.
• Ansel Elgort – He’s got the Baby Driver and West Side Story credentials, so presumably knows his way around a bit of choreography.
• Halle Bailey – Mermaid one day, mouse the next. That’s range for you.
• Ludacris – Possibly leaning into the whole musical mice thing. Can't fault that casting.
• J.B. Smoove – Always good value, whether it’s Curb Your Enthusiasm or lending his voice to a bunch of scampering rodents.
• CeeLo Green – Yes, he crooned in Hotel Transylvania; looks like he’s staying animated.
• Agnez Mo – Global pop star and actress, also getting in on the act—and another one with Reacher on their CV, so they’re clearly keeping things in the family.

Who’s Making This Thing?

Bob Logan is steering the ship as both director and writer, pulling from a screenplay by Johnny Mack. The production side comes courtesy of Maryann Garger and Michael Becker, who are promising 'high-voltage, magnetic entertainment'—their words, but I’m hoping for some premium nut-hoarding action at the very least. A raft of executive producers are on board too: Jeff Elliott, Mary Aloe, Gilian Hormel, Jeff Gum, Graham Chan, and Ritchson himself.

What the Crew Are Saying

Here’s Bob Logan’s take on the whole affair—probably the most exuberant endorsement you’ll see for a film about tap-dancing rodents:

'Groove Tails is a celebration of individuality, perseverance and the universal language of music. We’ve assembled an extraordinary cast that brings incredible energy, humor and heart to these characters. This is the kind of movie audiences of all ages can enjoy together.'

Meanwhile, Becker and Garger are talking it up as a blend of family adventure and 'flawless, premium artistry'—the sort of big studio talk that’s probably scribbled on a lot of whiteboards in production offices, but hey, it’s animated mice. Let them dream.

When’s It Out?

Animation work is still full steam ahead, with the finished film not expected until the back end of 2026. So don’t hold your breath for any trailers soon—unless you’re a mouse, in which case, two years will go by in a handful of heartbeats.