The World of Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Continues with New Short Film: ’22 Vs. Earth’

Pixar’s Soul was probably my favorite film of 2020. Gorgeous as it was deep, it really served as a reminder of why Pixar is still the best in the Animation game at this point in time. And while I think it is the embodiment of the perfect one-and-done film (please don’t ever make a feature-length sequel to this perfect movie!) it’s nice to dip our toe into this world and revisit the characters from time to time in a limited capacity. And thankfully, Pixar is planning to do just that, with the upcoming release of their new short film, 22 Vs. Earth!

If you’ve read my review, you’ll find 22 was my favorite character in the film, and Tina Fey was completely pitch perfect in the role as a cynical soul that refuses to have anything to do with Earth, until she spends a day in Joe Gardner’s shoes. And I’m delighted that we’ll be seeing her reprise the role for this mini-prequel.

In Pixar Animation Studios’ “22 vs. Earth,” new soul 22 (voice of Tina Fey) enlists a gang of five other new souls in her rebellious refusal to go to Earth. But her cohorts’ activities lead to unexpected results. Set before the events of Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” “22 vs. Earth” is directed by Kevin Nolting and produced by Lourdes Alba. © 2021 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Here are the details per Disney/Pixar:

“Ever wonder what new soul 22 has against Earth in Disney and Pixar’s hit 2020 feature film Soul? A new short from Pixar Animation Studios revisits the skeptical soul long before she ever met Joe Gardner. Debuting on Disney+ on April 30, 22 vs. Earth welcomes Tina Fey back to The Great Before as the voice of quick-witted and sarcastic soul 22.

Set before the events of Soul, the original short is directed by 21-year Pixar veteran Kevin Nolting. “While making Soul, we talked about the why of a new soul not wanting to live on Earth, but it didn’t ultimately belong in that movie,” said Nolting. “22 vs. Earth was a chance to explore some of the unanswered questions we had about why 22 was so cynical. As a fairly cynical person myself, it felt like perfect material.”

In the short, 22 defies the rules of The Great Before and refuses to go to Earth, enlisting a gang of five other new souls in her attempt at rebellion. However, as her cohorts’ activities lead to unexpected results, 22’s subversive plot may actually lead to a surprising revelation about the meaning of life.”