Kid Koala's 'Space Cadet' Lands U.S. Release on November 13, 2026
Viva Kids will open the dialogue-free Canadian animated feature, adapted from Eric San's 2011 graphic novel, in select U.S. theaters.
Kid Koala's animated feature debut, Space Cadet, will open in select U.S. theaters on November 13, 2026, through indie distributor Viva Kids, according to cartoonbrew.com.
The dialogue-free Canadian film follows Celeste, a young astronaut on her first solo mission, and Robot, the guardian who raised her. It is adapted from Eric San's 2011 graphic novel and uses tactile CG animation alongside an original score. Vocal contributions come from artists including Karen O, Emilíana Torrini and Martha Wainwright.
Ginette Petit produces at Outsiders Films, with a screenplay by Mylène Chollet. Lillian Chan served as production designer and head of story, and Corinne Merrell as art director.
From graphic novel to screen
San, who performs as Kid Koala, trained as an elementary school teacher before becoming a DJ. After the graphic novel was published, he staged live shows combining piano, turntables and short animated loops by Lillian Chan; Petit attended one of them, and two weeks later Outsiders Films called about optioning the book in 2011.
Petit proposed keeping the film dialogue-free like the book, and a scratchboard-style animation test was dropped as too fatiguing. The film had its world premiere in Berlin's Generation section in 2025 and has since screened at Annecy and Toronto.
Quick answers
When does Space Cadet open in U.S. theaters?
It opens in select U.S. theaters on November 13, 2026, via Viva Kids.
Is Space Cadet based on a book?
Yes. It is adapted from Eric San's 2011 graphic novel of the same name.
Does Space Cadet have dialogue?
No. The film is dialogue-free, with an original score and vocal contributions from artists including Karen O, Emilíana Torrini and Martha Wainwright.