By India McCarty
NBA star Stephen Curry says his own “underdog” story inspired his latest project, animated movie GOAT.
“I was physically a late bloomer, undersized,” he told PEOPLE. “When I walked into a gym, I didn’t pass the eye test.”
Curry shared that GOAT, which he produced, “is inspired by that underdog mentality that I’ve had my entire life.”
In GOAT, “a small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world,” per an IMDb synopsis.
Related: NBA All-Star Promises His New Sports Movie Will ‘Resonate with Families’
“The idea of dreaming big, even when critics and doubters are around you — I still carry that mentality and want to prove myself every time I step on the court,” Curry said. “It’s not just for sports, it’s not just for basketball. It’s a mentality I think most people have found themselves in at one point or another — something we can all tap into.”
Curry and wife Ayesha also star in the animated movie, alongside STRANGER THINGS stars Caleb McLaughlin and David Harbour, comedians Nick Kroll and Patton Oswalt, BRIDGERTON actress Nicola Coughlan and country star Jelly Roll.
McLaughlin echoed Curry’s comments about also feeling like an underdog in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The actor recalled a moment early in his career when he and another actor were accidentally double-booked for the same role. McLaughlin was asked to perform as a dancer instead.
“I remember going to the bathroom and crying. I said to myself, ‘I don’t want to ever feel like this again. I’m not going to let it happen,’” he recalled. “There was growth in that moment. I got stronger and I got better because of that underdog situation.”
The actor also brought his own basketball experience to the role, sharing, “I played organized ball in my hometown before I started my acting career. But once it started, I was only able to partake in games with friends or even just by myself. Most of the time, I’d play by myself, but I still try to play when I can.”
McLaughlin praised co-star Curry as well, saying he “is in a lane of his own. He changed the game.”
“Stephen Curry was someone I leaned toward growing up,” he continued. “I love his playing style because I’m not the tallest guy on the court. I’m average height…Steph is whom I relate to the most.”
Watch GOAT in theaters now!
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