First Trailer for ‘Julián’ Mermaid Story Animation by Cartoon Saloon

First Trailer for ‘Julián’ Mermaid Story Animation by Cartoon Saloon

by Alex Billington
November 13, 2026
Source: YouTube

“If you’re going to be a mermaid, we can make you a costume together.” 🧜‍♀️ GKids has revealed the new official trailer for the animated film titled Julián, one of the latest creations from the iconic Irish animation studio known as Cartoon Saloon. Directed by Louise Bagnall (of the Oscar nominated short animated film Late Afternoon), and based on the New York Times bestseller “Julián Is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love, Julián has been brought to life by an outstanding team of animators. This originally premiered at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival and is now set for a theatrical release starting in March 2027 next year. The story is about a young boy whose dream of becoming a mermaid transforms both his summer & his relationship with his grandmother. TIFF explains more: “When he learns of the city’s upcoming Mermaid Parade, he dreams of marching as a mermaid alongside his three new pals. But Julián’s joyful certainty about who he is unsettles his abuela’s expectations, setting them both on a path towards greater understanding.” With the voices of Knyght Darius Jack, Milcania Diaz-Rojas, Lisa-Kaindé Diaz, Naomi Diaz. TIFF reviews state that Julián “is a wonderful example of how children’s fare can handle complex subject matter without dumbing things down or ignoring the very real feelings of shame and isolation kids everywhere experience.” Jump in.

Here’s the latest official trailer (+ poster) for Cartoon Saloon’s film Julián, direct from YouTube:

A heart-warming story about family, imagination and the power of self-expression. Wide-eyed Julián is about to spend the summer with a grandmother he barely knows. He is amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, his own Caribbean heritage and the lively Brooklyn community he is surrounded by. But most surprising of all, Julián discovers that he is, in fact, a mermaid! Julián is an animated film directed by animation filmmaker Louise Bagnall, an artist on Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner making her first feature film after directing many animated shorts previously. Co-directed by Guillaume Lorin & Mark Mullery. The screenplay is written by Juliany Taveras; adapted from the children’s book written by Jessica Love. It’s produced by Charlotte de La Gournerie, Anthony Leo, Fabien Renelli, Stéphan Roelants, Andrew Rosen, Lewis Taylor, Nora Twomey, Paul Young, Tomm Moore. Made by Cartoon Saloon in Ireland, along with Sun Creature Studio, Aircraft Pictures, Mélusine Productions; in association with Wychwood Media & Cinestar Pictures. This initially premiered at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival this fall. GKids debuts Cartoon Saloon’s Julián film in select US theaters starting March 26th, 2027 early next year. Want to watch this?

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