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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Luca

Luca is a 2021 American animated coming-of-age film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Disney.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Luca is a 2021 American animated coming-of-age film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Disney. Set on the Italian Riviera in the 1950s, it follows a young sea monster who can take human form on land and spends a summer in the fictional town of Portorosso with his friends.

Plot

The story follows Luca, a sea monster boy who can appear human above water, as he forms a close friendship with Alberto and later Giulia. Their summer in Portorosso becomes a coming-of-age adventure shaped by secrecy, friendship, and self-discovery.

Production

Pixar announced the film in 2020 as an Italy-set coming-of-age story. Enrico Casarosa directed the film and Andrea Warren produced it.

Release

Luca premiered on Disney+ on June 18, 2021, rather than receiving a traditional wide theatrical release in many markets. The film runs 95 minutes and is rated PG.

Reception and themes

The film has been described as a family-friendly story about friendship, acceptance, and the transition into adolescence. Critics frequently noted its visual style and Italian setting.

Key facts

  • Luca is an original Pixar feature directed by Enrico Casarosa.
  • The film is set on the Italian Riviera in the 1950s.
  • It was released on Disney+ on June 18, 2021.
  • The story centers on a young sea monster hiding his true nature.
  • The fictional town of Portorosso was inspired by the Cinque Terre region.
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Canadian context

Luca was distributed by Disney and was available to Canadian audiences on Disney+, making it part of the streaming library commonly watched by Canadian families.

Frequently asked questions

What is Luca about?
It is about a young sea monster boy who spends a summer on the Italian Riviera while hiding his identity and making new friends.
Who directed Luca?
Enrico Casarosa directed the film.
When was Luca released?
It was released on June 18, 2021.
Is Luca a Pixar film?
Yes. It is an original Pixar Animation Studios feature released by Disney.
Where is Luca set?
It is set on the Italian Riviera in the 1950s, mainly in the fictional town of Portorosso.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luca_(2021_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, setting, cast, release context, and production credits.
  2. Disney — https://movies.disney.com/luca
    Supports: Official synopsis, runtime, release date, rating, director, and producer.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/luca-movie-review-2021
    Supports: Film description, director's feature debut, and thematic overview.
  4. ABC News — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-18/luca-pixar-new-disney-movie-based-on-director-childhood-in-italy/100215376
    Supports: Italian setting, inspiration, release on Disney+, and general background.