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Gorillaz reveal hand-drawn short film for new album ‘The Mountain’
Gorillaz unveil a stunning new Hand-Drawn short film titled ‘The Mountain’ for their ninth album.
The world’s most famous virtual band is back with a mesmerising new project. Gorillaz have officially unveiled a trailer for an eight-minute animated short film, which accompanies their upcoming ninth studio album, titled The Mountain. It is called The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God.
A Journey Through the Jungle
The film follows 2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel as they trek through a treacherous jungle. They are trying to reach the peak of a mysterious mountain. However, a creepy voice-over warns that their dream soon becomes a nightmare. Interestingly, the film serves as a metaphor for the story of life. Jamie Hewlett describes the mountain as a symbol of our journey toward reincarnation.
Classic Animation Meets Modern Music
Fans will notice a striking change in the visual style this time. The band has moved away from glossy CGI. Instead, they have embraced traditional, hand-drawn cel animation. The style is inspired by classic films like The Jungle Book and 101 Dalmatians. This retro look was brought to life by the animation studio The Line.
The music is deeply influenced by South Asian culture. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett spent time in India while creating this project. Consequently, the soundtrack features Hindustani classical musicians and spiritual themes. The album also includes posthumous vocals from legends like Bobby Womack and Dennis Hopper.
How to Watch the Premiere
The full short film will debut on Friday, 27 February 2026. This is the same day the new album officially drops. You can watch it for free on the Gorillaz YouTube channel at 4 pm GMT.
In addition, lucky fans can catch early screenings at Alamo Drafthouse cinemas. These events start on 26 February and feature a special making-of documentary. Throughout March, the cinema chain will also show films hand-picked by the band members.
Gorillaz have always pushed the boundaries of music and art and with The Mountain, they seem to have found a beautiful new path. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, this release is unmissable.
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