Walt Disney Studios previewed its upcoming animated offering Strange World at D23 Expo today.

The film includes characters voiced by Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jabouki Young-White and Lucy Liu, all of whom were on hand. It’s about a legendary family of explorers whose differences threaten to scuttle their latest crucial adventure. The film is directed by Don Hall and written by Raya and the Last Dragon’s Qui Nguyen.

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Hall called the film a “story of family [and] the strong desire to leave them a better world.” The director described the driving inspiration behind the film as “our kids.”

Nguyen said the story involves a hidden world, unique creatures and “environments full if surprises and dangers.”

Strange World marks Gyllenhaal’s first time in Disney animated movie. He plays a character called Searcher.

“Being here is so cool and to share this trailer for the first time,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be in a Disney animated movie so it’s kind of a dream come true.”

Quaid agreed.

“I love being part of the Disney family. It really has been very, very good to me. I play Jaeger Clade. I’m Searcher’s father and it’s a really different kind of character for me. He’s got huge calves, for one thing. Jaeger’s a world famous explorer in his strange world, an adventurer. He’s stubborn but he’s a lot of fun – opinionated but, you know, take him as he is.”

Liu said she was “excited to play such an amazing character because Callisto is tough. She’s fearless. A leader.” She also calls the character “someone I would aspire to be” because she wants to protect others.

“I love the idea of looking out for other people,” she said.

Young-White, who plays Searcher’s son Ethan Clade, describes his character as “an incredible kid. Super excited for adventure like his grandfather, not like his dad. I feel a part of myself in him.”

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