Spies in Disguise is a 2019 American animated spy comedy film produced by Blue Sky Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. Directed by Troy Quane and Nick Bruno, the film features the voices of Will Smith as Lance Sterling, a suave secret agent, and Tom Holland as Walter Beckett, an awkward but brilliant young scientist. Released on December 25, 2019, the film combines action, humor, and heart in a unique story about teamwork and self-acceptance.
The plot follows Lance Sterling, who is known for his exceptional skills as a secret agent working for H.T.U.V. (Honor, Trust, Unity, Valor). During a mission to retrieve an attack drone from arms dealer Katsu Kimura in Japan, Sterling goes against orders and defeats Kimura but discovers that he has been framed as a traitor by the cybernetically enhanced terrorist Killian. In a desperate attempt to evade capture and clear his name, Sterling seeks help from Walter Beckett, who has developed a new technology called "biodynamic concealment." However, after ingesting one of Walter's inventions, Sterling is transformed into a pigeon.
As a pigeon, Sterling must team up with Walter to stop Killian from executing his nefarious plans. The duo navigates various challenges while learning to work together despite their contrasting personalities—Sterling's confidence and charm versus Walter's awkwardness and intellect. Their adventure takes them around the world as they confront enemies and ultimately learn valuable lessons about friendship and collaboration.
Upon its release, Spies in Disguise received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its animation quality, humor, and voice performances, particularly those of Smith and Holland. The film grossed approximately $171 million worldwide against a budget of $100 million.
Overall, Spies in Disguise offers an entertaining blend of action and comedy while delivering messages about embracing one's uniqueness and the importance of teamwork. Its imaginative premise and engaging characters make it a standout family-friendly film in the animated genre.