In a lively Hollywood event on June 5, audiences were treated to a first look at the animated film “In Your Dreams,” where Craig Robinson voices Baloney Tony in In Your Dreams, adding comedic depth to a story bursting with heart. Director Alex Woo and Robinson joined the sneak peek at Netflix’s presentation, revealing new details about this original adventure releasing November 14, 2025, on Netflix.
Netflix’s Special Sneak Peek Unveils “In Your Dreams”
Netflix’s advance preview brought together media and fans for an engaging night dedicated to “In Your Dreams,” an animation that explores the raw emotion of childhood hopes and the reality when they sometimes remain unfulfilled. The event showcased key scenes and initiated a spirited discussion between Alex Woo and Craig Robinson about the creative process behind the story and its unique cast of characters. The experience not only heightened anticipation but revealed meaningful influences drawn from family relationships and classic cinema.
The Journey of Stevie and Elliot: Plot Overview
“In Your Dreams” introduces viewers to Stevie, voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, and her younger brother Elliot, played by Elias Janssen. The siblings embark on a fantastical adventure in search of The Sandman, a mysterious figure voiced by Omid Djalili, who promises to make their heartfelt wishes come true. With their parents, voiced by Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti, caught in marital strife, the children’s journey through their dream world becomes a vivid reflection of their longing for family unity. The quest is filled with surprising turns and emotional revelations, bringing audiences face-to-face with wonders lurking in the subconscious.
New Footage: A Glimpse Into the Dreamworld
Attendees at the Hollywood event were shown two exclusive clips, each introduced by Alex Woo. The first clip brings Stevie and Elliot into the mysterious depths of a bookstore’s basement, where they stumble across an ancient tome,
“The Legend of the Sandman: The Giver of Dreams.”
After a teenage employee asks them to leave the area, Elliot cleverly sneaks the book out, setting the stage for their nocturnal adventure. Once home, they pore over its contents, igniting their hopes that the Sandman’s powers can reshape their reality.
That same night, Elliot’s bed springs to life, transforming into a magical vehicle flying through the skies alongside Stevie. Their dreamscape mirrors their imagination: anything they conceive, the world provides. When Elliot presses a Rocket Mode button, the bed soars faster, amplifying the thrill of discovery. The scene ends with a voice urging them to continue their search for the Sandman.
The second exclusive scene centers on Stevie in Breakfast Town, a whimsical world bursting with animated breakfast foods. Elliot soon interrupts Stevie’s dream, and together they follow an enticing scent, leading them to a much-loved and comical discovery—Elliot’s cherished stuffed toy, Baloney Tony. Hidden in real life behind their bedroom refrigerator by Stevie to eliminate its baloney smell, Baloney Tony’s entrance adds both nostalgia and laughter to the children’s quest.
Animation, Comedy, and Deep Emotions in the Sneak Peek
The clips introduced during the preview revealed not only laughs through lively sibling banter but also layered emotional storytelling. Stevie’s frequent frustration with her younger brother Elliot is both realistic and relatable, adding depth to their interactions. Their pursuit of the Sandman symbolizes more than childhood fantasies; it points toward longing and growth, especially reflected when Stevie stares at photos of happier family times, suggesting that her dreams hold a greater yearning than Elliot’s simple wishes.
Craig Robinson voices Baloney Tony with a comedic flair that was met with an enthusiastic response. His animated performance, precise timing, and warm delivery enabled the character to win over viewers instantly. The visuals, meanwhile, showcased the meticulous work of the animation studio, with vibrant designs and imaginative worlds that enhance the film’s emotional undertones.
Director Alex Woo’s Creative Challenges and Inspirations
“In Your Dreams” marks Alex Woo’s first time directing a feature, and he shared candid insights during the Q&A about navigating the complex landscape of dream films.
“A dream movie in the animated space has been a white whale. I think every animation studio in the world has had a dream movie in development at some point over the last couple of decades, but none of them have ever been made because I think nobody could figure out how to give a dream movie stakes. When we started our company and we were dreaming up different movie ideas, when we cracked it, we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to make this really quickly, otherwise somebody else is going to figure it out before us.’”
—Alex Woo, Director
Woo’s intention to navigate the delicate balance between magical optimism and the realities of dashed hopes set this film apart. He openly reflected on the inspiration guiding his vision:
“I grew up on movies that told me that if I wished hard enough, if I wanted something badly enough, that my dreams could come true. And as I grew up, I realized, well, sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it’s not. And I really wanted to make a movie that explores the question of, what do you do when your dreams actually don’t come true? How do you find hope? How do you keep moving forward in life? How do you find a way through? So that was sort of the big inspiration for me for this movie, and that’s why I wanted to so desperately make it.”
—Alex Woo, Director
Drawing from his personal connections, Woo described how childhood experiences shaped the film’s core relationships:
“I have a little brother and Elliot is very much based on him. I’m very much Stevie, and me and my brother, we’ve had our epic battles throughout our childhood. I’m the perfectionistic, overbearing older sibling. He’s the carefree, fun-loving, charming little brother. I think a lot of this movie was me trying to understand and appreciate him and his unique perspective and take on life. One of my good friends, who knows me a little too well, saw the movie, and he said, ‘You know this film is just a really circuitous way of you telling your brother that you love him.’ And I was like, ‘I guess?’ Maybe making movies is easier than dealing with your feelings.”
—Alex Woo, Director
Woo also gave credit to the streaming platform, recognizing the bold moves required to champion distinctive animation in the current entertainment landscape:
“I really got to give it up to Netflix for making an original. It’s such a bold statement and it’s really showing leadership in the industry because a lot of studios are just doing IP plays, sequels, video game adaptations, and those things are great but, it’s nice to have an original story every now and then.”
—Alex Woo, Director
The film is peppered with visual nods and references to favorites from Woo’s past, inviting attentive viewers to spot hidden Easter eggs.
“One of my favorite movies in the world is ‘Back to the Future’, and that song by The Chordettes is used in that movie. So there’s a secret homage to that film for me, with the Sandman in that song…. Our studio’s first show was ‘Go! Go! Cory Carson’, which is a preschool show on Netflix. We love that show. I’m really proud of it. We put a bunch of ‘Go! Go! Cory Carson’ Easter eggs in the film. You can keep an eye out for those. There are homages to other films that I love, just as a filmmaker, but I’m not going to give them away. You’ll just have to figure it out for yourself.”
—Alex Woo, Director
Craig Robinson on Embracing Baloney Tony and the Power of Dreams
Craig Robinson, celebrated for his seamless blend of humor and heart, delved into what made “In Your Dreams” and his character Baloney Tony irresistible for him to join. He emphasized the story’s universal appeal and his draw to the character’s quirky charm:
“This script touches all of us, right? Everybody dreams, and if you don’t, you daydream. We all dream about dreaming. So it was just to be a part of something real. Tony was just so funny and silly. And I could see me as this crazy stuffed animal for some reason.”
—Craig Robinson, Voice of Baloney Tony
Robinson also described how collaboration and family relationships influenced his performance and improvisation throughout the recording sessions:
“It was such a collaboration of jokes and improvising in the moment. I would say something and it would be ‘Oh, Craig, say that, okay, do it like this.’ It was ongoing, it was so much fun. And also it is a love letter to our brothers and sisters, because I have a younger brother and an older sister. So that was all real. My brother and I are relentless in teasing our sister, with all love and faith, but the text messages, you can’t misspell a word in our text, it’s over, you know what I’m saying? ‘Really, I never heard that word before.’ So it’s all there.”
—Craig Robinson, Voice of Baloney Tony
Through these personal anecdotes, Robinson highlighted how the movie’s themes of sibling love and playful rivalry are true to life, amplifying its emotional resonance for viewers of all backgrounds.
Meet the Voices Behind “In Your Dreams”
The “In Your Dreams” voice cast brings together acclaimed talent from across film and television. Simu Liu lends warmth and complexity as Dad, while Cristin Milioti captivates as Mom. Craig Robinson, celebrated for his comedic roles, brings heart and humor to Baloney Tony, a character charged with both mischief and meaning. Jolie Hoang-Rappaport’s performance as Stevie and Elias Janssen’s as Elliot serve as the emotional backbone of the story. Additional roles feature Gia Carides as Nightmara, Omid Djalili as the enigmatic Sandman, SungWon Cho as Chad, and Zachary Noah Piser in a dual role as Joon Bae and Polly.
A Star-Studded Ensemble—Past and Present Roles of Craig Robinson
Craig Robinson’s filmography reflects his versatility and enduring appeal. He became a household name through his role on “The Office” (2005–2013), and brought his signature wit to feature films such as “Pineapple Express” (2008), “Hot Tub Time Machine” (2010), “This Is The End” (2013), and the animated “Sausage Party” (2016). Later credits include “Ghosted” (2017–2018), “Dolemite Is My Name” (2019), the animated hits “The Bad Guys” (2022) and its sequel slated for 2025,
“Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie”
(2024), and now, “In Your Dreams” (2025). Each project sees him blending humor, emotion, and a relatable charm that has made him a fan favorite, especially for roles involving animated or offbeat characters.
Plot Details: Dreams, Family, and Second Chances
At its heart, “In Your Dreams” is a deeply emotional exploration of what it means to hope, wish, and sometimes face disappointment. Stevie, in her quest to change her family’s fate, and Elliot, with his simpler, childlike aspirations, traverse the unpredictable and whimsical dream world. Their journey towards the Sandman, played by Omid Djalili, becomes a transformative quest that challenges their views of dreams and family bonds. Through surreal adventures—soaring on flying beds, visiting towns made of breakfast foods, and reuniting with beloved toys—the siblings discover the power of resilience and the true importance of togetherness, regardless of outcome.
Release Plans and Anticipated Impact
“In Your Dreams” is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on November 14, 2025. The film’s original concept, heartfelt performances by the likes of Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elias Janssen, and especially Craig Robinson as Baloney Tony, and creative vision from director Alex Woo position it as a highlight in Netflix’s upcoming animation slate. Early reception from the Hollywood sneak peek points to a project likely to connect emotionally with families, animation enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever longed for the improbable. Its emphasis on family dynamics, the complexity of children’s inner worlds, and the unpredictable beauty of dreams promises to leave a lasting impression long past its release date.
