Entergalactic

Kid Cudi’s Vision and the Star-Studded Push Behind Entergalactic

Entergalactic (2022) isn’t just another animated film—it’s a passion project born from the creative synergy of Kid Cudi, Kenya Barris, and animator Fletcher Moules. latestnetflix.com's view is that The Netflix original blends music, romance, and a vibrant visual style, but the real story lies in how its cast came together and the personal stakes for its creators.

A Dream Team Assembled by Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi wasn’t just the star of Entergalactic; he was its driving force. The rapper-turned-actor had a clear vision for the project, and one of his biggest coups was bringing Timothée Chalamet on board. In a behind-the-scenes clip, Cudi revealed he personally pushed for Chalamet to join the cast, though the specifics of their collaboration remain under wraps . The film’s ensemble—including Jessica Williams, Laura Harrier, and Vanessa Hudgens—suggests Cudi’s influence extended beyond the mic, with each actor bringing a distinct energy to the story of love and self-discovery in New York City .

Barris, known for his sharp comedic writing (Black-ish, #blackAF), co-created the project and described it as a departure from his usual work. In interviews, he emphasized the film’s uniqueness, calling it a "collaborative display of love" between himself and Cudi . The two had worked together before, but Entergalactic marked a shift into animation and music-driven storytelling, blending Barris’ knack for character dynamics with Cudi’s musical sensibilities.

The Making of a Visual and Musical Experiment

Entergalactic stands out for its hybrid format: part animated film, part visual album. The 92-minute runtime is packed with Cudi’s original music, which serves as the backbone of the narrative . The animation style, led by director Fletcher Moules, leans into a dreamy, semi-realistic aesthetic that mirrors the film’s themes of escapism and emotional vulnerability.

Netflix’s Making Of featurette offers a glimpse into the production process, highlighting the challenges of syncing animation with Cudi’s soundtrack. The team aimed to create something "new and unique," blending genres in a way that felt fresh for both animation and music . While details on budget or production hurdles are scarce, the film’s distinct look suggests a labor of love—one that required balancing artistic ambition with tight deadlines.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Barris’ Personal Struggles

The film’s release coincided with a turbulent period for Barris. In a candid interview, he opened up about his divorce and infidelity, framing the conversation around the pressures of creativity and personal growth . While he didn’t directly tie these struggles to Entergalactic, the timing raises questions about how his personal life might have influenced the project’s themes of love and self-reflection.

Cudi, too, has been vocal about his own battles with mental health, and Entergalactic feels like an extension of his artistic evolution. The film’s protagonist, Jabari, mirrors Cudi’s journey—navigating fame, relationships, and self-doubt—though the extent to which the story is autobiographical remains unclear .

Reception and Legacy: A Cult Favorite?

Critics and audiences have had mixed reactions to Entergalactic. With a 6.8/10 rating on SensCritique based on over 2,000 votes, the film leans toward a niche appeal . Some praise its visuals and soundtrack, while others find the story lightweight. Mini-reviews on YouTube reflect this divide, with some calling it a "hidden gem" and others questioning whether it justifies its runtime .

What’s undeniable is the film’s ambition. It’s a rare example of an animated project that prioritizes music and mood over traditional plot structure, and its star-studded cast suggests a level of industry faith in Cudi and Barris’ vision. Whether it becomes a cult classic or fades into Netflix’s algorithm remains to be seen, but its creation story—filled with creative risks and personal stakes—makes it a fascinating footnote in 2020s animation.