Set in Havana, Cuba, the upcoming animated feature film Vivo will give Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton) another stage to play on.
Vivo tells the story of a kinkajou, a tropical rainforest mammal also known as the “honey bear,” who entertains people in Havana Square by playing music alongside his owner Andrés (Juan de Marcos González of the Buena Vista Social Club). When Andrés has to make a trip to Miami, Vivo must get help from a high-spirited tween girl (Ynairaly Simo) to deliver a message to Miami before it’s too late.
In the first teaser trailer for the film, Andrés is seen pushing out a small street organ into the center of Havana and introducing “the one and only Vivo” to the crowd who has gathered there that day.
Vivo, who is voiced by Miranda, hops out from behind the curtains wearing a Fedora-style hat and takes his place atop the cart where a set of percussion instruments await. From there, we watch Vivo do some acrobatic moves as the Cubans in the area dance to the song Andrés is belting out. “Is this thing on?” Vivo asks, using one of his maracas like a microphone.
On Tuesday (April 28), it was announced that Vivo, which was supposed to have a June 4 theatrical release, would now debut on Netflix. A new release date has not been set.
“Bringing Vivo to life has been an incredible artistic journey,” Miranda told Variety. “I’m so excited Vivo will have a home at Netflix, where kids of all ages will be able to enjoy the film’s songs and adventures again and again.”