Stephen Curry opens up about ‘underdog’ journey ahead of new movie GOAT

Stephen Curry knows what it feels like to be underestimated.

The four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, and Olympic gold medalist tells People that before joining the Golden State Warriors in 2009, he was often overlooked. “I was physically a late bloomer, undersized,” Curry, 37, said. 

“When I walked into a gym, I didn’t pass the eye test. Being underrated has always been part of my story.”

The son of former basketball player Dell Curry recalls his first professional game as one of his most cherished memories. “I will never forget my first game day, my first regular-season game and all of the nerves and jitters I had,” he says. “Because in that moment, you’re realizing a dream.”

It’s also why Curry felt a personal connection to the new animated movie GOAT, which he produces and stars in. In the film, he voices Lenny, a giraffe “roarball” player. The story follows Will, a small goat who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play professional roarball and transform the game. 

“The movie is inspired by that underdog mentality that I’ve had my entire life,” Curry says.

“The idea of dreaming big, even when critics and doubters are around you, I still carry that mentality and want to prove myself every time I step on the court,” he adds.

The star-studded cast also features Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, and Jennifer Hudson.

Curry’s wife, actress and entrepreneur Ayesha Curry, voices Carol, a goat who serves as a maternal figure to Will. 

“Me and Ayesha [as] parents, we love finding entertaining, uplifting stories for our kids but also something that we can enjoy ourselves,” Curry said. 

The couple shares four children: Riley, 13; Ryan, 10; Canon, 7; and 21-month-old Caius.

“The movie isn’t just for sports, it’s not just for basketball,” Curry says. “It’s a mentality I think most people have found themselves in at one point or another — something we can all tap into.”

GOAT hits theaters Friday, Feb. 13.