'Home': First 3D animated film to feature black leading character hits theaters soon

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TV shows and films are increasingly embracing diversity – and now, animated feature films are following their lead.

The film company DreamWorks is releasing a new animated film in November and it is the first of its kind to feature a black character in a leading role.

Home is the name of the upcoming film and it tells the story of a young, black girl named Tip who manages to escape the invasion of a purple, pint-sized alien race called Boov.

The film follows Tip as she eventually befriends a banished Boov named Oh and embarks on an adventurous journey.

Grammy-winning artist Rihanna has been cast to be the voice of Tip and the singer joins a stellar cast in providing vocals including Jennifer Lopez, Jim Parsons, and Steve Martin.

Over the years, DreamWorks has released of number of stellar animated films including Shrek, Madagascar, Sherman and The Croods – but never have any of their 28 films featured a black protagonist.

The Prince of Egypt, which was released in 1998, was the first time the film company had a character of color as the main lead. As for the female protagonists, only two of their films have made this recognition, Monsters vs. Aliens and The Croods. 

Home is scheduled to hit theaters on November 26. Watch a trailer for the film below:

Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works