Gross Girls

Promotional poster

***Gross Girls*** is a 2024 American animated buddy comedy film directed by Chris Spears (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay written by Daniela Hamilton, Scott Yacyshyn and Adam Scott. The film stars the voices of Brianna Denski and Marsai Martin as the main characters Chuck and Zoey alongside a supporting ensemble voice cast that includes Carla Gugino, Jake Johnson, Tiffany Haddish, Andre Braugher, Sean Giambrone, Nicholas Duvernay, Yacyshyn, Issa Rae, Thomas Barbusca, Curtis Schurer, Jenna Davis, and Nathan Price.

In the film, two girls Chuck and Zoey alongside their pet companion Beanle encourage each other to be 100% themselves. Originally planned to be a television series, *Gross Girls* was redeveloped into a feature-length film. *Gross Girls* was produced by Cartoon Network Studios as an original film for a limited theatrical release.

The film released on June 21, 2024 in select theaters and received positive to mixed reviews from critics for its animation quality, cast, and score, but criticized for its screenplay, and pacing.

## Plot

The film is about Chuck and Zoey, two best friends trying to survive middle school without losing any of their trademark stinky, hairy, mad science-y grossness. In spite of jerky brothers, judgey classmates and “common decency,” these two girls boost each other up and encourage each other to be 100% themselves. Because with the right best friend, everything is an adventure … even puberty.

## Cast

* Brianna Denski as Chuck, Marissa and Jim's daughter, and Zoey's friend.
* Marsai Martin as Zoey, Deborah and Kurt's daughter, and Chuck's friend.
* Carla Gugino as Marissa, Chuck's mother.
* Jake Johnson as Jim, Chuck's father.
* Tiffany Haddish as Deborah, Zoey's mother.
* Andre Braugher as Kurt, Zoey's father.
* Sean Giambrone as Ash, Chuck's bullying brother.
* Nicholas Duvernay as Billy, Zoey's bullying brother.
* Scott Yacyshyn as Principal Manerim, the principal of Chuck and Zoey's school.
* Issa Rae as Ms. Burke, the teacher of Chuck and Zoey's school.
* Thomas Barbusca as Martin, Chuck and Zoey's prankster classmate who teases them.
* Curtis Schurer as Caleb, one of Martin's cronies.
* Mateo Gallegos as Rich, one of Martin's cronies.
* Philip Solomon as Jordge, Chuck and Zoey's classmate who looks too cool for school.
* Jenna Davis as Victoria, a gothic girl and Chuck and Zoey's classmate.
* Nathan Price as Hemlock Smithson, Chuck and Zoey's judgy neighbor.
* Beanle's vocals are provided by Gary Hecker

## Production

### Development

In February 2021, Cartoon Network CEO Tom Ascheim announced the development of a television series from Cartoon Network Studios and HBO Max with producers Adam Scott and Naomi Scott alongside creators Daniela Hamilton and Scott Yacyshyn. In December 2023, the project was confirmed to have been redeveloped as a film titled *Gross Girls*, centering around Chuck and Zoey trying to survive middle school without losing any of their trademark stinky, hairy, mad science-y grossness, during the Cartoon Network Investor Day 2023 event. Brianna Denski and Marsai Martin were reported to be providing the voice roles of Chuck and Zoey.

Cartoon Network Studios was still closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, production on *Gross Girls* continued. Like the previous Cartoon Network films produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the film was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

### Casting

Brianna Denski and Marsai Martin voiced their roles as Chuck and Zoey, having been confirmed to when the film was announced. All remaining cast members were set as Carla Gugino, Jake Johnson, Tiffany Haddish, Andre Braugher, Sean Giambrone, Nicholas Duvernay, Yacyshyn, Issa Rae, Thomas Barbusca, Curtis Schurer, Jenna Davis, and Nathan Price.

### Animation

The animation was outsourced to Rough Draft Korea in Seoul. Rough Draft had previously collaborated with Cartoon Network Studios on *Craig of the Creek: The Movie* (2023). Around 80 people were involved in the creation of *Gross Girls*. Almost all the production was done remotely which led Spears to never having a meeting with the entire team. Spears said, "It was a pretty lean crew. But yet, everybody was able to really concentrate and work hard from their homes." He also said that they finished production on the film in late 2023.

### Music

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross composed the musical score. The soundtrack was released on June 21, 2024, by WaterTower Music.

Reznor and Ross’s score was nominated for Public Choice Award at the 2024 edition of World Soundtrack Awards.

## Release

### Marketing

The first look of the film was shown on December 7, 2023, at Cartoon Network's Investor Day, depicting Chuck and Zoey trashing their classrooms and embarrassing their teachers and classmates.

### Theatrical limited release

The film was released in the United States and other countries on June 21, 2024, as a limited theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures.

## Reception

The film received positive to mixed reviews from critics. Bob Hoose from Focus on the Family's pluggedin.com gave a positive review for the movie saying that "*Gross Girls* is a nicely balanced comedy that somehow gives all of the kids—with their distinctive personalities and quirks—a moment to shine". Common Sense Media's review published on *The Washington Post* noted that parents should "expect some name-calling like 'loser' and 'yucky' girls'," but noted that, "overall this is a funny, heartwarming story that the whole family can enjoy".

### Accolades

*Gross Girls* received a nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Non-Theatrical Animation at the 2022 Golden Reel Awards.

## Trivia

* This is Sean Giambrone's first time working on an animated movie from Cartoon Network that has nothing to do with Clarence (2018), Adventure Time (2010), and We Baby Bears (2022).
* Brianna Denski's second Cartoon Network movie role after The Amazing World of Gumball: The Movie (2022).

## Transcripts

### Trailer transcripts

*Main article: Gross Girls/Trailer transcripts*