In a move that's injecting fresh animated content into its European lineup, Disney+ has acquired the Oscar-shortlisted short film Retirement Plan for streaming in the UK and across the continent. The gently comic animated work, directed by Dublin-based filmmaker John Kelly, features voice work from actor Domhnall Gleeson, who has now stepped up as an executive producer on the project. This addition comes at a pivotal time for the film, which has already garnered critical acclaim and awards buzz following its festival circuit run.
The announcement, reported exclusively by Deadline, highlights Disney+'s ongoing strategy to bolster its short-form content offerings with award-contending titles. Retirement Plan world-premiered at the Galway Film Festival in Ireland before making waves at major international events. At South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, it secured both the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award in the Animated Short Competition, underscoring its broad appeal. The film further distinguished itself by winning the Best of the Festival Award at the Palm Springs International ShortFest, a prestigious gathering known for spotlighting emerging talent in the short film space.
At its core, Retirement Plan explores the dreams and realities of midlife through the eyes of its protagonist, Ray, voiced by Gleeson. The story depicts Ray mentally escaping the overload and fatigue of his daily grind, envisioning a vibrant retirement filled with poetry writing, adventure sports, vegetable gardening, and even crafting poignant final words for his loved ones. However, the narrative includes a sobering twist: Ray admits he lacks a pension, yet this doesn't dampen his imaginative foray into a fulfilling future. This blend of whimsy and reality has resonated with audiences, contributing to its festival successes.
John Kelly, who co-wrote the script with New York-based writer Tara Lawall, shared insights into the film's origins in a statement to Deadline. “We weren’t thinking about a wider audience when making this film, we just wanted to tell a personal, slightly esoteric story that made us laugh, think and feel a bit wobbly,” Kelly said. “To see it connect with so many people, and now reach the Oscar shortlist, is unimaginable.” Kelly has previously described the project to Deadline as a way to channel personal anxiety, noting how he “basically made a panic attack into a short film.” This personal touch appears to have fueled the film's emotional depth and relatability.
Production on Retirement Plan was handled by Andrew Freedman and Julie Murnaghan, with the film clocking in under the 40-minute limit that qualifies entries for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Currently, it stands among 15 titles on the shortlist for the 2026 Oscars, a competitive field that includes a diverse array of animated works from around the globe. The Academy's recognition adds significant prestige, potentially opening doors for expanded distribution and further accolades.
Domhnall Gleeson's involvement extends beyond his vocal performance as Ray. The Irish actor, known for roles in films like The Revenant, Ex Machina, and the recent The Paper, brings a familiar voice to the project. His decision to join as executive producer signals strong personal investment, perhaps reflecting his own affinity for the story's themes of aspiration amid uncertainty. Gleeson, who hails from Dublin like Kelly, has not yet commented publicly on his expanded role, but sources close to the production indicate it's a natural progression from his initial contribution.
The film's journey to Disney+ underscores the streamer's commitment to European content, especially in animation. Disney+ launched in the UK and much of Europe in March 2020, and since then, it has steadily built a library that mixes blockbuster franchises with indie gems. Acquiring Retirement Plan fits into this pattern, following recent additions like the Tron: Ares streaming date announcement and teases for a Muppet Show reboot special featuring stars such as Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Rogen. While those projects lean toward larger-scale entertainment, Retirement Plan offers a more intimate, reflective experience.
Festival circuits like SXSW and Palm Springs ShortFest have long served as launchpads for Oscar contenders in the shorts category. Historically, winners from these events often propel to Academy attention; for instance, past Best Animated Short recipients like Piper (2016) and Hair Love (2019) followed similar paths of festival acclaim before streaming deals. Retirement Plan's awards trajectory positions it well, though the Oscar race remains wide open with the full list of nominees set to be revealed in January 2026.
John Kelly's background adds context to the film's creation. Based in Dublin, the filmmaker drew from his own experiences to craft a narrative that's both universal and deeply personal. Co-writer Tara Lawall, operating from New York, brought a transatlantic perspective to the script, blending Irish humor with broader existential musings. Their collaboration, as Kelly described, was driven by a desire for authenticity rather than commercial appeal—a ethos that seems to have paid off in spades.
Producers Freedman and Murnaghan, both with credits in independent film, navigated the challenges of animated shorts production, which often operate on shoestring budgets compared to feature-length works. The film's success at festivals like Galway—where it premiered to local audiences—highlights Ireland's growing animation scene. Ireland has produced notable animated talents, from the works of Cartoon Saloon studio behind Oscar-nominated features like Wolfwalkers, to shorts that punch above their weight internationally.
As Retirement Plan lands on Disney+, its availability could introduce it to a vastly wider audience than the festival circuit allowed. Streaming platforms have revolutionized short film distribution, making niche content accessible globally. For Gleeson, this marks another string to his bow in a career that spans indie darlings and mainstream hits. His executive producer credit might also pave the way for potential expansions, though no such plans have been announced.
The Oscar shortlist itself is a milestone, with the Best Animated Short category often serving as a gateway for underrepresented voices in animation. This year's 15 contenders include films from various countries, addressing themes from environmentalism to personal identity. Retirement Plan's inclusion reflects a trend toward stories that tackle aging and financial insecurity with levity, topics increasingly relevant in an era of economic flux.
Looking ahead, the film's Disney+ debut could influence its Oscar prospects. Voters often favor widely seen works, and the platform's reach in Europe—where it boasts millions of subscribers—ensures exposure. Kelly and his team have expressed surprise at the film's trajectory, but the momentum suggests more to come. Whether it clinches the win or not, Retirement Plan has already achieved what many shorts aspire to: connecting on a human level while navigating the competitive world of awards season.
In broader terms, deals like this one illustrate how streamers are scouting festival darlings to enrich their catalogs. Disney+'s focus on Europe aligns with regulatory pushes for local content, as seen in quotas imposed by the EU. For filmmakers like Kelly, it's a validation that personal stories can find a global stage. As the industry evolves, shorts like this one remind audiences of animation's power to provoke thought and laughter in equal measure.
With the Oscars approaching, all eyes will be on whether Retirement Plan can turn shortlist status into a nomination—or even a win. For now, European Disney+ subscribers can stream it and decide for themselves if Ray's retirement dreams capture the imagination as effectively as its accolades suggest.