Based on Deborah Diesen’s beloved New York Times bestselling children’s book, The Pout-Pout Fish is swimming into theaters nationwide with a heartfelt reminder: you are not stuck being who you think you are.
The animated adventure follows Mr. Fish (voiced by Nick Offerman), a self-proclaimed gloomy introvert, and Pip (Nina Oyama), an energetic sea dragon, as they embark on a quest to find a legendary fish who can grant a wish to save their homes. Along the way, they encounter Shimmer (Jordin Sparks), the ocean’s radiant star, a figure widely admired and believed to have the power to grant wishes.
At its core, the story explores vulnerability, perspective shifts, and the power of connection. And for Offerman and Sparks, those themes feel deeply personal.
When asked whether he has ever had to unlearn something he once believed was simply part of his personality, Offerman didn’t hesitate to reflect.
“When I met my wife, I was 29 and she was 40,” he shared. “I had already become this taciturn, hardworking man. I was a carpenter. I was very serious about things.”
It was his wife, he explained, who gently challenged that rigidity. “She really taught me to loosen up and be vulnerable with my emotions,” he said. “Whenever I would smile, she would say, ‘Well, there’s the sunshine.’ It was a huge life lesson.”
Much like Mr. Fish, who initially believes he is destined to be dreary, Offerman learned that stoicism didn’t have to define him. More than 25 years into his marriage, he credits emotional openness as part of what has kept it strong.
For Offerman, vulnerability isn’t something you master once and move on from. It evolves.
“As soon as I conquer whatever my challenge is today as a 55-year-old, when I’m 56 I’ll have a new set of problems,” he explained. “We always have to greet problems with love, understanding, and empathy.”
He shared a recent example that mirrors the film’s message. After accidentally cutting someone off in a drive-thru line and being confronted, he chose compassion over pride. He paid for the man’s meal and left an apology note.
“I always try to remember when people are mad that they probably just need a hug,” Offerman said. “Offer a hug before a punch — that’s my motto.”
That ethos , empathy over ego, aligns seamlessly with Mr. Fish’s journey from believing his “pout-pout” face defines him, to realizing he can choose something different.
For Jordin Sparks, stepping into the role of Shimmer also felt personal. “I am Shimmer,” she said with a laugh. “Shimmer is me.”
In the film, Shimmer is viewed as dazzling and larger than life. Sparks understands that experience intimately. After rising to fame as a teenager on American Idol, she quickly learned how easily the public can project expectations onto someone.
“I understand being in the public eye and people thinking that I’m one thing,” she said. “And then knowing there’s such a different depth and so much more to me than what people see.”
She remembers being advised early in her career not to Google herself, advice she admits she didn’t follow at the time. “They told us, ‘Don’t Google yourself,’” she recalled. “And I did. I should not have.”
Now, her approach to staying grounded is intentional and rooted in simplicity.
“I work. I do what I need to do. And then I come home,” she said. “I drink my water. I take care of my chickens. I look at my garden. I shoot hoops with my son.”
She meditates. She prays. She limits social media. Between performing on stage — where she says everything “makes sense” — and spending time with her husband and son, Sparks has found a rhythm that keeps her centered.
“Between the stage and home, so many different things can happen,” she said. “But I know where I feel happiest and most at peace.”
Like the original book, the film adaptation reminds audiences that emotions are not permanent identities. Mr. Fish learns that his “pout” is not a fixed destiny. Shimmer reminds viewers that even those who appear luminous from afar have layers beyond what’s visible.
Ultimately, The Pout-Pout Fish invites families to reflect on empathy, emotional flexibility, and the simple power of kindness. Because sometimes, all it takes is a small shift — or even a gentle reminder from someone who sees your “sunshine” — to change everything.
“Sea” The Pout-Pout Fish in theaters March 20.
