Pixar is doubling down on original storytelling with the announcement of Hoppers, a bold new animated adventure set to release on March 6, 2026. Revealed during a star-studded presentation at CinemaCon 2025, the project instantly generated buzz thanks to its unique premise, high-profile cast, and creative team. With a plot that blends emotional depth and sci-fi imagination, Hoppers is shaping up to be one of Pixar’s most inventive films in years.
A Leap Into the Wild: What Hoppers Is About
At the heart of Hoppers is Mabel, a tech-savvy young animal enthusiast who develops a way to “hop” her consciousness into a robotic beaver. This mind-bending technology allows her to experience life as an animal and immerse herself in the wilderness she’s always loved. But Mabel’s adventure takes a turn when she meets King George, a charismatic and regal beaver (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), who leads a fight to protect their habitat from the greedy clutches of Mayor Jerry (played by Jon Hamm), a real estate mogul with plans to bulldoze their home.
While the plot has elements of classic Pixar charm—environmentalism, identity, and friendship—it’s also infused with fast-paced action, offbeat humor, and a quirky sense of wonder that sets it apart from the studio’s recent output.
Meet the Team Behind Hoppers
- Director: Daniel Chong, best known for creating Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears, brings his unique blend of comedy and heart to the big screen.
- Producer: Nicole Paradis Grindle, a Pixar veteran who previously worked on Incredibles 2 and Sanjay’s Super Team, is producing.
- Writers & Artists: While the full writing team hasn’t been revealed, early concept art and storyboards shown at CinemaCon hint at a world filled with lush forests, robotic creatures, and anthropomorphic humor.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
- Piper Curda as Mabel – A rising star lending emotional depth and youthful spirit to the curious heroine.
- Bobby Moynihan as King George – His comedic chops bring charm to the noble beaver.
- Jon Hamm as Mayor Jerry – Hamm returns to animation with villainous flair, giving the real estate tycoon a smooth but menacing voice.
What Does “Hoppers” Mean?
The title refers to the fictional technology at the center of the film: the ability to “hop” one’s mind into a mechanical animal avatar. It’s a clever play on words, especially considering Mabel becomes a beaver—an animal known for hopping across rivers and building dams. But beyond the pun, the concept raises deeper questions about empathy, consciousness, and what it truly means to walk in someone else’s paws.
A Return to Pixar Originals
Hoppers is part of Pixar’s ongoing push to balance sequels with original films. Coming off the heels of projects like Elio and Turning Red, this movie signals that Pixar remains committed to bold storytelling, even as it continues expanding franchises like Inside Out and Toy Story.
With its spring 2026 release, Hoppers will be going up against other major titles, including Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Moana 3. But thanks to its originality and heart, it’s already carving out its own niche in what promises to be a stacked movie year.
Pixar hasn’t released a full trailer yet, but expect teasers to drop later this year. In the meantime, fans can look forward to a film that’s shaping up to be part Zootopia, part Inside Out, and all Pixar magic.
Key Takeaways
- Pixar’s “Hoppers” will star Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan with a planned summer 2026 theatrical release.
- CinemaCon revealed several major films for 2026 including new Marvel and Disney animated sequels.
- Film studios use CinemaCon as a strategic platform to generate early buzz for projects still in development.
Announcement Highlights
Pixar’s newest animated feature “Hoppers” made waves at CinemaCon 2025 with its creative concept and connection to the beloved Toy Story franchise. The film has already generated significant excitement among animation fans and industry insiders.
Reveal at CinemaCon
Disney and Pixar unveiled “Hoppers” as part of their upcoming slate at CinemaCon 2025. The presentation featured placeholder artwork that gave attendees a first glimpse at the film’s visual style. Sony Pictures kicked off the convention with their exclusive presentation, but Pixar’s announcement quickly became one of the event’s most talked-about reveals.
The “Hoppers” announcement was showcased alongside other major Disney projects including “Toy Story 5” and the live-action “Moana” adaptation. Industry insiders noted that Pixar seems to be balancing original content like “Hoppers” with established franchises.
The teaser artwork suggested a vibrant, colorful world that maintains Pixar’s signature visual appeal while introducing new characters.
Release Date and Expectations
“Hoppers” is scheduled for theatrical release in Spring 2026, specifically March 6, 2026. This positions the film as one of Pixar’s major releases following “Elio” and before “Toy Story 5.”
The studio has created high expectations by announcing the film at CinemaCon nearly a year in advance. This marketing strategy indicates Disney’s confidence in the project’s potential to connect with audiences.
Industry analysts predict “Hoppers” will receive a traditional theatrical window before eventually moving to Disney+ later in 2026. The spring release date strategically places it during a period when families often seek entertainment options during school breaks.
Integration into ‘Toy Story’ Universe
Perhaps most intriguing is how “Hoppers” connects to the “Toy Story” universe. Sources at CinemaCon revealed that while “Hoppers” stands as an original film, it shares narrative elements with the upcoming “Toy Story 5.”
The film appears to expand the beloved franchise’s world rather than directly continuing the main storyline. This approach allows Pixar to attract both new viewers and longtime “Toy Story” fans.
The connection to “Toy Story” positions “Hoppers” within Pixar’s strategy of creating an interconnected animation universe. Characters from “Hoppers” may appear in “Toy Story 5,” which is scheduled for release after “Hoppers.”
This creative decision builds anticipation for both films while allowing “Hoppers” to establish its own identity.
Industry Impact and Future Projects
The announcement of “Hoppers” at CinemaCon 2025 has sent ripples throughout the animation industry, positioning Disney and Pixar for another potential blockbuster in 2026. Industry analysts predict this new original IP could reshape animation trends and influence competing studios’ development strategies.
Implications for Disney and Pixar Animation
Disney and Pixar’s decision to launch a new original IP rather than focus solely on sequels shows a strategic shift. This move comes after the success of “Together,” which premiered at Sundance and received critical acclaim from Entertainment Weekly for its innovative animation style.
“Hoppers” represents Pixar’s return to creating fresh worlds instead of expanding existing franchises like “Frozen” or “Incredibles.” Industry insiders note that while Pixar has “Incredibles 3” in development with Brad Bird, the studio is balancing sequel production with original storytelling.
The film’s 2026 release date strategically avoids competition with other major Disney animated releases. Disney+ is expected to play a crucial role in the marketing strategy, likely featuring behind-the-scenes content months before theatrical release.
Upcoming Related Releases
Several animation projects are positioned around “Hoppers” in the release calendar:
| Studio | Project | Release Window | Notable Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney | Frozen 3 | Holiday 2025 | Final chapter in trilogy |
| Pixar | Incredibles 3 | Summer 2027 | Brad Bird directing |
| Disney | Untitled Project | Spring 2026 | Possible D23 announcement |
“Hoppers” fits into Pixar’s new release strategy of two films per year – one theatrical and one Disney+ exclusive. This approach aims to satisfy both box office goals and streaming subscriber retention.
Industry analysts suggest the film’s performance will influence Pixar’s future balance between original stories and established franchises. Studios are watching closely to see if “Hoppers” can achieve both critical and commercial success.
Collaborations and Star Power
“Hoppers” brings together an impressive collaboration of talent. Andrew Stanton, known for “Finding Nemo” and “WALL-E,” serves as executive producer, bringing his storytelling expertise to the project.
The voice cast includes Dwayne Johnson as the lead character Max, marking his return to Disney animation after “Moana.” Timothée Chalamet joins in a supporting role, continuing Hollywood’s trend of casting major live-action stars in animated features.
Sound design and music collaborations are equally notable. The film will feature an original score by a renowned composer who previously worked on Pixar classics.
Marketing plans include cross-promotion with other Disney properties. The film will likely have a significant presence at next year’s D23 expo, where fans can expect exclusive footage and merchandise reveals.
Frequently Asked Questions
CinemaCon 2025 has revealed an exciting slate of films for 2026, including the mysterious “Hoppers” project. Industry insiders are buzzing about the diverse lineup spanning multiple genres and studios.
What are the most anticipated film releases announced at CinemaCon for 2026?
Spider-Man 4 starring Tom Holland has generated massive excitement as one of the most anticipated 2026 releases. The film marks Holland’s return to the MCU with a confirmed 2026 release date.
“Hoppers” was also announced at CinemaCon, though specific details about this project remain limited. The film has created curiosity among attendees and movie fans.
A new Hunger Games installment was teased during the presentations, continuing the popular franchise with fresh storylines and characters.
Who are the directors involved in the major projects revealed at CinemaCon for 2026?
Sony Pictures has secured top directing talent for their ambitious 2026 slate, including their Spider-Man franchise continuation. The studio presented their vision during a dedicated CinemaCon showcase.
Several acclaimed directors have signed on for original projects scheduled for 2026, though specific director-project pairings weren’t fully detailed in the available information.
The John Wick prequel announced at CinemaCon will bring fresh directorial vision to the action franchise while maintaining its signature style.
Can we expect any sequels or franchise continuations among the 2026 film announcements from CinemaCon?
Spider-Man 4 stands as the major franchise continuation, with Tom Holland reprising his role as Peter Parker. The film continues the storyline from previous MCU Spider-Man entries.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse was also highlighted at Sony’s presentation, expanding the animated Spider-Verse saga.
The John Wick prequel will explore the earlier days of the assassin universe, building on the successful franchise while exploring new narrative territory.
What genres are dominating the CinemaCon announcements for the 2026 film slate?
Superhero films maintain a strong presence in the 2026 lineup, led by Spider-Man 4 and other comic-based projects. These continue to anchor major studio release strategies.
Action films feature prominently, including the John Wick prequel that promises to deliver the franchise’s signature choreographed combat sequences.
Dystopian storytelling continues its popularity with the new Hunger Games film, showing audience demand remains high for these speculative narratives.
Which film studios are leading with the highest number of projects announced for 2026 at CinemaCon?
Sony Pictures showcased an impressive slate during their CinemaCon presentation, highlighting both Spider-Man 4 and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse as flagship 2026 releases.
Major studios presented films scheduled across 2025-2026, with some projects potentially shifting between years as development progresses.
Several studios unveiled partnership projects, combining resources for larger-scale productions aimed at global audiences.
Have any groundbreaking cinematic technologies been introduced for the upcoming 2026 films at CinemaCon?
Advanced visual effects technologies were showcased for several 2026 projects, promising to push boundaries in digital filmmaking and immersive experiences.
Theater exhibition innovations were discussed alongside the film announcements, highlighting how these movies will take advantage of the latest projection and sound technologies.
Studios emphasized their commitment to theatrical experiences, with technologies designed to differentiate cinema viewing from home streaming options.
