Pixar's 'Gatto': New Venice-Based Film Announced!
Pixar Gatto, an original animated film directed by Enrico Casarosa, the creator of “Luca,” is slated for release in the summer of 2027 and promises a captivating tale set against the backdrop of Venice. This announcement, made at the Annecy International Animation Festival, has generated considerable excitement among animation enthusiasts.
The story of Pixar Gatto revolves around Nero, a black cat navigating the intricate canals and superstitious atmosphere of Venice. After years of skillful maneuvering, Nero begins to question the choices he's made and the lives he's led.
Indebted to a local feline mob boss, Nero faces a challenging predicament. He is compelled to form an unlikely friendship, which might just lead him to discover his true purpose, that is if the city of Venice doesn't overwhelm him first.
Enrico Casarosa Returns to Italy with Pixar Gatto
Enrico Casarosa, following up on the success of 2021’s “Luca,” which was set on the Italian Riviera, is directing Pixar Gatto. Andrea Warren will also be re-teaming with Casarosa as producer on this exciting new feature.
Unlike “Luca,” which was released directly to Disney+, "Gatto" is expected to have a theatrical release, providing Casarosa with the opportunity to showcase his talent on a larger scale.
Beyond “Gatto,” Pixar also shared first-look footage of another original film titled “Hoppers,” scheduled for release in March 2026. This adventure centers on an animal lover who creates a robotic beaver and transfers her consciousness into it, allowing her to experience life within the animal kingdom.
“Hoppers” boasts a voice cast led by Jon Hamm and is directed by Daniel Chong, promising a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
Other Pixar and Disney Announcements
Pixar chief Pete Docter offered a sneak peek at “Toy Story 5,” revealing concept art and confirming Joan Cusack’s return as Jessie. Tim Allen previously hinted that Jessie would play a significant role in the plot, which revolves around the toys competing for attention against screens and video games.
Additionally, Pixar showcased 27 minutes of its upcoming feature “Elio,” which is set to hit theaters later this month. These announcements highlight Pixar's continued commitment to creating innovative and captivating stories for audiences of all ages.
Before Pixar's presentation, Disney shared footage from “Zootopia 2,” confirming a cameo appearance by French actor Jean Reno as a Zootopia Police Department officer. New characters in “Zootopia 2” include Gary De’Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (Fortune Feimster), and Dr. Fuzzby (voiced by Quinta Brunson).
Furthermore, Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush announced that legendary director Ron Clements would be returning to Disney in a special advisory capacity.
The announcement of Pixar Gatto and the other reveals from Pixar and Disney at the Annecy International Animation Festival signal a vibrant future for animated films, promising a diverse range of stories and characters to captivate audiences worldwide. The summer of 2027 can't come soon enough for fans eager to see Nero's Venetian adventure unfold.