Disney and Pixar Announce New Animated Films at Annecy

Concept art for Gatto

Disney and Pixar are generating excitement for their upcoming projects while simultaneously working on new features that promise to captivate audiences. During their presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the studios unveiled details about their next movie, Elio, and provided updates on Toy Story 5. However, the highlight of the event was the surprise announcement of a new film titled Gatto, directed by Enrico Casarosa and produced by Andrea Warren, set to be released in 2027.

Gatto tells the story of a music-loving black cat living in Venice who forms a bond with a young girl while navigating the city’s feline crime scene. According to reports from Deadline, the film will showcase a “distinct, unique hand-painted” aesthetic, marking a departure from the traditional animation styles associated with Pixar.

Illustration of characters from Hoppers

In addition to Gatto, Disney and Pixar announced the development of Hoppers, a new project from We Bare Bears creator Daniel Chong. This film follows a girl named Mabel, voiced by Piper Curda, who embarks on a mission to save a local pond using technology that allows her to transfer her consciousness into the body of a robotic beaver. While Hoppers does not yet have a confirmed release date, the studios did share more information about Toy Story 5, which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2024.

Toy Story 5 will see the return of beloved characters as their new owner, Bonnie, becomes fascinated with a new tablet that resembles devices from Leapfrog and VTech. This continuation of the franchise is highly anticipated by fans, eager to see how the story evolves with the introduction of new technology.

Disney and Pixar have a long-standing tradition of developing films years in advance, and the recent announcements provide a glimpse into the studios’ future endeavors. Although their recent output has faced challenges, these upcoming projects have the potential to reinvigorate interest and excitement among audiences.

As the animation landscape continues to evolve, Disney and Pixar remain at the forefront, consistently pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry. The anticipation surrounding Gatto and Hoppers reflects the studios’ commitment to creating innovative and engaging content for viewers of all ages.

For more information about these upcoming films and other projects from Disney and Pixar, stay tuned for further updates as the studios continue to unveil their plans for the future.

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