Exciting Announcements from Pixar Animation Studios at Annecy Film Festival
Pixar Animation Studios recently unveiled an exclusive sneak peek of its highly anticipated upcoming features during a studio presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Among the exciting reveals were Toy Story 5, Hoopers, and a brand-new original film titled Gatto. The showcase also included extensive footage from Pixar’s upcoming release, Elio, set to debut in 2025.
Toy Story 5: A New Adventure Awaits
Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, took the stage to share behind-the-scenes insights and early footage from Toy Story 5. The beloved franchise sees the return of fan-favorites Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, with direction by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, and production by Jessica Choi. Scheduled for release on June 19, 2026, this fifth installment promises to explore the challenges faced by toys in a digital-first world.
Docter describes the film as “Toy meets Tech,” where Woody, Buzz, and their friends must adapt to the new favorite toy of their owner, Bonnie Anderson: a tech tablet named Lillypad. The toys will confront a new generation of kids who are more captivated by screens than traditional playthings. Audiences were treated to the world premiere of the film’s opening scene, featuring Buzz Lightyear awakening on a deserted island, trying to reconnect with “star command.” Additionally, Toy Story 5 will introduce Ernie Hudson voicing Combat Carl, a role originally portrayed by the late Carl Weathers.
In celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the audience enjoyed archival footage from the making of the original Toy Story, Pixar’s first-ever full-length feature.
Introducing Gatto: A New Original Film
Docter also announced Gatto, an original animated feature directed by Enrico Casarosa, known for his work on Luca. This charming story follows Nero, a black cat who despises water, living in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy. Nero forms an unlikely friendship with Maya, a lonely street musician. Docter provided a glimpse at the film’s stunning character designs and animated tests, which will feature a unique painterly aesthetic distinct from typical Pixar styles. Gatto is set to premiere in summer 2027.
Hoopers: A Whimsical Comedy
In addition to its major features, Pixar showcased a first-look clip from Hoopers, an original comedy featuring Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda). Mabel is a nature-loving young woman who embarks on a mission to stop Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm) from constructing a highway that threatens her local woodlands. Through a secret brain-swapping experiment, Mabel transfers her consciousness into a robot beaver to rally the woodland creatures, led by the regal King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), in a bid to save their home.
Elio: A Sci-Fi Adventure for All
The Annecy session also included an exciting preview of Elio, directed by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm. This sci-fi adventure, which hits theaters on June 20, follows 11-year-old Elio Solis (voiced by Yonas Kibreab), who is mistakenly abducted by aliens and identified as Earth’s ambassador. The star-studded voice cast includes Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, and Shirley Henderson. Attendees were treated to an impressive 25 minutes of footage from the film, generating buzz and excitement.
Stay tuned for more updates as Pixar continues to redefine animated storytelling with its innovative projects and beloved characters!
