Pixar Charts Its Future at Destination D23
Pixar has pulled back the curtain on its upcoming film slate, and the next few years promise to be a thrilling ride for animation fans. The announcement came during Disney’s Destination D23 event, where the studio confirmed a mix of bold new originals and highly anticipated sequels.
Among the highlights: the debut of Hoppers in 2026, the long-awaited Toy Story 5, Enrico Casarosa’s mysterious new project Gatto, as well as fresh chapters in two of Pixar’s most iconic franchises—Incredibles 3 and Coco 2.
Hoppers: A Robotic Beaver and a Fight for Nature
Pixar’s next original story, Hoppers, will arrive on March 6, 2026. Written and directed by Daniel Chong, the film follows Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), a teenager whose consciousness is transferred into a robotic beaver to communicate with animals. In her new form, Mabel sets out to stop a corporation threatening to destroy a forest and its wildlife.
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The voice cast also includes Bobby Moynihan as King George and Jon Hamm as Mayor Jerry. Pixar has been developing the project since 2020, officially revealing the title in 2024.
Toy Story 5: Jessie Steps Into the Spotlight
Just a few months later, on June 19, 2026, Pixar will bring Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang back for Toy Story 5.
Directed and written by Andrew Stanton, with Jessica Choi producing, the film reunites the beloved cast—Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Tony Hale—alongside newcomers Anna Faris, Ernie Hudson, and Conan O’Brien.
Tim Allen has teased that Jessie will play a central role this time:
“I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie. Tom [Hanks] and I do—Woody and I—do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyear. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”
Gatto: A Tale of Debt, Cats, and Unexpected Friendships
Looking ahead to June 2027, Pixar will debut Gatto, directed by Enrico Casarosa, known for Luca. The film centers on Nero, a character who must repay his debt to a feline mob boss and, in the process, discover the true meaning of friendship.
While the full cast remains under wraps, Ismail Elsene has been confirmed to voice a character named Lauren. The project was first revealed during the Annecy Animation Festival in 2025.
Incredibles 3: Pixar’s Super Family Returns
Fans of Pixar’s superhero saga can rejoice: Incredibles 3 is officially in the works. Brad Bird, who directed the first two installments, will return as writer and executive producer, while directing duties will pass to Peter Sohn.
Bird has previously hinted that many unused ideas from Incredibles 2 could serve as the backbone for a third film. Longtime cast members, including Samuel L. Jackson and Sophia Bush, have already expressed interest in reprising their roles.
Coco 2: Back to the Land of the Dead
Closing out the announcements, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that Coco 2 is moving forward. Original filmmakers Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina will return as director and co-director, with Mark Nielsen producing.
Although no release date has been announced, Pixar emphasized that development is well underway, signaling a long-awaited return to the vibrant world that captured audiences in 2017.
A Balanced Slate of Originals and Sequels
Pixar’s upcoming schedule reflects a deliberate balance: ambitious original stories like Hoppers and Gatto alongside fan-favorite franchises like Toy Story, Incredibles, and Coco. For audiences, that means both the comfort of beloved characters and the thrill of fresh ideas.
With its mix of innovation and nostalgia, Pixar seems poised to deliver one of its most dynamic periods yet.
