Pixar Animation Studios is proving that its storytelling magic is far from over. During a highly anticipated presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter delivered a dazzling glimpse into the studio’s future. Offering fans an exclusive look at four of its most exciting upcoming features: Toy Story 5, Hoopers, Elio, and the newly announced original film Gatto.
Toy Story 5: Classic Toys In A Digital World
The headliner of the event was undoubtedly Toy Story 5, the next chapter in Pixar’s beloved franchise. Directed by Andrew Stanton and rising talent McKenna Harris, the film sees the return of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, with Ernie Hudson stepping into the role of Combat Carl in tribute to the late Carl Weathers. Set for release on June 19th, 2026, Toy Story 5 explores what it means to be a toy in a world where children’s attention is dominated by screens.
Docter described it as “Toy meets Tech,” revealing that Bonnie’s new favorite “toy” is a sleek, AI-driven tablet named Lillypad. In the opening scene—screened exclusively for Annecy attendees—a container of Buzz Lightyears awaken left on a desert island, separated from Star Command. The film promises both heart and high-concept, as Woody, Buzz, and the gang must navigate a tech-dominated future while rediscovering their purpose in a changing world.
Gatto: Pixar Embraces Painterly Poignance
Docter also announced a bold new original project: Gatto, directed by Luca filmmaker Enrico Casarosa. A painterly departure from Pixar’s traditional aesthetic, Gatto centers on Nero, a water-averse black cat in Venice who befriends Maya, a soulful street musician. The film blends whimsy, emotion, and artistry, with visuals inspired by European storybooks and Venetian dreamscapes. Set to release in summer 2027, Gatto is set to be one of Pixar’s most visually daring and emotionally resonant features yet.
Hoopers: Beavers, Brain Swaps & Environmental Battles
On the lighter side, Hoopers brings a burst of animated comedy and social commentary. The film stars Piper Curda as Mabel, a nature enthusiast who, thanks to a mind-swapping experiment, ends up inside a robot beaver’s body to save her woodland home from destruction. Featuring Jon Hamm as a scheming mayor and Bobby Moynihan as the majestic King George of the beavers, Hoopers is part satire, part screwball adventure, and all heart. Early clips shown at Annecy teased a clever, energetic tone—balancing Pixar’s signature emotional depth with laugh-out-loud absurdity.
Elio: First Contact With Pixar Charm
Finally, attendees were treated to a full 25 minutes of Elio, Pixar’s upcoming sci-fi adventure arriving June 20th, 2025. Co-directed by Madeline Sharafian and Oscar winner Domee Shi (Turning Red), Elio follows a shy 11-year-old boy (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) who’s mistakenly abducted by aliens and declared Earth’s ambassador. With a voice cast including Zoe Saldaña, Jameela Jamil, and Brad Garrett, Elio mixes galactic grandeur with emotional honesty—a coming-of-age tale that’s as interstellar as it is intimate.
A New Era Of Pixar Storytelling
Pixar’s Annecy presentation signals a creative renaissance, where nostalgia meets innovation, and original ideas flourish alongside legendary franchises. With Toy Story 5 tackling the evolving definition of play, Gatto offering poetic introspection, Hoopers delivering eco-conscious fun, and Elio soaring to new cosmic heights, Pixar is reminding audiences that animation isn’t just for kids—it’s for dreamers of all ages. As Pete Docter himself put it, “Animation has no limits. These stories are just the beginning”. Stay tuned as Pixar continues to shape the future one frame at a time.
