Pixar Announces ‘Gatto’, a Venice-Set Animated Film, and Previews ‘Toy Story 5’ and ‘Hoppers’ at Annecy Festival

Pixar has revealed a new animated film titled *Gatto*, directed by Enrico Casarosa, set in the picturesque city of Venice. The story follows a black cat named Nero who, under the control of a feline mob boss, is compelled to build an unexpected friendship that may help him find his purpose. The film, currently in production, is scheduled for release in 2027. Casarosa, known for directing *Luca* and *Boy on the Moon*, brings a personal Italian touch to the project, drawing from his heritage and years of experience at Pixar, where he has worked on titles such as *Up*, *Coco*, and *The Good Dinosaur*.

The announcement came during Pixar’s presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter also introduced 25 minutes of footage from the upcoming movie *Elio*. Additionally, audiences were shown early material from *Hoppers*, a story about a teenage nature enthusiast who transfers her mind into a robotic beaver to connect more deeply with the animal world. The presentation concluded with a preview of the opening sequence of *Toy Story 5*, which is set for a summer 2026 release.

The event highlighted Pixar’s commitment to storytelling with emotional depth and international flavor, generating anticipation for its upcoming slate of animated features.