Pixar is preparing to unleash its next original animated adventure, Hoppers, in theaters on March 6, 2026. With the debut of its first teaser trailer, the film is already making waves thanks to its clever mix of science fiction, environmental themes, and signature Pixar charm. Directed by Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears) and featuring a voice cast led by Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm, Hoppers may well be Pixar’s most conceptually bold outing in years.
The teaser sets the stage for what looks to be a heartfelt, funny, and visually dazzling story about identity, empathy, and what it means to truly connect with nature.
A High-Tech Leap Into the Animal World
Hoppers centers on Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda), a curious and courageous young woman who volunteers to test new technology developed by a fringe scientific group. This tech allows humans to transfer their consciousness into robotic animal bodies — a process known as “hopping.”
Mabel chooses to become a robotic beaver and is soon immersed in the world of wildlife, where she meets the quirky yet noble King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), leader of the pond. Their peaceful life is soon threatened by the ambitions of the corrupt Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm), whose plan to build a highway risks destroying the animals’ glade.
This narrative setup blends Pixar’s classic emotional storytelling with timely commentary on environmental destruction and the human-animal relationship.
Pixar’s “Avatar”? Not Quite, But It Knows What It’s Doing
The Hoppers trailer is already drawing comparisons to James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, particularly because of its central premise: a human protagonist adopting a different physical form to interact with another species. In fact, Hoppers playfully acknowledges this similarity with a meta moment where Mabel exclaims, “Guys, this is like Avatar,” to the horror of the defensive scientists.
While Avatar is known for its high-concept sci-fi and epic visuals, Hoppers takes a lighter, more whimsical route. It’s a family-friendly take on consciousness transfer, with humor and emotional beats that aim squarely at Pixar’s core audience — kids and parents alike. The film uses its speculative premise to explore big questions: What would animals say if we could really talk to them? What responsibilities do we have toward nature?
A Tease of Humor, Heart, and Visual Wonder
Early reactions from the Annecy International Animation Film Festival were overwhelmingly positive, with one extended sequence described as so funny “it made us cry.” The teaser includes a scene in which Mabel rescues a lazy beaver from a bear, a moment that encapsulates the film’s tone — humorous yet driven by empathy and adventure.
The visual design appears stunning, with detailed animal animation, lush forest environments, and Pixar’s trademark use of color and lighting to drive mood. From forest ponds to urban encroachments, the film contrasts wild and human-made worlds in striking fashion.
Moreover, the fact that Pixar attached a post-credits tease to its previous film Elio and gave Hoppers a splashy introduction at the D23 Expo suggests that the studio has high confidence in the film’s success.
What to Expect Ahead of Release
As excitement builds, fans can expect more reveals over the coming months:
- Full voice cast announcements, which could include more star-studded additions.
- Expanded story details, particularly about the origin of the hopping technology.
- Deeper looks into the antagonist’s motivations and the environmental stakes.
With Pixar under pressure to continue delivering original stories that resonate both commercially and critically, Hoppers looks poised to deliver. Whether you’re an animal lover, a sci-fi geek, or a die-hard Pixar fan, this one’s shaping up to be a must-watch.
Conclusion
Pixar’s Hoppers might be walking the fine line between homage and originality, but if the teaser is any indication, it’s doing so with charm, wit, and purpose. By merging speculative science with heartfelt storytelling, Hoppers has all the ingredients to become the studio’s next great original hit. Mark your calendars: the animal kingdom awaits on March 6, 2026.
