Venice-set cat tale leads slate as beloved franchise returns with new tech twist
- Pixar announces Gatto, a 2027 release directed by Luca‘s Enrico Casarosa
- Docter previews Toy Story 5 with original cast and a tech-themed storyline
- Annecy audience treated to early looks at Elio, Hoppers, Coco 2, and The Incredibles 3
A Cat With Nine Questions: Pixar Reveals ‘Gatto’
Pixar has officially announced Gatto, a new original animated feature set for release in summer 2027. Revealed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival by Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, the film will be directed by Luca filmmaker Enrico Casarosa and produced by Andrea Warren. Set in the vibrant city of Venice, the film follows Nero, a black cat with a fear of water and a knack for music, who questions the lives he’s lived as he’s drawn into the city’s darker corners.
Set in Venice: Music, Mobsters, and a Mysterious Journey
Nero, the film’s feline lead, can’t swim and lives under the shadow of superstition. Owing a debt to a local feline mob boss named Rocco, he’s pulled into the underground world of “cat society.” Things take a turn when Maya, a street artist, takes him in. Despite their differences, the pair form an unusual bond. As they explore friendship, purpose, and identity, Nero’s journey unfolds in a Venice full of beauty and danger.
Never-Before-Seen Style: A Bold Visual Leap for Pixar
Docter introduced the film’s hand-painted visual style, calling it a first for Pixar. The footage previewed at Annecy blended 2D painterly textures with advanced 3D CG animation, capturing the unique architecture, mood, and color palette of Venice. “We’re trying to preserve the painterly texture of Venice while keeping Pixar’s signature depth,” said Docter. Gatto promises a fresh aesthetic and emotional depth similar to Luca, but with new artistic ambition.
Return of a Classic: Toy Story 5 and Future Releases
In addition to Gatto, Pixar unveiled the first teaser from Toy Story 5, set to debut in summer 2026. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack reprise their iconic roles, with the story centering on Bonnie—now eight years old—and a new “Lilypad” tablet. Docter described the film as “toys meet tech,” as the gang faces a new kind of rival for Bonnie’s attention. An opening scene features a crate of platinum Buzz Lightyear dolls stranded on a desert island, sparking laughs and cheers from the crowd. Pixar also confirmed The Incredibles 3, directed by Pete Sohn and written by Brad Bird, and Coco 2, with Lee Unkrich returning, slated for release in 2028 and beyond.
From Toy Story to Today: Pixar’s Journey
Pixar’s return to Annecy marks a full-circle moment. Thirty years ago, the studio introduced Toy Story to festival-goers, the film that launched a global animation revolution and garnered 18 Oscar nominations. Pete Docter, then a supervising animator on the original, shared rare behind-the-scenes footage, including early animation tools and models.
Now a household name with groundbreaking projects across generations, Pixar continues to evolve its storytelling and visual artistry. With Gatto, Elio, Toy Story 5, and new sequels on the horizon, the studio shows no sign of slowing down.
Conclusion
Pixar’s ambitious lineup, from the visually daring Gatto to the nostalgic return of Toy Story 5, reflects a studio embracing both innovation and emotional legacy. These stories arrive at a time when other franchises are reaching pivotal moments, like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is preparing for its final season as it nears a meaningful conclusion.
As animation and entertainment evolve, so too does the cultural conversation. While beloved shows like Ted Lasso prepare for a heartfelt return, global voices—including the Pope—are stepping into new arenas, such as the legal fight against unchecked AI evangelism.
