Hoppers (2026): Pixar’s Next Big Animated Adventure – Release Date, Plot, Cast & More
Pixar’s Hoppers is one of the most anticipated animated films of 2026, blending sci-fi, comedy, and environmental themes into a visually stunning adventure. Directed by We Bare Bears creator Daniel Chong, this original story follows a young girl who “hops” into a robotic beaver to save her local animal habitat.
we’ll cover:
✔ Official release date & delays
✔ Voice cast & key characters
✔ Plot details & environmental themes
✔ First footage & D23 reveals
✔ Merchandise & books (Little Golden Book, Step into Reading)
✔ Will it be on Disney+?
Hoppers (2026)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 6, 2026 (U.S. theaters) |
| Director | Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears) |
| Producer | Nicole Paradis Grindle (Toy Story 4) |
| Main Cast | Piper Curda (Mabel), Bobby Moynihan (King George), Jon Hamm (Mayor Jerry) |
| Animation Style | Pixar’s signature CGI with “stuffed animal” aesthetic |
| Runtime | Not confirmed (likely 90-110 mins) |
Hoppers 2026 Release Date: When Is It Coming Out?
Officially announced at D23 2024, Hoppers is locked for a March 6, 2026 theatrical release . This marks Pixar’s third March release after Onward (2020) and Turning Red (2022) .
Why March 2026?
- Avoids summer blockbuster clashes (Frozen 3 arrives Nov 2027) .
- Targets spring break family audiences.
- Gives Pixar time to refine its complex animation (more below).
Hoppers 2026 Plot: What’s It About?
The film follows Mabel, an animal-loving girl who uses experimental tech to transfer her mind into a robotic beaver . Her mission? Stop a greedy mayor (Jon Hamm) from destroying her town’s wildlife habitat .
Key Story Beats (From Annecy 2025 Footage) :
- “Pond Rules” Comedy – Mabel learns animals have a darkly funny survival code (e.g., a bear reluctantly agrees not to eat a beaver).
- King George’s Sanctuary – Bobby Moynihan’s beaver king runs a refuge for displaced animals.
- Mayor Jerry’s Villainy – Jon Hamm’s character faces absurd animal sabotage (e.g., beavers hijacking his car).
- Environmental Themes – Light but clear messaging about deforestation .
Hoppers 2026 Voice Cast & Characters
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Piper Curda | Mabel | A brave girl who becomes a robotic beaver . |
| Bobby Moynihan | King George | A laid-back beaver monarch . |
| Jon Hamm | Mayor Jerry | The greedy antagonist . |
| Unnamed | Tom the Lizard | A scene-stealer from the Elio post-credits teaser . |
Fun Fact: Moynihan reunites with Chong after We Bare Bears (he voiced Panda) .
Hoppers 2026 D23 & First Footage
At D23 2024, Pixar revealed:
- The title Hoppers and core cast .
- A logline comparing it to “Avatar meets Mission: Impossible meets Planet Earth” .
Annecy 2025 Footage Highlights :
- Visual Style: “Stuffed animals come to life” with hyper-expressive creatures.
- Humor: Darkly funny (e.g., a worm gets eaten mid-speech).
- Action: Spy-thriller vibes (Mabel outwitting humans).
Pixar Hoppers Book 2026: Little Golden Book & Step Into Reading
Two tie-in books arrive January 27, 2026 :
- Disney/Pixar Hoppers Little Golden Book ($5.99) – For ages 2-5 .
- Step Into Reading: Level 2 ($5.99) – For early readers (ages 4-6) .
Why It Matters: These confirm Hoppers will be a major Disney merchandising push.
Will Hoppers 2026 Be on Disney+?
Likely yes, but not immediately. Recent Pixar films (e.g., Elemental) hit Disney+ 45-90 days after theaters. Expect a May-June 2026 streaming debut.
FAQ
→ No trailer yet; first footage debuted at Annecy 2025 .
→ No, it’s an original Pixar film .
→ Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears) .
Final Verdict: Why Hoppers Could Be Pixar’s Next Hit
With its unique premise, star-studded cast, and eco-conscious themes, Hoppers has all the makings of a Pixar classic. Mark your calendars for March 6, 2026—this is one animated adventure you won’t want to miss.
For updates, bookmark this page or follow @Pixar on social media!