In a thrilling new chapter in animated cinema, Pixar has just unveiled its upcoming movie, Hoppers, and the initial buzz is electrifying. Described as “Avatar meets Mission Impossible,” this film is set to redefine adventure storytelling. Directed by the talented Daniel Chong, Hoppers marks Pixar’s 30th animated feature, slated for release on March 6, 2026. The plot centers around Mabel, a tech-savvy girl who can “hop” her consciousness into lifelike robotic animals.
During Pixar’s presentation at the Annecy Animation Festival, chief creative officer Pete Docter shared exclusive insights about Hoppers. Attendees, including ScreenRant, got a sneak peek at the first footage, and the excitement was palpable. According to Docter, the film combines action-adventure, comedy, and spy thriller elements in a crowd-pleasing package filled with humor, heart, and captivating characters. His passionate remarks captured the essence of what audiences can expect:
So what happens next is a little like Avatar meets Mission Impossible meets Planet Earth. It’s an action adventure, comedy, spy thriller where the humor, the heart, and the adventure leap from the screen in surprising ways. It’s an over-the-top crowd-pleaser, full of twists and big laughs and tons of great characters. We are in the last months of finishing the movie. Can’t wait for you to see it very soon.
The festival also unveiled some stunning footage showcasing Mabel hopping into a beaver reminiscent of Avatar. In one scene, she attempts to recruit another beaver to protest against the construction of a highway threatening their habitat. The lazily indifferent beaver quickly finds itself in a sticky situation with a bear, only to be saved by Mabel’s heroic intervention.
Further footage features the town’s mayor, voiced by Jon Hamm, enjoying his seemingly idyllic life until Mabel makes an unexpected entrance into his car, surrounded by wildlife. The film’s unique twist lies in the communication barrier: while the animals can converse fluently, humans only hear their words as animal sounds. This leads to some comical moments, especially when the beavers utilize a text-to-voice app to communicate with the bewildered mayor, who is oblivious to the chaos unfolding around him. The mayor’s role as the highway construction leader adds a layer of tension to Mabel’s mission.
What This Means For Hoppers
Everything That Was Revealed About Pixar’s New Movie
Docter provided an in-depth look at Hoppers, detailing how the story revolves around Mabel, a nature-loving college student voiced by Disney star Piper Curda. Growing up in a small Northwestern town, Mabel has always cherished her time spent exploring a nearby glade now endangered by an encroaching highway project headed by Mayor Jerry Zo, portrayed by Jon Hamm. Determined to safeguard her cherished sanctuary, she sets off on a mission to restore wildlife to the area.
Complicating her venture, Mabel stumbles upon a secret laboratory where scientists have developed “hopping,” a groundbreaking technology that allows humans to transfer their minds into animal bodies for research purposes. Seizing this opportunity, she embodies a beaver and embarks on a quest to save her glade from destruction. Joined by a lovable, clueless beaver named King George, voiced by Bobby Moynihan, Mabel’s journey is fraught with laughter and unexpected hurdles.
Our Take On Pixar’s Hoppers
“Avatar Meets M:I” Sounds Intriguing
For Docter to dub Hoppers as “Avatar meets Mission Impossible†is a savvy move. Avatar, one of the highest-grossing franchises ever, has set a benchmark for cinematic achievements. The concept of humans interfacing with lifelike robotic creatures strongly evokes parallels with the hybrid dynamics of the Na’vi. How exactly Hoppers mirrors the suspenseful complexities of Mission: Impossible remains to be unveiled, but it’s a tantalizing prospect that leaves audiences eager for more.
Hoppers is a daring exploration of friendship, environmental conservation, and the extraordinary lengths one will go to protect nature’s wonders. As we edge closer to its release in March 2026, anticipation builds for what promises to be another iconic Pixar tale.