Pixar, We Bare Bears creator reveal wild beaver comedy Hoppers at D23

Pixar, We Bare Bears creator reveal wild beaver comedy Hoppers at D23

As a long-time animated film enthusiast with a knack for spotting emerging talent, I find myself thoroughly intrigued by Pixar’s latest announcement at the 2024 D23 Expo – a film titled “Hoppers,” directed by none other than Daniel Chong, creator of the beloved “We Bare Bears.”


The sequel to “Inside Out” has earned more than $1.5 billion globally, setting a record as the highest-grossing animated film ever made. This staggering figure undoubtedly encourages many production companies to focus on sequels and franchises. However, Pixar, despite planning for future earnings with “Toy Story 5” in 2026, remains dedicated to creating original narratives. They are also welcoming new storytellers outside their core team.

As a long-time fan of Pixar movies and the creative mind behind “We Bare Bears,” Daniel Chong has always been one of my favorite animators. So, hearing about his new film, “Hoppers,” at the 2024 D23 Expo filled me with excitement! I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as I eagerly await its release in 2026. Growing up watching Pixar films and being inspired by their unique storytelling, I can only imagine the magic that “Hoppers” will bring to the big screen. With Chong at the helm, I am confident that this movie will resonate with both children and adults alike. I can’t wait to see how he brings his creative vision to life in this new adventure.

As Pixar explains, Hoppers is a tale about a girl who switches her mind with a robot beaver to dwell among genuine beavers. In essence, it could be likened to Avatar but featuring our woodland friends, the beavers. The movie boasts Bobby Moynihan, Piper Curda, and Jon Hamm in key roles, with Hamm portraying a mayor bent on eliminating the beaver colony. Charming indeed!

Chong, who had been bursting with anticipation in the hours leading up to the panel, revealing he’s kept a four-year secret, is no novice when it comes to feature animation. Previously, he contributed to storyboard work for Disney’s “Bolt,” Pixar’s “Cars 2” and “Inside Out,” as well as Illumination’s “The Lorax.” After departing from Pixar to focus on his own ventures, Chong produced the Cartoon Network series “We Bare Bears” and its big-screen finale. Soon after, he moved away from the series to start working on “Hoppers.”

Hoppers is set for release in 2026.

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2024-08-10 06:19

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