Hoppers: Latest Updates on Release Date, Cast, Storyline & More

For nearly three decades, Pixar has captivated audiences with its innovative storytelling and animated films. Their latest venture, Hoppers, promises to be one of their most creative offerings yet. This film presents a unique twist on the classic body swap narrative, focusing on young Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), who exchanges minds with a mechanical beaver as she embarks on a mission to safeguard her local environment. The film was unveiled during Disney’s D23 fan expo in August 2024, revealing that Pixar still retains its inventive spirit amidst a slew of sequels.

Although many details about Hoppers remain under wraps, the project hints at a potential resurgence of originality within Pixar. Recent announcements have primarily featured sequels such as Toy Story 5 and The Incredibles 3, which raised concerns about the studio’s risk-taking ethos. However, the premise of Hoppers suggests a return to poignant storytelling, balanced with an entertaining body-swapping concept. This film could resonate powerfully with audiences by conveying a meaningful environmental message, cleverly intertwined with humor.

Latest Updates on Pixar’s Hoppers

Official Release Date Announced

Jon Hamm sits at a dinner table in Fargo

Following its announcement at the D23 event, Hoppers has confirmed a release date. As reported by Deadline, the film is set to premiere on March 6, 2026. There are concerns about potential competition from a Cat in the Hat film featuring Bill Hader, but given Pixar’s strong box office history, there could be changes to accommodate both films.

Release Timing for Pixars’s Hoppers

Hoppers Hits Theaters in 2026

First look image from Disney and Pixar's Hoppers

In contrast to Pixar’s recent trend of sequels—the majority of which have been iterations of beloved titles like Toy Story and The Incredibles—Hoppers marks a significant shift back toward original storytelling. Amid the announcements from the 2024 D23 fan expo, this standalone project stood out. Alongside the release date established for Hoppers on March 6, 2026, Pixar has also unveiled some preliminary concept art that has stirred excitement among fans.

Disney and Pixar’s newest original film #Hoppers starring Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda has been announced at #D23. Coming to theaters in Spring 2026! pic.twitter.com/XkJoZvCWcP — Screen Rant (@screenrant) August 10, 2024

The film will be directed by Daniel Chong.

Cast Information for Hoppers

Jon Hamm & Bobby Moynihan in Key Roles

Alongside the film’s announcement, some of the voice cast of Hoppers has been disclosed. Piper Curda takes on the role of Mabel, a girl trading places with a mechanical beaver. Jon Hamm, known for his work on Mad Men, lends his voice to the Mayor, a character intent on destroying local habitats for personal gain. Additionally, SNL veteran Bobby Moynihan will portray King George, the noble leader of the beaver community.

As the project develops, it is expected that an array of prominent stars will join the cast, consistent with Pixar’s reputation for featuring A-list talent in voice roles. Fans can also anticipate recurring voices from previous Pixar films, although specific castings remain uncertain at this early stage.

Confirmed voice cast for Hoppers includes:

Actor	Role in Hoppers
Kurdish piper	Mabel
Jon Hamm	Mayor
Bobby Moynihan	King George

Story Overview for Hoppers

Exploring the Body-Swap Adventure

Elio and Woody Images — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

The essence of what makes Pixar films extraordinary lies in their ability to weave imaginative narratives. Hoppers is shaping up to be one of the studio’s cleverest plots in recent memory. The narrative centers around Mabel, a passionate young environmentalist, who inhabits the mind of a mechanical beaver. Her purpose? To engage with nature without causing a disturbance. During her transformation, Mabel forges alliances with the beaver community to battle against a land developer determined to destroy their habitat.

This innovative mechanical beaver concept opens up myriad opportunities for creative technological elements, a territory that Pixar has seldom ventured into. The framework of the story is just the beginning, offering a wealth of character development and thematic depth. Notably, the inclusion of King George, voiced by Bobby Moynihan, infers the existence of a beaver hierarchy that could enrich the story further.

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