Pixar Unveils Exciting New Projects at Annecy Animation Festival
Pixar Animation Studios has given an exclusive first look at its upcoming features, including Toy Story 5, Hoopers, and Elio, during a presentation at the Annecy international animation film festival. The studio also announced a brand-new original production, Gatto, which is set to premiere in the summer of 2027. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter took the stage to present behind-the-scenes material from the upcoming films.
The highly anticipated Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release on June 19, 2026, and will see the return of franchise veterans Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cussack. The film is directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris and produced by Jessica Choi. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Docter shared that the new film will explore the challenges faced by the toys in a digital-first world, where they must confront a new generation of children more enamored with screens than playthings. "It’s Toy meets Tech," he said, outlining the film’s plot, which will see Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang facing up to the challenge presented by the new favorite plaything of their 8-year-old owner Bonnie Anderson: A tech tablet called Lillypad.
The Hollywood Reporter also revealed that Docter screened the world premiere of the film’s opening scene, in which a container full of Buzz Lightyears awakens on an isolated desert island and struggles to reconnect with "star command." Additionally, Toy Story 5 will feature Ernie Hudson voicing Combat Carl, taking over the role originally voiced by the late Carl Weathers. In honor of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the Annecy audience was also treated to archival footage from the making of the original 1995 Toy Story, Pixar’s first full-length feature.
In addition to Toy Story 5, Pixar also unveiled a first-look clip from Hoopers, an original Pixar comedy about Mabel, a nature-loving young woman trying to stop the local Mayor from building a highway that will destroy her local woodlands. The film features the voice talents of Piper Curda, Jon Hamm, and Bobby Moynihan. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio also debuted a sneak peek at Gatto, a brand-new animated feature directed by Luca filmmaker Enrico Casarosa. The film follows Nero, a water-hating black cat living in the picturesque city of Venice, Italy, who befriends Maya, a lonely street musician.
Furthermore, Pixar provided a preview of Elio, directed by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm. The science fiction adventure, which premieres in theaters on June 20, follows 11-year-old Elio Solis, who is mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador after being abducted by aliens. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the voice cast includes Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, and Shirley Henderson. The Annecy crowd was treated to a full 25 minutes of footage from the film.
The presentation at the Annecy international animation film festival provided an exciting glimpse into Pixar’s upcoming projects, showcasing the studio’s commitment to innovative storytelling and animation. With Toy Story 5, Hoopers, Gatto, and Elio on the horizon, Pixar fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming years. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, the studio’s upcoming releases are sure to delight audiences of all ages.
