2
Credit: PixarPixar is heading back to a familiar franchise.
The animation studio has increasingly relied on established properties to anchor its slate. Original films still arrive, such as Hoppers (2026) earlier this year, but sequels and extensions have taken a more prominent role, particularly as theatrical performance has grown less predictable in recent years.
That strategy is set to continue. Toy Story 5 hits theaters this summer, marking another return to one of Pixar’s most reliable box office draws. The franchise has remained a consistent performer since its debut in 1995.
Other legacy titles have followed a similar path. Inside Out 2 became a major hit, reinforcing Pixar’s shift toward familiar worlds and characters. The studio appears increasingly focused on building out existing universes rather than launching entirely new ones.
Pixar Returns to ‘Finding Nemo’ Universe
A new project now adds to that list.
According to Deadline, Pixar is developing a short film set within the world of Finding Nemo (2003), though details remain tightly under wraps.
Ellen DeGeneres will return to voice Dory, the forgetful blue tang fish who became one of Pixar’s most recognizable characters. The still-untitled short is in early production, with plot details and additional creative attachments yet to be announced.
Release plans have also not been confirmed. With development only just beginning, it remains unclear whether the short will debut theatrically, on streaming, or as part of a larger Pixar release strategy.
Notably, DeGeneres claims to have retired from the entertainment industry since the release of her 2024 Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval. She later relocated to the British countryside.
DeGeneres has faced sustained controversy in recent years, largely tied to allegations about the workplace culture behind The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2020, former employees accused the production of fostering a toxic environment, including claims of bullying and misconduct by senior staff, which led to internal investigations and a public apology from DeGeneres.
The return to this universe reflects the enduring popularity of Finding Nemo. Released in 2003, the film became a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and establishing a long-lasting presence within Pixar’s portfolio.
Dory quickly emerged as a standout. Her comedic timing and emotional arc resonated with audiences, ultimately leading to her own spinoff, Finding Dory (2016), more than a decade later.
That sequel expanded the underwater world, introducing new characters and settings while deepening Dory’s backstory. It also proved financially successful, reinforcing the character’s status as a central figure within the franchise.
Since then, the Finding Nemo universe has continued to grow through theme park attractions – including Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland Park, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, Nemo & Friends SeaRider at Tokyo DisneySea, and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – as well as merchandise, and smaller media extensions.
The addition of a new short suggests Pixar is not finished exploring these waters. More details are expected as production progresses.
Are you excited for a new Finding Nemo short?
