HOPPERS (2026)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: Daniel Chong
Cast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, Dave Franco, Nichole Sakura, Sam Richardson, Eduardo Franco, Kathy Najimy, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Vanessa Bayer, Ego Nwodim, Aparna Nancherla, Melissa Villaseñor, Demetri Martin, Steve Purcell
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: TBA
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 12 March 2026

Synopsis: What if you could talk to animals and understand what they’re saying? In Disney and Pixar’s all - new feature film “Hoppers,” scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

Movie Review:

In recent years, Pixar has faced a curious challenge. While its sequels and franchise titles continue to perform reliably, several original films like Elemental (2022) and Elio (2025) have struggled to capture the same cultural lightning that once defined the studio’s golden era. These movies are often well-made and charming, but some fade from memory soon after the credits roll. With Hoppers, however, Pixar appears to have rediscovered the spark that made its storytelling so special in the first place.

The film centres on an imaginative scientific breakthrough that allows humans to temporarily transfer their consciousness into robotic animal bodies in order to observe wildlife more closely. When a young girl seizes the opportunity to inhabit one of these animal “hoppers,” she finds herself plunged into the bustling ecosystem of a forest community. What begins as a simple mission of saving a forest glade soon evolves into an adventure involving survival, cooperation, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

The first thing that immediately stands out is the cast of animal characters. Pixar has always excelled at crafting creatures audiences want to hug — and, inevitably, buy merchandise of — and the furry beavers in Hoppers are no exception.

Among the ensemble, one unexpected scene-stealer is a wide-eyed lizard named Tom. His role in the story is relatively small, yet his deadpan expressions and hilariously awkward movements have already taken on a life of their own with countless online memes.

But adorable characters alone would not make Hoppers memorable. What truly elevates the film is Pixar’s storytelling craft. Beneath the colourful adventure lies a thoughtful narrative about perspective — literally seeing the world through another species’ eyes. As the protagonist navigates life among the animals, the film gently explores ideas about empathy, coexistence, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. These themes never feel heavy-handed. Instead, they emerge naturally through the plot, allowing audiences to absorb the message while enjoying the adventure.

The humour is another highlight. The script is packed with laugh-out-loud moments that work equally well for children and adults. One “shark out of water” sequence ranks among the funniest set pieces Pixar has delivered in years. The escalating chaos of that scene alone is worth the price of admission.

Meanwhile, Jon Hamm provides a standout vocal performance as a greedy mayor. With slick confidence and a slightly greasy charm, his delivery recalls the charismatic swagger that made his portrayal of Don Draper in Mad Men so iconic. Hamm clearly relishes the role, injecting the character with both authority and comedic flair.

Surprisingly, Hoppers also ventures into moments of genuine intensity. There are sequences that invite viewers to imagine what might happen if animals truly possessed the power to overpower humans — a playful but slightly unnerving thought experiment that adds tension to the story. These scenes balance the film’s lighter moments with a sense of scale and danger.

Ultimately, Hoppers succeeds because it blends entertainment with reflection. Without ever becoming preachy, the film encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature and the creatures that share our world. It offers laughs, excitement, and meaningful insight in equal measure — the kind of storytelling Pixar built its reputation on. For both young audiences and adults, it’s a reminder that when Pixar gets it right, the results are still magical.

Movie Rating:

(Cute, clever, and heartfelt, Hoppers is Pixar back in its storytelling sweet spot)  

Review by John Li