Pixar has revealed details and a logo for Loving Dory, a new short film featuring Ellen DeGeneres.
Pixar is expanding the Finding Nemo/Dory universe with a new short film, Loving Dory. Ellen DeGeneres returns to voice Dory, marking her first time back in the role since the 2016 feature film. The studio has unveiled the official title and logo for the project, which promises a fresh narrative within the beloved aquatic world.
Directed by longtime Pixar employee Lou Hamou-Lhadj, known for his work on Wall-E and Incredibles 2, Loving Dory will see the titular character experience a "meet-cute" with a plastic bag. Mistaking it for a jellyfish, Dory falls "head-over-fins" in love, drawn by its curious nature and the ocean's currents. This unexpected romance quickly escalates, becoming clingy and toxic.
The escalating entanglement with the plastic bag necessitates intervention from Dory's friends. Nemo, Mr. Ray, and his class return to aid her, but the resolution ultimately hinges on a young snorkeler and an unlikely connection. This plot development suggests a narrative exploring themes of environmental impact and the complexities of attachment within the familiar, vibrant reef setting.
The decision to produce a short film rather than a third feature raises questions, especially given the two previous films collectively grossed nearly two billion dollars. One theory posits that this short could gauge public reception to Ellen DeGeneres' return, following past allegations of a toxic work environment on her talk show. A positive reception might pave the way for a future feature film.
While the release date for Loving Dory remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests it could debut alongside Pixar’s upcoming Gatto in March 2027, or potentially earlier. The short could serve as an incentive for audiences to engage with original Pixar content, or more significantly, test the waters for a full-fledged third installment in the Finding Nemo/Dory saga, depending on audience and critical response.
