Pixar Animation Studios is expanding its highly anticipated future slate, announcing a brand-new feature film set to arrive in 2027. Titled Gatto, the movie is directed by Enrico Casarosa, known for helming the Oscar-nominated film Luca. This charming new story will take audiences to the picturesque city of Venice, Italy, following the journey of a black cat.
The announcement of Gatto follows the recent global success and Oscar win of Flow, another acclaimed animated film featuring a cat protagonist. While animation and cat characters are certainly not new concepts, the timing has led some to note the interesting parallel. Given Pixar’s extensive production timelines, Gatto was undoubtedly in development long before Flow premiered, making the proximity of the announcements a fascinating, likely coincidence.
Meet Nero: The Cat Star of Gatto
Revealed during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Gatto centers on a black cat named Nero. He has spent years navigating the unique challenges and superstitious streets of Venice, a city famed for its winding canals. As Nero reflects on his life, he begins to question his choices, especially after finding himself entangled and indebted to a local feline mob boss.
This predicament pushes Nero into an unexpected alliance – a friendship that could potentially lead him to discovering his true purpose. However, the magical yet formidable backdrop of Venice itself presents its own set of obstacles that Nero must overcome. Concept art for Gatto was also unveiled, offering a first look at the film’s potential visual style and the atmospheric setting of Venice.
Pixar’s Busy Road to 2027 and Beyond
Before Nero’s Venetian adventure arrives, Pixar has a full schedule of diverse stories heading to theaters.
Elio (Coming June 20): Originally announced with a premise focusing on a boy mistakenly sent to space as Earth’s representative, recent marketing for Elio has highlighted shifts in the film’s focus. The latest trailers showcase young Elio forming his first real friendship with an alien named Glordon, with Glordon’s father, Grigon, appearing as an antagonist. These visible changes in public-facing materials suggest the studio made adjustments to the film during its production, aiming to enhance the story before its June 20 release.
Hoppers (March 2026): Following Elio, Pixar is set to release Hoppers in March 2026. This film is reportedly set in a world where humans possess the ability to interact and converse with animals, exploring the dynamics of such a connection.
Toy Story 5 (June 19, 2026): A highly anticipated return to a beloved franchise, Toy Story 5 has a confirmed release date of June 19, 2026. The sequel will see iconic characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie facing a new kind of challenge rooted in modern technology. Reports suggest that an 8-year-old Bonnie’s attachment to a tablet device named Lillypad will become the central “threat” to the traditional toys’ relevance. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack are set to reprise their roles, with Ernie Hudson joining the cast as Combat Carl.
Coco 2 (Expected 2029): Looking further ahead, Disney CEO Bob Iger officially confirmed that a sequel to the Oscar-winning Coco is in the works. Announced in March 2025 and expected around 2029, Coco 2 is currently in its initial stages. While details are scarce, Iger described it as being “full of humor, heart, and adventure.” Key creative team members from the original are expected to return, promising another touching exploration of family and the Dia de los Muertos tradition. A Coco-themed boat ride is also planned for Disney California Adventure, with construction beginning in 2026.
With a slate featuring space adventures, human-animal connections, a technological showdown for classic toys, a return to the Land of the Dead, and now a cat’s tale in Venice, Pixar continues to build a diverse lineup of animated features set to entertain audiences for years to come. Gatto offers a glimpse into the studio’s continued creativity, bringing a unique premise and a beloved pet into the spotlight for its 2027 release.
