Pixar Developing New “Finding Nemo” Short
Disney loves to keep jumping back into its large vault of franchises for new content, and just ahead of Pixar’s latest addition to the “Toy Story” franchise being released, along with new instalments in the “Coco” and “Incredibles” franchises, it’s been revealed that Pixar is working on a new “Finding Nemo” project.
According to Deadline, this new project will be an untitled short that has now gone into production, with Ellen DeGeneres set to return as the lovable, ditzy blue tang fish, Dory.
Unfortunately, no plot details on the upcoming short have been revealed, nor any other casting details.
With the project still being in the early stages of production, it might be a while until we see it released, either in cinemas or on Disney+.
The original “Finding Nemo” film was released in 2003 and tells the story of how, in the colourful and warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, a Clown Fish named Marlin lives safe and secluded in his anemone home with his only son, Nemo. Fearful of the ocean and its unpredictable risks, he struggles to protect his son. Nemo, like all young fish, is eager to explore the mysterious reef. When Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from home and thrust into a tacky dentist’s office fish tank, Marlin finds himself the unlikely hero on an epic journey to rescue his son.
While in the sequel, released over a decade ago, Dory, the forgetful blue tang, is living happily in the reef with Marlin and Nemo when Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute, a rehabilitation centre and aquarium. In an effort to find her mom and dad, Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank, a cantankerous “septopus” who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey, a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark. Deftly navigating the complex inner workings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.
“Finding Nemo” continues to be a huge hit for Disney, as it’s expanded the franchise out into multiple attractions across its theme parks, including a rollercoaster at Disneyland Paris, a stage show at the Animal Kingdom, and attractions at Epcot and Disneyland.
Both “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory” are available to stream on Disney+.
Roger’s Take: While a third “Finding Nemo” movie could be a big box office hit, filling in the void with a short will help extend the franchise and keep fans engaged with the characters. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Disney pops this short in front of the upcoming Pixar movie, “Gatto”, as a way of giving the new original film a boost, similar to how Disney’s used shorts to boost the box office of other films.
Are you looking forward to the return of Dory? Let me know on social media!
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