Disney is officially heading back underwater. In an unexpected announcement, Ellen DeGeneres is set to reprise her iconic role as Dory in a new Finding Nemo short film from Pixar Animation Studios.
According to reports from Deadline, production for the short is currently in its early stages. While the news has sent ripples through the animation community, Disney and Pixar have remained tight-lipped regarding several key details:
- The official release date for the short.
- The creative team leading the project.
- How the story integrates with the existing Finding Nemo universe.
A Return to a Fan-Favorite Character
DeGeneres first voiced the lovable, short-term memory-afflicted blue tang in Pixar’s 2003 classic, Finding Nemo. Over the decades, Dory has evolved from a supporting character into a massive fan favorite. Pixar leaned heavily into this popularity with the 2016 sequel, Finding Dory, which shifted the narrative focus to the character's personal journey and family history.
The news of her return was confirmed via social media when DeGeneres posted a brief update on Instagram, simply stating, “Excited about this.”
From Talk Shows to the Big Screen
The announcement marks a significant return to major studio voice work for DeGeneres. The comedian famously hosted The Ellen DeGeneres Show for nearly two decades, from 2003 until its conclusion in May 2022. Her tenure on the talk show was not without hurdles; following investigations into workplace culture and allegations regarding a toxic environment, DeGeneres issued an apology in 2020 before her show officially went off the air.
Since leaving the daily spotlight of daytime television, DeGeneres has made select appearances, including her 2024 Netflix stand-up special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.
What's Next for Pixar?
As fans await more information on the Finding Nemo short, Pixar continues to maintain a packed release schedule. The studio recently saw the theatrical release of its animated film Hoppers last month. Looking further ahead, the studio is preparing for the arrival of Toy Story 5, which is currently slated for a June 19, 2026, release date.
