Latest news with #Hoppers
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pixar's Newest Film ‘Hoppers' Asks, ‘What if You Could Talk to Animals?'
We spoke with director Daniel Chong about his debut feature-length film releasing in spring of 2026, and how he compares the process to parenting. As Pixar has built a reputation on writing its own rulebook for crafting stories that are both relevant and timeless, the question, "What if?" has been a guiding light in many of their on-screen ventures. That question looms large in the idea behind their upcoming feature film, Hoppers, releasing in theaters March 6, 2026. The premise reads: 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, a college student and animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined. Have a look at the brand new teaser trailer: Now, if you're thinking that's giving some big James Cameron's Avatar vibes, you're not wrong. In fact, Daniel Chong, the director of Hoppers openly acknowledges the influence–though he calls it just a "soft jumping-off point" for where the movie is really headed. In addition, he mentions another big film franchise that he drew inspiration from. "One of the other biggest influences for us was Mission: Impossible," Chong tells Parents. "The movie becomes a bit of an espionage movie, where Mabel is going undercover. It will lead to a lot of crazy thrills that you did not expect." Chong goes on to describe the character of Mabel as being just as unpredictable as the adventure she's on, and how viewers who are animal lovers and rule-breakers (for a good cause) should get a lot of enjoyment from Hoppers. Character and Narrative Connections As with many of the directors in Pixar's filmography, Chong's relationship to his first feature film is a personal one. Having been a story artist at Pixar before becoming a director, he says it's only natural that a lot of himself would be sprinkled throughout the story. He points to his love for animals and his fascination with how they coexist with humans as the original thematic spark behind the movie. He also reveals how he leaned on his own close relationship with his mother to inform Mabel's relationship with her grandmother in the film. "I channeled a lot of that into the movie, because that's the relationship that grounds [Mabel] in her love of nature and why she wants to protect it so desperately," says Chong. "Mabel is also a bit unhinged, and a little chaotic, and unpredictable. She's led by her passions, so [viewers] can expect some unpredictability from her." As seen in the trailer, Mabel's protective instinct should serve her well at some points and not so well at others, as she navigates a world very different from her own. Chong speaks to how the characters treading into scientific innovation leads to them crossing wires with some established rules of nature. And while the two don't always mix, there are some lessons that can come from it. "A lot of the movie is about how [Mabel] coexists, not just with other animals, but with other people," Chong notes. "[It's about] how she relates to them, and the consequences of decisions she makes, good and bad. She's learning to navigate connection more than anything; and as she does, she'll learn how to build them over the process of the story." Research and Mystery As for how he chose a beaver to be the avatar animal for Mabel's experience, Chong says it came after a lot of trial and error, but it was a decision that made a ton of sense after doing research. "They call [beavers] one of the 'ecosystem engineers'", says Chong. "During the rewinding of Yellowstone National Park, wolves were a big part of that equation, but beavers played a big role also. Once the beavers set up their ponds and lodges, all these other animals began to return to the area because the ecosystem [they helped build] restored the habitat." Chong explains how the knowledge that these "little rodents can do engineering" inspired him to make them the focal point in the movie, highlighting that even the smallest among us can make a big impact. Diving a little deeper into the research Chong and the team did for Hoppers, he talks about a trip they took to Yellowstone where they immersed themselves in the wild with the animals, just like Mabel will be. "One of the cool things they tell you as you enter Yellowstone is, 'You are now entering the animals' world. This is not your place, so you need to respect it,'" Chong recalls. "It was a really grounding experience for all of us to recontextualize our place." The film's art team also went to Colorado to actually swim in beaver ponds, with the guidance of Emily Fairfax. Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota and beaver expert. While there, they took photos and learned everything they could about beaver habitats. Chong laughs, saying, "I'm glad I didn't go because I have a feeling I would not have survived. But they went the extra mile for the research, and I hope it shows in the movie." Regarding Mabel's journey in the movie, Chong teases how she may get a rude awakening when it comes to respecting animals' habitats as well. "That's the thing about the animal world–there's still so much we don't understand. There's so much mystery; and we may not ever understand animal intelligence totally. But that's the fun of the movie–seeing how that all plays out." How the 'Village' Brings Everything to Life While Chong does not have kids, and doesn't profess to understand all that the parenting journey entails, he is a "parent" to this movie. And he draws a very clear connection to both processes needing a village. "Making a movie (especially one at Pixar) is a tough journey," he acknowledges. "It takes a long time, and you're basically iterating the same story over and over and over again [to the point that] you can lose your way and lose perspective so easily." Sound familiar? "The only thing that really helps me survive this process is the support of the people around me," Chong continues. "I felt very luck to have a great team–some of them I've known for quite a long time. Having a support system I can rely on really made it more plausible, so I didn't have to cary the burden of making the movie every day." Chong says he hopes the work this village put in on Hoppers will ultimately shine through next spring. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Hoppers' trailer promises a tale of belonging, identity when young scientist hops into body of a beaver
The animation studio, Disney Pixar, which bought critically acclaimed films like 'Inside Out 2' and 'Toy Story' franchise has released the teaser trailer of it's upcoming original feature 'Hoppers'. The animation studio, Disney Pixar, which bought critically acclaimed films like 'Inside Out 2' and 'Toy Story' franchise has released a teaser trailer of the upcoming original feature 'Hoppers'. The film is slated to release in India on March 6, 2026. Directed and written by Daniel Chong , Hoppers tells the story of Mabel, a determined 19-year-old college student (voiced by Piper Curda ) who uses cutting-edge technology to 'hop' her consciousness into the body of a lifelike robotic beaver in order to protect a threatened forest glade from destruction, as per the press note shared by the makers of 'Hoppers'. The teaser introduces Mabel's journey from university life into the lush wilderness, where she navigates forest politics, befriends a flamboyant bear named King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), and tries to stop the plans of the ambitious and sly Mayor Jerry (voiced by Jon Hamm ). In the teaser, Mabel was seen hoping into the mind of a beaver with the help of a technology. After the successful transfer of consciousness, Mabel feels thrilled to interact with animals and understanding their language. Centered around a covert mission, the movie is a surprising tale of belonging, identity, and environmental connection, as per the press note shared by the makers. Walt Disney has shared the teaser trailer of the movie on their Instagram handle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo Produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, Hoppers feature the voice cast of Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Ham. Meanwhile, Pixar will also be releasing the fifth instalment of the beloved 'Toy Story' franchise. It is expected to hit theatres in Summers 2026. Pete Docter, the chief creative officer of Pixar and one of the original creators of the 1995 "Toy Story" film, has promised that the fifth instalment will be full of surprises and new elements that audiences have never seen before.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pixar's "Hoppers" Unveils First Look
Yara Sameh Pixar has unveiled the official teaser trailer for its upcoming animated feature 'Hoppers.' 'Hoppers' are a group of scientists who have discovered a way to mind-hop into robot animal bodies. So when Mabel (Piper Curda), an animal lover, learns that a construction company wants to destroy the local animal habitat, she uses the clever new technology to inhabit the body of a beaver. Speaking with Variety, director Daniel Chong said the whole discussion had been debated about unveiling the 'Avatar' joke in the trailer. 'I think there are a couple of reasons why it was good to just put it out there. One is to let you know we know that, you know, it's quite similar, at least the premise sounds a lot like 'Avatar.'' Chong noted that the idea is to let audiences know the movie's premise will be 'a little bit crazy. There are going to be things that are a little bit tongue-in-cheek, and it's going to be out there and chaotic.' The trailer shows Mabel, after she's mind-hopped and is now the robot beaver, suddenly aware that she can understand other animals as Missy Elliot's 'Lose Control' song plays. Bobby Moynihan and Jon Hamm are among the voice cast. Hamm plays Mayor Jerry, the one trying to destroy the animals' habitat. And Hamm seemed like the perfect casting choice. 'That guy is hilarious,' Chong said. 'People know him from 'Mad Men,' but his comedy chops are incredible. And to be honest, he's very brave when it comes to comedy.' Chong promises, 'We have him do some pretty crazy stuff in our movies.' Moynihan is an animation superstar and 'Saturday Night Live' alum. He most recently delivered the voice for Forgetter Bobby in Pixar's 'Inside Out 2.' Chong added, 'Having worked with Bobby already, I felt so lucky to be able to slip back into that relationship and pick up where we left off. He's just so naturally funny and charming and sweet. I would just say across the board, everyone on our cast is really funny.' Curda, who voices Mabel, is a former Disney Channel actor who appeared in multiple episodes of the 2013-214 series 'A.N.T Farm.' She also featured in multiple episodes of the 2018-2022 CW superhero series 'Legacies. There is more voice casting yet to be announced. Chong promises, 'Hoppers' will have 'all the hallmarks of a Pixar movie.' He adds, It will be emotional, and it will be sincere, and it will be a big movie. But I think for me, I wanted comedy to be on a high level as we could.' 'Hoppers' will be released in theaters on March 6, 2026. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Hoppers' Teaser Out: Disney Pixar's Film Blends Human And Animal World
Hopper's teaser follows the journey of 19-year-old Mable, who uses advanced technology to transfer her consciousness into the mind of a robotic beaver. Whenever Disney Pixar announces an animated flick, it promises to be a delightful treat. So, on Wednesday, July 16, when the company unveiled the teaser of the upcoming toon Hoppers, it was quick to grab the attention. Hoppers, directed and written by Daniel Chong, follows a plot similar to James Cameron's iconic Avatar movie: it connects the animal and human kingdoms through mind-hopping. Hoppers, featuring actress, singer Piper Curda as the leading voice artist, is scheduled to hit the big screens on March 6, 2026. Hoppers' teaser follows the journey of 19-year-old Mable, who uses advanced technology to transfer her consciousness into the mind of a robotic beaver and inhabit its otherwise lifeless body. The tech-savvy creature is created by a group of scientists known as Hoppers. Mable is on a mission to save the animal habitat that a construction firm wants to destroy. As Mable adjusts herself inside the machine, she says, 'This is like Avatar", teasing the classic film. To this, one of the scientists replies, 'It's not", hinting at all the surprises Hoppers has in store. Initially, Mable, in the beaver body, is exhilarated to discover that she can understand and communicate in the animal language. At one point in the teaser, she tries to save another fellow beaver from a bear attack. However, through the act, she learn an important lesson — in nature, everything is about balance. With forest politics at play, Mable befriends some creatures to win against the cunning and evil Mayor Jerry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pixar (@pixar) Although Hoppers kicks off as a fun experience, it is likely to become a touching story about identity, purpose and the connection between humans and nature. Social media users showered love on Hoppers' teaser. 'I am so totally going to see this movie in the theatre when it comes," one of them wrote. Another quipped, 'This movie looks like a Dam good time." 'A film about being able to talk to animals? Yes, please," noted one individual. According to Daniel Chong, the Avatar joke in Hoppers was purposeful. The director, in a conversation with Variety, revealed that the film will be 'a little bit crazy" and 'chaotic" with some 'tongue-in-cheek" moments. Apart from Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan and Jon Hamm have also lent their voices in Hoppers. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 16:13 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Disney Pixar's Hoppers Trailer Unveils A Big Adventure In The Wild, Release Date OUT
Last Updated: Disney Pixar's upcoming film, Hoppers, directed by Daniel Chong, follows Mabel, a college student voiced by Piper Curda, who uses technology to protect a forest. Disney Pixar has released the official teaser trailer for its upcoming original feature film, Hoppers, offering a glimpse into a wildly imaginative and heartfelt adventure set deep in the animal kingdom. The film is set to release in India on March 6, 2026. Directed and written by Daniel Chong, Hoppers tells the story of Mabel, a determined 19-year-old college student (voiced by Piper Curda) who uses cutting-edge technology to 'hop" her consciousness into the body of a lifelike robotic beaver in order to protect a threatened forest glade from destruction. The teaser introduces Mabel's journey from university life into the lush wilderness, where she navigates forest politics, befriends a flamboyant bear named King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), and tries to stop the plans of the ambitious and sly Mayor Jerry (voiced by Jon Hamm). What starts as a covert mission becomes a surprising tale of belonging, identity, and environmental connection. A statement from the director reads, 'What if we could understand and communicate with the animal world? Our main character, Mabel, gets to discover the animal kingdom as an animal, which can be weird and often hilarious. Mabel undercover in the animal world leads to a wild, rollercoaster ride of a movie, with all the heart you expect from a classic Pixar film." The voice cast also features Bobby Moynihan and Jon Hamm. Pixar has had a rollercoaster run over the last two years. In 2024, Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time and ranked No. 11 overall, earning nearly $1.7 billion globally. But the studio hit a low this summer with Elio, a $150 million film that posted the weakest opening in Pixar's history. With Hoppers set to release on March 6, the studio is hoping for a strong comeback. Produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, Hoppers feature the voice cast of Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Ham. Disney Pixar releases Hoppers in India on March 6, 2026 First Published:
