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Pixar’s next original movie just added a Marvel superstar to its cast.

According to newly revealed information from Pixar Animation Studios, Mark Ruffalo will voice Nero, the lead character in Pixar’s upcoming animated film Gatto. The casting news was confirmed by Pixar set designer Gastón Ugarte during a recent livestream from the studio’s Emeryville campus.

For Disney fans, Ruffalo is best known for portraying Bruce Banner/The Hulk throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he’ll soon be stepping into a very different role as the voice of a black cat navigating the canals of Venice.

Directed by Enrico Casarosa, the filmmaker behind Pixar’s beloved 2021 hit Luca, Gatto follows Nero, a black cat who finds himself indebted to a feline mob boss named Rocco. Living in a city filled with superstition surrounding black cats, Nero struggles to find his place in the world until he forms an unexpected connection with a street musician named Maya.

But the story isn’t the only thing generating buzz.

During the same discussion, Ugarte revealed that Gatto will feature a completely new visual style, unlike anything Pixar has previously attempted. According to the designer, the film combines traditional 3D animation with hand-painted artwork, creating what he described as a movie that looks like a living illustration.

The announcement comes just days after Pixar officially unveiled the first look at Gatto, which is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 5, 2027. The project marks Pixar’s next major original film following Hoopers and Toy Story 5.

For many fans, Ruffalo’s casting adds even more excitement to what is already shaping up to be one of Pixar’s most intriguing projects in years. Between the Venice setting, the unique art style, the music-centered storyline, and now a major Hollywood star in the lead role, Gatto is quickly becoming one of the studio’s most anticipated upcoming releases.

Pixar has not yet announced additional casting details for Maya, Rocco, or other major characters, but with Toy Story 5 arriving later this month and Gatto set to follow next year, fans likely won’t have to wait long for more information.

We’ll continue tracking Gatto, Pixar announcements, upcoming Disney movies, casting news, trailers, and release date updates. Be sure to check back with Theme Park Scope for the latest Disney and Pixar entertainment news.