Just when fans thought Pixar’s Annecy presentation was over, the studio had one more surprise waiting beneath the surface.
Pixar Animation Studios made an unexpected announcement during the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, revealing an all-new theatrical short set in the world of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. The surprise project, titled Loving Dory, will once again follow everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang in a heartfelt new adventure.
Pixar officially announced Loving Dory during its presentation at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, surprising attendees with the reveal of a brand-new theatrical short film set in the beloved Finding Nemo universe. The project is currently in production and marks Pixar’s return to one of its most popular franchises.
According to Pixar, Loving Dory centers on Dory as she unexpectedly falls in love with a floating plastic bag, mistaking it for a jellyfish. While the premise delivers Pixar’s signature humor, the short also explores the impact of ocean pollution through Dory’s unique perspective.
The short is being directed by Lou Hamou-Lhadj and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, both of whom shared an early look at the project during the Annecy presentation. Pixar also showcased new animation technology being used during production, including a real-time performance system that allows animators to experiment with character movement more naturally during the previs process. The technology helps speed up creative exploration while maintaining the high level of animation quality Pixar is known for.
Although Loving Dory is approximately halfway through production, Pixar has not yet announced its release date or confirmed which feature film it will accompany in theaters. Studio representatives indicated that the short will likely debut before a future Pixar feature, but additional details will be shared at a later date.
The surprise announcement comes as Pixar continues expanding its theatrical lineup with upcoming projects like Gatto and future original stories, while also revisiting some of its most beloved characters through short-form storytelling.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Pixar for additional announcements, so be sure to check back with Theme Park Scope for the latest Disney and Pixar news, movie updates, animation reveals, and everything happening across The Walt Disney Company.
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