AceShowbiz - Pixar has officially confirmed the production of a new Finding Nemo short film, marking a fresh addition to the beloved franchise more than a decade after the $1 billion success of its sequel. The upcoming project will see Ellen DeGeneres return to voice the iconic character Dory, the forgetful regal blue tang who captured hearts alongside clownfish Marlin in the original film.

The original Finding Nemo, directed by Andrew Stanton and released in 2003, follows Marlin, voiced by Albert Brooks, as he embarks on a perilous journey across the ocean to rescue his son Nemo after he is captured by divers near the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, Marlin is joined by Dory, whose memory loss challenges their adventure but also brings humor and heart to their quest. Together, they face various oceanic threats, including sharks and jellyfish, while Nemo attempts to escape captivity in a dentist’s fish tank in Sydney.

Despite the excitement, details about the plot of this new Finding Nemo short remain tightly under wraps. No additional cast members or creative team members have been announced at the time of this report, and the project itself has not yet been given an official title. Nevertheless, production is confirmed to be underway, fueling anticipation among fans of the franchise.

The Finding Nemo franchise has been a major success for Pixar and Disney. The original film earned approximately $941 million worldwide and secured the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Ellen DeGeneres’s portrayal of Dory became a standout performance, leading to the 2016 sequel Finding Dory, which also reunited director Andrew Stanton. That follow-up film surpassed expectations by grossing over $1 billion globally, ranking it among the highest-grossing animated movies of its era.

Beyond the two feature films, DeGeneres has continued to bring Dory’s character to life in various other media, including Disney theme park attractions such as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland, as well as multiple short films. Pixar has a long-standing tradition of releasing original shorts alongside their feature films, a practice that began in 1998 with A Bug’s Life. More recently, many Pixar shorts debut on the Disney+ streaming platform, suggesting that the forthcoming Finding Nemo project will likely premiere there as well, since there has been no indication of another full-length movie in the franchise.

As of now, Pixar has not officially confirmed a third full-length Finding Nemo movie. However, comments from director Andrew Stanton and industry speculation leave the door open for future installments. Stanton has expressed willingness to work on additional projects within the franchise but has also hinted that he might pass the creative torch to new filmmakers. Fans will have to wait for further announcements to learn more about the direction of the series.

Currently, there is no official release date for this untitled Finding Nemo short film. Meanwhile, all existing films in the franchise, including the original Finding Nemo and its sequel Finding Dory, are available to stream on Disney+, making it easy for audiences to revisit Marlin, Nemo, Dory, and their underwater adventures.

The Finding Nemo franchise remains a significant part of Pixar’s legacy, celebrated for its emotional storytelling, vibrant animation, and memorable characters. The new short film will add to this rich universe, continuing to explore the lives and journeys of the beloved characters that have enchanted audiences worldwide for nearly two decades.