REVIEW of Pixar´s "Hoppers" (2026)

REVIEW of Pixar´s "Hoppers" (2026)

Pixar Animation Studios

Voice Cast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, Eduardo Franco, Aparna Nancherla, Dam Richardson, Melissa Villaseñor, Isaiah Whitlock Jr., Ego Nwodim, Vanessa Bayer, Meryl Streep
Music: Mark Mothersbaugh
Cinematography: Jeremy Lasky, Ian Megibben
Producer: Nicole Paradis Grindle
Running Time: 104 minutes
Screenplay: Daniel Chong & Jesse Andrews
Director: Daniel Chong

Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda) is a 19-year-old environmental activist determined to save her beloved pond from a new highway construction project. She has become a constant thorn in the side of Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm), disrupting his building plans at every turn. Mabel has a special connection to the pond; she used to come here with her grandmother while growing up, and the peaceful sounds of nature helped calm her hyperactive and often angry state. This place, these animals, the pond—everything means a great deal to Mabel.

But Mayor Jerry cannot proceed with the construction as long as animals remain there. Running out of options to save the pond, Mabel turns to her college science professors, Dr. Sam (Kathy Najimy) and Nisha (Aparna Nancherla), where she stumbles upon their ultra-secret research project called “Hoppers.” Using advanced 3D-printed animals, they transfer a person’s mind into an animal counterpart, allowing them to observe animal behavior up close.

“It’s like Avatar!” Mabel says, much to the professors’ annoyance.

The scientists are unwilling to help her, but Mabel forces her way in, puts on the headset, and before long finds her mind inside the body of a beaver. All of this becomes the setup for Mabel to get close to the animals, where she hopes to recruit some beavers to return to the pond, build a dam, and stop the construction project.

We know Pixar’s storytelling style well: emotions running high while introducing us to unlikely worlds—a widower flying through the sky in his house, a rat working as a chef in fine French cuisine, a lonely robot searching for companionship, and so on. Combined with the importance of strong storytelling and character development, Pixar has always dazzled with breathtaking animation. However, like many major studios in recent years, Pixar has experienced a cycle of ups and downs, particularly with unnecessary sequels (successful or not), which has reduced opportunities to take risks on new stories. The Pixar that once constantly surprised us seemed to be in a kind of creative coma.

With a few honorable exceptions (Luca in 2021, Turning Red in 2022, and Elio in 2025), it is refreshing to see Pixar once again take a risk—and it is deeply appreciated. Daniel Chong makes his directorial debut here, finding the perfect balance of comedy, science fiction, adventure, drama, and even a few slightly disturbing moments. His premise and its development never allow the pacing to slow down. From the moment Mabel arrives at the pond and discovers how the animal world really works, Chong fills the film with nonstop comedy.

Working alongside screenwriter Jesse Andrews, Chong brilliantly balances all these genres while Mabel attempts to recruit the animals to rebel against humans and protect their land. When Mabel and King George present their proposal to fight the humans before the animal council—composed of other kings and queens—the situation quickly spirals out of control. Mabel and George must face the animal council, Mayor Jerry and his construction crew, and Dr. Sam and Nisha, who are trying to rescue Mabel from the robotic beaver body.

It becomes a wild and chaotic adventure where you never quite know where the story will take you, yet it always seems to arrive at the most logical destination while making you laugh along the way. This is the spirit of classic Pixar that audiences loved—thanks to Daniel Chong for bringing it back. But no matter how comedic the film may be, it does not escape Pixar’s signature emotional punches. Mabel’s personal pain and her connection with her grandmother drive her at all costs. She wants to save the pond, but she also desperately wants to fill the emptiness in her heart. In the end, it is the sense of community she finds among the animals—and seeing how they support one another—that helps Mabel rediscover herself.

The character design is charming. The beavers on screen, especially in close-ups, make you want to hug them like plush toys. The lizard Tom is absolutely fantastic. The creation of this ecosystem clearly recalls Chong’s Cartoon Network series We Bare Bears. As always, Pixar’s animation maintains its high standard of quality, evident in the characters’ body movement, fur textures, and the perspective between animals themselves and how humans see them.

Piper Curda gives Mabel a voice full of energy while also conveying nostalgia, making us care about her adventures. Bobby Moynihan as King George steals the show with his friendly and confident beaver character.

Pixar’s Hoppers (2026) achieves both narrative and visual brilliance. I want to hug the beavers and never let them go! Pixar seemed to be sinking in quicksand, but Daniel Chong unexpectedly arrives, extends his hand, and manages to save it. Pete Docter cannot afford to let him go.

RATING FOR PIXAR’S “HOPPERS” (2026): MAJESTIC