Pixar has unveiled Gatto, set to open in summer 2027, and it’s a major step into hand-painted, traditionally animated terrain. Directed by Enrico Casarosa (Luca), and produced by Andrea Warren, this feature marks Pixar’s first full-length return to hand-drawn artistry with a painterly aesthetic.
Plot & Setting
Set against the romantic canals of Venice, Gatto follows Nero, a music-loving black cat entangled with the city’s feline crime syndicate. His life problematically intersects with a local street artist named Maya, leading to an unlikely and transformative friendship.
Art & Animation Style
The film uses a distinct hand-painted look, reminiscent of expressive, painterly frames. It’s actually a fusion of hand-drawn 2D animation with Pixar’s CG magic; Pixar’s first hybrid feature of this type.
Inspired by woodblock prints and watercolor textures, Casarosa’s approach ensures every frame feels like living art, aligning with his passion for Japanese aesthetics and analog textures.
This announcement follows the unveiling of Toy Story 5 and Hoppers at the 2025 Annecy Festival—highlighting Pixar’s commitment to innovative, original storytelling alongside its blockbuster franchises.
