Hoppers
When you gotta eat, eat.
16 Mar 2026 
Russ Matthews Pixar has set the standard for modern animation since the original release of Toy Story. Over the years, the studio has experienced both remarkable successes and occasional disappointments at the box office, yet their creative teams continue to push the boundaries of storytelling. Their latest adventure invites audiences to see the world through the eyes of a beaver named Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), who is determined to save the patch of wilderness she calls home.
Before inhabiting the body of the dam-building creature, Mabel was a passionate young activist whose life had been shaped by her conservationist grandmother. As a university student, Mabel Tanaka did everything she could to oppose the expansion of Beaverton’s highway system, which threatened the glade she shared with her grandmother.
However, the vision and development plans of Mayor Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm) bring the conflict directly to her doorstep. When Mabel approaches her biology professor, Dr Sam Fairfax (Kathy Najimy), about the environmental crisis, she learns about the experimental “Hoppers” programme. The technology allows a human consciousness to “hop” into a robotic animal body to experience life from that creature’s perspective. Yet in the hands of a determined environmental activist, this experiment may create more complications than solutions.
It has almost become expected that Pixar will raise the technical bar with each new production. Hoppers once again demonstrates the studio’s mastery of visual storytelling. The animation draws audiences into the wooded beauty of Beaverton and the surrounding forests with remarkable detail. However, the visual canvas never overwhelms the narrative. Pixar has long proven that storytelling remains just as important as technical innovation.
While Hoppers contains a refreshing premise, there are moments where the film feels as though it is borrowing inspiration from earlier stories. Director Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears: The Movie) and writer Jesse Andrews (Luca) have reportedly been developing the project since 2020. Although the screenplay playfully acknowledges its similarities to Avatar, viewers may also notice echoes of films such as A Bug’s Life, Over the Hedge and The Wild Robot. Fortunately, these familiar elements rarely distract from the overall experience. The trademark Pixar blend of humour, heart and emotional storytelling is still present throughout the film.
Hoppers may not rank among Pixar’s greatest achievements, but it still helps the studio maintain its position near the top of the animation industry. Given the extraordinary catalogue of films in Pixar’s history, simply delivering a strong family film remains an accomplishment. Hoppers offers a thoughtful and entertaining option for families looking to enjoy a film together this season.
What should parents know about Hoppers?
There are two important considerations for families planning to see the latest Pixar release. The first relates to the age group best suited to the film, and the second concerns the film’s environmental themes that may prompt family discussion afterwards.
The film may be less suitable for children under seven years of age. The opening acts are entertaining, humorous and emotionally engaging, but the final act becomes noticeably darker. Without revealing specific plot details, some moments may feel intense or frightening for younger viewers. While this should not necessarily deter families from seeing the film, it may be worth considering the maturity of younger children beforehand.
Scripture offers encouragement for moments when fear arises:
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4
The second point parents may notice is the film’s strong environmental message. The storyline presents a clear call for conservation and raises questions about humanity’s impact on the natural world. Pixar does not hide this theme, and while the film raises worthwhile concerns about caring for nature, it also provides an opportunity for families to discuss what responsible stewardship truly looks like.
For Christian families, this conversation can begin by reflecting on how the Bible describes humanity’s relationship with God’s creation.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” — Genesis 1:28
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. — Genesis 2:15
These passages remind us that while humans have been given authority within creation, that responsibility also includes caring for and stewarding the world God has made.
Reel Dialogue has entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue has entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage.
