Pixar's 'Hoppers' blends wild nature with heartwarming story

The latest animated film from Disney-owned Pixar brings a colorful, irreverent adventure to the big screen.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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"Hoppers" follows 19-year-old Mabel Tanaka, an animal lover and environmental crusader from Beaverton, Oregon, who uses advanced "hopping" technology to transfer her consciousness into a beaver robot body to communicate with and rally the animals in a nearby glade that is threatened by a planned highway construction project. As Mabel navigates the animal kingdom, she unintentionally makes the human mayor a target, leading to a wild, high-stakes battle to save the glade.

Why it matters

Pixar's "Hoppers" blends an environmentally-conscious message with an offbeat, imaginative premise, delivering a unique animated adventure that explores the connection between humans and nature. The film's strong female lead and diverse supporting cast also make it an inclusive and representative story for young audiences.

The details

Directed by Daniel Chong and written by Jesse Andrews, "Hoppers" centers on Mabel, a passionate student at Beaverton University who discovers a "hopping" technology that allows her to inhabit the body of a beaver. She uses this to investigate the planned highway construction that threatens the local glade, a natural haven she has long protected. Mabel navigates the complex social dynamics of the animal kingdom, befriending the benevolent beaver King George, while inadvertently putting the human mayor in the crosshairs of the angry animal council.

  • Mabel first attempts to free classroom pets as a child, leading to trouble at school.
  • Years later, Mabel is a student at Beaverton University, continuing her environmental activism.
  • Mabel discovers the "hopping" technology developed by her biology professor, Dr. Samantha Fairfax.

The players

Mabel Tanaka

A 19-year-old animal lover and environmental crusader from Beaverton, Oregon, who uses "hopping" technology to transfer her consciousness into a beaver robot body.

Dr. Samantha "Sam" Fairfax

Mabel's biology professor at Beaverton University, who has developed the "hopping" technology that allows humans to inhabit animal robot bodies.

Mayor Jerry Generazzo

The human mayor who is planning to build a highway through the threatened glade, unaware that he has become a target of the angry animal council.

King George

A benevolent beaver who rules over the overcrowded pond where the animals have relocated, and who is impressed by Mabel Beaver.

Titus

The maniacal son of the Insect Queen, who becomes a threat to both the human and animal worlds.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Mabel and her human and animal allies must work together to stop Mayor Generazzo's highway project and protect the glade, while also dealing with the growing threat posed by the animal council and Titus.

The takeaway

"Hoppers" blends an environmental message with a unique, imaginative premise, delivering a heartwarming and visually stunning animated adventure that celebrates the connection between humans and nature, while also highlighting the importance of inclusion and representation in family-friendly storytelling.