For decades, Pixar has been at the forefront of computer-generated animation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D filmmaking. From the groundbreaking realism of Toy Story to the intricate worlds of Inside Out, the studio has consistently defined the cutting edge of CGI. However, with the newly announced film Gatto, Pixar is set to embark on a visually ambitious journey that evokes a beloved, traditional art form: hand-painted animation.
From the Makers of ‘Luca’, ‘Gatto’ Brings Pixar Back to Italy—with a Twist
Pixar has officially unveiled its next original feature, ‘Gatto’, offering audiences a first glimpse and setting a release window for summer 2027. This enchanting narrative comes from the creative minds of director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren, the acclaimed duo behind Pixar’s 2021 hit, Luca.
That film, celebrated for its endearing characters and picturesque Italian Riviera setting, quickly became a fan favorite. Notably, Luca marked a significant moment for Pixar as its first movie to premiere exclusively on Disney+, ultimately becoming the most-watched streaming film of 2021 with an impressive 10.6 billion minutes viewed. Since then, Pixar has returned its focus to theatrical releases.
The unveiling of Gatto took place at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival in France, where Disney and Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter officially announced the project. Along with the release window, a compelling first-look image (shown above) was revealed, showcasing a sleek black cat named Nero gingerly descending a series of stone steps in the iconic city of Venice.
Following Luca‘s idyllic Italian Riviera backdrop, Gatto once again transports viewers to Casarosa’s homeland, this time to the labyrinthine streets and shimmering canals of Venice. Here, the story centers on Nero, a sophisticated black cat who, after years of navigating the remarkable floating city, begins to ponder whether he’s truly lived his nine lives to the fullest. Despite his aversion to water and a surprising appreciation for music, Nero finds himself entangled with a local feline crime boss, leading him into unforeseen trouble.
As Nero’s troubles mount, he crosses paths with Maya, a rebellious street artist who adopts him, much to his dismay. Their unlikely partnership begins with friction but slowly evolves into a transformative bond. Together, they navigate the city’s beauty and its shadows, as Nero confronts not only the debts of his past but the possibility of a more meaningful future. However, the hidden, more perilous underbelly of Venice looms, threatening to disrupt his newfound path.
Gatto Blends 2D Aesthetics with 3D Animation in a Painterly Pixar First
The most striking detail in the first-look image from Gatto is its bold departure from Pixar’s usual visual style. This upcoming feature introduces a richly stylized, hand-painted aesthetic—an artistic first for the studio. Inspired by the vibrant palette of Venice, the film blends traditional 2D painting textures with modern 3D CGI, creating a visual experience that feels both fresh and timeless.
While fully animated using Pixar’s proprietary CG tools (likely RenderMan), the team has employed custom shaders and painterly effects to simulate brushstrokes and layered textures. The result is a film that echoes the look of fine art, joining a broader animation trend seen in films like Spider-Verse and The Wild Robot, where digital animation embraces handcrafted artistry.
Sources: Cartoon Brew, Screen Rant