Why Hoppers has all the ingredients to be Pixar’s next breakout original.

Pixar’s next original is shaping up to be something special, with Hoppers carrying all the ingredients of a major breakout hit among family audiences. Early reactions point to a film that proudly embraces the high-energy chaos and heart that defined classics like Monsters, Inc. and The Incredibles.

Hoppers follows Mabel Tanaka, a 19-year-old animal lover who transfers her mind into a robotic beaver to stop a construction company from destroying a local animal habitat. It is a gloriously weird setup, and critics say the film commits fully to its absurdity. Geeks of Color called it “an absolute hoot,” adding that it is “pure Pixar punk rock” and “the best original Pixar film since Soul.”

The Wrap’s Drew Taylor went as far as to call it “Pixar’s funniest movie ever,” praising its flood of ideas, visual gags and emotional warmth while noting that it feels “unlike any Pixar movie but also fits in perfectly.” ComicBook’s Chris Killian echoed that energy, describing Hoppers as “one of the best non-sequels Pixar has made in a minute,” with Jon Hamm and Meryl Streep delivering standout voice performances.

Others highlighted how confidently the film leans into silliness. Daniel Howat from Next Best Picture called it “laugh out loud hilarious,” teasing an “off the wall story that just gets wilder and wilder.” Dave Franco’s performance also drew praise, with multiple critics pointing to instantly iconic lines and visual gags.

With its fearless comedy, environmental themes and emotional payoff, Hoppers feels built for word-of-mouth momentum. It is loud, inventive and joyfully strange, the kind of original that reminds audiences why Pixar’s most daring films have the power to become cultural favourites.

Hoppers will hop into cinemas on March 26.