Pixar announced its upcoming theatrical feature Nero, chat noir, directed by Enrico Casarosa and scheduled for release in 2027, marking the studio’s return to standalone original storytelling after setting records with Toy Story 5.
Pixar is returning to theatrical releases with an original feature set in Venice, following a black cat burdened with nine lives and overwhelming debt who crosses paths with a street musician named Maja.
Director Leads Venetian Adventure
- Director Enrico Casarosa, who previously helmed Luca, leads this new Venetian adventure.
- The film breaks from standard 3D animation by incorporating textures and aesthetics inspired by oil pastels and watercolor.
- Audiences can see the film in theaters when it opens on March 3, 2027.
Returning to Original Stories in Venice
The bounce lamp logo has leaned heavily on established franchises in recent years. After scoring commercial success with Toy Story 5, Pixar is shifting gears to introduce entirely new worlds, Journal du Geek reported.
This upcoming project transports viewers straight to Italy. The narrative centers on Nero, a feline protagonist struggling with debt and an existential crisis who meets Maja, a street musician whose presence alters his perspective on life amid the canals and superstitions of Venice.
Stylistic Shifts in Animation
Since introducing its proprietary RenderMan software in 1995 and releasing A Bug’s Life in 1997, Pixar became synonymous with smooth 3D computer graphics. However, the wider animation landscape shifted significantly following the release of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which combined 3D virtual camera movement with hand-drawn comic textures.
Nero, chat noir adopts a comparable visual philosophy. The production blends three-dimensional character rigging with textures that mimic pastels and watercolor, creating a vibrant aesthetic across the Venetian setting while showcasing detailed work on the central cat’s fur.
| Film Title | Director | Release Date / Year | Production Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Story 5 | Unspecified | Recent Release | Franchise Sequel |
| Nero, chat noir | Enrico Casarosa | March 3, 2027 | Original with Pastel/Watercolor Textures |
Theatrical Launch in 2027
The studio intends to reclaim theatrical real estate after spending considerable time premiering titles on Disney+. Fans and industry analysts will have to wait until March 3, 2027, to see whether the long-métrage est à la hauteur des attentes du public.
