Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ wins praise for humor, adventure and its message on protecting nature

Highlights

• Hoppers combines action, comedy, and environmental themes in a lively animated adventure.
• The film follows a young animal rights activist who uses new technology to communicate with animals.
• Directed by Daniel Chong, the movie features voice performances by Piper Curda, Jon Hamm and Kathy Najimy.

A spirited adventure with an environmental core

Pixar’s latest animated release, Hoppers, turns a story about conservation and empathy for wildlife into an energetic adventure filled with humor and colorful characters.

Directed by Daniel Chong, the film centers on Mabel, voiced by Piper Curda, a determined animal lover who has been fighting for animals since childhood. As a young girl, Mabel’s attempts to free animals at school land her in trouble, but the experience reveals her lifelong commitment to protecting wildlife.

Years later, now a 19-year-old college student, Mabel remains deeply involved in animal rights activism. Her campaign intensifies when the mayor of Beaverton, Jerry Generazzo, voiced by Jon Hamm, proposes destroying a peaceful glade to build a freeway. The location holds personal meaning for Mabel because it was where her grandmother, Tanaka, taught her to appreciate the quiet rhythms of nature.

Despite gathering support and petition signatures, Mabel struggles to stop the project.

A technological twist to save the forest

Her fortunes shift when she discovers a research project at her university’s biology lab. Professor Sam, voiced by Kathy Najimy, along with colleagues Nisha and Conner, have developed technology that allows a human consciousness to be transferred into robotic animals.

Using the system, Mabel uploads her mind into a robotic beaver to understand the world from an animal’s perspective and challenge the mayor’s development plans.

The premise creates room for lively chase sequences and comedic moments, while also highlighting the ecological importance of beavers as natural “engineers” that shape and protect ecosystems.

A lively cast of animals and voices

The film’s voice cast adds to its charm. Bobby Moynihan voices George, a regal beaver leader, while Dave Franco plays Titus, a sharp-tongued butterfly who becomes the insect king. Other characters include an eccentric beaver named Loaf and a grumpy bear named Ellen.

One of the standout figures is Diane, a great white shark voiced by Vanessa Bayer, who mixes the fearsome traits of a predator with an unexpectedly friendly personality.

With vibrant animation, lively humor and a story built around environmental responsibility, Hoppers balances entertainment with a gentle reminder about the importance of protecting nature.