Pixar Animation Studios has released the first official poster for its upcoming original feature Gatto, signaling a fresh creative direction for the studio known for beloved franchises like Toy Story and Inside Out.
The film, directed by Enrico Casarosa, is scheduled to hit theaters on March 5, 2027.
The striking poster features a sleek black cat with large, expressive green eyes hanging upside down by one paw against a luminous full moon. In the background, the iconic canals of Venice glow at night, complete with gondolas, arched bridges, and warmly lit historic buildings.
The title “GATTO” (Italian for “cat”) appears prominently at the bottom alongside the Pixar logo, evoking the studio’s signature blend of emotional storytelling and visual splendor.
Gatto marks Casarosa’s second feature for Pixar following his 2021 hit Luca, which was also set in Italy. The new film reunites him with producer Andrea Warren.
Set in the canal-ridden, superstitious city of Venice, the story follows Nero, a scrappy black cat who cannot swim and navigates the seedy underbelly of feline society.
Indebted to Rocco, a powerful feline mob boss, Nero finds himself forging an unexpected friendship that could help him discover his true purpose.
Early details suggest the film will explore themes of identity, belonging, and redemption through Nero’s love of music and his connection with an outsider street musician. Voice talent reportedly includes Mark Ruffalo as Nero and Laurence Fishburne as Rocco.
The project blends Pixar’s signature CG animation with hand-painted elements, promising a textured, illustrated aesthetic that pays homage to classic illustration while capturing Venice’s watery beauty.
Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, first announced Gatto at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The announcement was met with enthusiasm as it represents Pixar’s renewed emphasis on original stories amid a slate that has included several sequels.
The release date was moved up from June 18, 2027, to avoid competition with other major releases.
Public Reactions
Fans and industry observers have reacted positively to the poster and early concept art, praising the atmospheric Venice setting and the potential for another heartfelt Pixar tale with Italian flair. “Ratatouille for cats and music instead of rats and food? I’m sat,” one social media user commented, capturing the excitement.
Others highlighted the visual style as a potential departure, blending CG wizardry with more painterly textures.
This project arrives at an interesting time for Pixar. After the record-breaking success of Inside Out 2, the studio continues balancing beloved sequels with bold new ideas. Gatto follows in the footsteps of Luca by immersing audiences in a richly detailed European locale while centering on an anthropomorphic protagonist grappling with universal emotions.
The feline mob elements add a layer of intrigue and humor reminiscent of classic gangster tales reimagined through Pixar’s whimsical lens.
Casarosa, an Italian filmmaker, has spoken in the past about drawing from personal experiences and cultural heritage. Luca celebrated friendship and acceptance on the Italian Riviera; Gatto appears poised to delve deeper into questions of purpose and community in one of the world’s most enchanting and superstitious cities.
Black cats, often symbols of bad luck in folklore, take center stage in a story that seems destined to flip those superstitions on their head.
The film is currently in post-production. A teaser trailer has also debuted, offering glimpses of gangster cats and dramatic Venetian nights. Marketing is expected to ramp up in the coming months, with the poster serving as an inviting entry point for families and animation enthusiasts alike.
As Pixar’s 32nd feature, Gatto underscores the studio’s commitment to storytelling that transcends age groups. With its blend of adventure, music, friendship, and stunning visuals, the film has the potential to capture hearts much like its predecessors.
For now, the poster has ignited anticipation. Audiences can look forward to more details, character reveals, and trailers in the lead-up to March 2027. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by familiar IPs, Gatto stands out as a promising original tale from a studio that continues to redefine animated storytelling.
