Pixar’s latest film,Hoppers, marks a triumphant return to the studio’s core strengths: crafting heartwarming stories around endearing animals, laced with a generous helping of playful humor. Early reviews are soaring, with a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – the highest since 2017’sCoco.
The story centers on Mabel, a spirited and slightly unconventional animal lover, who discovers a groundbreaking technology. This allows her to transfer her consciousness into a remarkably lifelike robotic beaver, opening a direct line of communication with the animal kingdom. Her mission? To protect their habitat from the ambitious plans of local mayor Jerry Generazzo.
Along her journey, Mabel forms an unlikely bond with King George, a kind-hearted and somewhat naive beaver monarch. He serves as her guide to the often-surprising “pond rules” – the essential code of conduct for surviving in the wild. This central duo is, as actor Bobby Moynihan describes, “aggressively adorable.”
The voice cast is a remarkable assembly of talent, featuring Dave Franco, Kathy Najimy, and even a rare animated appearance by 21-time Oscar nominee Meryl Streep. ButHoppersisn’t afraid to push comedic boundaries, delivering moments that will surprise and delight audiences of all ages.
Piper Curda, who voices Mabel, recalls a particular scene that left her stunned. “I gasped out loud and smashed my hand over my mouth,” she confessed, genuinely believing the moment wouldn’t make the final cut. Saturday Night Live veteran Bobby Moynihan wholeheartedly agrees, calling the joke “genius” and “my favorite joke in movie history.”
Moynihan’s connection to the film runs deep, having previously collaborated with director Daniel Chong on the animated seriesWe Bare Bears. He emphasizes how special it is to be a part of Chong’s Pixar debut, stating that the roles he’s done with Chong are “at the top” of his impressive animation resume.
Chong’s passion for beavers was infectious, according to Moynihan. He remembers Chong enthusiastically proclaiming their coolness, a sentiment Moynihan initially found amusing but now fully understands. The director’s dedication to detail is legendary, exemplified by a single line of dialogue that required a staggering 83 takes from Curda.
Curda describes the experience as “like graduating from high school to college,” a significant step in her career. She was determined to create a unique character in Mabel, avoiding any influence from existing animated personalities. “She is, at least to me, a very unprecedented female protagonist,” Curda explains, believing Mabel’s power lies in her individuality.
Moynihan, embracing his role as a “Disney king,” drew inspiration from iconic monarchs like Triton and Mufasa. His character, complete with a mysterious little crown – a recurring visual gag throughout the film – embodies kindness and leadership.
The film also celebrates the beauty of unconventional friendships. Curda highlights the importance of normalizing relationships that defy traditional expectations, noting that genuine connections can blossom regardless of age or background. It’s a message of inclusivity and acceptance that resonates deeply.
Hoppersis a testament to Daniel Chong’s meticulous vision and unwavering commitment to his craft. As Curda playfully observes, he’s “the David Fincher of animation,” a director who relentlessly pursues perfection, one take at a time. The result is a film that is both heartwarming and hilarious, a true Pixar masterpiece.
Hoppersarrives in cinemas on Friday, March 6.
