Pixar has unveiled a new trailer for the animated film "Gatto: Nero's Nine Lives" (Gatto), a project that sees the studio move beyond its traditional computer-generated graphics. The film follows a black street cat who, amidst the canals and narrow alleys of Venice, attempts to clear his debts with the local feline mafia. According to the publication Wave RBC.UA, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on March 5, 2027.

Plot: Debt, mafia, and an unexpected friendship

At the center of the story is Nero, a stray cat who has spent years surviving on the canals and backstreets of Venice. Due to a debt owed to the feline boss Rocco, the protagonist finds himself in a difficult position and is forced to carry out a dangerous task. A turning point comes when he meets Maya, a young street musician. Their friendship, as envisioned by the screenwriters, helps Nero find his true purpose, though he will have to risk his final life to achieve it.

Voice cast

In the original version, Mark Ruffalo voices Nero, while feline mobster Rocco is voiced by Laurence Fishburne. The cast also includes Isabella Rossellini, John Turturro, Jason Schwartzman, and Tracey Ullman. This choice of performers emphasizes the film's dramatic yet lyrical tone.

The studio’s artistic experiment

A hallmark of "Gatto" will be its visual style: animators used hand-painted effects, watercolor textures, and expressive brushstrokes to capture the atmosphere of Venice. This approach differs significantly from Pixar's familiar computer animation and, according to the studio, will serve as one of the new project's key artistic pillars.

Direction and music

The film is directed by Enrico Casarosa, who previously worked on the short film "La Luna" and the feature "Luca," with Andrea Warren serving as producer. The original soundtrack was composed by Oscar winner Dario Marianelli, known for his work on the film "Atonement." The musical score also features performances by Slovak violinist Barbora Botošová.

Expectations for the premiere

The combination of Venetian charm, watercolor graphics, and an all-star voice cast makes "Gatto" a standout event in Pixar's 2027 animation lineup. Specific release dates in individual regions may be finalized as the March 5, 2027, premiere approaches.