“Hoppers” are a group of scientists who have discovered a way to mind-hop into robot animal bodies. So when Mabel (Piper Curda), an animal lover, learns that a construction company wants to destroy the local animal habitat, she uses the clever new technology to inhabit the body of a beaver.

Pixar 's Hoppers trailer, previewing the 2026 animated film, presents a world in which scientists have developed technology that inserts a human mind into a robot animal, allowing them to blend in and communicate with real critters in the wild. The self-aware sneak peek makes the obvious comparison.

Perhaps Pixar has another chance to prove itself with an original movie, before it’s fully relegated to sequels for the rest of time. Next year’s Hoppers has just released its first trailer, and it shows what looks like a delightful talk-to-the-animals movie.