Walt Disney Studios has announced that the popular Pixar film, Finding Nemo, will be getting a big-screen sequel centered around everyone’s blue tang fish, Dory. Finding Dory is slated to hit cinemas on November 25, 2015.
Ellen DeGeneres is already on board to reprise her role as the forgetful fish, and had this to say about the new film:
“I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating ‘Toy Story 16.’ But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.” [WSJ]
Andrew Stanton is set to direct, he noted that the sequel will take place about a year after the events of the first film, will take place along the California coastline, and Nemo, Marlin, and other characters from the first film will appear along with some new additions.
“There is no Dory without Ellen,” he said. “She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn’t stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In ‘Finding Dory,’ she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way.” [IGN]
When I heard this announcement today, I was ecstatic, especially with the news that Stanton will be directing. Of course, there’s no “need” for this sequel, but unlike Cars 2, I think this will be a welcomed one. It’s not a stretch given Dory’s knack for forgetfulness that she would somehow become lost – and I’d imagine Nemo and Marlin will have to head out on an adventure to find her. I could be wrong there, but either way, I am very pleased to see this announcement and will be looking forward to November 2013.