Ellen DeGeneres will return as the voice of Dory in a new, untitled Pixar short film [1, 2].
This return marks a significant step for the comedian and former talk-show host as it is her first major project since her 2024 comedy special [1, 3]. The move brings back one of Pixar's most recognizable characters to a franchise known for massive commercial success.
Produced by Pixar Animation Studios, the short will be set within the Finding Nemo universe [2, 5]. While the specific plot remains undisclosed, the project aims to bring the forgetful blue tang fish back to audiences [1, 4]. Recording for the project has taken place in a studio, though the exact location was not disclosed [5].
The character of Dory has previously proven to be a powerhouse in the animation industry. The feature film Finding Dory grossed more than $1 billion worldwide [1]. This level of financial performance underscores the enduring popularity of the character and the franchise's ability to draw global audiences.
DeGeneres said she is involved in the project [3]. The announcement comes as part of a series of reports published this month regarding the return of the voice actress to the role [1, 2, 5].
“Ellen DeGeneres will return as the voice of Dory in a new, untitled Pixar short film.”
The return of DeGeneres to the Finding Nemo universe suggests Pixar is leveraging established intellectual property to maintain audience engagement. By utilizing a short film format, the studio can test the current market viability of the character and the actress's public reception following her 2024 special without the financial risk of a full-length feature.
