Gatto: Pixar’s New Cat Movie Set in Venice

Pixar is breaking tradition with Gatto, an animated film set in the heart of Venice. Slated for release in summer 2027, this project marks a major artistic shift for the studio and introduces a fresh type of story — darker, moodier, and more visually daring.

Here’s everything you need to know.

A Cat, Venice, and a Debt to Pay

Meet Nero, a black cat who lives a cautious life in the shadows of Venice. He has a problem: he owes a dangerous debt to a feline mob boss who controls the city’s underbelly. Nero isn’t brave, and he’s definitely not a hero — he’s just trying to survive. He hides in alleyways, avoids water at all costs, and keeps his head down.

But everything changes when he meets Maya, a street-smart young artist who sees potential in Nero. She paints the city’s hidden corners and plays music in the squares. She’s the opposite of Nero — free, curious, and full of life.

Together, they stumble into a mystery involving the mob, a stolen artifact, and a secret buried beneath the canals. Their journey forces Nero to face his fears, challenge his loyalties, and decide what kind of cat he really wants to be.

A New Visual Era for Pixar

Gatto won’t look like any Pixar film you’ve seen before.

Instead of their signature hyper-detailed 3D style, Pixar is embracing a hand-painted aesthetic that blends 2D textures with 3D animation. The result? A moody, expressive visual experience that looks more like a moving painting than a traditional cartoon.

Think Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse meets Loving Vincent, but with the romantic grit of Venice woven into every frame. Watercolor skies. Cracked brick walls. Flickering reflections in water. The city breathes and shifts like a living character.

Meet the Director: Enrico Casarosa

Gatto is directed by Enrico Casarosa, the Italian-born filmmaker behind Luca.

Casarosa brings a deep love for Italy, and it shows. While Luca captured the sunny charm of an Italian coastal village, Gatto explores the darker, more complex beauty of Venice. He’s not just telling a story — he’s building a world full of texture, memory, and emotional tension.

He’s joined by producer Andrea Warren, who also worked on Luca, and executive producer Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer.

What Makes Gatto Different?

Pixar has produced many masterpieces, but Gatto stands apart in several key ways:

• A noir-inspired tone: This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a street-level story of survival, trust, and identity.
• A flawed animal protagonist: Nero isn’t a superhero or a cuddly comic relief. This cat is anxious, selfish, and learning to grow.
• A focus on adult themes: The story explores crime, redemption, and the choices that shape us.
• Visual boldness: Pixar is taking its biggest artistic leap yet by abandoning its familiar style in favor of hand-crafted animation.

This is Pixar experimenting — and it’s exciting to see.

When to Watch?

Gatto is scheduled to hit theaters in June 2027. It joins Pixar’s revitalized post-2025 lineup, following Elio, Toy Story 5, and Hoppers.

The film is already generating buzz, and fans of both animation and international storytelling have plenty to look forward to.

Final Thoughts

Gatto promises something new: a cat’s-eye view of Venice full of danger, art, and heart. With a deeply personal vision from Enrico Casarosa, breathtaking visuals, and a story rooted in real emotional stakes, this could be Pixar’s most daring original film in years.

Keep your eyes — and ears — open for more as we get closer to 2027.