Finding Nemo is set to return, along with one of the film’s original stars, but not in the way fans might be hoping.

What do we know about Finding Nemo’s return?

According to a new report from Deadline, Ellen DeGeneres is set to return to the franchise as Dory the blue tang fish, in a brand new short based out of Pixar’s Finding Nemo universe. Deadline notes the new short is being kept under wraps at the moment, and it’s unclear exactly when or how the short will be released. Traditionally, Pixar has a history of producing short films that usually air before their feature-length projects, though, so it’s likely we’ll see it before one of Pixar’s upcoming films.

DeGeneres will be reprising her role as Dory in the film, a character she played twice, once in 2003’s Finding Nemo, and again in 2016’s Finding Dory, a sequel and spin-off to Finding Nemo. In the films, Dory is a regal blue tang who has a hyperactive personality, and is often seen as extremely optimistic about any situation she’s in. She also suffers from short-term memory loss, often causing some hilarious moments while on her adventures.

The return of DeGeneres also comes as a bit of a surprise. In 2024, DeGeneres aired what she claimed would be her final act in the world of show business, a Netflix comedy special. While at a Q&A as part of the show, DeGeneres was specifically asked if she’d ever return to the Finding Nemo world, to which she matter-of-factly said no. That has obviously changed, though, as we’ll now see DeGeneres return.

The original Finding Nemo released in 2003, and followed the story of a clownfish named Nemo (Alexander Gould) getting lost, and his father Marlin (Albert Brooks) partnering up with Dory to go and find him. The movie was a massive success, and earned over $940 million at the global box office. Since 2016’s Finding Dory, no content regarding the franchise has been developed up until this short.

(Source: Deadline)