Pixar has built its reputation on turning unlikely heroes into unforgettable ones, from toys and fish to rats and robots. Its next big surprise is a scrappy black cat prowling the canals of Venice. Welcome to Ultimate Fandom, the blogging site where we break down the movies fans actually search for. In this spoiler-free guide, we cover the Gatto release date, voice cast, teaser trailer, story, and visual style, so you know exactly what to expect before opening day.
Watch this Movie Trailer Below:
Quick Overview
Gatto is an original animated comedy adventure from Pixar Animation Studios, released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is set in Venice, Italy, and follows a black stray cat named Nero. Enrico Casarosa, who directed the Oscar-nominated Luca, returns to direct, and Andrea Warren, his producing partner on that film, is producing again. Because Gatto is not a sequel or a spin-off, it is one of the few fresh Pixar stories on the way, which makes it especially interesting for fans.
Release Date
Gatto is scheduled to arrive exclusively in theaters on March 5, 2027. The date has already changed once. The film was originally planned for June 18, 2027, but Disney moved it forward three months in December 2025 to avoid a crowded summer that includes Shrek 5 and the next Spider-Verse film. A calmer spring window should give the film more room to find its audience. International dates may vary, so check your local cinema listings closer to release.
What Is the Story About?
In Gatto, Nero has spent years surviving in Venice, a city full of canals, rooftops, and old superstitions. Many locals treat black cats as bad luck, so Nero has learned to keep his head down. When he begins to wonder whether he has been living the right kind of life, his past catches up with him. He owes a debt to Rocco, the city’s ruthless feline mob boss, and he soon finds himself forced into an unexpected friendship that might finally lead him to his purpose, unless Venice gets the better of him first.
The idea of a gangster story told through cats is funny, but the setup also hints at real heart. At Ultimate Fandom, we think this mix of comedy, crime, and self-discovery could make the film feel like nothing else Pixar has made.
Voice Cast
The main voice cast includes some big names:
- Mark Ruffalo as Nero, the scrappy black cat
- Laurence Fishburne as Rocco, the mob boss cat
- Auli’i Cravalho as Maria Rossetti
- Cailey Fleming as Veruca Johnson
- Zach Granger as Ralph Johnson
- Luca Padovan as Rico Carswell
Ruffalo is known for both heartfelt and humorous roles, which suits a hero who is tough on the outside and uncertain inside. Fishburne’s deep, calm voice is a natural fit for a mob boss who rarely needs to shout. Details about the supporting characters are still limited, so expect more information as the release gets closer.
Teaser Trailer Breakdown
Pixar released the first teaser on June 11, 2026, during the week Toy Story 5 reached theaters. The clip is about a minute long and opens with a group of cats on a rooftop before moving indoors, where Nero and Rocco grill a nervous cat about missing tuna. The interrogation is serious and funny at the same time, until a dangling lightbulb on a string distracts all three cats and turns the scene into chaos.
The teaser works because it explains the tone without explaining the plot. It tells viewers that the film mixes crime-movie style with pure cat behavior. We will keep this guide updated on Ultimate Fandom when a longer trailer arrives, since at the time of writing no full trailer has been released.
A New Look for Pixar
One of the most talked-about parts of the film is its look. Reports describe a blend of hand-painted 2D style and computer animation, which gives Venice a storybook feel that is different from Pixar’s usual smooth 3D finish. Fans have compared the mood of the teaser to Ratatouille for its city setting and food-loving charm, and to gangster classics for the mob drama. That visual change also fits the way animated films have moved toward more stylized looks in recent years.
The Team Behind the Film
Enrico Casarosa made his feature debut with Luca, a warm summer story set on the Italian coast. Gatto returns to Italy, but swaps sunny seaside charm for the narrow streets and canals of Venice. Having the same filmmaking team means fans can expect a similar focus on friendship, emotion, and gorgeous scenery, with a sharper comic edge this time.
What About the Loving Dory Short?
Pixar has also revealed concept art for a new animated short called Loving Dory, set to arrive in 2027. No exact release date has been shared, so it is unclear whether it will play before Gatto. Pixar has a long tradition of pairing shorts with feature films, so many fans hope the two will appear together, but that remains a hope and not an announcement.
What Fans Hope to See
These are fan hopes, not confirmed details:
- A strong lead: a cat with a clear personality and a moving personal journey.
- A memorable villain: a mob boss who feels dangerous and funny at once.
- A beautiful Venice: canals, bridges, and rooftops that look unlike any city Pixar has shown.
- Real cat behavior: the small, silly details that make cat lovers laugh.
- An emotional ending: the kind of moment Pixar fans always remember.
The Competition
Gatto arrives in early March, which puts it away from the busiest summer weeks. That gives it a better chance to stand out, especially with families looking for an animated release after the winter holidays. It also shares the early 2027 season with other animated releases, so word of mouth and a strong full trailer will matter.
Should You Be Excited?
Yes, especially if you fall into any of these groups:
- You love original Pixar stories
- You enjoyed Luca and want to see Casarosa’s next film
- You are a cat lover who enjoys animal comedy
- You like animated films with a bold visual style
If you prefer to wait for the full story, reviews and the next trailer will give a clearer picture before opening day.
Final Verdict
Gatto has plenty going for it: an original idea, a charming Venice setting, a talented voice cast, and a director with a proven track record. The mob-cat concept is bold, and the new visual style could make it stand out from the studio’s recent work. Many details are still hidden, but the first teaser suggests the film knows exactly what it wants to be. At Ultimate Fandom, we are excited to see whether Nero’s journey becomes Pixar’s next beloved story.
If you enjoyed this guide, bookmark it and share it with fellow animation fans. For more movie guides, explainers, and watchlist ideas, keep visiting Ultimate Fandom. Happy watching!
FAQs
- When is the Gatto release date?
Gatto is scheduled to open exclusively in theaters on March 5, 2027. Dates may vary by country. - Is there a trailer for Gatto?
Yes. Pixar released the first teaser trailer on June 11, 2026. A full trailer has not been released at the time of writing. - Who voices Nero and Rocco in Gatto?
Mark Ruffalo voices Nero, and Laurence Fishburne voices Rocco. - What is Gatto about?
Gatto follows Nero, a black stray cat in Venice who owes a debt to a feline mob boss and is pushed into an unexpected friendship that may help him find his purpose. - Who is directing Gatto?
Enrico Casarosa, the director of Luca, is directing, and Andrea Warren is producing.
