Finding Nemo was never one of the films that fans assumed would see a sequel (cue chants for The Incredibles 2). That is a point that Andrew Stanton and Produer Lindsey Collins underlined today at the D23 Expo, stating that he is usually averse to the thought of sequels. However, he also stated that if a good idea came along, he would be willing to entertain it. That happened two years ago for Finding Dory, the sequel to Nemo, as Stanton was able to develop an intriguing storyline. Learn what he cooked up after the break!
The events of Finding Dory take place one year following the events of the first film. Dory has been living with Marlin and Nemo, who have adopted the blue tang fish into their family. A traumatic event takes place and Dory finds herself drawn to her birth family, who we never met in Nemo. The character goes on a journey to find the other members of her family, which is what sets the story in motion.
Joining Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Dory (Ellen Degeneres), three new characters were announced, with some great actors attached:
- Jenny – Diane Keaton
- Charlie – Eugene Levy
- Bailey – Ty Burrell
While further story details were not shared (the film is over two years away!), we were shown some beautiful concept art, reminding me once again how stunning the visuals in Finding Nemo were. It will have been twelve years since the first film, so we can imagine where the new technology will be able to take the film. It is still early, though, to know if the sequel will please the many fans of the original. It is in extremely capable hands, though, as after Nemo, Stanton went on to direct WALL-E, considered by many people to be among Pixar’s best.
Finding Dory swims into theaters on November 25, 2015!
UPDATE: Here is one of the fantastic pieces of concept art we were shown:
