Pixar's upcoming animated film, Gatto, is generating excitement among fans with its departure from the studio's signature 3D style. The film, set in Venice and featuring a black cat named Nero, is a refreshing change of pace. But what's even more intriguing is the potential return of a long-forgotten Pixar tradition: pairing short films with feature-length movies. This strategy, which showcased new talent and added depth to the storytelling, was a hallmark of Pixar's early success. The last time this tradition was employed was with The Incredibles 2 and its accompanying short film, Bao, in 2018. Since then, Pixar has shifted towards releasing shorts directly on Disney+, through initiatives like SparkShorts. However, the possibility of Gatto bringing this tradition back is a tantalizing prospect. It's worth noting that Pixar has also announced a new animated short featuring Dory from the Finding Nemo franchise, titled Loving Dory. Directed by Lou Hamou-Lhadj, this short will explore Dory's adventures and her unexpected love for a plastic bag. The release date for Loving Dory is set for 2027, the same year as Gatto's theatrical debut. The pairing of these two projects raises the question: will they be released together? This potential collaboration could be a significant step in rekindling Pixar's tradition of pairing shorts with feature films, offering a delightful double dose of animation for audiences worldwide. As a fan of Pixar's early work, I'm eagerly anticipating the potential resurgence of this cherished tradition.
