The El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles buzzed with excitement on February 23, 2026, as Disney and Pixar rolled out the red carpet for the world premiere of their latest animated feature, Hoppers. The event wasn’t just another Hollywood spectacle—it was a celebration of joy, environmental awareness, and the magic of animation, all wrapped up in Pixar’s signature blend of laughter and heart.
Jon Hamm, best known for his role in Mad Men, arrived at the premiere with a sense of purpose and infectious enthusiasm. Hamm voices Mayor Jerry, a key character in Hoppers, and his message to the press struck a chord. “The world could use a little jot of happiness and joy,” Hamm told reporters, according to ABC7 San Francisco. “And it’s kind of nice to provide some of that.” As he embraced a frog mascot on the red carpet, Hamm’s genuine excitement was palpable, setting the tone for the evening’s festivities.
The premiere drew a constellation of stars, with SZA, Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and Barry Keoghan lighting up the red carpet alongside Hamm. Piper Curda, who lends her voice to the lead character Mabel, couldn’t contain her gratitude. “I love this movie. I love these people. I love the man who made this movie,” she gushed, reflecting the camaraderie and spirit that defined the event. The chemistry among the cast radiated across the venue, making it clear that Hoppers was more than just another animated film—it was a labor of love.
Adding gravitas to the already star-studded ensemble was three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep, who voices the Insect Queen. Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, highlighted her contribution, noting, “She features heavily in one of my favorite moments in any Pixar film.” Streep’s performance, combined with the comedic and heartfelt energy of the rest of the cast, elevated Hoppers to must-see status.
The film, set for theatrical release on March 6, 2026, runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes and is rated PG. At its core, Hoppers tells the story of Mabel, a college student who uses radical technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver. Suddenly able to communicate with animals, Mabel finds herself at the center of a fight to save their community. Director Daniel Chong, known for his work on We Bare Bears, crafted the film as an adventure that tackles environmental themes, particularly the critical role beavers play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Bobby Moynihan, who voices King George—the beaver protagonist—embraced his royal status at the premiere, donning a custom purple jacket with a hidden lining that matched his character’s regal flair. According to Just Jared, the attention to detail in the production extended even to the wardrobe choices for the evening. Moynihan’s outfit was a playful nod to the film’s whimsical spirit, and his presence on the red carpet underscored the sense of fun that permeated the event.
Director Daniel Chong described the film as a “rollercoaster ride,” promising audiences a blend of humor and emotional depth. “Be ready to laugh and be ready to surrender to the rollercoaster that is this movie. We crafted it to be a ride,” Chong told ABC7 San Francisco. Producer Nicole Grindle echoed his sentiments, playfully warning, “Bring tissues because there are a few tears. But in the end, you’re going to mostly laugh.” Their words signaled that Hoppers would deliver the emotional highs and lows that have become a Pixar hallmark.
The premiere itself was a testament to the film’s broad appeal and the anticipation surrounding its release. Hundreds of fans and media outlets gathered at the El Capitan Theatre, eager to catch a glimpse of the stars and soak in the atmosphere. Hamm’s wife, Anna Osceola, joined him on the red carpet, adding to the evening’s sense of celebration and unity. The cast’s camaraderie was on full display, from Piper Curda’s heartfelt praise to the playful interactions among the ensemble.
Other celebrities made their mark on the red carpet as well. Dave Franco and his wife Alison Brie turned heads as they arrived together, their chemistry adding to the night’s glamour. Vanessa Bayer and Taran Killam, former Saturday Night Live costars, reunited for the occasion, while power couple Sam Richardson and Nicole Boyd walked the carpet hand in hand. Melanie Lynskey and Jason Ritter coordinated their outfits for a memorable date night, and Bobby Moynihan’s purple attire stood out as a highlight of the evening.
While the focus was firmly on Hoppers, the week was a whirlwind of celebrity appearances across Los Angeles and beyond. Yet, the energy at the El Capitan Theatre was unmatched. The world premiere felt less like a routine Hollywood event and more like a rally for optimism and togetherness, with the film’s environmental message resonating amid the festivities.
Pixar and Disney are banking on Hoppers as a cornerstone release for 2026. The film’s blend of cutting-edge technology, environmental stewardship, and heartfelt storytelling positions it as a timely entry in the animated canon. With themes of unity, ecological responsibility, and the courage to make a difference, Hoppers arrives at a moment when audiences are hungry for stories that uplift and inspire.
Critics at the premiere were quick to praise the film’s tonal range. Meryl Streep’s Insect Queen brought gravitas to comedic moments, while Jon Hamm’s Mayor Jerry grounded the film’s whimsy. Piper Curda’s portrayal of Mabel provided the emotional anchor, guiding viewers through a world where animals and humans must work together to save their home. The voice cast’s performances were universally lauded, with many calling Hoppers a must-see when it hits theaters in early March.
For families and animation fans alike, the message was clear: mark March 6 on your calendars. The sneak peek at the Los Angeles premiere gave the world a taste of the magic that awaits. As Jon Hamm so aptly put it, the world could use a little more happiness and joy—and Hoppers is poised to deliver just that.
As the credits rolled on the premiere night, there was a sense that Hoppers had already made its mark, not just as a film, but as a celebration of creativity, community, and hope for the future. The anticipation now shifts to audiences worldwide, who will soon have the chance to join in the adventure and discover the joy for themselves.