Ellen DeGeneres Returning to Play Dory for Pixar Short

Disney is bringing back former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres to reprise her role as Dory in a new Finding Nemo short from Pixar Animation.

Information on the unexpected update comes from Deadline, which states that production for the short is just beginning. Details about the short’s intended release date, creative team, and how it will connect to the underwater universe it pulls from have also yet to be revealed.

DeGeneres first played Dory in Pixar’s Finding Nemo in 2003. As fans fell in love with the blue tang fish’s story and memorable lines, she remained a fan-favorite character for years following her debut in the film. DeGeneres posted about her return to the role on Instagram today, simply saying, “Excited about this.”

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Pixar finally decided to take another dip into the Finding Nemo world with Finding Dory in 2016, though this time, DeGeneres’ character was given more of a spotlight as the story focused more on her than on the other characters from the first film.

The comedian famously hosted The Ellen DeGeneres Show from 2003 to 2022. The end of the celebrity talk show’s near-20-year run was plagued by controversy surrounding allegations that DeGeneres had encouraged a toxic work environment.

What began as accusations of poor communication regarding pay during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic eventually turned into allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against some of the show’s producers. Following an investigation by parent company WarnerMedia and an apology from DeGeneres in September 2020, The Ellen DeGeneres Show came to an end in May 2022.

Upcoming Disney and Pixar Movies

DeGeneres hasn’t spent quite as much time in the public eye since her show came to an end. Her most notable appearance since 2022 involved the release of her Netflix stand-up special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, in 2024.

Pixar, meanwhile, just released its new animated film, Hoppers, in theaters last month. Next up is Toy Story 5, which recently showed up at CinemaCon 2026 with new footage ahead of its June 19, 2026, release.

While we wait to see what shape Pixar’s Dory short will take, you can read our original 9/10 Finding Nemo review and our 8.5/10 Finding Dory review. You can also see our breakdown of the Pixar timeline theory.

Photo by Mike Rozman/Warner Brothers//NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).