Disney & Pixar announce Nero of the Water City
Disney and Pixar have officially set a release date for their upcoming feature animation, Nero of the Water City. The film is scheduled to premiere in Japan on March 19, 2027.
The story follows Nero, a black cat living on the fringes of society in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy. Due to superstitions surrounding black cats, Nero has spent his life navigating the city's underworld until an unexpected miracle changes his path.
Notably, Nero will be the first feline protagonist in a Disney and Pixar feature-length animated film. The production aims for a distinct visual identity, blending a hand-drawn painterly aesthetic with modern 3D CG technology.
The film is directed by Enrico Casarosa, who previously directed Luca. The production team includes producer Andrea Warwick and Academy Award winner Pete Docter as executive producer. The voice cast features Mark Ruffalo as Nero and Laurence Fishburne as the underworld boss cat, Rocco.
Accompanying the announcement were new production stills showcasing Nero interacting with a new bird character, hinting at the expanding cast and the adventures to come in the Venetian setting.