A snap from the trailer of Hoppers (Image via YouTube/@Pixar)
Hoppers is a brand new animated science fiction comedy from Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Daniel Chong, it premiered in Hollywood on February 23, 2026, ahead of its wide US release on March 6 to eager audiences.
The plot follows Mabel Tanaka, an animal lover who transfers her mind into a robotic beaver to protect a local forest glade from destruction. Featuring top voice talents like Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm, the acclaimed movie quickly earned a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Pixar’s latest animated feature earned an incredible $88 million worldwide in its opening weekend, safely beating early projections. This massive financial success proudly marks the studio’s best theatrical launch for an original movie since Coco.
Breaking down the Hoppers Box Office triumph
The film dominated theaters globally. In North America, Hoppers is tracking to earn between $36 million and $40 million across 4,000 theaters. This massive domestic rollout includes:
- Over 400 IMAX screens.
- 1,000 premium large-format screens.
- More than 2,200 3D locations.
Pre-sale tickets grossed over $3 million, demonstrating great crowd anticipation. Offshore is brilliant too. The film grossed $45–$50 million in 41 international regions. It opened 81% abroad, with strong Latin American, French, German, and UK showings.
It competes with Marsupilami in France and The King’s Warden in Korea. Japan on March 13, China on March 20, and Australia on March 26 will have strategic releases to maximize revenues and prevent holiday congestion.
Beating early projections and outperforming rivals
Industry experts initially had conservative estimates for original animated films, given the past box office struggles of Elemental and Elio. However, Hoppers completely shattered those modest expectations. By crossing the $88 million threshold, it secured the highest-grossing opening for an original Pixar project since 2017’s Coco, surpassing the $39.1 million domestic debut of 2020’s Onward.
It also outperformed Maggie Gyllenhaal’s gothic romance The Bride! on the weekend. The R-rated Warner Bros. thriller projected for $16 million to $18 million domestically and $40 million globally, but Hoppers‘ family-friendly appeal was stronger. The Warner Bros. string of nine consecutive number-one openers is anticipated to end. The Bride! stars Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley, but could not match Pixar’s multi-generational appeal.
Why did the animal adventure resonate worldwide?
This financial success is due to favorable word-of-mouth. Hoppers‘ original premise and witty humor have earned it a 97% Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh rating. Fans love Mabel’s sci-fi voyage into the robotic beaver and her fight with King George against evil Mayor Jerry Generazzo.
Furthermore, talking animal stories continue to be a massive draw at the international box office. With virtually no direct family competition until the Super Mario Bros Galaxy Movie arrives at Easter, Hoppers has a clear runway to maintain its momentum. The vibrant vocal performances from an ensemble that includes Meryl Streep and Dave Franco, paired with SZA’s end credits song Save the Day, have created an immersive experience.
Hoppers is now running in nearby theaters.