Ellen DeGeneres returns as Dory in new Finding Nemo short film

Disney has announced that Ellen DeGeneres is returning to reprise her role as Dory in a new short film based on Finding Nemo, produced by Pixar Animation. The surprise update comes just as production on the short film is getting underway, and further details about the release and creative team have not yet been revealed.

Ellen DeGeneres' history as Dory

Ellen DeGeneres made her debut as Dory in the acclaimed 2003 film Finding Nemo. Her portrayal of the forgetful blue tang quickly turned Dory into one of the most beloved characters in the Pixar lineup. In 2016, she returned to the lead role in the sequel Finding Dory, which focused more heavily on the character herself.

Unknown details about the new short film

At this stage, there are still many unknowns surrounding the new Finding Nemo short film. No specific information has been shared about the plot or how the short will connect to the wider Finding universe. Fans are waiting to see how DeGeneres will step back into the iconic role.

The impact of DeGeneres' return

Ellen DeGeneres' return to the role of Dory comes at a time when she has been less visible in the public eye. Her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, ended in May 2022 after nearly two decades and was surrounded by controversy and allegations of a toxic workplace. Since stepping away from the show, DeGeneres has worked less publicly, with her most recent appearance coming in a Netflix stand-up special titled Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, released in 2024.

Pixar continues to push ahead with new projects, including its recent animated film Hoppers, which hit theaters last month, and the upcoming Toy Story 5, set for release on June 19, 2026. For fans of Dory and Finding Nemo, waiting for more details on the short film is an exciting preview of what's to come.