Ellen DeGeneres is reportedly heading back to Hollywood, stepping once again into the role of Dory for a new Pixar short film, according to Deadline.
This project would be her most high-profile return since The Ellen DeGeneres Show wrapped in 2022. Early reports suggest the short is still in development and will revisit the world first introduced in Finding Nemo. DeGeneres famously voiced the forgetful blue tang in both that film and its sequel, Finding Dory, which went on to become a major global hit.
Her comeback follows a quieter stretch in the public eye after workplace culture allegations led to the end of her long-running talk show. She later spoke about that chapter in her 2024 Netflix stand-up special, signaling a gradual return to the spotlight.
Details about the new short’s story are still being kept under wraps, but it’s expected to once again focus on Dory, one of the franchise’s most beloved and commercially successful characters. No additional casting has been announced so far.
Many in the industry see this role as a meaningful step in DeGeneres’ comeback, especially in animation, where her portrayal of Dory has remained a standout. The Finding Nemo universe continues to be one of Pixar’s most successful franchises, both critically and at the box office.
There’s no word yet on when the short will be released, but the project is already drawing attention as a notable moment in DeGeneres’ return to entertainment.
