Despite claims that she was “done” with Hollywood, Ellen DeGeneres is officially returning as Dory in a new Finding Nemo short.
The project was first announced earlier this year. During Pixar’s presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the title, Loving Dory, and new promotional artwork were officially revealed. According to Deadline, the short follows Dory after she mistakes a floating plastic bag for a a jellyfish and develops an emotional attachment to it. The short is being directed by Pixar veteran Lou Hamou-Lhadj and produced by Mary Alice Drumm.
Ellen DeGeneres Returns to Hollywood After Years Away
The announcement also represents Ellen DeGeneres’ most significant Hollywood role since the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 and the release of her Netflix comedy special in 2024.
Ellen DeGeneres on her final episode – TheEllenShow, YouTube
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DeGeneres’ public image suffered a major blow in 2020 after numerous former employees accused her of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Reports claimed that staff members encountered “racism, fear, and intimidation” while working on her show.
In a letter to staff, DeGeneres claimed that the show was taking steps to “correct the issues.”
The allegations led to internal investigations. In a statement to CBS News, Warner Bros. wrote, “though not all of the allegations were corroborated, we are disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show’s day-to-day management.”
While The Ellen DeGeneres Show continued for another few years, DeGeneres later joked, “For those of you keeping score, this is the second time I’ve been kicked out of show business.”
Ellen DeGeneres Previously Claimed She Was Done With Acting
Over the years, Ellen DeGeneres has repeatedly suggested that she was finished with Finding Nemo and other entertainment projects. While promoting her 2024 stand-up special, the former television host was asked whether she planned to take on any future stage or film roles.
Dory and Marlin with the Turtles in Finding Nemo – Disney+
“Um, no,” she said. “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
When asked specifically about returning as Dory in another Pixar film, DeGeneres reiterated her position.
“No, I’m going bye-bye, remember.”
In 2025, DeGeneres confirmed that she and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, had permanently relocated to the United Kingdom after originally planning only a temporary stay. During a public appearance in England, DeGeneres stated that the couple decided to remain overseas following the reelection of Donald Trump.
“I was like, ‘He got in.’ … And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here,'” she said.
Pixar Continues to Lean on Its Biggest Franchises
While Pixar has not announced a release date, the project marks the first official return to the Finding Nemo franchise since 2016’s Finding Dory, which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide and remains one of Pixar’s highest-grossing films.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story 5 Teaser Trailer – YouTube, Pixar
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For Pixar, Loving Dory represents another example of the studio returning to one of its most commercially successful properties. Although the company has continued developing original projects such as Gatto, executives have increasingly leaned on established franchises. This summer’s Toy Story 5 has proven to be one of Disney’s biggest theatrical successes of the year.
Whether audiences will embrace Ellen DeGeneres’ return as enthusiastically as they once did remains unclear. However, after years spent largely outside the spotlight, the former talk show host appears to be cautiously making her way back to Hollywood.
How do you feel about Ellen DeGeneres’ returning as Dory? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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