Ellen DeGeneres Returns as Dory in New Finding Nemo Pixar Short

Ellen DeGeneres is officially swimming back into familiar waters — she's reprising her beloved role as Dory in a new Finding Nemo short from Pixar Animation. According to Deadline, production has just begun on the project, though details about the release date, creative team, and where UAE audiences will be able to watch it remain under wraps.

What brings Dory back to our screens?

According to Deadline's report, Disney and Pixar are developing a new short film set in the Finding Nemo universe. DeGeneres confirmed her involvement with a characteristically brief Instagram post: "Excited about this." It's the kind of understated announcement that somehow feels perfectly on-brand for someone returning to voice a fish with short-term memory loss.

This marks DeGeneres' first major entertainment project since her talk show concluded in 2022. The comedian has largely stepped back from the public eye, with her Netflix stand-up special "For Your Approval" in 2024 being her most notable appearance. Returning to Dory feels like a natural choice — it's a role that brought joy to millions and remains untainted by the controversies that surrounded her later career.

Why this return matters for the franchise

DeGeneres first brought Dory to life in 2003's Finding Nemo, creating one of Pixar's most memorable characters with her mix of optimism and forgetfulness. The blue tang fish became such a fan favourite that Pixar built an entire sequel around her — 2016's Finding Dory — which earned over $1 billion worldwide and proved the character's enduring appeal.

With Finding Nemo, hearing Ellen DeGeneres back as Dory brings a strong wave of nostalgia and that same charm fans remember, whilst also raising the question of whether the new short can add something fresh instead of just revisiting what already worked. The franchise has been dormant since Finding Dory, making this short a potential test of whether audiences are ready to dive back into those underwater adventures.

What we don't know yet

Here's where things get a bit frustrating for fans. With a new short tied to Finding Nemo, the excitement is there, especially with Ellen DeGeneres returning as Dory, but the lack of details can make it feel a bit disappointing. Without a release date, platform, or creative team announced, it's hard for fans to know when or how they'll actually see it.

Pixar shorts typically premiere in cinemas alongside major releases or debut directly on Disney+ UAE. Given that Toy Story 5 releases on 19 June 2026, there's speculation the Dory short could accompany that theatrical run. Alternatively, it might land as a Disney+ exclusive, which would make it immediately available to UAE subscribers.

Should you get excited?

Based on what we've seen from Pixar's track record, there's reason for cautious optimism. The studio has been through some rough patches recently — they cancelled several projects after years of development. But returning to proven characters and storylines feels like a safer bet than launching entirely new properties.

DeGeneres slipping back into the Dory voice after eight years will be interesting to watch. Voice acting is like muscle memory for seasoned performers, and if anyone can recapture that character's infectious enthusiasm, it's probably her. The bigger question is whether Pixar can craft a story that feels necessary rather than nostalgic.

When and where to watch in UAE

Unfortunately, specific UAE availability details haven't been announced yet. However, based on Pixar's recent distribution patterns, UAE audiences can expect the short to arrive on Disney+ simultaneously with the global release. If it premieres in cinemas first, UAE theatres typically receive Pixar content on the same day as international markets.

For now, UAE Disney+ subscribers can catch up on the Finding Nemo franchise whilst waiting for the new short. Both Finding Nemo and Finding Dory are available on the platform with Arabic subtitles and English audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ellen DeGeneres returning as Dory?

Yes, Ellen DeGeneres is officially reprising her role as Dory in a new Finding Nemo short film from Pixar Animation. She confirmed her involvement on Instagram, stating she's "excited about this."

When is the new Finding Nemo short coming out?

The release date hasn't been announced yet. Production has just begun, so it could be several months before we see the finished short. It may premiere alongside Toy Story 5 in June 2026.

Where can I watch the new Dory short in UAE?

Specific UAE availability hasn't been confirmed, but it will likely be available on Disney+ UAE when it releases. Pixar shorts sometimes premiere in cinemas first before moving to streaming.

Will other Finding Nemo characters return?

Only Ellen DeGeneres as Dory has been confirmed so far. Details about other returning cast members or new characters haven't been revealed as production is still in early stages.

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