AceShowbiz - Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Hoppers! Fans of Pixar’s beloved franchise Toy Story are in for a treat thanks to the latest Pixar release, Hoppers. This animated film features an intriguing world where humans can transfer their consciousness into robotic animals. The story centers on a young girl named Mabel, voiced by Piper Curda, who uses this technology to navigate the animal kingdom. Alongside her is King George, a regal beaver voiced by Bobby Moynihan. Together, they embark on an adventure designed to protect their worlds from a looming threat.

Hoppers has already made a remarkable mark, earning Pixar’s best Rotten Tomatoes score in seven years with an impressive 96%. Beyond its unique storyline and animation, the film contains clever Easter eggs that tease the upcoming Toy Story 5. ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan spoke with the film's director, Daniel Chong, and producer, Nicole Paradis Grindle, who shared some insights on where fans can spot these hidden nods.

Nicole Paradis Grindle explained, “It’s in Maple’s bedroom when she’s on the laptop, up on the windowsill.” Meanwhile, Daniel Chong added, “It’s a quick shot, so most likely, people won’t catch it on first glance because your eye’s not supposed to be there.” Both emphasized that these clues are subtle and designed to be discovered only on a second viewing or a freeze-frame pause.

The filmmakers revealed that there are additional Easter eggs scattered throughout the same scene. Grindle noted, “There are a few other things in that room too, on that windowsill and pinned to her wall.” Chong described the area as a “loaded frame” packed with hidden details. He elaborated, “We have a couple shots that are just loaded frames of Easter eggs.” The final scene’s board, referenced by Grindle, is also filled with multiple hints for sharp-eyed viewers.

These Easter eggs are particularly exciting as Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release in June 2026. Fans eager for any clues will find these subtle hints in Hoppers a rewarding discovery that connects the films within the wider Pixar universe.

The inspiration behind Hoppers stems from real-life nature documentaries that use robotic animals with cameras embedded in their eyes to observe wildlife. Chong shared the origin of the idea, stating, “There are these documentaries where they put robot animals into nature, and they have cameras in their eyes, and they look kind of goofy. You kind of laugh when you see them.” He added the concept imagines technology advanced enough that neither animals nor humans can tell the difference between real and robotic creatures, which provided a fresh narrative starting point.

Daniel Chong emphasized that comedy was the driving force in the film’s creation, saying, “It came from a funny place, and I think that carried through the whole process of making this movie: comedy first. Trying to make it as entertaining and silly as possible, and then you hit ’em with the emotion.” This balance of humor and heartfelt moments is a hallmark of the film’s appeal.

The emotional impact of Hoppers is evident in several scenes, including one involving Mabel that has drawn varied reactions from audiences worldwide. Chong described the diverse responses during screenings: “One of our favorite things, watching the movie with an audience, has been seeing how different crowds react to that moment. It’s always a big reaction, but everyone reacts differently.” For example, in Mexico, there were “at least 30 seconds of nonstop gasps,” while in Germany, a woman loudly exclaimed, “Nein!” The experience of watching the film can shift depending on the crowd’s cultural background and energy, making each screening unique.

Both Chong and Grindle stress that Hoppers is best enjoyed as a group experience. Nicole Paradis Grindle commented, “It’s definitely a group experience too. I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch it by yourself for the first time. I think collectively, people have a different experience of it.” This suggests the film’s humor and emotional beats resonate more powerfully in a communal setting.

Currently playing in theaters, Hoppers is a must-watch for fans of Pixar’s inventive animation and storytelling. Its high Rotten Tomatoes score of 96% reflects widespread critical acclaim, while the cleverly placed Easter eggs provide an exciting connection to the upcoming Toy Story 5. Whether viewers are drawn by its unique concept, emotional moments, or the promise of hidden Pixar universe nods, Hoppers delivers a rich and entertaining cinematic experience.