Dave Franco is set to enchant audiences once again as he lends his voice to a villainous insect character named Titus in Pixar’s upcoming film, “Hoppers.” The movie is scheduled for release in theatres on 6 March 2026. Franco shared insights into his evolving outlook on life and work during a recent interview at the Los Angeles premiere of the animated feature.
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Having recently celebrated his 40th birthday in June 2025, Franco reflected on how this milestone has influenced his approach to acting. Speaking with PEOPLE, he noted that his criteria for selecting roles have shifted significantly. He emphasised that his primary considerations now revolve around whether he enjoys working with the people involved in a project and whether he believes the role will be fun.
Franco expressed his belief in the importance of surrounded by supportive colleagues, stating, “Because of that, I’ve been in these situations where I’m surrounded by people that I love and trust, and that allows me to be free and have fun.” He explained that this new perspective not only enhances his enjoyment but also improves the quality of his work. “I just kind of reminded myself, like, this should be fun,” he added, highlighting that while acting is undoubtedly hard work, the joy of performing should remain paramount.
In “Hoppers”, Franco joins a prestigious voice cast that includes renowned actors such as Meryl Streep, Kathy Najimy, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, and Piper Curda, the latter voicing the lead character Mabel. The film follows Mabel as she explores a novel technology that allows her to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver, enabling communication with animals. This unique premise promises a delightful blend of humour and adventure for viewers of all ages.
Franco revealed that he eagerly accepted the role of Titus without hesitation or extensive inquiry into the character or storyline. “I said, ‘Absolutely. I don’t need to know what the character is. I don’t need to know what the story is, I am in,'” he recounted. This spontaneity worked in his favour, as he described his experience recording the role as incredibly rewarding. He praised the quality of the script, stating that it invited him to infuse his personality into the character, which contributed to the overall enjoyment of the project.
Describing his performance, Franco noted, “I was just in this booth sweating my ass off, jumping around, putting everything I could into this villainous character.” His enthusiasm for the role highlights how he engages deeply with his craft, regardless of the nature of the character.
Previously, Franco had indicated a desire to take a break from the spotlight after a busy year, which included roles in several films, such as the horror feature “Together” and the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel “Regretting You.” Speaking at the premiere of “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” in November 2025, he mentioned plans to retreat from public life for a while following a rigorous press schedule, suggesting he might “disappear for a while” to recharge.
In addition to “Hoppers,” audiences can also look forward to Franco starring in a new comedy titled “The S—heads.” This film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in January but does not yet have an official release date.
As anticipation builds for “Hoppers,” Franco’s openness about his evolving attitude towards work and creativity resonates with many in the industry and beyond. His journey underscores a growing desire among artists to prioritise joy and connection in their creative pursuits, a refreshing outlook for both them and their audiences alike.
With the film’s release on the horizon, fans are excited to see how Franco brings his character to life and how “Hoppers” will land in Disney-Pixar’s celebrated catalogue of animated features.