Ellen DeGeneres is making a significant return to the entertainment industry with a new project that will see her reprise her role as Dory in an upcoming short film set within the beloved Finding Nemo universe. This venture marks the comedian and former talk show host’s first major undertaking since her comedy special, ‘For Your Approval’, which aired in September 2024.
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Production of the new short film has recently commenced, although further details about the project remain scarce at this time. Industry sources have confirmed DeGeneres’ involvement, but no comments have yet been made by Pixar regarding the film. The announcement has excited fans who have followed the whimsical underwater adventures introduced in earlier films.
DeGeneres took to social media to share her enthusiasm about this latest role by posting a screenshot of a report from Deadline, captioned simply, “Excited about this.” Her return as the forgetful blue tang fish Dory follows the character’s first appearance in the 2003 animated classic ‘Finding Nemo’. In that film, Dory aided Marlin, voiced by Albert Brooks, in his quest to rescue his son, Nemo, from the vast ocean.
‘Finding Nemo’ not only captivated audiences upon its release but also achieved tremendous commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film in the US in 2003. The film later won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 76th Academy Awards. Following its success, the sequel ‘Finding Dory’ was launched in 2016, in which Dory embarks on a journey to find her long-lost parents. This sequel also received favourable reviews, managing to gross over $1 billion globally.
Since moving to the UK, DeGeneres has been splitting her time between her home in the English countryside and her previous residence in California. A source revealed that DeGeneres fell in love with a particular house in England, leading her to complete the purchase shortly after her house-hunting trip there in October 2024. This transition into a different lifestyle struck a chord with her followers, as she began to share glimpses of her new life abroad alongside her wife, Portia de Rossi.
In a July 2025 interview with the BBC, DeGeneres candidly expressed her desire to take on new projects, while also acknowledging a sense of boredom in her life outside of the entertainment sphere. With a twinkle of humour, she mentioned her affinity for her chickens but clearly indicated a yearning for more engaging activities.
Despite relocating, insiders suggest that DeGeneres has no plans for a permanent move back to the US. Instead, she is keen on maintaining a dual lifestyle, with a residence in both the UK and Montecito, California. Reports from real estate sources suggest that both DeGeneres and de Rossi are nostalgic for the California climate and its equestrian culture, with de Rossi, in particular, missing the polo events and her horses.
This return to Dory and the Finding Nemo franchise could signal a notable comeback for DeGeneres as she re-engages with projects near to her heart. As she balances her time between two countries, fans will be eagerly anticipating more details about her new role and the enchanting world of Pixar.
DeGeneres’ creative journey appears to be filled with promise and excitement. With her unparalleled persona and comedic talent, her comeback promises a delightful experience for audiences young and old, reminding them of the joy and humour that the character of Dory has brought to millions across the globe. As she embarks on this new venture, it will be interesting to see how this development shapes her career moving forward.