Dear travelers, today we’re talking about Gatto, the new Disney Pixar film set in Venice, Italy - get ready for a journey through bridges, feline magic, and timeless beauty.
Let’s uncover all the details in this guide by Venice Insider Guide, your go-to source for everything new, charming, and cinematic in La Serenissima.
What is Gatto? A film, a fable, a love letter to Venice
Gatto is an original Pixar feature film, entirely set in Venice and directed by Enrico Casarosa, the Italian filmmaker behind Luca.
After exploring the Ligurian coast, Casarosa returns with a bolder, more artistic vision rooted in his childhood memories of Venice.
“When I was a kid, I used to visit Venice and I thought there were cats everywhere, each one with its own story,” Casarosa shared at Annecy 2025.
This film introduces a major shift for Pixar - goodbye polished 3D realism, hello hand-painted textures! The aesthetic draws from traditional Italian paintings, evoking vintage postcards and the soft hues of Venetian sunsets.
Plot of Gatto the New Disney Pixar Movie Set in Venice
Our protagonist is Nero, a scruffy black cat burdened by superstition and deeply in debt with the feline underworld of Venice. Yes, you read that right: there’s a cat mafia in this story.
Maya: the musical heart of the story
Nero’s fate changes when he meets Maya, a young street violinist who dreams of studying at Venice’s prestigious Benedetto Marcello Conservatory. What begins as a reluctant companionship turns into a bond that might save them both.
Together, they’ll dodge danger through hidden canals, rooftops, and crumbling noble palaces. It’s a tale of unlikely friendship, second chances, and the redemptive power of music and courage.
When Will Gatto the New Disney Pixar Movie Set in Venice Be released?
Gatto the New Disney Pixar Movie Set in Veniceis scheduled to hit theaters worldwide in summer 2027. There’s speculation about an exclusive preview in Venice, possibly at the Venice International Film Festival on the Lido.
Keep an eye out - trailers, posters, and themed events are expected to start appearing from late 2026. Venice may host Pixar installations, street art, and more.
Venice in the original Film, director Enrico Casarosa: A Living, breathing character
In Gatto, the New Disney Pixar Movie Set in Venice, Venice is not just a backdrop, but a character in itself.
Iconic locations, painterly style:
- Rialto Bridge, with cats lounging on columns.
- Narrow alleys (calle) where Nero hides and races.
- Secret little squares (campielli) where Maya performs.
- Views of Burano and Giudecca at sunset, seen from the rooftops.
Casarosa has insisted on avoiding a postcard-perfect Venice, choosing instead to portray a lived-in, vibrant, and chaotic city, rich in personality.
Pixar’s visual leap: Painting in motion
For the first time in Pixar history, Gatto uses a completely new hand-painted aesthetic:
- Brushwork-style animation simulating oil and watercolor.
- Warm, golden tones capturing the Venetian glow.
- Light and water reflections that feel more like paintings than digital effects.
It’s a bold, emotional move: less about realism, more about visual storytelling. Think Spider-Verse meets The Boy and the Heron, with a Venetian flair.
Cultural gems for travelers
Why should travelers and Venice lovers be excited about Gatto? Here are some cultural nuggets to enrich your visit:
Venice’s love affair with cats
- Historically, cats protected spice warehouses from rats.
- In the Venetian Jewish Ghetto, cats were seen as protective and symbolic.
- You can still spot street cats in quieter corners of the city - mysterious, regal, and maybe even related to Nero.
Music is key
- Maya reflects Venice’s deep musical tradition - Antonio Vivaldi was born here.
- Some scenes take place at the La Fenice Opera House and the Venice Conservatory, tying the film to the city’s soundscape.
Visiting Venice? Walk in Gatto’s pawprints
If you’re planning to visit before the movie releases, follow this Gatto-inspired trail:
- Campo Santa Margherita: lively square, perfect for street music (and maybe Maya’s performances).
- Accademia Bridge: romantic canal views, ideal for sunset scenes.
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo: a hidden spiral staircase that Nero might use to escape.
- Jewish Ghetto: full of history, mystery and plenty of cats.
Gatto the New Disney Pixar Movie Set in Venice: conclusion
Gatto the New Disney Pixar Movie Set in Venice is more than just an animated film. It’s:
- A fresh perspective on Venice, seen through feline eyes.
- A universal tale of friendship and resilience.
- A testament to artistic exploration in animation.
If you’re planning a trip between 2026–2027, include visits to real-life locations seen in the movie, and keep an eye out for local events.