Return to the Deep Next Summer in Pixar’s Finding Dory

This weekend at D23 2015, a number of projects in the jam-packed Hall D23 were announced that made the Disney fanatics cheer and howl in approval. One of the more anticipated films announced on Friday was Finding Dory. Thanks to Ellen Degeneres’ persistence for a sequel on her own show (not to mention box office earnings of nearly $340 million worldwide), Pixar will finally return to the reef.

In addition to Degeneres’ appearance at the Expo, a number of her new co-stars joined her on stage to present their eclectic characters. First was Modern Family’s Ed O’Neil who voices Hank, an octopus who prefers the cushy life in an aquarium. Following him were Ty Burrell - also of Modern Family - voicing Bailey the beluga whale and Kaitlin Olsen (Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as Destiny the whale shark.

Directors Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL•E) Angus McLane and producer Lindsay Collins (WALL•E) provided brief insight into the plot of Dory, as the absent-minded blue tang spontaneously recalls flashes of her past and goes on a dogged quest to find her family. Albert Brooks will reprise his role as Marlin, while Dianne Keaton and Eugene Levy join the already impressive cast to portray Dory’s parents! Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

Finding Dory will be in theaters June 17, 2016

Be sure to follow @ProjectFandom on Twitter this weekend for D23 Expo updates and exclusive content

Courtesy: Disney/Pixar/Getty Images