Pixar’s animated sci-fi comedy Hoppers is set to debut in North America on March 6, 2026, with an expected opening weekend of $36-38 million, according to industry projections. This figure would place the film in the middle of Pixar’s recent box office performance, falling between the openings of Elio and Onward, but below Lightyear and far below the record-breaking debut of Inside Out 2.

Domestic and Global Projections

The film’s opening weekend in the United States is expected to be bolstered by a wide theatrical release across 4,000 screens, according to a report from Deadline. If these figures hold, Hoppers could see an international opening of $45-50 million, leading to a worldwide debut of $81-88 million. This would mark the largest global opening for a Pixar original theatrical release since 2017’s Coco, which grossed $104.7 million worldwide.

According to Box Office Mojo data, the domestic opening-to-earnings multiplier for Elio was 3.51x, while Inside Out 2 achieved a multiplier of 4.23x. Elemental had a multiplier of 5.22x, Lightyear 2.34x, and Onward 1.58x. The average multiplier across these films is around 3.38x.

What Analysts Say

If Hoppers follows the average trend, its domestic run could reach $120-130 million, according to industry analysts. However, the final earnings will depend on how well the film holds in the weeks following its March 6 release. The film’s success could be influenced by audience reception, marketing efforts, and competition from other releases in the same period.

Directed by Daniel Chong, Hoppers follows Mabel, an animal lover who uses new technology to transfer her consciousness into lifelike robotic animals. After hopping into a robotic beaver to communicate with wildlife, she discovers a threat to the forest habitat and must help the animals protect their home.

According to a Deadline report, the film has received positive reviews, earning a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This strong critical reception could help drive initial audience interest and support the film’s box office performance in its first weekend.

The film’s projected opening weekend of $36-38 million would represent a significant achievement for Pixar, but it would not surpass the record-breaking performance of Inside Out 2, which opened with $146.8 million domestically. Hoppers would still rank among the top box office performers for the studio in recent years.

For context, Onward opened with $32.5 million, while Lightyear opened with $32.1 million. Elemental opened with $31.8 million, and Elio opened with $25.4 million. Hoppers would be the first Pixar film since Coco to open above $30 million in North America.

Industry analysts note that while Hoppers may not break records, its performance could still be considered successful given the current market dynamics. The film’s blend of animated storytelling and environmental themes may appeal to a broad audience, particularly during the spring theatrical window.

The film’s success could also influence future Pixar projects, with studios potentially looking to balance high-concept storytelling with relatable themes that resonate with both children and adults.

With a wide release and strong critical reception, Hoppers is positioned to make a significant impact on the North American box office in early 2026, though its long-term success will depend on audience retention and word-of-mouth.