Certainly one of the most impressive parts about Pixar's Finding Nemo was the way in which it depicted the various "cultures" and environments that exist beneath the waves of the ocean - but it seems that element may be largely taken out of the upcoming sequel, Finding Dory. New details have come in about the in-development film, and apparently most of the story actually takes place within one indoor location.
The Portuguese-language website Omelete had the chance to speak with Pixar President Jim Morris recently at the Brazilian comic-con CCXP, and while discussing the upcoming Finding Dory, Morris revealed some very interesting details about the movie's main setting. According to the executive, most of the story will be taking place in the Marine Biology Institute of California, which is described as a huge rehabilitation complex for marine life. This is apparently where Dory was born and raised, and she was put into the ocean at a young age (given the character's notorious memory issues, it's not too surprising that none of this was actually covered in Finding Nemo).
In addition to the reveal of the setting, the site also picked up a few details about Finding Dory's plot and what incites the story. Picking up years after the first movie, the sequel finds Dory living with Marlin amongst the other clownfish. When Nemo goes on a class trip to watch manta rays migrate home, it instills a desire in Dory to discover where she came from, and leads her on an another epic adventure.
Some fans will remember that a Marine Biology Institute wasn't always in the cards, and that the original plan was to actually have the characters wind up at Sea World. This, however, was a plan established before the documentary Blackfish gained notoriety for shining a light on the mistreatment of animals in theme parks. As a response to the controversy, the story was changed and all references to Sea World were removed. Still, it's interesting news that most of the story will be playing out in this location, rather than just certain parts.
Finding Dory is still very much in the works at Pixar, as Walt Disney Pictures isn't set to release the film until June 17, 2016. Andrew Stanton is set to direct the film, and he will be working alongside a fantastic cast that includes both returning actors like Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks and Willem Dafoe and new faces like Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Dominic West, Idris Elba and Ty Burrell. Surely we will be getting to hear more details about the movie in the weeks, months and years leading up to its release, so - as always - stay tuned for more details!
