The highly-anticipated Finding Nemo sequel Finding Dory has added a co-director to work alongside Andrew Stanton.
The news of Angus MacLane’s involvement was revealed via a tweet from Stanton on Wednesday:
From my co-director's clever Lego "couch" series:
“@AngusMacLane: Tony Stark having a drink on a couch, in LEGO. http://t.co/uw6oyALe36”
— andrew stanton (@andrewstanton) June 5, 2014
Although it wasn’t a formal announcement, this is the first time we’re hearing of MacLane’s involvement.
MacLane is best known for having directed several Pixar short films, including “BURN-E” (based on WALL-E), “Small Fry,” and “Toy Story of Terror.” In addition, he has worked in the animation department of countless Pixar films, including Toy Story 3 and Up.
Finding Dory, as its name suggests, will follow the iconic blue fish voiced by Ellen DeGeneres. “Finding Dory takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others,” said Pixar when the official announcement was made in April 2013. “Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.”
This isn’t the first time a Pixar movie has had a co-director. For example, Toy Story 2 was helmed by John Lasseter and co-directed by Lee Unkrich and Ash Brannon. Similarly, Monsters, Inc was directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Lee Unkrich and David Silverman.
Finding Dory will be released June 17, 2016. The studio had set an opening in 2015, but problems with development on The Good Dinosaur pushed both movies back (sigh).