Finding Dory will be getting a rewrite after the momentum that Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s documentary, Blackfish has been picking up. For those who don’t know, Blackfish profiles orcas and the harsh treatment they have received at places like Seaworld. The film has been rated highly by critics thus far and many people who have seen it have stated that they will not be returning to marine parks in the future. Finding Dory was set to have an ending that took place in a marine park, but Pixar is now stating they will rewrite the ending due to the documentary.
Seaworld has received harsh criticism by viewers of Blackfish recently and the company has begun an intense PR campaign, which involved a detailed critique of the movie that was sent to reviewers before they screened the film.
This is an interesting development as it shows the cultural impacts that documentaries can have when the stars align and the message reaches enough people. The fact that Pixar is acknowledging this film could further its influence in the weeks to come, and perhaps turn it into another Waiting for Superman, the 2010 film that shined a harsh light on charter schools and the American education system.
As for Finding Dory, it is set one year after the events of Finding Nemo, and profiles Dory, the royal blue tang fish, as she searches for her family. Ellen DeGeneres, who voiced Dory in Finding Nemo is set to reprise her role. Also on board are Albert Brooks, reprising his role as Marlin the clown fish, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton as Dory’s parents, and Ty Burrell as a Beluga whale. Andrew Stanton, who directed Finding Nemo, will also be directing the sequel.
Finding Dory is set to be released on November 25, 2015, and Blackfish is now showing in select cities.