Pixar Unveils New Animated Film 'Ghost Market' Set for 2028 Release

Pixar has announced an exciting addition to its lineup of original projects. During the recent D23 Expo, the studio revealed Ghost Market, an animated film slated for spring 2028 that intertwines themes of the supernatural, adolescence, and Asian mythology. The story centers around Kyle, a young creator from Chicago who stumbles upon a realm that exists between the living and the dead.

The project was introduced by Pete Docter, Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, who shared initial plot details. Kyle, a fast-talking teenager, is dragged by his mother on a vacation to Hawaii. While searching for a late-night snack, he discovers a mysterious market hidden in the middle of nowhere. What begins as a peculiar place soon reveals itself to be a crossroads where the living and the dead can meet.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this announcement is the nature of the project. Ghost Market appears to follow Pixar's tradition of using fantastical elements to explore more universal themes. After delving into the afterlife in Coco and examining existence and identity in Soul, the studio is once again tackling the boundary between life and death, this time through a lens influenced by Asian cultures.

From Series Concept to Feature Film

Trevor Jimenez, a seasoned veteran at Pixar known for directing the Oscar-nominated short Weekends, is set to direct Ghost Market. Jimenez has also served as story supervisor on Soul and co-directed an episode of the Pixar series Win or Lose, solidifying his relationship with the studio over the years.

The project has undergone a significant transformation. Originally envisioned as a streaming series, it has now been reimagined as a feature film. This shift mirrors the production journey of Oceania 2, which also started as a series concept before evolving into a film.

This decision underscores Pixar's confidence in the potential of the idea. The notion of a secret market where the living connect with the dead presents the studio with a visually and narratively expansive universe, as well as a premise capable of sustaining a standalone cinematic story.

Ghost Market will also be part of a particularly dynamic phase for Pixar. The studio plans to balance established franchises with new original productions, featuring titles like The Incredibles 3 alongside fresh projects. Before Jimenez's film hits theaters, audiences can look forward to Gatto, another original creation from the studio.

For Pixar, Ghost Market serves as a crucial test. After years of successful sequels and established properties driving significant box office returns, this new film aims to transform a completely original universe into a major cinematic event.