Hong Kong Disneyland Unveils Pixar Collaboration Featuring Pangolin-Like Character
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Disneyland is collaborating with Pixar Animation Studios and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to create an exclusive theatrical experience opening at Toy Story Land in the first half of 2027. The show centers on Poppy, a plush toy character from Hong Kong whose design strongly suggests she is a pangolin, based on concept art released by the theme park and character descriptions. This groundbreaking project marks the first three-way collaboration between Disney Live Entertainment, Pixar, and ILM for a theme park performance. The storyline follows Poppy as she settles into a new community with her owner Aria, featuring Hong Kong cultural elements including Chinese chess pieces, rattle drums, and egg tarts. Audiences will also see Poppy interact with beloved Pixar franchises such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Cars, The Incredibles, and Inside Out.
Key Points
- The new theatre space will open at Toy Story Land in the first half of 2027 and feature an exclusive theatrical experience for Hong Kong .
- Poppy, the main character, is described as sweet and shy, with a unique habit of curling into a ball when nervous or overwhelmed .
- Concept art shows a pangolin-like animal with pink scales, and the park has dropped multiple clues suggesting Poppy is a pangolin .
- The character Aria's keepsakes include Chinese chess pieces, a rattle drum, and egg tarts, reflecting Hong Kong childhood memories .
- Michael Serna, executive creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, said the show explores how meaningful friendships are built, nurtured and celebrated .
Why It Matters
The collaboration represents a significant vote of confidence in Hong Kong Disneyland's ability to attract major entertainment partnerships, potentially boosting tourism and local pride in home-grown creative content . As pangolins are critically endangered species often associated with Hong Kong and southern China, featuring one as a beloved character could raise awareness about wildlife conservation while distinguishing the park's offerings from other Disney resorts worldwide .
The collaboration represents a significant vote of confidence in Hong Kong Disneyland's ability to attract major entertainment partnerships, potentially boosting tourism and local pride in home-grown creative content . As pangolins are critically endangered species often associated with Hong Kong and southern China, featuring one as a beloved character could raise awareness about wildlife conservation while distinguishing the park's offerings from other Disney resorts worldwide .