7 Uncharted Depths: What’s Next For Nemo, Marlin, And Dory After Finding Dory?

The question "Finding Nemo, what now?" has evolved significantly since the release of the sequel, Finding Dory, in 2016. As of this writing in December 2025, the conversation has moved from speculative fan theories to concrete, high-level executive discussions, with recent comments from Pixar leadership strongly suggesting a third installment in the beloved franchise is actively being considered.

The original Finding Nemo film celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, solidifying its place as an enduring classic that continues to inspire marine conservation efforts across the globe. Now, with the studio's shift back towards proven franchises, a new adventure for Marlin, Nemo, and Dory is looking more likely than ever, with Pixar's Chief recently teasing that "The Ocean's a Big Place," hinting at vast new narrative possibilities.

The Current Status of the Reef Family After Finding Dory

The 2016 sequel, Finding Dory, successfully resolved the Blue Tang's search for her family, bringing her parents, Jenny and Charlie, back into her life. The film's conclusion left the central trio—Marlin, Nemo, and Dory—in a state of harmonious co-existence on the Great Barrier Reef, but with significant character development complete.

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• Marlin: The overprotective father from the first film has fully embraced a more trusting, adventurous outlook. His journey from an anxious widower to a supportive, confident parent was completed in Finding Nemo, and his acceptance of Dory's impulsive nature was cemented in the sequel. He is now content and less fearful of the open ocean.
• Nemo: No longer the rebellious, 'lucky fin' child, Nemo is a well-adjusted, confident young clownfish. He's matured beyond the need to prove himself, and his relationship with his father is stable and loving. The next story would likely need to focus on his transition into adolescence or face an external threat, rather than an internal family conflict.
• Dory: She has found her biological family and has integrated them into her new chosen family with Marlin and Nemo, living in a cave next to their anemone. Her short-term memory loss is still a part of her life, but it has become a manageable trait rather than a core plot device. Her arc of self-discovery is complete.

The Official Tease: Is Finding Nemo 3 Happening?

The strongest indication that the franchise will continue came from Pixar Animation Studios President Jim Morris. In a recent statement, he confirmed that Pixar is actively considering new sequels for both the *Finding Nemo* and *The Incredibles* franchises.

Pixar's New Sequel Strategy

This news aligns with a broader strategic shift at Pixar. Following a period of focus on original films, the studio has announced a plan to release three films every two years, with every other film being a sequel or spin-off. This strategy is partly driven by the massive commercial success of past sequels like *Finding Dory* and *Incredibles 2*, which each grossed over $1 billion worldwide.

The success of the first two *Finding Nemo* films, which combined have generated billions at the box office, makes the franchise a prime candidate for a third installment. Director Andrew Stanton, who helmed both previous films, has also historically kept the door open for a third movie, stating in 2016 that he would "never exclude" the possibility.

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The Cryptic Hint: "The Ocean's a Big Place"

The most intriguing detail is Jim Morris's comment: "The Ocean's a Big Place." This phrase is a powerful narrative clue, suggesting that a third film will move beyond the familiar settings of the Great Barrier Reef and the California Marine Life Institute. It hints at an exploration of entirely new ecosystems, characters, and global marine issues.

7 Potential Plotlines for the Next Underwater Adventure

Given the characters' completed arcs and the "Big Place" tease, a third film must introduce a new challenge that forces the family to venture into the unknown. Here are the most compelling theories and possibilities for the next chapter:

1. The Search for a New Home (Environmental Crisis)

The most topical and likely plot would involve an environmental threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The film could focus on the effects of climate change, coral bleaching, or pollution, forcing Marlin, Dory, and Nemo to lead their community to a new, safer reef. This would give the film a crucial, modern message, continuing the franchise's legacy of marine advocacy.

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2. Finding Marlin: A Self-Discovery Journey

While Dory’s and Nemo’s stories are complete, Marlin’s past remains largely unexplored outside of the tragedy of losing Coral. A "Finding Marlin" plot could see the father figure go on a self-discovery journey, perhaps triggered by the anniversary of losing his wife, or a new character from his youth appearing.

3. Nemo’s Teenage Rebellion

Nemo is still a child at the end of Finding Dory, but a third film could jump ahead several years. A teenage Nemo, craving independence and adventure, could intentionally get into trouble or seek out a legendary, dangerous part of the ocean, forcing the family to track him down once more, but with a more mature dynamic.

4. The Tank Gang's Return and New Life

The beloved Tank Gang—Gill, Bloat, Peach, Gurgle, Bubbles, Deb, and Jacques—escaped the dentist’s office in Sydney Harbour. A sequel could explore their new lives in the open ocean, perhaps struggling to adapt to the wild after years in an aquarium. Their re-introduction could provide comic relief and a new subplot for the main characters to intersect with.

5. The Deep Sea Exploration

The "Big Place" comment could literally mean the deep sea. The family could encounter creatures from the crushing depths, a terrifying, bioluminescent world that is completely new to them. This would allow for a visually stunning and frightening adventure, tapping into the sense of wonder and danger from the first film.

6. A New Character is Lost

Instead of finding Dory or Nemo, the new film could focus on a completely new character—perhaps a young member of Dory’s newly found family, or a new fish that Nemo has befriended. This would allow the core trio to act as experienced mentors, using the lessons they learned in the first two movies to help someone else.

7. The Human Element: A New Marine Institute

The film could revisit the human world, perhaps focusing on a new, larger-scale marine research institute or an international conservation effort that accidentally separates the family. The plot could center on the ethics of marine captivity, with the family having to rely on their new friends from the Marine Life Institute—Hank the Septopus, Destiny the Whale Shark, and Bailey the Beluga—to orchestrate a massive, global rescue.

Topical Authority Entities in the Finding Nemo Franchise

The enduring popularity of the *Finding Nemo* franchise is built on a rich world and memorable characters. Any future installment will rely heavily on these established entities:

• Key Creative Team: Andrew Stanton, Jim Morris, Lee Unkrich.
• Main Characters: Marlin, Nemo, Dory, Coral.
• Supporting Cast: Hank the Septopus, Destiny the Whale Shark, Bailey the Beluga, Crush the Sea Turtle, Squirt, Gill, Bloat, Peach, Jacques (The Tank Gang), Jenny and Charlie (Dory’s parents).
• Locations: The Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, The Marine Life Institute (California), The East Australian Current (EAC).
• Thematic Elements: Overcoming fear, family bonds, short-term memory loss, marine conservation, the five stages of grief (popular fan theory).

While a release date for *Finding Nemo 3* remains unconfirmed, the recent public statements from Pixar's leadership have made it clear that the door is not just open, but the creative wheels are turning. The next adventure will likely take the reef family into truly uncharted territory, proving once again that "The Ocean's a Big Place" and full of endless stories.