Pixar’s highly anticipated animated feature, Hoppers, has garnered early excitement with the release of SZA’s original track “Save the Day.” The song debuted on February 20, 2026, across major streaming platforms, providing a glimpse of the film’s soundtrack ahead of its official March 6, 2026, theatrical release. The track, co-written by SZA, Rob Bisel, and Ben Lovett, is expected to play during the movie’s end credits. In addition to its digital release, Save the Day is also available in a limited-edition vinyl format, designed to attract both collectors and music enthusiasts.

The song’s release has positioned Hoppers as one of Pixar’s most anticipated films of 2026, amplifying the buzz surrounding the project. SZA’s involvement adds a layer of star power to Pixar’s first major original project of the year. This marks her return to the music scene following her Grammy win for Record of the Year, further elevating expectations surrounding her contribution to the film.

The Story and Creative Team Behind Hoppers

Hoppers is directed by Daniel Chong and Nicole Grindle, offering a fresh take on science fiction and animation. The film explores a world where groundbreaking technology allows human consciousness to be “hopped” into robotic animals. The story focuses on a young protagonist, Mabel Tanaka, who inhabits the body of a lifelike beaver and embarks on a mission to protect her natural habitat.

The voice cast includes major talent such as Meryl Streep, Jon Hamm, Dave Franco, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, and Vanessa Bayer. Pixar has marketed Hoppers as a high-concept family comedy with a strong emotional core, blending futuristic themes with moments of personal and professional growth. The narrative tackles complex topics such as environmental preservation, identity, and the ethical boundaries of technology.

Hoppers is Pixar’s first significant original project of 2026, following the success of its previous animated films. The decision to bring in SZA, whose earlier songs “Good Days” and “Saturn” were used as placeholders during production, reflects the film’s commitment to blending contemporary music with animation to create a culturally resonant experience.

SZA’s Role in Hoppers and Broader Impact

The inclusion of SZA in Hoppers reflects a growing trend in the film industry of incorporating popular music into animated films to broaden their appeal. Pixar has a long history of using music to enhance storytelling, and the partnership with SZA takes this approach to new heights. By aligning Hoppers with one of today’s top artists, Pixar is tapping into a younger demographic that frequently engages with music streaming platforms.

In interviews, SZA has emphasized her excitement about contributing to an animated film, noting how her music aligns with the emotional and narrative themes of Hoppers. The combination of futuristic storytelling and SZA’s evocative sound makes the collaboration particularly powerful. Her track, Save the Day, is expected to resonate not only with fans of her music but also with audiences drawn to Pixar’s ability to craft emotionally impactful, visually stunning animated films.

Social Media Buzz and Industry Response to Hoppers

Following the release of Save the Day, online reactions have surged, particularly across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Fans of both SZA and Pixar have shared clips and clips from the soundtrack, creating organic buzz around the film’s release. Hashtags related to Hoppers and SZA’s song have trended in multiple regions, helping to elevate the film’s visibility ahead of its premiere.

The power of social media in shaping the success of films cannot be overstated, and Hoppers is leveraging this dynamic to its advantage. By pairing a chart-topping artist with an animated blockbuster, Pixar is ensuring that Hoppers stays in the public conversation, even before it hits theaters. This approach has become a proven strategy in Hollywood, where collaborations with established music stars help generate early interest and boost audience engagement.

Pixar’s Music-Driven Strategy in Animated Films

Hoppers marks a new chapter in Pixar’s long history of using music to amplify its storytelling. While the studio has always included memorable scores in its films, the integration of contemporary hits into animated narratives is becoming an increasingly popular strategy. Pixar’s decision to feature SZA’s original song aligns with the studio’s history of aligning its films with culturally relevant artists, such as the collaborations with artists like Randy Newman, Michael Giacchino, and others.

By incorporating SZA’s music, Pixar is not only drawing in her established fan base but also appealing to a younger, tech-savvy audience that consumes most of its media through digital platforms. The soundtrack strategy is part of Pixar’s broader approach to positioning Hoppers as an innovative blend of futuristic concepts and contemporary culture, ensuring that the film resonates with a diverse range of audiences.

The Growing Hype for Hoppers as Its Release Nears

As Hoppers approaches its March 6 debut, the combination of an exciting concept, an all-star voice cast, and a major music collaboration has fueled high expectations for the animated feature. The film is set to captivate audiences with its imaginative premise, while SZA’s involvement ensures that its cultural relevance is felt across multiple demographics.

By pairing cutting-edge animation with a powerful music-driven marketing strategy, Pixar is primed to make Hoppers one of the standout films of 2026. As the film’s release date draws closer, fans can expect more promotional materials, including additional song releases and behind-the-scenes content that will build on the momentum created by Save the Day. With Pixar’s reputation for delivering both visually stunning and emotionally compelling films, Hoppers is shaping up to be a significant release for the studio and the animation industry as a whole.