Disney’s Finding Nemo sequel Finding Dory is drawing inspiration from a new documentary based on the consequences of keeping large and intelligent sea life in captivity.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Pixar studios has met with Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite to help make the Dory story less offensive to animal lovers. Finding Dory — slated for a 2015 release date — reportedly planned on including a scene where several of the fish are sent to an aquatic park, similar to Sea World. Cowperthwaite’s indie film debuted at this year’s Sundance Festival rebuking claims made by the popular underwater attraction chain that whales live longer in captivity.
Disney has remained quiet on the issue, maintaining belief that the larger plot will focus on the amnesiac character Dory being reunited with her family. Recently, the company revealed Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton will join Ellen DeGeneres in the sequel, lending their voices to Dory’s parents’ characters. The upcoming film looks to build upon the success of its predecessor; 2003’s Finding Nemo grossed close $100 million in box offices worldwide.