LOS ANGELES — Beavers take center stage as the unlikely heroes in Disney-Pixar’s latest animated feature, “Hoppers.”

The creative team behind the film views beavers as nature’s environmental champions. To accurately portray these industrious creatures, the filmmakers collaborated with scientists, crafting a narrative that emphasizes the significance of community.

In the world of “Hoppers,” scientists have unlocked the ability to transfer human consciousness into robotic animals, enabling communication with their real-life counterparts.

The protagonist, Mabel, a nature-loving college student, uses this technology to inhabit a robotic beaver, aiming to aid the animals in defending their habitat from human encroachment.

Piper Curda lends her voice to Mabel, and she recalls director and co-writer Daniel Chong’s unique pitch: “When I first spoke with Daniel, he described it as a blend of ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Planet Earth,’ and ‘Avatar.’ I was intrigued and needed to hear more. I was immediately on board.”

Curda describes her character as “small yet fierce, with an incredible spirit,” a trait she admires greatly.

MORE: ‘Hoppers’ stars Jon Hamm, Piper Curda talk about humorous and joyful film at world premiere