Finding Dory: Pixar releases film still and clips of anticipated Finding Nemo sequel to fans

Cast and crew gathered at the D23 Expo in California

A still from the film released by Disney Pixar showing new character Hank and Dory (Disney Pixar)

Pixar Animation has dropped tantalising hints about forthcoming Finding Nemo sequel Finding Dory at a fan convention on Friday.

Directors Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane, producer Lindsey Collins, and Ellen DeGeneres – who voices the character of Dory – attended the D23 Expo in California.

Set six months after the end of Finding Nemo, the plot will follow Dory, a forgetful blue tang surgeon fish, as she attempts to find her lost family with the assistance of Nemo and his father, Marlin.

With only one clue to locate the lost family – the phase “The jewel of Monterey, California” that Dory mutters in her sleep – the film is shaping up to be similar to its successful predecessor.

Fans at the convention saw several short clips from the upcoming film. In one, Dory and Marlin discuss the forgetful fish’s family and another in which we are introduced to a new character, Hank the octopus, played by Ed O’Neil.

Diane Keaton will play Dory’s mother with Eugene Levy taking the role of her father.

Fans were also treated to short clips introducing Ty Burrell as beluga whale Bailey, and Kaitlyn Olsen as Destiny, an identity confused whale shark.

The film is expected in cinemas from June 2016.