Yes, Toy Story 3 wrapped things up nicely. Really nicely, actually. But if there’s one thing I know about the movie business it’s that you can’t let satisfying narratives stand in the way of good business. That’s why we’re getting a Toy Story 4 in June of 2017.
Honestly, though: I’m not upset. No one’s ruining anything. Any wringing of hands over Toy Story 4 is useless. Pixar needs these big franchises to generate the revenue necessary to create original movies. Sure, they have a few sequels already lined up, but Toy Story 4 is getting the VIP treatment: Pixar heavyweight John Lasseter will be directing. That means he won’t likely get replaced halfway through production, which Pixar has a habit of doing with their directors.
Listen: I want more Pixar originals, too. Really. But the success of enormously expensive new properties like Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen and the upcoming success-to-be called Big Hero 6 is proving that Disney Animation may have taken over the position of risk-taker from Pixar. It’s hard to call these films risks after their acclaim and ludicrous profit, but Tangled is still one of the most expensive film productions of ALL TIME, so I’d say these DA flicks are a lot riskier than a Pixar sequel.
This official announcement from Disney reveals that Woody, Buzz, and the gang of familiar toys will be back to made your kiddies squeal at product placement. Seriously, though: this movie’ll be fine.