Disney Shocks with Surprise Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia announcements
Years prior to its release, Disney and Pixar shocked everyone by announcing Toy Story 4. It seemed like a risky move, given Toy Story 3 provides an amazing end to a trilogy of films. That said, Toy Story 4 is now a hit, both critically and financially, serving just as effective a conclusion to the films. Now, however, the question as to whether or not Disney and Pixar should have stopped is being brought back up.
During yesterdays Q1 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated, “Today I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia. We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivaled brands and franchises.”
Of course, this isn’t too surprising a decision when looking at the financial reasoning. Frozen 2, Toy Story 4, and Zootopia are all billion dollar films. In addition, Disney’s recent original films have been disappointing at the box office. Strange World made $73.4 million worldwide against a budget of $135-180. Encanto, despite finding success on Disney+. Lightyear, Pixar’s latest high profile film, similarly became a box-office bomb. Making $226.4 million against a budget of $200 million, Lightyear underwhelmed to say the least.
Storywise, however, that’s a bit of a different story.
Financially a Good Idea, but Storywise?
While Frozen 3 and Zootopia 2 can explore their respective worlds in many new unique ways, taking the characters in bold, new directions, Toy Story 5 could prove to be far more risky. Toy Story 4 already ran a risk of undoing a perfect ending. Still, Toy Story 4 managed the impossible, being a strong film and conclusion in its own right.
It’s hard to say how a fifth film could play out realistically. Toy Story 4 works as it plays with the idea of lost toys(an idea from the original Toy Story), tying that in with Woody no longer having the same sense of purpose or identity without Andy. Tim Allen has taken to Twitter to announce his return as Buzz Lightyear, seemingly hinting at a reunion with Woody, though that may risk undermining the end of Toy Story 4. Still, if Toy Story 4 works, who’s to say Toy Story 5 won’t?
Details of these films are still sparse, alongside Tim Allen, Josh Gad also took to Twitter to announce his return as Olaf in Frozen 3.
More details of these films will come at a later time. Until then, check out each of these franchises on Disney+.
Graduated from Point Park University in 2021 with a Degree of English Creative Writing.
Author of the Chronicles of a Broken World Series
Avid Nerd and Enjoyer of All Things Fun and Thoughtful
