image credit: @pixar via youtube
After Woody’s adventure in the latest Toy Story installment, lots of fans kept wondering if Pixar would decide to revisit some of its more successful universes. But, almost seven years later, the studio is reuniting Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang in Toy Story 5. It is sort of tied to audience demand, franchise history, fresh creative angles, and Disney’s broader strategy, or maybe “grand plan,” depending on how you look at it. So the big reasons for Pixar to bring Toy Story back are mentioned.
Remains One of Pixar’s Biggest Franchises
According to the Box Office Mojo, Toy Story earned over $3.3 billion globally and also helped to cement Pixar’s position as a pioneer in animated filmmaking with the four original movies they’ve produced. It is one of Disney’s most valuable assets due to its long history of use and its appeal to multiple generations.
Disney Has Focused on Established Brands
Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger has said many times the necessity for successful brands. On earnings calls and investor presentations, he emphasized key factors such as Pixar, Marvel, and Disney Animation, which are all major brands driving theatrical growth.
Pixar Found a New Story to Tell
At a D23 Expo presentation, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter said something along the lines of the studio not really going back to a franchise unless the filmmaker’s eyes can somehow spot a fresh story hiding inside it. Additionally, Toy Story 5 deals with the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and the role of traditional toys in the new world.
Andrew Stanton Returned to Direct
Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton, who previously directed the earlier Toy Story films and Finding Nemo and WALL-E, was back in charge of the new film. His participation helps to ensure continuity in Pixar’s storytelling.
Audience Interest Never Really Went Away
Based on Disney’s annual reports, Toy Story 4 continued the franchise’s popularity even after the film’s release, via streaming, toys, theme parks, and home media. The characters reached their new generation of viewers, maintaining the audience awareness.
Toy Story 4 Was a Box Office Success
Toy Story 4 was released in 2019 and went on to gross over $1 billion globally and win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. But its success in commerce and criticism proved that the chain of franchise was still popular.
Pixar Is Balancing Originals and Sequels
Over the last few years, Pixar has managed to put out movies that feel original, and also some sequels. The studio executives have been going around saying it’s all about balancing fresh tales with familiar franchises that, basically, the audience already knows.
Technology Creates New Possibilities
Thanks to new animation tech, Pixar’s visuals and how the story moves forward are getting better over time. The studio also has this opportunity to show a lot more of that creative spark and technical innovation with every fresh release.
About the Author
