Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Pixar has made some of the most beloved and narratively fulfilling animated films for many years. The company is behind some of the biggest hits including theToy Storyfranchise,A Bug’s Life, Monster’s Inc, andInside Out. However, the past few years have not been great for the company withElementalandLightyearbecoming box office disappointments.
There was decent hype aroundLightyearas it was a spin-off of theToy Storyfranchise centering on the beloved character Buzz Lightyear, who is turned into an actual human and not a toy. Unfortunately, the film didn’t connect with audiences and was a huge bomb. The creative head of Pixar, Pete Docter reflected on its failure and how they overestimated the audience’s nerd level.
Pixar Head Believes The Studio Went Ahead Of Itself WithLightyear
TheToy Storyfranchise is undoubtedly Pixar’s crown jewel franchise that has entertained audiences since the 90s. Throughout its four films, audiences have come to love Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and all the others that are a part of Andy’s room. Thus when Pixar decided to do a solo film centered on Buzz Lightyear, it sounded like a great idea initially.
“I’m freakin pumped for this film now”: Inside Out 2 Eyes to Put Pixar Back on Top With Latest Update Proving Studio is Not Afraid to Take Risks
Tim Allen was replaced byChris Evansas the voice of Lightyear in the 2022 animated filmLightyearwhere he has to save the universe from an impending threat. Despite some excitement from fans of the franchise, the film failed to live up to audiences’ expectations and became abox office flop.It grossed only $226 million against a $200 million budget (viaBox Office Mojo).
“Does this stuff still work, or does it not?”: Inside Out 2 Might be Pixar’s Boldest Experiment in a Time When Fans are Fed Up With Sequels
In a recent interview withTime, Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer talked aboutLightyear‘s failure and why it did not connect with fans. Docter stated that they went too deep into the lore of Buzz Lightyear and thought that fans would be as equally excited as they were in his journey. They learned their lesson that fans are interested in seeing the toys together and not in a separate solo film. Docter said,
We took a long moment of self-scrutiny after that didn’t deliver. I think we overestimated the audience’s nerd level of being like, “Oh, that kid in the first Toy Story bought a toy, and it was based on a movie. And this is that movie.” That’s probably a few layers too deep. Because I think people are going, ‘Well, where’s Mr. Potato Head? Where’s Woody?’
It’s great to see a studio head taking full responsibility for a film’s failure and not blaming it on audiences for not understanding and supporting the movie they made. The studio learned its lesson and is trying to win back audiences with its latest offeringInside Out 2. The studio is also bringing back theToy Storyfranchise with afifth installment.
Pixar Will Re-Strategize Its Business Plans IfInside Out 2Fails at The Box Office
The year has been tough for big tentpole films as many films have failed at the box office. Except forDune: Part Two, other big-budget offerings likeThe Fall GuyandFuriosahave all flopped at the box office, bringing in a lot of unpredictability and uncertainty in the industry.
Pixar Taking Inspiration From Adam Sandler’s R-Rated Movie For Inside Out 2 Has Fans in Shambles
The box office tracking ofInside Out 2is promising and is expected to bring in a big positive change at the domestic box office. Pixar’s chief creative officer Pete Docter stated that the studio would have to think more radically about their future plans and how to run the company ifInside Out 2fails at the box office. Docter told Time,
If this doesn’t do well at the theater, I think it just means we’re going to have to think even more radically about how we run our business.
After a disastrous May, June started on a great note withBad Boys: Ride or Dieoverperforming in its opening weekend.Inside Out 2is projected to have a $135 million global opening (viaDeadline), a great follow-up toBad Boys 4‘s $105 million opening (viaDeadline).Inside Out 2hits theatres on July 29, 2025.
Fans can watch 2022’sLightyearon Disney+.
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
More from Rahul Thokchom
“His team is non stop with trying to paint him as the goody two shoes”: Jennifer Lopez Gets Surprise Fan Support as Ben Affleck’s Controversial Past Surfaces Amid Divorce
“I don’t know what I’m looking for anymore”: Playing Homelander for So Long Has Made Antony Starr Make a Confession That’s Devastating News for DCU Fans Hoping He Plays an Iconic Justice League Villain
“We didn’t have a lot of money..”: Eric Bana’s Hulk Was a Big Threat to Will Smith’s $273 Million Movie Along With Keanu Reeves’s Highest Grossing The Matrix Movie
Recommended
One Piece: Why Luffy’s Final Fight Will Break Shonen (& It Won’t Be Against Imu or Blackbeard)
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 10 Episode 9: Release Date and What to Expect
NYT Strands August 18, 2025 Hints and Solution
You Can Finally Watch Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Blockbuster at Home: Digital Release Date Revealed - Report
NYT Pips Solution for July 09, 2025
‘Game of Thrones’ Cast Ranked by Net Worth: Who’s the Richest GOT Actor?
Chris Evans
