Disney may have found success by reimagining its classic animations into live-action blockbusters, but don’t expect Pixar to follow suit.
In a definitive stance outlined during a Time interview, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer (CCO) Pete Docter clarified that Pixar is steering clear of live-action remakes. Instead, the studio is doubling down on creating sequels and original content, a strategy aimed at maintaining the innovative spirit that Pixar is celebrated for.
Pixar, renowned for Toy Story and The Incredibles, among others, finds its strength in the unique, animated worlds it builds, which Docter believes wouldn’t translate well into live-action. “This might bite me in the butt for saying it, but it sort of bothers me. I like making movies that are original and unique to themselves. To remake it, it’s not very interesting to me personally,” he said. For instance, the fantastical elements like a house being lifted by balloons in Up work in animation could pose believability issues in live-action. “So much of what we create only works because of the rules of the [animated] world,” Docter said, highlighting the challenges of adapting Pixar’s intricate animations into reality.
Furthermore, Docter addressed the recent trends in Pixar’s production decisions. Despite the industry’s push toward remakes, Pixar is prioritising sequels and new projects, reflecting a strategy to mix familiarity with innovation. The upcoming sequel, Inside Out 2, is particularly pivotal for Pixar. Its performance may dictate future strategic adjustments, especially if it fails to meet box office expectations. “If [Inside Out 2] doesn’t do well at the theatre, I think it just means we’re going to have to think even more radically about how we run our business,” Docter revealed.
This approach is corroborated by a Bloomberg report last month, suggesting Pixar is leaning more towards sequels, which tend to draw larger audiences due to their familiarity. “With sequels, people think, ‘Oh, I’ve seen that. I know that I like it,'” Docter explained. This strategic shift comes as Pixar attempts to rebound after several challenging years, including a significant reduction of its workforce by 14%.
As Pixar continues to focus on its animated features, fans can look forward to Toy Story 5, scheduled for release on 19 June 2026, and Elio, an original story set for June 2025. The latter will introduce a young boy who becomes the intergalactic Ambassador of Earth. Despite pressures from industry trends and audience expectations, Pixar remains dedicated to its roots in animation, steering clear of the live-action remake wave that has swept through Disney.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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