To reinvigorate its storied legacy, Pixar is gearing up for new movies and potential reboots of beloved franchises such as “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles.” Since debuting with “Toy Story” in 1995, Pixar has enjoyed massive box office success, extensive merchandising, and numerous awards. However, recent films like “Lightyear” and “Elemental” have struggled to make a significant impact, prompting the studio to reassess its strategy.
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Pixar president Jim Morris discussed plans to revisit the studio’s catalog, identifying “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles” as prime candidates for new projects. Morris emphasized the importance of balancing fresh, original content with sequels and spinoffs, aiming to rekindle the public’s affection for Pixar. He outlined an ambitious schedule of three releases every two years, with a mix of sequels, spinoffs, and standalone films that could launch new franchises.
Potential Futures for “Finding Nemo” & “The Incredibles”
While it’s unclear whether Morris intends to fully reboot these franchises or simply refresh them, it’s likely that Pixar will focus on creating new stories within these well-loved universes. Given the substantial value of “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles,” the studio might opt for new installments rather than complete overhauls.
Both franchises have enjoyed tremendous success with their sequels. Released in 2003, “Finding Nemo” achieved near-perfect ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $941 million worldwide. Its sequel, “Finding Dory,” garnered slightly lower critical acclaim but surpassed its predecessor with a $1 billion global box office take. Similarly, “The Incredibles” scored high critical praise and earned $631 million globally in 2004. Its sequel, “The Incredibles 2,” not only maintained strong reviews but also grossed $1.2 billion worldwide.
Given these impressive figures, developing sequels for “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles” is a sound strategy for Pixar. These franchises have proven track records both critically and financially, making them ideal candidates for continued storytelling. This approach mirrors Pixar’s development of “Toy Story 5,” leveraging the enduring popularity of its most profitable series.
In summary, Pixar’s renewed focus on sequels and reboots aims to blend nostalgia with innovation, potentially revitalizing classic franchises while also exploring new creative directions. By doing so, the studio hopes to recapture the magic that made it a household name and reassert its place at the forefront of animated filmmaking.
