Both Walt Disney Animation and Pixar’s early-2020s slates have consisted of unique films, however that’s trying to change as the last decade goes on. At final yr’s D23 Expo, Pixar introduced a follow-up to the 2015 hit movie Inside Out, and now Disney CEO Bob Iger has revealed that three extra animated sequels are within the works. Pixar will launch a fifth installment in its flagship Toy Story franchise, and sequels are additionally coming for the Zootopia and Frozen franchises (their second and third films, respectively).
While reactions to the information of three extra Disney sequels on the docket have been blended, just about everyone seems to be asking the identical query at this level: what are these films going to be about?
Toy Story 5
Of the three film bulletins from Iger, that is the one which has acquired essentially the most backlash. Two out of the 4 Toy Story films that at the moment exist are primarily concerning the franchise ending, so its return for one more installment is baffling to some. On high of this, fan reception to 2019’s Toy Story 4 was notably weaker than the earlier three movies, although it was nonetheless optimistic on the entire.
Going into this installment, Woody the cowboy and Buzz Lightyear the astronaut will possible nonetheless be separated, as the previous left the latter for a lifetime of journey with Bo Peep on the finish of the final film, whereas the latter stayed with Bonnie and the remainder of the toys. Given that Tim Allen has tweeted about returning to voice Buzz within the new film, it might in all probability be assumed that the main target shall be on the characters remaining in Bonnie’s room, together with Jessie the cowgirl, Bullseye the horse, Rex the dinosaur, Hamm the pig, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, amongst others.
Still, it wouldn’t really feel like a real Toy Story film with out Woody, and although he bought the majority of the main target within the fourth movie and Tom Hanks has but to publicly acknowledge the brand new mission, it could be shocking if Woody have been to not be within the film in any respect, even for only a cameo look.
Regardless, given the present location of the longtime protagonist as of now, a Buzz- and/or Jessie-centric film appears possible at this level. Since Woody was all the time the ringleader of the toys, the hole in management might result in battle between the remaining characters, and the aforementioned two specifically appear most poised to take over that function in Bonnie’s room. An attention-grabbing dimension to a narrative like this could be that these two characters are at the moment a romantic couple and a battle like this might threaten to drive a wedge between them. This, on high of the absence of Woody, who was near each Buzz and Jessie, may make for some fairly good drama within the new film.
On a probably happier be aware, it’s potential the film may concentrate on a reunion between Woody and the opposite toys. Perhaps one of many aforementioned two romances is tying the knot, with the others studying of this by means of some form of toy grapevine and eager to shock them by displaying as much as the occasion. A highway trip-style film would ensue, with the surprising visitors having to beat a bunch of obstacles in an effort to make it to the large occasion.
Admittedly, these concepts appear maybe extra fitted to brief movies or specials (each of which have been made for the Toy Story franchise up to now). However, provided that function movies earn more money, it’s not shocking Disney and Pixar are taking that choice right here.
Frozen 3
Frozen is formally going to be a trilogy (and if it’s as profitable as Toy Story, possibly extra). While this franchise has by no means had an official “conclusion” (whereas the aforementioned one has already had two) some followers are a bit of caught as to the place it might go at this level. Much like Toy Story 4, Frozen 2 ended with the 2 leads on separate paths, with Elsa going to stay within the woods along with her new associates as a spirit and Anna taking up from her as Queen of Arendelle.
This cut up doesn’t come throughout as being fairly as “final” because the one between Woody and Buzz in Toy Story 4 since we all know the sisters nonetheless see one another typically. However, one other battle between the 2 lands appears possible, and this time Anna and Elsa would undoubtedly be on totally different sides of it.
Being pressured to decide on between defending their respective lands and sustaining their bond as sisters can be dramatic, heart-wrenching, and most significantly, present the potential for one more killer soundtrack of earworms. These two spent most of their lives other than one another, not less than in an emotional sense, because of Elsa’s powers, and the specter of it occurring once more would make for some big stakes for the third film.
Regardless of what occurs on this film, although, viewers will in all probability get to see a marriage between Anna and Kristoff. Their romance has been the opposite relationship central to the Frozen franchise so far, and in spite of everything Kristoff went by means of in an effort to suggest to Anne within the second movie, their nuptials are certain to be one for the books. (And although the sisters will in all probability be in battle for a lot of the film, it’s a protected wager that Elsa shall be there to cheer on the couple when the marriage does occur.)
Zootopia 2
Of the three lately introduced Disney sequels, that is the one which most individuals appear to be on board with, even when they’re less-than-enthused concerning the different two. Zootopia was an enormous hit again in 2016 (it even joined the billion-dollar membership with out being a sequel, a rarity for an animated movie) however Disney hasn’t achieved very a lot to capitalize on its success since then past a number of smaller initiatives. Hopefully, this implies they’ve been working onerous to search out the appropriate story and fine-tune it so it’s good.
It’s onerous to foretell what a follow-up to Zootopia may seem like because the world of the franchise gives so many prospects. The first film targeted on bunny Judy Hopps and fox Nick Wilde as they solved a case for the police division, however plenty of totally different animals populate the titular metropolis, that means they might theoretically have new lead characters – both facet gamers from the earlier movie or model new ones – with Judy and Nick taking a backseat and enjoying smaller roles within the film.
This situation is likely to be extra possible than some might imagine, as a result of it’s no secret that within the years since Zootopia got here out, the establishment of the police has turn out to be much more hotly debated by the general public than it was again then, which is de facto saying one thing provided that the film itself is centered on this pressure to an extent. Whether or not the movie efficiently handles the nuances and metaphors it makes use of to tackle this matter is unquestionably a “your mileage may vary” state of affairs, however Disney might contemplate the subject too controversial to sort out this time round.
The first movie ended with Nick becoming a member of Zootopia’s police power, so if the film does resolve to concentrate on that side of town once more, the final, battle concerning the practices of the cops – whether or not from Nick, Judy, or each – is prone to be part of this plotline. While Disney advocating for abolishing the police is unlikely, some form of reform to the squad would in all probability occur right here, although how a lot is debatable.
The different choice Disney has with this film is to shift the main target, to a different matter and even different characters. If they persist with Nick and Judy however don’t need to concentrate on the police side of their story, they might go the route of them serving to out another person on the town coping with a disaster of some sort (maybe a business-related one, as this could assist broaden the world of the franchise) or, maybe extra controversially, go the romantic route with the 2 of them. Despite them being of various species, this duo undoubtedly has their shippers, and it may make for an allegory on interracial marriage (and even homosexual marriage, in a way, because the battle would in all probability be others not accepting their relationship and seeing it as “unnatural”).
It’s onerous to say which different animals the filmmakers may go along with; Judy’s former bully-turned-farmer is likely to be an attention-grabbing one, and it may result in an exploration of sophistication points (which might be particularly attention-grabbing given he at the moment lives exterior of Zootopia itself). However, he’s a bunny and Disney would in all probability need to select a species of animal not spotlighted so closely within the first movie. Gazelle, the Shakira-voiced pop star of Zootopia, may very well be an alternative choice, and the film’s group may use her to inform a narrative that includes some commentary on the world of movie star and fame.
Regardless of what Disney does with this film, there are two key parts the Zootopia sequel ought to have. The first is that it ought to broaden the world by introducing new characters and new parts of life in Zootopia, and presumably the world exterior it. This wouldn’t solely enrich the story of this film however assist construct the franchise and probably result in extra sequels and spin-offs, one thing Disney absolutely needs for the Zootopia model. On paper, this franchise ought to have extra shelf life than the likes of Toy Story and Frozen, so whereas this film’s major focus shouldn’t simply be organising extra content material, if Disney performs its playing cards proper it may organically result in simply that.
The different key ingredient is that this Zootopia sequel ought to embrace some form of social commentary. That was an enormous a part of what bought the primary film such glowing critiques, and numerous adults who may not have seen it in any other case to go test it out. While the metaphors within the first film weren’t excellent, they managed to permit for a narrative that wouldn’t typically be seen in a movie “for kids” to be there, they usually did spark dialog amongst audiences.
Granted, the political local weather in 2023 (and possibly no matter yr this film winds up popping out) is much more risky than it was again in early 2016. It’s comprehensible that Disney may need to transfer away from super-topical content material, particularly since they’ve been in scorching water with each left- and right-leaning individuals up to now few years, and prefer it or not, they depend on each for cash. However, in the event that they have been to simply play a narrative about cops “straight” within the present period, with out acknowledging any of the controversy concerning the topic, the sting the primary film had can be misplaced.
This is why the very best route for this film is to select one other side of town to concentrate on and supply some sharp commentary on that. Business, leisure, schooling, no matter, however it could be disappointing to observe up what was a whopper of a movie on the time with a watered-down story with no “bite” to it. It doesn’t technically must be “political”, or not less than not an clearly political matter just like the legislation and its enforcement, however a Zootopia sequel that performs it protected can be a tragic follow-up certainly.
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