Pixar has its hands full with a growing slate of sequels in the works, perhaps none more important than "Toy Story 4." The third film in the franchise wrapped the storyline up in such an emotionally satisfying way that some fans don't even want another installment. But since the series is such a money maker, a sequel will hit theatres in the next couple years.
However, it sounds as if Pixar is determined to make this next installment stand on its own merits to avoid hurting the original trilogy's legacy.
"The third movie ended in a beautiful way and completed a trilogy," Jim Morris, the president of Pixar, said to Disney Latina. "I think this movie is not part of this trilogy. It is a separate story, which in turn I do not know if will be continued. Never begin a project with that in mind."
It's interesting to hear Morris say that this film is its own contained story with no plans to build a new franchise. Disney has been incredibly successful with its world building in recent years, giving this new "Toy Story" film a unique foothold. So how can the film create a new storyline worth following without changing the original films or begging for a future sequel?
Morris said that director John Lasseter will change the focus of the story from the toy's interaction with their children to the toys themselves.
"It is not a continuation of the end of the story of 'Toy Story 3.' Temporarily it is, but it will be a love story. It will be a romantic comedy. It will not put much focus on the interaction between the characters and children. I think it will be a very good movie."
Based on Morris' comments, it sounds as if the interpersonal relationships between the toys will be front and center in this new film. This is certainly a change-of-pace from the old movie series that always had the toys running around on an important mission. Will this new angle work? We'll have to wait and see.
"Toy Story 4" is scheduled for a June 17, 2017 release.
