Waiting for the next Pixar movie is like standing outside a closed chocolate shop with a big display window. There are so many teases and treats just beyond reach but all you can do is keep watching the clock waiting for the door to open. Here is a list of what Pixar has in store that has us smacking our lips.
Piper (2016)
Technically not a movie, this adorable-looking 6-minute short is debuting with Finding Dory and follows a sandpiper hatchling who moves from the nest down to the shore to dig for food, which is what a sandpiper does. Only problem, the little bird is afraid of the water and can’t reach the sand where the tasty bits are. About learning to overcome one’s fears, it’s directed by Alan Barillaro, a Pixar animator making his directorial debut. Perhaps most intriguing is the sound design and music. Adrian Belew, a rock legend with a list of credits that is beyond impressive, is providing the score, combing music with a mix of natural atmospheric sounds. Are you interested? Look at that bird! Of course you are.
Finding Dory (2016)
We’ve already written a few posts about this sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo and our enthusiasm for this movie is steadily growing. Boosted by a great cast and some trailers that look spectacular, there’s a lot of potential for this film to go in either direction and while it has a built-in fanbase and loads of charisma from its voice talent, there is a worry it will not live up to expectation. Still, we’re talking Pixar here, though that itself is double-edged as their ventures into sequels haven’t met with the highest praise. Still, it’s Dory. We love Dory. We want to watch Dory. We’re keeping our fins crossed.
Car 3 (2017)
Speaking of failed sequels. Cars 2 (2011) is widely considered to be the first misstep in the Pixar canon, though some argue that distinction belongs to the original Cars itself. Virtually nothing is known about the plot of the third in the series aside from a tease by Michael Wallis, who voices the Sheriff, saying it will take place on California’s Route 99. John Lasseter, Pixar’s chief creative officer revealed at the Tokyo International Film Festival that the film will be a tribute to Hayao Miyazaki‘s The Castle of Cagliostro with an old Citroën standing in. Originally scheduled for 2018, it’s now coming next summer and a teaser trailer is expected to be seen with the premiere of Finding Dory. We’re slightly revved for this.
Coco (2017)
Officially described as: “The celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion,” Coco follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who, after being transported to a magical world, has an adventure where he discovers a legendary secret. In production for more than 6 years, the story is inspired by the Mexican holiday, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), which was the film’s original title, though as you can guess, after Disney attempted to trademark the name, found itself in a social media firestorm for cultural defamation. They quickly retracted the filing and changed the name to the more more appealing Coco. Surprisingly, this is the only original film on the upcoming Pixar roster and therefore has us excited. A kid with big eyes in an animated film? Who’d a thunk it?
Toys 4 (2018)
While it looked like Toy Story 3 would be the end of the line for this highly-acclaimed and popular franchise, the filmmakers believe they have more to do with the beloved cast of this groundbreaking animated series. Not much is known about the plot, with the scant hint that Woody and Buzz go on a mission to rescue long-lost Bo-Beep, a love interest for Woody. She was absent in both Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 and fans who wondered where she went will finally get their answer. The entirety of the voice cast is back with plenty of new ones coming aboard. Well into production, Toy Story 4 is scheduled for summer 2018. So only two years to wait. What could possibly change from now to then?
The Incredibles 2 (2019)
Last but not least is the follow up to 2004’s mega-hit The Incredibles. Almost nothing is known about the sequel aside from the scheduled release date of summer 2019, and the director, Brad Bird, who helmed the original. Bird has noted that most of the script is nearly finished and that the story will NOT be a commentary on the current state of superhero films. Speculation is running high that the story may focus on a return of Syndrome and his attempt to turn a now grown-up Jack-Jack against his family. Nothing solid yet though. Either way, it’s a little disappointing to see Pixar returning to the well so often, though certainly there are things coming that will be more original. This might be, well, incredible.