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Pixar Execs to Focus on Existing IP to Deliver ‘Best Possible Films’
By Movieguide® Contributor
After a turbulent past few years, Pixar is focusing on sequels to help the studio make up lost revenue.
A new report from Bloomberg stated that the studio will be moving away from Disney+ releases and stand-alone stories and instead will put their power behind theatrical releases and sequels to existing content, like the upcoming INSIDE OUT 2, or proposed follow-ups to hits like FINDING NEMO and THE INCREDIBLES.
Pixar President Jim Morris explained the plan, saying that Pixar will aim to make three movies every two years, “with every other title a sequel or spinoff and the rest standalone concepts or potential seeds for [a] new franchise.”
Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter elaborated on these statements, saying Pixar will focus on “mass appeal,” adding, “I don’t think we can ever let ourselves off the hook of making sure that we deliver the best possible and most relatable films.”
These changes come following the news that Pixar just cut 14% of their staff, laying off 175 employees.
In a staff-wide memo, Morris stated, “Despite the challenges in our industry over the past few years, you have all consistently shown up to contribute, collaborate, innovate, lead, and do great work at this studio. I give you my deepest thanks, and for those who will be leaving us, I am hopeful that our paths will cross again, both professionally and personally.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Pixar’s layoffs and proposed content strategy shift:
Pixar laid off roughly 175 people earlier this week as the company looks to refocus on theatrical releases to recapture its lost audience.
These layoffs come as Pixar struggles to reestablish the market dominance it enjoyed before the pandemic. With multiple movies releasing straight to Disney+ during the lockdown, many families now opt to wait the extra months to enjoy the movies from the comfort of their homes at no extra cost to a subscription they would have anyway.
“During COVID, we trained audiences to watch our movies on Disney+. I won’t say there was a lot of choice,” Morris told Variety last August. “For periods of time, it was the only thing we could do. We have a little work to unring the bell and motivate families to go to the theater and not wait a few months to see it on Disney+.”
One of the strategies to bring families back to theaters is to focus on established IP. INSIDE OUT 2, for example, is coming to theaters at the beginning of June, and TOY STORY 5 is currently in the works.
This shift toward existing brands is a directive straight from the top. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed his long-term plans for the company include investing more heavily in the brands that have already proven successful.
“We had gone through a period where our original films in animation were dominating. We are now swinging back to lean on sequels,” he said.
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