Latest news with #PeteDocter
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Pixar needs original animated hits. They're much harder to come by at the box office
For decades, Pixar could hardly miss with its original animated films. Whether the subject was toys, fish or a cantankerous old man, the Emeryville-based computer animation studio churned out hit after hit. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, Pixar and other animation studios have struggled to break through at the box office with the same kinds of original movies that defined the industry. Instead, sequels such as 'Inside Out 2' have ruled the genre. This weekend, Walt Disney Co.-owned Pixar will face its latest test with the release of 'Elio,' an original film about a young boy who seeks connection with aliens to make up for his loneliness on Earth. The movie is currently tracking to bring in $18 million to $25 million in ticket sales from the U.S. and Canada during its opening weekend, according to box office analysis. (The film's reported budget is in the range of $150 million to $200 million.) That would be considered a soft debut by Pixar standards, indicating the dilemma the animation business — and the movie industry writ large — faces with original content. While audiences often say they want to see new stories, box office ticket sales show they gravitate toward sequels, reboots and other familiar fare. 'You need to be launching new franchises to keep the pipeline fresh,' said Doug Creutz, senior media and entertainment analyst at TD Cowen. 'Since the pandemic ended, original animated films have just been getting killed at the box office ... no matter how good they are.' Pixar executives, nonetheless, say they're committed to telling original stories, which are key to the future health of the industry. 'You wouldn't have Pixar without 'Toy Story,' our first original film 30 years ago!' Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter wrote in an emailed statement. 'And while we also love digging into new layers of familiar worlds and characters through our sequels, I'd say there's a unique thrill in unearthing a new story.' Disney and Pixar's previous original movie 'Elemental' made just $29.6 million in its opening weekend in 2023, causing many in the industry to write it off as a flop, before strong word-of-mouth reviews propelled the film to a solid worldwide gross of $496 million. Sister studio Walt Disney Animation Studios has also recently struggled with originals, including 2022's 'Strange World' and 2023's 'Wish.' The pandemic had a major effect on theatrical attendance for animated films. At the onset, studios including Pixar put their new animated movies on streaming services to give families something to watch during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and keep people from spreading the disease. Movies like 2020's 'Soul,' 2021's 'Luca' and 2022's 'Turning Red' were all sent straight to the Disney+ streaming service. Despite critical acclaim — winning an Academy Award for animated feature — 'Soul' grossed just $121.9 million in worldwide theatrical revenue. Even when movie theaters started reopening, families were slow to return due to concerns about health and familiarity with watching movies at home, which dented animated films' box office potential. Pixar's 2022 'Toy Story' spinoff 'Lightyear' did poorly at the box office partially due to this timing, as well as quality issues, marketing challenges and right-wing backlash to an on-screen kiss between a same-sex couple. Other studios, too, face challenges with originals. Universal Pictures' 2023 original animated movie 'Migration' also saw a soft box office total. The same year, Universal grossed more than $1 billion from 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' based on the Nintendo game franchise. Last year, Universal's 'The Wild Robot,' which is adapted from a 2016 children's book, debuted to strong reviews, but grossed $333 million in box office revenue, compared to the $492 million reaped by Paramount Pictures' 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3.' Now family films are ruling the box office. So far this summer, many of the films that have propelled the box office are family-friendly — Warner Bros. Pictures' 'A Minecraft Movie,' and live-action remakes 'Lilo & Stitch' from Disney and 'How to Train Your Dragon' from Universal. Last year, Pixar's 'Inside Out 2' hauled in nearly $1.7 billion in global box office revenue last year, while Universal and Illumination Entertainment's 'Despicable Me 4' grossed $969.6 million worldwide and Disney's 'Moana 2' made $1 billion. The common denominator among these films? They're all sequels, reboots or rely on known intellectual property. But industry insiders and analysts say that simply focusing on new chapters of existing stories risks making the animation space stale. 'If you're trying to grow the business, you need new content, you need new franchises, you need new things for people to be excited about,' said Creutz of TD Cowen. But beyond the box office, Pixar original films can get exposure — and drive business — through other parts of the Disney empire. Movies eventually debut on Disney+ and characters will show up on merchandise or in the theme parks, which can expand a film's reach. 'Pixar is in the long-term business,' said David A. Gross, who writes a movie industry newsletter. 'They want to create stories that last, and if that works in bringing back a sequel, great, but there is enormous value for streaming for these pictures, whatever they do in theatrical. There are a lot of revenue streams.' Pixar intends to release three movies every two years, and the company's strategy is to make one original for every sequel, company sources said. For instance, 'Elio' was intended for release in 2024, but was delayed by the dual writers' and actors' strikes of 2023. Instead, it swapped with 'Inside Out 2' since sequels can be easier to move through the production process due to existing assets. 'Pixar was really instrumental in defining the look and the feel and the tone of computer-animated films,' said Christopher Holliday, a senior lecturer in liberal arts and visual cultures education at King's College London, who wrote a book about computer-animated films. The company 'is now at one of those crossroads where they are trying to balance films that have an audience built into them,' Holliday said. 'And then they're also balancing their identity as a studio of innovation that is pushing the boundaries and the limits of computer animation.' Next year, Pixar plans to release 'Toy Story 5' as well as an original film called 'Hoppers' about a new technology that allows humans and animals to communicate. In 2027, Pixar said it will debut 'Gatto,' an original movie about a cat with multiple lives. 'We think audiences love originals too,' Docter said. 'Sure, it might be a bit harder nowadays to break through all the noise out there, but if we do our jobs, and create something that people will love, we trust that audiences will show up.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pixar Gives First Look at ‘Toy Story 5,' Teases New Original ‘Gatto' at Annecy
Pixar Animation Studios offered an exclusive first look at its hottest upcoming features — including Hoppers and Toy Story 5 — and announced a brand-new original production, Gatto, during a studio presentation on Friday at the Annecy international animation film festival as part of a broader showcase that also included extensive footage from Pixar's 2025 release Elio. Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter took the stage to present behind-the-scenes material from Toy Story 5, revealing early footage and confirming the return of franchise veterans Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cussack. Directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris and produced by Jessica Choi, the fifth installment in Pixar's flagship franchise is scheduled for release on June 19, 2026. More from The Hollywood Reporter Corporate-TV Branding Has Gotten Out of Control Natalie Portman-Produced French Animated Film 'Arco' Wins Annecy Chinese Auteur Bi Gan Breaks Down 'Resurrection,' His Mesmerizing Ode to Cinema's Enigmas Docter shared that the new film will explore the challenges faced by the toys in a digital-first world. 'It's Toy meets Tech,' he said, outlining the film's plot, which will see the original movies' team of toys facing up to the challenge presented by the new favorite plaything of their 8-year-old owner Bonnie Anderson: A tech tablet called Lillypad. Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang will confront a new generation of children more enamored with screens than playthings. Docter screened the world premiere of the film's opening scene, in which a container full of Buzz Lightyears awakens on an isolated desert island and struggles to reconnect with 'star command.' Toy Story 5 will also feature Ernie Hudson voicing Combat Carl, taking over the role originally voiced by the late Carl Weathers. In honor of the franchise's 30th anniversary, the Annecy audience was also treated to archival footage from the making of the original 1995 Toy Story, Pixar's first full-length feature. Docter also announced a brand-new animated feature, the original Gatto. The feature, to be directed by Luca filmmaker Enrico Casarosa, follows Nero, a water-hating black cat living in the picturesque city of Venice, Italy, who befriends Maya, a lonely street musician. Docter gave a sneak peek at the first animated tests and character drawings for the movie, which will have a much more painterly design than is typical of Pixar. Gatto is set to premiere in the summer of 2027. The studio also debuted a first-look clip from Hoppers, an original Pixar comedy about Mabel (Piper Curda), a nature-loving young woman trying to stop the local Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm), from building a highway that will destroy her local woodlands. Thanks to a secret brain-swapping experiment, Mabel is able to transfer her mind into a robot beaver and heads to a pond, where refugees from the encroaching industrialization have landed. There, she tries to convince the animals, led by the regal beaver King George (Bobby Moynihan) to join her and stop the highway. The Annecy session also included a preview of Elio, directed by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm. The science fiction adventure, which premieres in theaters on June 20, follows 11-year-old Elio Solis (voiced by Yonas Kibreab), who is mistakenly identified as Earth's ambassador after being abducted by aliens. The voice cast includes Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil and Shirley Henderson. Elio premiered earlier this week in Los Angeles. The Annecy crowd was treated to a full 25 minutes of footage. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now
CNA
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Pixar's Toy Story 5 introduces new antagonist, a tech-savvy tablet
Pixar's blockbuster hit, Toy Story is returning to the big screen with its fifth edition, set to premiere on Jun 19, 2026. Pete Docter, Pixar's chief creative officer, presented exclusive behind-the-scenes clips from Toy Story 5 at the Anncey International Animation Film Festival on Friday (Jun 13). Docter unveiled the film's first two minutes, which included a reveal of the film's new antagonist – a frog-themed tablet named Lily Pad, belonging to eight-year-old owner Bonnie Anderson. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Toy Story 5 is set in a tech-driven world and will delve into the struggles faced by traditional toys as they compete with digital distractions. With the tagline, 'Toy meets Tech', the story will follow Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the team as they navigate a new generation of children who are more captivated by screens than physical toys. The opening scene also highlighted a container full of Buzz Lightyears stranded on a desert island, each awakening and trying to reconnect with star command, Buzz's internal control system. The thrilling opening teases another high-stakes adventure that fans can look forward to.
Geek Culture
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Pixar Drops First Look At ‘Toy Story 5' And Original Animated Cat-Led Feature ‘Gatto'
As Andy's toys gear up for another return to infinity and beyond, Disney has shared a sneak peek of Toy Story 5 to tide fans over the wait. The sequel was spotlighted at the company's showcase during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, alongside two of its upcoming major features: Hoppers and a brand-new pic titled Gatto. Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter took to the stage to showcase early footage of the tentpole release, outlining a story premise involving the challenges faced by the toys in a digital era. 'It's Toy meets Tech,' he described, revealing a new foe in the form of a tablet called Lillypad. The opening scene was also shown at the event, featuring the many Buzz Lightyears who wind up on an isolated island and are unable to connect with 'star command' (via The Hollywood Reporter). To commemorate the franchise's 30th anniversary, the fresh reveal was accompanied by archival footage from the making of the original 1995 animated classic. Toy Story 5, directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, will mark the reunion of veterans Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as Buzz and Woody, respectively, with a heavier focus on Jessie the Cowgirl when it bows on 19 June 2026. Hoppers, an original comedy, got an exclusive first look as well. Helmed by BAFTA Children's Awards winner Daniel Chong of We Bare Bears fame, it follows the story of Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), who uses a secret brain-swapping technology to transfer her mind into a robot beaver and convince the animals to stop a highway construction project from destroying her local woodlands. Rounding out the upcoming announcement slate is Gatto, a brand-new animated adventure to be directed by Luca's Enrico Casarosa. Following in the footsteps of the award-winning Latvian film Flow, it's set to blend a Pixar-first-hand-painted animation style with the usual CG fare, carrying an official logline that reads: 'After years of manoeuvring the canal-ridden, superstitious city, a black cat named Nero begins to question whether he's lived the right lives. Indebted to a local feline mob boss, Nero finds himself in a quandary and is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose…. unless Venice gets the better of him first.' Gatto premieres sometime in Summer 2027.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Villain Of 'Toy Story 5' To Address Real Issues Faced By Children Nowadays
Some of the children who grew up watching Toy Story movies are now adults, and some are even parents. Hence, they might resonate with the idea behind the antagonist in the latest sequel, Toy Story 5. The movie's release is scheduled for June 19, 2026, but we know who the villain of the next film is going to be: a tablet, similar to LeapPad. At the recent showcase at Annecy's International Animation Film Festival in France, Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, revealed that Toy Story 5's villain is Lily Pad, which is a frog-themed tablet that grabs eight-year-old Bonnie Anderson's attention. "It's a new tech tablet, which allows Bonnie to chat with their friends and play games and other things too," Docter said at a June 5 presentation in New York City. "But Lily can also be a bit sneaky and prickly to be around. And because, in her mind, it's a lot better to be socialised, and Bonnie needs to move on from toys," he added. Mobile phones, social media impact on children The concept highlights the modern-age problem of children and their excessive use of mobile phones and tablets for gaming, online browsing, social media use, and more. From educational opportunities and access to information, there are positive effects as well, but negative aspects such as mental health concerns, sleep disruption, physical health problems, impaired cognitive development and behavioural issues cause higher risks. Dr Ruchi Golash, Paediatrician - CMRI Hospital, Kolkata, told NDTV, "In recent years, one can observe the alarming surge of excessive social media usage among children and adolescents, especially on Instagram, YouTube, and Gaming apps. This overexposure is more serious than just losing some screen time; it is actively changing the way a child's brain matures, how they perceive reality, and how they grasp their value." "Being so impressionable, children are fed an unending stream of hyper-produced social media content that is pure perfection-in-caricature: flawless beauty regimes, unrealistic lifestyles, and insincere patting on the back with likes and followers. All these lead to impaired self-esteem, anxiety, body image, and sometimes depression," she said. We have recorded instances where young girls have gone on to develop eating disorders because they wanted to look "Instagram-thin," or the others who slip into substance abuse or violent behaviours because they saw 'cool' or 'acceptable' online," Dr Golash added, highlighting the side-effecting of exposing the young mind to mobile phones and ablets with social media. "Furthermore, online games and chatting sessions throw them head-first into a perilous virtual world that is hardly, if at all, tethered to moral and legal bounds," she further said, telling parents that "digital freedom is important, whereas digital discipline is essential!"
