Initially beginning as a division at George Lucas' company, the massively successful animation studio known asPixarhas gone from strength to strength since releasing its first feature film in 1995.Pixar has invented some of the most innovative animation technologiesof the modern world.Toy Storychanged animation forever and left other studios struggling to keep up.
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Twenty-seven years and twenty-five feature films later and the powerhouse studio shows no signs of slowing down, having released a theatrical film since 2006, with 2020 premiering two for the first time in their history. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Pixar studios are moving forward with plans to release films from this year until 2024 (at least).
Turning Red (2022)
Turning Redis the first film scheduled to release after the success ofLuca. It tells the story of Mei Lee, a somewhat dorky girl who is torn between obligation and exploring the world. Mei faces all the usual coming-of-age problems, but also - through her ancestor’s associated mythic connection with red pandas - suddenly transforms into a red panda if she gets excited, stressed or experiences other strong emotions. It’s hard not to overlook the metaphorical connection to another big red turning point in many girls' lives. Butin an interview with directorDomee Shi, she doesn’t see the topic as taboo, even for a movie geared toward young audiences. In fact, the movie openly talks about periods, and doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty of puberty.
Already being compared to the studio’s more existential fare likeInside Out,Turning Redexpands on the director’s previous work inone of Pixar’s best short films,Bao, examining the complicated nature of the relationship between first-generation-immigrant mother-child relationships, but this timeTurning Redis told from the child’s perspective.Turning Redis being written by Academy-award winnerDomee Shiin conjunction withJulia Cho. Shi will also direct, making the film the first to be solely directed by a female in the studio’s history. LikeSoulandLuca, Turning Redwill be released exclusively on Disney Plus on Friday, March 11th 2022.
Perhapsthe upcoming Pixar film that has generated the most buzz,Lightyearmarks the studio’s return to cinemas after the pandemic. It will tell the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the astronaut upon which the toy from theToy Storyfranchise is based. Captain America himself,Chris Evans, will be voicing the younger version of the hero, as we are taken into the history of his days as a test pilot.Taika Waititiis also attached in an unspecified role. While there has been a series set in space with the “real” Buzz Lightyear of Star Command after the secondToy Storyfilm fleshed out Zerg and elements of the universe, we are yet to see anything about Lightyear’s origins on the big screen.
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While it’s not the studio’s first foray into space,Lightyearlooks a bit more grounded in reality thanWall-E.The new Star Command bears a closer resemblance to a near-future NASA than the more outlandish sci-fi designs of its predecessor. There’s been some confusion from fans over what exactly the nature of the film is, but some light was shed by Evans himself where he stated via Twitter: “And just to be clear, this isn’t Buzz Lightyear the toy. This is the origin story of the human Buzz Lightyear that the toy is based on.” Whatever happens, expect this film to be a huge hit when it comes to theatres in June.
Untitled Pixar Movie: Summer 2023
As this project is currently untitled, there’s not much known about it. It’s scheduled to be released on August 04, 2025. While there will probably be further news on this release fairly soon, what is for sure is this is intended to be the end to the spotty release schedule necessitated by the pandemic, as the animation team has stated their intent to return to a two-films-per-year policy.
Summer is usually the time Pixar release their original film, so it’s likely this will not be a sequel/prequel.
Untitled Pixar Movie: Spring 2024
Much like the previous entry, not much is known about this project beyond the release date (July 25, 2025). There’s no doubt this film will be along the Pixar themes, with familiar warm themes and an all-star cast.
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There’s also a chance this could be related to a pre-existing property, as the summer release spot is usually reserved for the studio’s original IP.
Untitled Pixar Movie: Summer 2024
Set to come out July 30, 2025, like the other untitled films, Pixar is keeping the details of this project under wraps. There’s no indication whether this project will be released on Disney Plus or see a theatrical run, but givenLightyearis returning to theatres, there’s a fair indication that this will also see a wide theatrical release.
Pixar have released some of their biggest hits in their summer slots, so expect the hype around this untitled project to be high as the release date gets closer.
