Toy Story 3 tied a nice bow around the adventures of Woody, Buzz, and friends, but a billion-dollar global franchise can’t be hampered by something silly like an emotionally satisfying conclusion. And while Toy Story 4 has been on the drawing table for years, there hasn’t been much news beyond a release date, the return of director John Lasseter, and writing duties being handed to Rashida Jones. The Telegraph is sharing some new details, including the news that the new film will be a stand-alone sequel.
According to Pixar President Jim Morris, “It’s not a continuation of the end of the story of Toy Story 3.” Instead, Morris indicated that it would be a “love story” and a “romantic comedy” that wouldn’t “put much focus on the interaction” between toys and kids. So if you were hoping for a child-and-toy romance in the next Toy Story movie, stop. It’s not going to happen. (Also, it’s gross.)
Morris also clarified Pixar’s position on sequels; stating that creative passion is what fuels development, and because Pixar projects are “successful,” it obviates the need to “exploit them for money.” Morris said, “It’s about an idea that is met with enthusiasm.” Presumably the interviewer refrained from asking about Cars 2, because Morris was silently circling his forefinger over a shiny, red button built into his armrest labeled “bloodthirsty hounds.”
Lasseter has been quoted as saying that he “could not stop thinking about” the exciting idea that convinced him to make a fourth Toy Story picture. He did not clarify if the exciting idea involved being given enough money to build his own hollowed-out base on Spider-Skull Island.
Regardless of the motivations, the fully-posable romantic comedy Toy Story 4 will undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm when it opens on June 16, 2017.