Should Pixar Stop Making Sequels?

[Josh]

Reviews are in, and Cars 2 looks to be the first Pixar film that - for lack of a better term - very is unPixar. I would expect as much from DreamWorks, but Pixar is supposed to hold itself to a much higher standard.

While I will hold my final judgement for the Blu-ray release, those reviewers I find most reflect my personal tastes have called out Pixar for phoning in a sequel to a Lassiter pet project.

So the question becomes, should Pixar stop making sequels? Monster University has already been announced, but do we really miss anything but having that project shelved and force Pixar to refocus on what has made them the premiere animation shop in the business?

[MorgolKing]

The great thing about Pixar movies is that they're totally different subject matters and involve original storytelling.

I really don't understand why they got so high on sequels all of a sudden. Maybe they just ran out of ideas

It could be the end of Pixar as we know it. I don't mean Pixar will end, but I mean the Pixar we have come to love....

[omgdyl]

I really don't mind sequels as long as they're done well. I'll reserve judgement for Cars 2 specifically, until I see it myself. I'm less excited about Cars 2 in general because while I did enjoy the original it's my least favorite Pixar flick. I know cars merch is crazy popular so this sequel in particular makes a lot of business sense.

You can look to Toy Story 3 as a good example of a sequel gone right. In my opinion it's the best of the series, perhaps their best film to date some would argue.

I would also be more worried if all they were doing was churning out "cheapquels" but they havent gone down that path by any stretch yet.

Also, aren't they working on an unannounced new IP for 2013 or something? (Maybe I'm confusing with something else)

[Johnny Vinyl]

Sequels, regarding of studio, are simply means to capitalize on an existing fan base. It's a money grab, plain and simple. Consumers however still seem to eat them up, which is why the trend continues.

[LOTR07]

Times have been tough so they could be putting out a product that they know will bring in cash to fund some other projects......I am not worried about a Pixar product sequel or original....my daughter loves them all....

[Taipan]

I would love for all sequels form them to cease. I wonder if Disney didn't want the capitalization of some of their films, would Pixar stick to original and creative films?

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by John72953

Sequels, regarding of studio, are simply means to capitalize on an existing fan base. It's a money grab, plain and simple. Consumers however still seem to eat them up, which is why the trend continues.

Toy Story made over $1 billion worldwide, just in theatrical revenue .

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Toy Story made over $1 billion worldwide, just in theatrical revenue .

In this case it was indeed a major success, and they do happen. There are probably several other examples as well. There is a place for them, but I think oftentimes it's purely a business decision driven by studios and not the creative side of the business.

[Agent Cooper]

Sequels, prequels or in some fashion continuing to tell stories of already established characters is not the trouble in itself.

It's the approach and motive for making sequels that often results in subpar or directly, embarrasing films. Especially horror and comedy strkes you as genres where the filmmakers today struggle hard to come up with an original idea, or not to be motivated by 100% profit.

Before the trend escalated, we had many, many succesfull franchises. No one ever questions the Bond films even though they ran out of Ian Fleming novels long ago. There are many more examples when going back in time.

[THALL434]

Pixar will never produce a film that tanks in my opinion. Kids movies make lots of money anyway and parents associate Pixar with making films that kids love and parents don't mind and enjoy to watch as well.

[starbinger]

Cars 2 is awesome guys. It felt very Pixar to me.

[tommyboy81]

what would Cars 2 have to make worldwide to be considered a bomb?

[Secretagentnumber6]

Originally Posted by tommyboy81

what would Cars 2 have to make worldwide to be considered a bomb?

http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3192&p=.htm

This article kinda insinuates that it would need to do better than Cars, it is not projected to hit that high. Internationally it may do better though, which means over 218million. With the new international storyline it has a good shot at outdoing the original, but with Mater becoming the focus it may very well turn off foreign viewers.

[wilky61]

As John pointed out, Cars 2 is just a cash-grab for Pixar because Cars is probably the second most successful "brand" they've produced (I'm talking about like merchandising, etc.). Toy Story being #1 of course. I'm disappointed that the reviewers are chalking Cars 2 up as all style, no substance... but I'm not surprised. I still have faith in Pixar though, given their tremendous track record stretching back 15 years.

The next movie to get a sequel is supposed to be Monsters Inc. right? That could be promising. Monsters Inc. is a rather special movie, full of heart.

[Steve46]

I would love to see a sequel to Ratatouille.

[seeweda]

The first Cars movie was pretty bad and only did well because kids love inanimate objects that can talk. It was a money making machine for Disney in merchandising which is why it is the first movie outside of Toy Story to get a sequel.

Most sequels to movies suck more than the original and with Cars sucking was pretty obvious Cars 2 would be worse. I don't mind Pixar making sequels though as long as they alternate with good quality originals like UP, Wall-E and Brave is looking to be another notch on their belt.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by wilky61

The next movie to get a sequel is supposed to be Monsters Inc. right? That could be promising. Monsters Inc. is a rather special movie, full of heart.

This should be worth doing.

[Marcus Wright]

Short answer is yes, they should stop making sequels.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by wilky61

As John pointed out, Cars 2 is just a cash-grab for Pixar because Cars is probably the second most successful "brand" they've produced (I'm talking about like merchandising, etc.). Toy Story being #1 of course.

Disney's most lucrative merchandise character brands...

#1 Mickey Mouse
#2 Winnie the Pooh
#3 Cars
#4 Disney Princesses
#5 Toy Story

[wilky61]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Disney's most lucrative merchandise character brands...

#1 Mickey Mouse
#2 Winnie the Pooh
#3 Cars
#4 Disney Princesses
#5 Toy Story

Really? Wow. Thanks for the information.