In recent years, Hollywood studios have significantly shifted their focus on sequels and other ways of extending well-received stories. Although many have condemned this approach as a death of creativity and original storytelling, Pixar’s Pete Docter has shifted responsibility onto the audience, as the studio gears up for the release of a sequel to the 2015 Oscar-winning blockbuster Inside Out.
In a recent conversation with Time Magazine, Docter reflected on the changing landscape in the film industry, saying that people seem hesitant to embrace or explore new concepts.
Pixar Head Reflected on Balancing Original Ideas With Sequels
In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Pete Docter, Chief creative officer of Pixar, discussed the studio’s efforts at reigniting audience enthusiasm for theatrical experiences in the era of streaming services. He suggested that they are planning to focus more on sequels to achieve this goal.
Addressing the emphasis on sequels, Docter acknowledged the difficulty of meeting audience expectations. He emphasized that the audience’s familiarity with the built-in franchise increases the likelihood of success.
While acknowledging that original content offers creative freedom, Docter noted that it also faces the challenge of capturing the audience’s attention. “And then when we do, people don’t see it because they’re not familiar with it,” he said, underscoring the widespread appeal of sequels over original films.
He also noted the challenges that come with approaching a sequel, saying “We can’t do the same idea again. We have to build on it hopefully in ways that people don’t expect.” However, he also said that Pixar may have pushed this approach too far, acknowledging the box-office disappointment of Chris Evans’ Lightyear.
“That’s probably a few layers too deep,” he said. However, despite these challenges, Docter expressed optimism, mentioning ongoing exploration of potential ideas that could yield compelling stories worth pursuing.
Pete Docter Affirms Studio’s Pursuit of Original Movie Concepts
During his conversation with Time Magazine, Pete Docter also discussed the challenges of creating original content that resonates with audiences by tapping into universal human experiences. He shared that these familiar concepts such as toys coming to life and monsters in closets have been successful.
However, finding new relatable themes has become increasingly challenging. “We’re still rummaging around for things like that,” he said before adding, “But it’s harder and harder to find as we’re into our 28th movie or whatever.”
Pixar is currently gearing up to release Inside Out 2, the sequel to the 2015 blockbuster. The original film was a huge hit, making $858 million at the box office and earning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
The sequel will continue the story of teenager Riley as she navigates the complexities of her emotions, including the unexpected arrival of anxiety. It is projected to have a strong box office debut, estimated to score between $80 million to $90 million in its opening weekend.
Docter expressed optimism for the sequel’s success. “I can’t imagine having a better chance at a big box office than this,” he said, emphasizing his claim that familiar characters and story with the audience would lead it to become a success.
Inside Out 2 is set to release on June 14, 2024.
