Did Toy Story Lose Popularity in the 2000s?

No, it did not. Despite the absence of new movies between 1999 and 2010, the Toy Story franchise maintained its popularity through various other media and initiatives. This article delves into the myths and realities surrounding this period.

Post-TS2 to TS3: The Evolving Franchise

Following the success of To
y Story 2 in 1999, the franchise didn't go dark for a decade. In 2000, a Buzz Lightyear movie was released, which also gained its own TV show. This show and the accompanying film kept the momentum of the franchise going. Additionally, To
y Story video games, including ones based on To
y Story 2, were still being developed and released during this period, ensuring the franchise continued to resonate with its audience.

Release Windows for Classic Content

The VHS of To
y Story 2 came out in 2000, and both To
y Story and To
y Story 2 were frequently re-released on VHS and DVD well after their initial release. This ensured that the classics remained relevant and accessible to old and new fans alike. Given the high cost of building four Toy Story Land attractions—a major manifestation of the franchise’s continued popularity—Disney was confident in the franchise's enduring appeal.

Behind the Scenes of Toy Story 3

The delay in the release of To
y Story 3 in 2010 was mainly due to internal disputes between Pixar and Disney over the rights to the film. Disney initially wanted to produce the film without Pixar’s involvement, but Pixar ultimately reserved control and produced the film themselves. This choice was deeply rooted in Pixar’s artistic priorities to innovate and create new characters, reflecting their desire to evolve rather than just continue a series.

Maintaining Franchise Popularity

To keep the franchise vibrant, Disney and Pixar maintained a steady stream of content outside the movies. From 2000 to 2001, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command was released, followed by To
y Story of Terror! and To
y Story That Time Forgot. These projects, while not films, kept the franchise alive in various forms, contributing to its enduring popularity.

The success of the To
y Story 2 sequels was also a factor. Rather than rushing another film, the studio took its time to ensure the third installment would be the perfect conclusion to the original trilogy. The decision to upgrade from a direct-to-video release to a theatrical one further underscores the studio's commitment to quality and the franchise’s critical and commercial success.

Conclusion

The absence of new Toy Story movies in the 2000s did not diminish the franchise's appeal. Through strategic releases of classic content, expansion into new media, and maintaining a high standard for any new content, the Toy Story franchise remained a beloved part of pop culture. The key to its lasting popularity lies in the enduring quality and consistent effort from both Pixar and Disney.