Toys vs Cars: Merchandizing Meets Movie Franchises

Why are there more Toy Story movies than Cars series? The answer lies not just in the appeal of the characters, but in the strategic development of these franchises from the very beginning. From the outset, Pixar's Toys had an edge due to its merchandizing potential and established storyline. This article delves into the reasons behind the differences in the number of movies released and explores how merchandizing plays a critical role in extending modern movie franchises.

Establishment of Toys and Early Success

Toys made its cinematic debut in 1995 with the release of Toys, a film that brilliantly combined computer animation with unforgettable characters and a storyline that resonated with audiences of all ages. Unlike Cars, which came into existence much later, the Toys franchise already had a strong foundation as a TV series prior to its first theatrical release. Pixar was keen on capitalizing on the success of Toys through merchandizing. As a result, a second movie, Toys 2, was quickly produced and released in 1999, just four years after the first film.

Sequels and Merchandizing Potential

The success of the original Toys movie in 1995 paved the way for more sequels. Merchandising tools and strategies were fully utilized to keep the franchise alive and thriving. This approach was particularly beneficial as it allowed the studio to create predictable demand for the new releases. As a result, a third installment, Toys 3, was developed and released in 2010, five years after the second movie. This short time gap between movies allowed for better cash flow and easier marketing efforts.

Car Concept and Delayed Launch

Cars, on the other hand, was introduced much later in 2006. By then, Toys 2 was already in the mix, and the pre-existing success of Toys 3 made it more challenging for another series to gain steam. The creation of Cars was not strictly for the purpose of capturing market share from Toys, but rather to explore a different concept with its own distinct storyline and characters. Nonetheless, the gap between the release of Cars in 2006 and Cars 2 in 2011 reflected the studio's careful planning and the time they wanted to spend on character development and storyline refinement.

The Success of Cars 2 and Beyond

With the success of Cars 2, the studio felt confident enough to move forward with a third installment, released in 2017, two years prior to the release of Toys 4. This timing allowed Cars 3 to capitalize on the familiarity of the characters and the sequels' growing fanbase. The strategic release of Toys 4 in 2022, however, shows a continued push for the Toys franchise, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to maintain its longevity and appeal.

Synopsis of Franchise Development

The development of these franchises is a testament to the strategic decisions made by the studios. Pixar's focus on creating a strong foundation for Toys from the start, coupled with a consistent merchandizing strategy, allowed for a faster and more frequent release of follow-up movies. Cars, while less frequent, was a deliberate move to explore a new concept and ensure character depth and storyline quality. Both franchises continue to thrive, perhaps because of their unique blend of storytelling and merchandizing potential.

Strategic Merits of Merchandizing and Sequels

Moviemakers and studios are increasingly recognizing the importance of sequels and a strong merchandizing strategy. The success of franchises like Toys and Cars highlight the strategic merits of these approaches. By focusing on creating a compelling cast of characters and a rich storyline, coupled with a robust merchandizing plan, studios can build and sustain a fanbase that eagerly anticipates each new release.

The number of movies in a franchise is not the sole measure of its success. What matters more is the quality of each release, the depth of characters, and the strength of the storytelling. For studios, building a strong and enduring franchise requires more than just rapid production; it demands a thoughtful approach, careful planning, and a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences.

Conclusion

The disparity in the number of films in the Toys and Cars franchises is a reflection of the strategic decisions made by the studios. While Toys leveraged its established foundation and strong merchandizing potential to release more films, Cars focused on character development and storyline quality, pushing for slower but more impactful releases. The enduring success of both franchises is a testament to the strategic balance between creativity and business acumen.

Additional Reading

For more insights into the behind-the-scenes world of film and animation, consider exploring articles and case studies on franchise development, marketing strategies, and the role of merchandizing in building successful franchises.