Was Toy Story Really Meant to be a 3-Part Series?

Many fans of the beloved Toy Story series might wonder, was the trilogy truly intended as such?

The Original Plans for Toy Story 3

It's a common misconception that Toy Story 3 was always planned as a three-part saga. In reality, Disney approached Pixar with the intention to build on the successful formula with another entry in the franchise. However, Pixar made a significant decision that changed the landscape of their collaboration.

Originally, Pixar rejected Disney's proposal to continue with the series under their creative control. This led to a contentious period where Disney considered starting a new computer-animated studio to produce Toy Story movies without Pixar's involvement. Although Disney still retained the rights to the movies and characters, they almost lost control over some of their intellectual properties due to creative differences.

Alternative Scenario: A Different Toy Story 3

The hypothetical scenario involving a different version of Toy Story 3 highlights the potential impact of this decision. Instead of the emotionally resonant conclusion that fans saw in the final film, the alternate storyline would have revolved around a rescue mission with a malfunctioning Buzz Lightyear. This Buzz would have been sent back to Taiwan for repair. But, if Disney hadn't obtained the rights back, this drastically different film could have disrupted the enduring success we know now.

The Uncertainty of Toy Story 4

As of now, the future of the Toy Story series, particularly with the sequel Toy Story 4, remains a topic of speculation. Will this new entry provide the narrative closure and emotional depth demanded by long-time fans, or will it fall short of expectations?

The answer to whether Toy Story 4 will ruin the franchise waits to be seen. The film's release date is yet to arrive, and it's difficult to predict how well it will be received without experiencing it firsthand.

Key Takeaways

The original plan for Toy Story 3 was not to be part of a three-part series. Disney's consideration of creating an alternative studio to produce Toy Story shows the complexity of their collaboration. The outcome of the collaboration and the rights ownership significantly affected the storyline of Toy Story 3. The future of the franchise remains uncertain with the upcoming release of Toy Story 4.