Why Disney Opted for Sequels Over Original Films: Insights from Finding Nemo 2 and 3

The question of why Disney chose to produce sequels like Finding Nemo 2 and Finding Dory rather than creating another original film is a complex one, rooted in a myriad of strategic decisions and industry trends. This article explores the factors that shaped Disney's approach, particularly in the context of the Finding Nemo franchise.

Commercial Success

The primary reason behind Disney's decision to make sequels lies in the commercial success of the original films. Finding Nemo (2003) was a massive box office hit, grossing over $940 million worldwide. Such astronomical figures create a strong incentive for studios to capitalize on established franchises. For instance, sequels often have built-in audiences who are familiar with the characters and storylines. This proves particularly advantageous in a highly competitive media landscape, where new films must fight for attention and box office share.

Brand Recognition

Additionally, sequels leverage the existing popularity and brand recognition of beloved characters and stories. In the case of Finding Nemo, the franchise already had a cadre of loyal fans who were eager to see more adventures of Nemo and Marlin. By creating a sequel, Disney could tap into this pre-existing fanbase, making marketing and audience engagement easier and more effective. This is especially important in the digital age, where targeted marketing campaigns can leverage social media, streaming services, and other content platforms to engage and build anticipation among potential viewers.

Creative Opportunities

While some may view sequels as a lack of originality, they can offer new narrative opportunities. For example, the sequel Finding Dory (2016) expanded on the core themes of memory, family, and persistence, providing a fresh narrative while maintaining the world and characters of Finding Nemo. This approach allows filmmakers to delve deeper into character development and explore new themes without starting from scratch. Similarly, Finding Nemo 2 (which ultimately did not come to fruition) could have provided an opportunity to breathe new life into the existing characters and explore new aspects of their story.

Market Trends and Industry Standards

The animation industry has seen a trend towards sequels and franchises over the past decade. Studios like Disney and Pixar have successfully released multiple sequels to their popular films, such as Toy Story (2010), Monsters University (2013), and Incredibles 2 (2018). This trend indicates that audiences have a strong preference for familiar stories that resonate with them on a personal and emotional level. By staying in line with these trends, Disney can ensure that their films remain relevant and appealing to a broad audience.

Financial Considerations

Producing a sequel can also be a less risky financial decision compared to developing a completely new concept. The investment in a sequel may be lower since many aspects of the production, such as the animation style, character designs, and voice talent, are already established. This reduces the financial risk and allows Disney to focus on telling new stories within a familiar universe, thereby maximizing potential returns on investment.

Insights from the History of Pixar

It's worth noting that the initial plans for sequels to pre-existing Pixar movies, including a potential Finding Nemo 2, were complicated by the changing dynamics between Disney and Pixar. Prior to 2006, Disney owned Pixar's computer animation studio, with plans to produce Pixar films under the Disney banner. However, Pixar's renewed deal with Disney led to their acquisition in 2006, which saw the shutdown of the Disney-owned animation studio and the transition to full Pixar involvement in producing films like Toys 3, Monsters University, and Finding Dory.

Vivid Recap

Initially, Disney had ambitious plans to produce sequels to pre-existing Pixar movies using their own animation studio, independent of Pixar's involvement. This was based on the contractual agreement that Disney would have the rights to produce sequels following the release of Cars. However, Pixar changed the game in 2006, when their contract with Disney was renewed through acquisition. As a result, Disney had to let go of the animation studio that was once responsible for producing original films like Finding Nemo 2. Instead, Pixar took the lead, resulting in the beloved sequels and standalone original films that we know today.