Part 7/12:
The pandemic era significantly altered Pixar’s trajectory, with films like Turning Red and Luca bypassing theaters entirely. Critics argue that this move, while perhaps necessary to capitalize on streaming, diluted Pixar’s brand and reduced its cultural relevance. Meanwhile, Lightyear’s failure in theaters was a clear indication that the studio’s traditional formula was no longer resonating with audiences.
Insiders suggest that the decision to keep films like Luca and Turning Red for Disney+ was a strategic attempt to manage costs, but it came at the expense of establishing Pixar’s blockbuster stature. As a result, the studio’s pipeline appears depleted of fresh, high-concept ideas that could excite audiences again.