Pixar Forced to Apologize to a Whole Generation

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Andy looking at Woody and Buzz in Toy Story 3

Credit: Disney / Pixar

From Toy Story (1995) to Elemental (2023), Pixar Animation Studios is responsible for creating some of the most emotionally charged animated features in popular culture. However, recent developments suggest they are making amends for their biggest cinematic shortcoming.

pixar characters with the logo
Credit: Pixar Studios

Walt Disney Animation Studio might be responsible for some spectacular animation and some of the most beloved films in the animated medium, but they realistically need to share that honor with Pixar as well. After all, modern techniques and CGI animation wouldn’t be what it is today without the studio’s aid in the field.

Related: How Tom Hanks felt about returning as Woody in “Toy Story 4”

Pixar has done wonders for Disney, but the studio launched itself into animated immortality with the release of Toy Story in 1995, and the beloved playthings from Andy’s room have been with an entire generation of fans for four, soon to be five, acclaimed feature films. While audiences everywhere certainly have a soft spot for Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep, Mr. Potato Head and all the other toys, one entry in the Pixar movie franchise has caused a rift in the fanbase that the studio is having to atone for.

Pixar Betrays the “Toy Story Generation”

It’s safe to say that most of us have grown up with Disney in some form or fashion. After all, it’s a brand we practically recognize from infancy. The same can undoubtedly be said of Pixar and the Toy Story franchise at the bare minimum.

Related: Chris Evans Takes Over Buzz Lightyear From Tim Allen in New Pixar Film

Through these movies, fans have seen the characters go from Andy’s room to Al’s Toy Barn to Sunnyside Daycare to back to Bonnie’s before bedtime, and they’ve grown up alongside their favorite toys. However, the most recent entry in the franchise left many of the Toy Story Generation feeling more than a little jilted.

A common opinion amongst most Disney/Pixar fans is that Toy Story 3 (2010) was the perfect way to end the series. Andy leaves for college, the toys have a new home and a new owner, and everything is tied up in a neat little bow. So why mess with that?

Related: John Lasseter, Brad Bird, and Other Legends Start War with Disney

Toy Story 4 (2019) was, at least in my opinion, a very redundant and unnecessary film. However, fans were outright outraged at Bonnie for practically casting Woody aside after promising Andy to look after his collection of toys. It’s easy to understand why.

@totaldvc

Bonnie from Toy story is the greatest and most hated Disney villain of all time. Convince me otherwise. Also, this took forever. Please don’t let it flop. 😅😅 #disney #disney100 #toystory #millenial #millennialsoftiktok #disneyvillains #rentdvcpoints #totaldvc

♬ original sound – TotalDVC

@totaldvc goes into incredible detail on the Toy Story Generation and is absolutely correct in his assessment of the third film being a “bookend” to a viewer’s childhood. The reason he, and likely many others who grew up alongside the franchise, are upset is because Pixar essentially cast off an entire demographic of their core audience.

Related: Toy Story Land Characters to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World with Seasonal Outfits

With Toy Story 5 already in development, it feels like Pixar is making this happen as a sort of apology to the generation of kids who were in Andy’s shoes. There comes a time to put away childish things, but no one wants their Toys thrown out of a moving RV with Tony Hale’s Forky.

Do you think Pixar is doing this out of guilt, or is it a blatant cash grab? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

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