A lot of people were surprised by the news that Pixar was developing TOY STORY 4 after the perfect ending the third film provided. Still, this is Hollywood so we should all be used to never saying never. So, the question becomes whether TOY STORY 4 would be continue the story of Buzz and Woody or tell a new tale featuring the same characters.
In an interview with Disney Latino (translation courtesy Slash Film), Pixar President Jim Morris shared that the fourth film would not be a part of what we know as the TOY STORY trilogy.
The third movie ended in a beautiful way and completed a trilogy. I think this movie is not part of this trilogy. It is a separate story, which in turn I do not know if will be continued. Never begin a project with that in mind.
So, if TOY STORY 4 is not going to be another adventure focused on the toys trying to rescue one of their own, what is it going to be? Morris elaborates.
It is not a continuation of the end of the story of Toy Story 3. Temporarily it is, but it will be a love story. It will be a romantic comedy. It will not put much focus on the interaction between the characters and children. I think it will be a very good movie.
A romantic comedy would explain why Rashida Jones and Will McCormack were brought in to develop an idea from John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and Lee Unkrich. Jones and McCormack scripted the underseen CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER and have a knack for comedy with romantic beats. Morris also said that they are not making the sequel for the money and that further films after TOY STORY 4 are not a lock. But, again, never say never.
TOY STORY 4 is slated to hit theaters on June 16, 2017.