"Finding Nemo" is one of the most beloved Pixar movies there is- and that's exactly why we probably don't need a "Finding Dory." For one, Disney movies (or Pixar movies, for that matter) have never been that strong when it comes to sequels. "Toy Story" is the one exception- both "Toy Story 2" and "Toy Story 3" are top-notch, but little else is. "Cars 2" was not stellar. Neither are any of the direct-to-DVD Disney sequels that get put out every so often- "Bambi II" or "Lion King II: Simba's Pride." That kind of thing.
And that's a strategy Pixar used to hold dear- as MoviePilot notes, Brad Bird (director of "The Incredibles" once made this impassioned statement:
"We don't make it for any reason other than if it's a movie we want to see and a story we're excited to tell, we will go after it. We don't do it for money. Walt Disney once said that he doesn't make films to make money, he makes money to make films. That's very much Pixar's philosophy. It's why we're in the game."
Given that Pixar has "The Incredibles 2," "Finding Dory," "Toy Story 4" and "Cars 3" all in the works, they may not be following the same strategy anymore.
Here's what we do know about "Finding Dory." According to ComingSoon.net, the film will take place in a SeaWorld-like marine park:
"The movie will be mostly set at the California Marine Biology Institute, a huge complex of sea life rehabilitation and aquarium, where Dory was born and raised," said Pixar President Jim Morris. "We will get to meet new characters, like an octopus, sea lions, a beluga whale, among others."
And from Screen Rant, we know that at least two of those characters will be played by "The Wire" actors Dominic West and Idris Elba.
But Disney took a nasty creative downfall after the studio's heyday in the '90s- and it's starting to look like Pixar may be falling into the same trap. Reviews for their latest films have slowly been trickling downwards. What'll be far worse is if "Finding Dory," or any other of their upcoming sequels, end up tarnishing the reputation of a Pixar classic. That could mean very bad news for "Finding Dory"- and Pixar in general.
Join the Conversation