Pixar’s Pete Docter rules out live-action remakes, doubles down on original animation (Sorry, Ratatouille fans!)

[KeyboardKitty]

 

While Disney has enjoyed box office success with live-action remakes of classic animated films, Pixar, the animation giant under the Disney umbrella, is taking a different approach. Pete Docter, Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, recently shot down the idea of following suit, emphasizing the studio's commitment to original storytelling.

Docter's comments come amidst fan campaigns for live-action versions of beloved Pixar films. One such campaign proposes casting actor Josh O'Connor, a known admirer of 'Ratatouille,' as the film's protagonist, Alfredo Linguini. However, Docter expressed reservations about the feasibility of such a project. "It sort of bothers me," he admitted in a Time Magazine interview. "I like making movies that are original and unique to themselves. To remake it, it's not very interesting to me personally."

 

Docter's perspective highlights a key distinction between Pixar and its parent company. Disney's live-action remakes often cater to nostalgia, offering familiar stories with a fresh coat of paint. Pixar, on the other hand, has carved a niche for itself by crafting original narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages. Their films delve into complex themes like mortality and cultural identity (Coco), self-acceptance (Inside Out), and the power of friendship (Toy Story).

 

This focus on originality extends beyond narrative. Animation allows Pixar to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, creating characters and worlds that wouldn't be possible in live-action. "So much of what we create only works because of the rules of the [animated] world," Docter noted, hinting at the challenges of translating a film like 'Ratatouille,' which features a talking rat chef, into a live-action format.

 

While Pixar's future isn't solely dependent on one release, the upcoming film 'Inside Out 2' carries significant weight. Pete Docter emphasized the film's crucial role, stating, “If [Inside Out 2] doesn’t do well at the theater, I think it just means we’re going to have to think even more radically about how we run our business.”

 

 

Pixar's dedication to original storytelling and animation is a breath of fresh air in a landscape saturated with remakes. Their focus on creative freedom, evident in their decision to forgo live-action remakes, positions them perfectly to deliver groundbreaking stories for years to come.

 

Will 'Inside Out 2' live up to the hype, and how will its performance impact Pixar's future? What kind of original stories are you most excited to see from Pixar in the coming years?

 

• https://time.com/6986308/inside-out-2-peter-docter-interview/
• https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/pixar-cco-live-action-remakes-bother-him-1235920297/
• https://deadline.com/2024/06/pixar-pete-docter-studio-no-plans-live-action-remakes-1235970840/
• https://variety.com/2024/film/news/pixar-pete-docter-shoots-down-live-action-remakes-ratatouille-1236034488/

 

Image: Chbm89 | Dreamstime.com