Disney Pixar Has One Last Chance To Save Itself Before Studio Collapse

For decades, Pixar stood as the gold standard of animation. From Toy Story (1995) to Coco (2017), the studio turned out masterpiece after masterpiece, blending groundbreaking visuals with emotional storytelling that touched every generation. But lately, the once-unshakable animation giant has been struggling to find its footing.

Its recent lineup has underperformed at the box office, streaming experiments have cut into profits, and critics argue the studio has lost some of its creative spark. Now, with its newly revealed release slate, Pixar is banking heavily on sequels—while pinning its long-term survival on a single original film: Gatto.

A Timeline of Trouble

Pixar’s upcoming schedule doesn’t inspire much confidence for fans hoping for a return to originality. On the horizon are Toy Story 5 (2026), Incredibles 3, and Coco 2—all familiar titles that lean on established characters and guaranteed audiences. These will likely generate revenue, but they also highlight a growing creative problem: Pixar is leaning on its past instead of carving out bold new stories.

The lone exception? Gatto (2027), a Venice-set tale about a black cat who befriends a street artist. Directed by Enrico Casarosa (Luca), this is Pixar’s one original project on the slate. If it fails to connect with audiences, Pixar could find itself in an even deeper hole.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Coming to theaters in 2027 is Disney and Pixar’s “Gatto.” 🐈‍⬛ From “Luca” director Enrico Casarosa, the film returns to Italy, following a black cat named Nero. Indebted to a feline mob boss, Nero finds himself forced to forge an unexpected friendship that may… pic.twitter.com/gCEUocT8kx

— Pixar (@Pixar) June 13, 2025

Why Sequels Aren’t Enough

Sequels have always been a part of Pixar’s playbook. Toy Story 2 (1999) and Toy Story 3 (2010) both proved that follow-ups can rival the magic of originals. But in 2025, the strategy feels less like a creative choice and more like a corporate safety net. Disney, facing declining box office performance across the board, clearly wants to play it safe with proven franchises.

Yet there’s a problem: sequels can only keep the ship afloat for so long. Toy Story 5 might win over another generation, but what happens when audiences tire of rehashed characters? Without fresh concepts, Pixar risks becoming a nostalgia factory instead of the innovator that redefined animation.

The Stakes Behind Gatto

That’s why Gatto matters so much. It’s more than just another animated film—it’s Pixar’s opportunity to prove it still has the power to surprise and enchant. The premise may sound simple, but simplicity has always been Pixar’s strength. A trash-collecting robot (WALL-E), a rat who dreams of cooking (Ratatouille), a boy and his balloon-house (Up)—Pixar’s most iconic stories often start with quiet, original ideas.

If Gatto clicks, it could spark a creative revival, proving that Pixar can still produce original hits. But if it fails, the consequences could be serious: downsizing, restructuring, or even a shift toward becoming just another cog in Disney’s larger machine.

Can Pixar Be Saved?

Some analysts believe the sequels alone—especially Toy Story 5—will bring in enough money to stabilize Pixar in the short term. Brand recognition is still strong, and families will likely show up for familiar faces. But after that, the studio faces a troubling question: what comes next?

If Pixar doesn’t invest in new voices, new stories, and new risks, it may never return to the heights it once enjoyed. Disney can only ride the wave of nostalgia so far before audiences demand more. The future of the studio may very well hinge on one scrappy black cat in Venice.