In a significant development for Pixar fans, Disney has announced that three of Pixar’s pandemic-era movies, ‘Soul,’ ‘Turning Red,’ and ‘Luca,’ which originally premiered on Disney+, will be released in theaters for the first time in 2024. This move marks a return to the big screen for these films, which had bypassed theatrical releases due to the pandemic.
Key Takeaways:
- Pixar’s ‘Soul,’ ‘Turning Red,’ and ‘Luca’ are slated for theatrical releases in 2024.
- These films initially premiered on Disney+ during the pandemic.
- The theatrical release includes special pairings with Pixar’s classic shorts.
Theatrical Debut Dates and Pairings
‘Soul,’ directed by Pete Docter and the winner of the 2020 Oscar for Best Animated Film, is set to hit cinemas on January 12. The film, which delves into the journey of a middle-school band teacher to the “Great Before,” will be paired with Pixar’s Oscar-nominated 2020 SparkShort ‘Burrow.’
Following ‘Soul,’ Domee Shi’s Oscar-nominated 2022 movie ‘Turning Red’ will debut on February 9. This coming-of-age story about a teen who transforms into a red panda will be shown alongside the Academy-Award-nominated 2019 SparkShort ‘Kitbull.’
The Oscar-nominated sea monster tale ‘Luca,’ directed by Enrico Casarosa, will be released on March 22. It will be paired with Pixar’s classic short ‘For the Birds’ (2000), which won an Oscar for Best Animated Short.
Reasons Behind the Theatrical Release
Disney insiders have cited several reasons for the decision to give these films a theatrical release. One of the primary factors is the slowdown in family product next year due to the strikes. Additionally, the theatrical release of these films provides an opportunity to promote ‘Inside Out 2,’ the sequel to Pixar’s 2015 Oscar-winning film, which is scheduled to open in June.
Pixar’s Post-Pandemic Theatrical Releases
Pixar’s first post-pandemic theatrical release was ‘Lightyear’ in 2022, followed by ‘Elemental’ last spring. The studio’s upcoming theatrical release, ‘Inside Out 2,’ will explore the life of Riley as a teenager, confronting new emotions.
Conclusion
The announcement of theatrical releases for ‘Soul,’ ‘Turning Red,’ and ‘Luca’ is a welcome development for Pixar enthusiasts and moviegoers. These releases not only offer a chance to experience these films on the big screen but also signify a return to normalcy for theatrical releases post-pandemic. As Pixar continues to enchant audiences with its storytelling, these theatrical releases are poised to recapture the magic of cinema.
