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‘Ratatouille’ Sequel Reportedly in Early Stages at Pixar

A blue rat with large pink ears sits on a rooftop, gazing at the Paris skyline with the Eiffel Tower in the background at sunset.
Credit: Disney

Pixar’s direction appears to be taking a shift as the studio reportedly begins development on Ratatouille 2, nearly two decades after the original’s release. Despite previous denials from the company, the animated powerhouse is now seemingly embracing a strategy of revisiting its past successes. This marks the studio’s growing focus on sequels, with Ratatouille 2 following the pattern set by other upcoming projects such as Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, Coco 2, and even Lilo & Stitch 2.

Ratatouille

Credit: Disney

Pixar Shifts Focus to Sequels

While Pixar has long been known for its original storytelling and pioneering animation, the company’s recent moves suggest a new emphasis on established franchises. Inside Out 2 was a massive success, grossing over $1.7 billion globally, fueling the studio’s confidence in sequels. As Pixar moves forward, this strategy of revisiting familiar narratives seems poised to dominate its future projects.

The decision to explore a Ratatouille sequel is part of a broader trend at Pixar, where sequels and reboots of popular films are now the focus. This shift away from original films is most apparent in the aftermath of Pixar’s recent releases, such as Onward, Luca, Elemental, Turning Red, and Elio. While well-received, none of these films made the same cultural impact as earlier Pixar classics like Toy Story 3 or Coco. In fact, these original films have had a more muted reception at the box office, pushing Pixar to pivot back to safer bets.

A cartoon rat with blue-gray fur holds a slice of cheese above its head and looks surprised, as broken plates and water fly around in a chaotic kitchen scene.

Credit: Disney

The Nostalgia Factor

The decision to revisit Ratatouille, a film that already told a complete and heartwarming story, might seem unnecessary to some. However, in today’s landscape of entertainment, it is not surprising. The reliance on nostalgia in the industry, especially in a time when original ideas struggle to gain widespread traction, makes sense. Studios are increasingly returning to familiar content with proven success, offering a more reliable formula for attracting audiences.

For Pixar, the challenge lies in balancing its drive for financial success with the creative integrity that once made it a standout in the animation world. The success of Inside Out 2 shows there’s still demand for these beloved characters and worlds, but Pixar must now figure out how to continue innovating while relying on its past success.

The Future of Pixar’s Creative Vision

As Ratatouille 2 simmers in development, Pixar fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely. The studio’s focus on franchises presents both an opportunity and a challenge: Can Pixar inject new life into these familiar stories while remaining true to its legacy of creativity and innovation? As the studio navigates this evolving landscape, Ratatouille 2 could be the next big test of whether Pixar can stay at the forefront of animated filmmaking while leaning on nostalgia-driven projects.

About Eva Merrill

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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