Sea monster coming-of-age movie Luca has hit Disney+, so what Pixar movies are still upcoming? Pixar Animation Studios has released 24 feature films so far, the first being Toy Story in 1995 and the latest being Luca in 2021. Since 2006, Pixar has essentially released one feature film per year, with 2020 premiering two: Onward and Soul. While Pixar's output is certainly high, the studio is renowned for its quality movies, exploring fascinating themes in quality films with heart that don't lack imagination nor innovation.
While 2020 presented many challenges to the filmmaking industry, Pixar still managed to complete films in changed circumstances. While Luca took years to make, much of the animation and voice recording was completed remotely. Release dates changed – as did release methods, with Luca and Soul releasing exclusively on Disney+ – but Pixar still has several upcoming films in the works to be released over the next year and into 2023.
Pixar has three movies with release dates on Disney's schedule, beginning with Turning Red and Lightyear, both scheduled for a 2022 release date. There is also one untitled Pixar movie on Disney's release schedule for 2023. Here are all the Pixar movies currently confirmed to be releasing after Luca.
Turning Red tells the story of Mei Lee, a dorky girl of 13 years who is torn between obedience and adventure. While she goes through all the changes of adolescence including relationships, interests, as well as her body, if she gets too excited she suddenly transforms into a giant red panda – and Mei Lee is frequently excited. Academy Award-winner Domee Shi (who directed the Pixar short Bao) is writing and directing the movie, to be produced by Lindsey Collins (WALL•E, Finding Dory). The official release date announced by Pixar is Spring 2022, and the only Pixar date in Walt Disney Studio's release slate that fits is Friday, March 11, 2022. Turning Red will be Pixar's return to cinemas after Soul and Luca released exclusively on Disney+.
The sci-fi action-adventure animated movie Lightyear will tell the origin story of Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear – the human astronaut upon whom the toy is based. Chris Evans will voice the animated human version of Buzz, revealing the Space Ranger's origins as a young test pilot. The movie will be directed by Angus MacLane (who co-directed Finding Dory) and produced by Galyn Susman (Toy Story 4), and will also open in cinemas. Pixar's date for the film is Summer 2022, which matches the Walt Disney Studios Pixar release slate date of June 17, 2022.
Pixar has one more slot on the Walt Disney Studios release slate, though there's no official announcement yet about what this film could be. Pegged for June 16, 2023, (per Deadline) fans should able to expect some kind of news on this installment soon. These films are in addition to the three announced Pixar Animation Studios series that are currently in development for Disney+: Dug Days, based on the dog character from Up; a series based on the Cars movies; and one called Win or Lose, which will follow a middle-school softball team. With Luca now streaming on Disney+, animation devotees can look forward to three upcoming Pixar movies in development and releasing over the next two years.
Next: Luca: All Easter Eggs & Secret Pixar References Explained
