Summary
Pixar has exciting sequels and new films ahead, but one canceled project might be worth reviving more –Monsters, Inc. 2. This scrapped sequel was nearly made in the mid-2000s but was ultimately replaced with the prequelMonsters Universityinstead.
The animation studio’s recent plans to makeToy Story 5andIncredibles 3have received mixed reactions, with fans wondering if they’re really needed or just cash grabs. These sequels could even ruin some heartfelt moments, like Woody leaving the gang atthe end ofToy Story 4. MaybePixarshould just give audiences what they truly want – a lost sequel toMonsters, Inc.
Disney & Pixar’s Plans To MakeMonsters, Inc. 2
Mike And Sullivan’s Human World Adventure Was Canceled
Instead of the 2013 prequel that went back to the monsters’ college years, Pixar nearly madea differentMonsters, Inc.movie.The story revolved around Mike and Sulley’s new careers as comedians, Mike’s wedding to Celia, and Sulley’s long-awaited reunion with an older Boo. This follow-up to the 2001 film was calledMonsters, Inc. 2: Lost in Scaradise, and was once in serious development. The sequel would have followed Mike and Sulley as they get lost in the human world. Unfortunately, it was never made, but the story is still just as exciting.
The canceledMonsters, Inc.sequel was developed by Circle 7 Animation. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner set up this division ofWalt Disney Animation Studiosin 2004 to independently produce Pixar films as Disney and Pixar’s relationship began to deteriorate. However, Circle 7 was shut down before completing any of its planned projects, earning the nickname “Pixaren’t.” Some ideas survived:Finding Nemo 2becameFinding Dory,Toy Story 3was rewritten, andMonsters, Inc. 2was replaced byMonsters University.
Why WasMonsters, Inc. 2Canceled?
In 2005, Disney considered nearly 30–40 ideas forMonsters, Inc. 2before choosing writers Rob Muir and Bob Hilgenberg. Their story is still considered to be one of the best unproduced screenplays at the media conglomerate. The writers repeatedly watched the originalMonsters, Inc.to figure out what had changed by the end of the movie. Rob Muir shared the story details of the shelved project ina July 2021 interview withHemmas Studios.
Every culture has its legendary creatures—Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Jersey Devil, the Chupacabra. When we pitched it, that aspect really excited the team. We wanted to introduce new characters while keeping everything grounded in the world ofMonsters, Inc.
Their sequel followedMike and Sulleygetting stuck in the human world just before Mike’s wedding to Celia. Along the way, they’d meet banished monsters like the Jersey Devil and El Chupacabra while trying to find Boo and return home. The project was still in its early stages, and no director had been attached. The pitch heavily influenced the film’s direction, but it was a little too late before the changing of the guard at the studio.
The Plot OfMonsters, Inc. 2: Lost In Scaradise
Sulley & Mike’s Lives AfterMonsters, Inc.
According to writer Rob Muir,the Pixar sequel movieLost in Scaradisewould have taken place years afterMonsters, Inc.Sulley is now the CEO, replacing the evil Waternoose, while Mike is a top comedian. As Mike prepares for his long-overdue wedding to Celia, Sulley fears marriage will change their friendship. Hoping to relive old times, Sulley suggests visiting Boo for her birthday, which means going to the human world.
A Visit To Boo Goes Wrong
But when they arrive, they find an elderly woman in her bed and realize that Boo’s family has moved. While trying to escape, Mike and Sulley accidentally close the closet door and trap themselves. If they don’t return soon, Mike will miss his wedding, and Celia will leave him. Desperate, they sneak into other children’s rooms, hoping to find a door still connected to Monstropolis, but every portal is shut.
Trapped In The Human World
On this journey, Mike and Sulley’s troubles catch the attention of Simon, a nerdy man obsessed with monsters. Unlike most adult humans, he can actually see them. They also find a comic book about the banished lizard-like monster Randall and seek him out. At first, he refuses to help, still bitter about the past. But he changes his mind and tells them about a hidden island in the Bermuda Triangle, where a monster might know how to reopen the portal.
Unlikely Monster Allies Help Them Return
On the island, Mike and Sulley run into legendary creatures like the Jersey Devil, El Chupacabra, the Loch Ness Monster, the Mongolian Death Worm, and the Abominable Snowman. The rest ofPixar’sMonsters, Inc. 2builds up as an adventure to get Mike back to his wedding in time, and also sets up an emotional reunion and farewell between Boo and Sulley.
Will Pixar Ever MakeMonsters, Inc. 2?
Eisner’s handling of the Pixar negotiations upset Disney shareholders, which led to his removal as CEO.His successor, Bob Iger,quickly mended the relationship, not just securing a deal with Pixar, but also acquiring the studio. With Pixar back, Disney shut down Circle 7 Animation and scrappedMonsters, Inc. 2: Lost in Scaradise. Instead, Pixar went ahead with the prequel, since they believed bringing Boo back needed a truly great story — one they didn’t feel ready to tell.Monsters, Inc.‘sdirector and Pixar’s CCO Pete Docter shared his thoughts on a potential sequel ina June 2024 interview withEntertainment Weekly:
We have to find something we think is worthy, first and foremost. It should be something hopefully the audience responded to — and then we could still not find anything. We’ve been searching for ideas for a Monsters, Inc. sequel for a long time, and we haven’t seen enough to start working on anything there yet.
ThoughMonsters, Inc. 2was canceled, Disney and Pixar later explored the movie’s aftermath in theDisney+ seriesMonsters at Work. The show follows how Monsters, Inc. transitions from scaring to laughter-based energy. Rather than Mike and Sulley, the series focused on a new character, Tylor Tuskmon. BothMonsters UniversityandMonsters at Workhave been successful, so there are no current plans forMonsters, Inc. 2.
