Toy Story 4 is a film that has been rumored for years. Recently, word came out that there was a script in the works. Shortly after, scribes Rashida Jones and Will McCormack departed the project, dealing the film another unexpected setback. So what has happened to the film, and when will a new script get turned in?
Toy Story 4 had an original launch date set for Summer 2018, but with the departure of Jones and McCormack, that was moved. Last year brought the reveal that Jones and McCormack left the studio because of John Lasseter. Lasseter is currently on leave in the wake of several misconduct allegations brought against him.
According to actress Annie Potts, the delay is attributed to more than just the original writer’s departure.
In a recent interview with The Radio Times, Potts says that the entire film was scrapped and the studio started over from scratch:
“[Toy Story 4] was supposed to come out this year and then they threw out three-quarters of it and rewrote. Usually, it takes, from start to finish, two years. But because they threw most of it in the bin and started over [my time on the project has] been extended a little bit. I’ve done a lot of work on it… I have a big part! I’m thrilled!
They’re funny those Pixar people. They just take their time. It’s very painstaking work. If they don’t like whole sections then they just chuck it and start over again. They have that great creative liberty to do that.”
The story is one thing that Pixar prides itself in, so sacrificing plot for a release date is a foolish move. Reworking the entire film is a necessity because the current storyline was wrapped up in the 3rd film. Josh Cooley is in the director’s chair for Toy Story 4, and Stephany Folsom is penning the new script.
