The Current Buzz Around the Superhero Clan
It’s no secret that fans have been eagerly waiting for a follow-up to the blockbuster sequel, ‘Incredibles 2’. As it turns out, the Parr family has carved out a unique space in the world of animation and superheroes. “Whether it was worth that near-decade-and-a-half wait varies depending on the audience member, but most can agree that Incredibles 3 is a movie they want to see next,” says a fan on social media. Indeed, Pixar’s most tailor-made franchise seems ripe for another round of adventures, given its roots in serialized comic book heroes.
“It is understandable since The Incredibles is probably Pixar’s most tailor-made franchise by the nature of being based on serialized comic book heroes – characters who now power cinema’s biggest shared universes – they feel ripe for more adventures.”
The Dilemma for Pixar: Sequels vs Original Content
Although Pixar is renowned for its high-quality animation and storytelling, they’ve hit some rough patches. Several of their newer films, both franchise-based and original, have floundered at the box office. This has caused some shift in Pixar’s strategy toward their successful franchises.
During an earnings call in February 2023, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger shed some light on the future direction of the studio, emphasizing more on sequels and franchises. Although Incredibles 3 wasn’t mentioned, the lean towards IP-driven projects certainly boosts its odds.
“Incredibles 3 might not have been mentioned, but the IP-driven nature of Hollywood, and Disney especially, increases the chances that the studio will push for another installment after Incredibles 2 made $1.2 billion.”
What’s Next for the Parr Family?
‘Incredibles 2’ left us on a note that’s more conclusive yet open-ended enough to allow room for more. The first sequel turned the focus from illegal superheroes to re-legitimizing them, resulting in a new status quo that could make an exciting premise for future installments.
“That may remove a key constant backdrop to Incredibles that allowed it to push in on the family but it does set up a fresh and open status quo for any potential sequels.”
Loose Ends and Future Directions
There’s a lot the franchise could explore, especially considering the Underminer tease at the end of Incredibles 2. Fans are keen to see where this villain fits into the larger narrative. It could be a clue into the plot of a possible ‘Incredibles 3’.
On the flip side, the series could also benefit from a time jump to introduce natural character development and new plot twists. The Parr kids, for instance, have limited room to grow if the story picks up right where it left off.
What’s Been Said, What’s Unsaid
Director Brad Bird did offer some thoughts on the future of the franchise, keeping fans hopeful for another installment. “Never say never,” he said in an interview with EW, about the possibility of another Incredibles film or even something else related to the franchise.
“Brad Bird has not been confirmed to return to make Incredibles 3 yet, but it does seem like he is open to the idea.”
However, Pixar itself has remained tight-lipped, with no official word on the third installment’s status.
Playing the Long Game
If we look at the timelines of Pixar’s other sequels, it’s likely that an ‘Incredibles 3’ could be years away, possibly hitting the big screen no sooner than the late 2020s.
In the end, whether or not we see the Parr family return for another high-octane adventure, one thing is clear: The Incredibles franchise has a solid fan base that’s eagerly awaiting its next chapter. Until then, the speculation and hope continue to fuel conversations, keeping the Incredibles ever-present in our cultural dialogue.
