Why a “Brave 2” Isn’t on Pixar’s Horizon
Hollywood has never been shy about diving back into successful franchises, no matter the age or genre of the original. The allure of a built-in audience is potent, ensuring that sequels, spin-offs, and reboots are always on the agenda. In 2012, Pixar wowed audiences with its fresh take on the Disney princess narrative in “Brave,” which raked in a cool $540 million at the box office. Yet, despite its resounding success and acclaim, a decade has passed, and signs of “Brave 2” are nowhere to be seen. But why?
A Standalone Success Story
“Brave” was more than just a box office hit; it broke the mold. Its surreal body-swap comedy offered a refreshing update on the traditional Disney princess narrative. However, in the time since “Brave’s” release, Disney has rolled out a series of princess-focused films that have overshadowed it, from the behemoth “Frozen” franchise to live-action interpretations of classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
One of the standout features of “Brave” was its well-contained plot. The story was neat and complete, not leaving any threads dangling or hinting at a potential follow-up. There was no cliffhanger, and Merida’s journey concluded without pointing towards a sequel.
“Brave features a poignant message of self-empowerment and a strong story of the bond between mothers and daughters, and it would be tough for any sequel to expand on these ideas without ruining the original movie’s story.”
Pixar’s Evolving Stance on Sequels
Remember when Pixar was on a sequel spree? “Finding Dory,” “Toy Story 4,” and “The Incredibles 2” had audiences rushing to theaters. However, recent years have seen a noticeable shift in the studio’s focus. Pixar seems to be investing more in original stories, leaving behind its previous obsession with follow-ups.
According to Pixar’s president Jim Morris, the basis for a sequel is genuine inspiration. In his words to Entertainment Weekly: “We don’t make a sequel unless the director of the original film has an idea that they like and are willing to go forward on.” With Brenda Chapman, the director of “Brave,” parting ways with Pixar, the odds of her bringing a fresh perspective to “Brave 2” appear slim.
Disney’s New Generation of Princesses
Disney didn’t rest on its laurels after “Brave.” Instead, it doubled down on stories of self-empowered heroines that weren’t centered on romantic pursuits. “Moana” and “Raya and the Last Dragon” are testament to this evolving narrative style. However, not all have been successful; while “Encanto” garnered acclaim, “Raya and the Last Dragon” didn’t fare as well at the box office.
“In the years since Brave proved a financial and critical success, Disney has learned from Pixar’s princess story.”
The landscape of Disney princess films has shifted. With several stories echoing the themes and messages of “Brave,” the unique draw of Merida’s story becomes less distinct. The combination of the film’s self-contained nature and the plethora of similar stories emerging makes the case for a sequel even less compelling.
Conclusion: A Sequel That Might Remain a Dream
While fans of “Brave” might hold a glimmer of hope for a sequel, the realities of the entertainment world and Pixar’s own evolution suggest otherwise. “Brave” stands as a testament to Pixar’s storytelling prowess, but as we move further into the 2020s, it looks set to remain a beloved standalone gem in Pixar’s crown.
