Previously unknown information has surfaced regarding a lost sequel to the highly successful Disney and Pixar 2001 film Monsters, Inc.
Screenwriters Bob Hilgenberg and Rob Muir, who both lend their name to Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, report that they were hired by Circle 7 to create a rough framework for Toy Story 3, and were greenlight to create the next installment of the Monsters, Inc. franchise.
This highly iconic film has endured fame of now over 25 years, and despite a tension filled journey did find the big screen again with Monsters University in 2013, a prequel that grossed $744 million against its $200 million budget.
However, it comes to light that a real sequel was confirmed and in the works back in 2004, titled Monsters, Inc. 2: Lost in Scaradise.
Though this never made is all the way to production, the writers had a strong script prepared to renew the love for our friendly monsters. In an interview, they discussed a plot that was set a while into the future. Mike, voiced by Billy Crystal, was ready to tie the knot and Sulley, John Goodman, would be one of the higher ups at Monsters Incorporated.
With their lives tackling endless change, the pair wish to return to the human world and visit their human friend Boo – only to find themselves trapped in the human world with Boo having moved away. The film would follow a bittersweet exploration of change and connection as they go on a mission to find Boo, battling all the obstacles monsters would face in a metropolitan world.
The writers were fond of their script, prepared to follow it through into a new feature film, yet were held back by an intense feud between executives over commitment and partnership powers. The then Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Pixar chief Steve Jobs were in frequent disagreement as to the extent of Pixar’s input and connection, and was resolved later in 2006 after Bob Iger took over as Disney’s CEO and Pixar was fully acquired.
Speaking together the writers defend their take fiercely, proud of what they achieved:
Muir: “We stand by that script, we’re very proud of it. It’s one of those things where, when we were writing it, everything was falling into place. It was a labor of love and were very passionate about it. We wanted to make sure we stuck with the Pixar brand. Our goal was, when somebody read the script, to not know if we were influenced by Pixar or not.”
Hilgenberg: “It was really important for us to have Pixar read it and say, Wow, that’s where we would have taken it. We stand by it.”
It’s always a shame to see creative work hindered by bickering millionaires, however the door is never fully closed on the comedic duo and reports say a third film in the series is in early stages of development.
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