Tom Hanks really can't help himself, can he?...

For many, Toy Story 3 was the end of an era; the swan-song for one of the originals - and true greats - of the CGI world. While it's hard to please everyone, Toy Story 3 was - according to critics - the closest  you can get to perfection without actually achieving it (it holds a 99% Rotten Tomato rating, based on 250 reviews). So, when we consider its critical adoration and monstrous box-office records - TS3 grossed over $1 billion on a $200 million budget - one could understand why Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar would like to extend the franchise to a fourth...or fifth...or sixth (and so on).

While out promoting his latest film, Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks - who plays (played) Woody in the award-winning animation - inevitably found himself up against questions about the franchise, specifically as to whether or not we had seen the last of the adventurous toys. When asked whether there would be Toy Story 4 for his new grand-daughter to see, Hanks replied " I think there will be...yeah". Puzzled, interviewer Tom Muffett quizzed again, to which Hanks reinforced his previous statement with " Yeah, yeah - I think they're working on it now". As you would expect, both interviewer and anyone who views the video will be surprised - Toy Story 3 has long since been heralded as the climax to the series; and what a climax it was. Yet if you consider the insouciant response from Hanks towards the subject matter - one of an almost acceptance towards what he sees as a sure thing - I'd say that Pixar are well and truly looking at number four and, if I had to guess, I reckon we will see it within the next two years.

Now, for those of us who grew up with Toy Story as somewhat mandatory viewing (see below), it's tough news to stomach. The questions are sure to be asked - how far in is development; where will they take the series now; has the cast already been approached about the project - but ultimately Pixar is unlikely to tell us anything until they want to.

Most importantly though, do we really need a new Toy Story? When it emerged back in 1995, it was nothing short of revolutionary. The animation was unlike anything seen before it; the cast consisted of some of Hollywood's true A-listers; and the script was untouchable - never had such deep meanings been challenged within the boundaries of what was, ultimately, a kids' comedy. However, since that time both society as a whole and Pixar as a studio have moved on; they no longer need Toy Story. The Incredibles; Finding Nemo; Up - Pixar can do it without Toy Story, so why risk ruining a classic?

I think the ultimate worry is that the franchise will become the new Shrek - a franchise that, while funny to start off with, was eventually milked to such an extent that its humour became distant and its content became unrecognisable. Saying that, if they can make a success out of Cars 2...

See also:

Disney Pixar's Brave trailer hits the web

Cars Trouble: Pixar's latest may be studio's first flop

Kung Fu Panda 2 - 3D review

Toy Story 3 writer to front Snow White project

A Darker Generation: Toy Story 3 And Beyond

Toy Story 3 IMAX 3D review

Excellent! Bill & Ted 3 script nearly complete

10 things that Ghostbusters 3 would need to get right

Ten reasons why a Goonies sequel will work

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