AceShowbiz - With the 25th anniversary of Monsters, Inc. approaching, Pixar is gearing up to bring the beloved franchise back to theaters with a third installment. According to a detailed report by the Wall Street Journal, a new feature film, Monsters Inc. 3, is currently in the works at Disney’s acclaimed animation studio. This marks the first full-length movie in the franchise in over a decade, following 2013’s prequel, Monsters University, and the 2021 Disney+ spin-off series, Monsters at Work.

The report cites "people familiar with the matter" as sources for this surprising confirmation, though specific plot details remain under wraps. It is not yet clear whether Monsters Inc. 3 will continue directly from the original film’s story or take a different creative direction, similar to how Monsters University explored the origins of Mike and Sully’s friendship. Fans are especially curious if iconic voices like Billy Crystal and John Goodman will reprise their roles as Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, respectively. Both actors returned for the prequel and the Disney+ series, suggesting their potential involvement in this new chapter.

Adding further excitement, Disney is simultaneously developing a Monstropolis-themed area and roller coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. This attraction is expected to feature voice work from the original cast, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to the franchise’s legacy. Other returning voice talents may include Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs, Sully’s competitive rival; Jennifer Tilly as Mike’s girlfriend Celia; and the ever-present Pixar staple John Ratzenberger as the Abominable Snowman.

The Monsters, Inc. series began in 2001 with the original film, which portrayed the energetic duo Mike and Sully working at a scream-powered energy factory. The plot thickened when a little girl, affectionately called Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs), accidentally entered the monster world, uncovering a conspiracy within the company. The 2013 prequel, Monsters University, took audiences back to the college days of Mike and Sully, highlighting their evolution from rivals to best friends. The follow-up series, Monsters at Work, fast-forwards to a future where laughter, rather than scares, powers the energy grid, continuing the story in the same universe.

Despite Pixar’s ongoing dedication to original stories—exemplified by their recent sci-fi comedy Hoppers, which has received critical praise—the studio remains invested in expanding its popular franchises. Following the huge success of Inside Out 2, Pixar has multiple sequels slated for release in the coming years. These include Toy Story 5, set to arrive on June 19, 2026, where Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and the gang face a new threat from a rogue tablet device.

Looking further ahead, the Wall Street Journal report also confirms that The Incredibles 3 is scheduled for a 2028 release, followed by Coco 2 in 2029. This slate demonstrates Pixar’s balanced approach between original projects and beloved franchises, ensuring fans have plenty to anticipate.

Currently, Monsters Inc. 3 is in active development, with the full Monsters, Inc. catalogue available for streaming on Disney+. Fans eager for updates on the progress of the film should stay tuned to industry sources such as Collider for the latest news.

The enduring popularity of the Monsters, Inc. franchise, combined with the anniversary milestone, signals an exciting new chapter for Pixar’s cherished characters. Whether revisiting old faces or introducing new ones, the upcoming film aims to recapture the magic that made the original a classic.