Pixar is developing “Monsters, Inc. 3” as the studio balances beloved sequels with bold new projects like “Ono Ghost Market” and its first musical.
Pixar is once again returning to the monster world that helped define the studio’s early success.
According to a recent report, the animation powerhouse is developing Monsters, Inc. 3, signaling another chapter for one of its most beloved franchises.
The original Monsters, Inc. debuted in 2001 and introduced audiences to a city powered by children’s screams. Directed by Pete Docter, the film followed the unlikely friendship between lovable monster Sulley and his wisecracking partner Mike Wazowski.
Voiced by John Goodman and Billy Crystal, the movie became a major hit, earning about $528.7 million worldwide.
More than a decade later, Pixar expanded the story with the 2013 prequel Monsters University, directed by Dan Scanlon. The college-set adventure performed even better globally, bringing in roughly $743.5 million at the box office.
The franchise later grew with the Disney+ series Monsters at Work, which ran for two seasons.
Details about the third movie remain largely secret. Pixar has not yet confirmed a director, and the story’s place in the timeline — whether it continues the original films or explores another period in the monster world — has not been revealed.
The new sequel comes as Pixar continues to rely on familiar franchises while still investing in fresh ideas. Several follow-ups are already in development, including Toy Story 5, which reportedly puts Buzz Lightyear and Woody up against a smart tablet. Another major sequel, The Incredibles 3, is scheduled for 2028 and will be directed by Peter Sohn.
A second installment of Coco is also planned for 2029.
Meanwhile, Pixar’s latest release Hoppers is beginning its box office run. The animal-focused adventure earned about $3.2 million in preview screenings and is expected to collect between $35 million and $40 million from around 4,000 theaters during its opening weekend.
For Pixar, the strategy is clear: revisit fan favorites while still experimenting with new worlds and storytelling styles.
And with Monsters, Inc. 3 now on the horizon, the studio’s most famous scare factory may soon reopen its doors.
