For the past three years, Soul, Turning Red, and Luca — three of Pixar’s biggest films — made their way to Disney+ due in large part to the pandemic. While the move took away the theatrical experience, it was imperative for public safety then. Now Disney has plans to re-release all three on the big screen for a limited time.
Three feature films from Disney and Pixar will hit the big screen nationwide for the first time ever in 2024, including 2020’s Soul, 2021’s Luca and 2022’s Turning Red. Tickets go on sale January 2, 2024 for the special engagement theatrical runs, which invite moviegoers to experience three Pixar films the way they were meant to be seen ahead of the studio’s June 2024 theatrical release of Inside Out 2.
Originally, Soul, Turning Red, and Luca were supposed to hit theaters but were relegated to streaming largely because of the pandemic. All three earned high critical praise for their visuals and storytelling. While we will never know how well they would have performed at the box office, this theatrical release gives audiences the opportunity to see a Pixar film as intended.
Another interesting note about this strategy is that Turning Red was supposed to be Pixar’s return to the big screen, which was well after the pandemic. However, for reasons unknown, the Disney wanted to put emphasis on their streaming service, Disney+. Additionally, Turning Red got a limited release during its opening weekend at the El Capitan in Hollywood, CA. Still, the fact that we are going to get to see all three of Pixar’s original titles on the big screen is a cause for celebration.
If anything, Disney•Pixar’s Elemental box office performance proves audiences are hungry to see Pixar films on the big screen.
Like Pixar theatrical experiences of the past, audiences will be treated to a Pixar animated short film ahead of each of the features. Soul, opening in theaters on January 12, will be accompanied by the SparkShort Burrow. Turning Red, opening February 9, will be preceded by the SparkShort Kitbull. Luca, which hits the big screen March 22, includes the classic Pixar short For the Birds.