Toy Story 4 is happening whether you like it or not, and Disney has already given the film a release date: June 21st, 2019. The first two movies in the series were directed by the legendary John Lasseter, and following a break from the series with the superb episode 3, it was previously revealed that he would return to helm the fourth movie. However, plans changed and Lasseter stepped down with Josh Cooley taking over. The internet was shocked, but now Lasseter has revealed as to why the decision was made.
Speaking at an international press conference following the Pixar D23 panel (via MTime), Lasseter explained:
“I always felt like I need to keep directing, and that’s why I decided to do Toy Story 4 initially, but I oversee three studios and I think I counted 24 feature films I’m overseeing, and it was not really practical, to be blunt.”
“But also what made it easy was Josh Cooley was amazing; wait until you see it – he is so good. And it was time to let go of the bike and let him ride, and he’s doing a great job. It’s really fantastic,” Lasseter added.
“And I do get creative satisfaction from being the executive producer, the chief creative officer, and helping all of these great filmmakers. So that’s what made the decision for me, and I’m loving what I do. I have the best job in the world.”
Production is already underway on the new Toy Story adventure, with all of our favorite voices, including Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz, set to return.
