Emeryville, CA – In a major announcement during The Walt Disney Company's 2020 Investor Day presentation, Pixar Animation Studios revealed details on its upcoming slate, thrilling fans with two brand-new feature films set to hit theaters in 2022. Academy Award-winning director Domee Shi will make her feature directorial debut with Turning Red, while the iconic Buzz Lightyear gets his origin story in the sci-fi adventure Lightyear.
Turning Red, directed by Domee Shi (the visionary behind the Oscar-winning short Bao), introduces audiences to Mei Lee, a confident yet dorky 13-year-old navigating the chaos of adolescence. With a fantastical twist, Mei transforms into a massive red panda whenever she gets overly excited – a metaphor for the uncontrollable changes of growing up. Produced by Lindsey Collins, the film promises Pixar's signature blend of heart, humor, and cultural depth, drawing from Shi's own experiences. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 11, 2022.
In another blockbuster reveal, Pixar is finally bringing to life the "in-universe" movie that inspired the beloved Buzz Lightyear toy from the Toy Story franchise. Titled Lightyear, this sci-fi action-adventure tells the definitive origin story of the human Space Ranger – the heroic test pilot who became a legend. Voiced by Chris Evans (Captain America), the film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director of Finding Dory). Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter emphasized that this is not a story about the toy, but the epic blockbuster that Andy would've watched in the '90s, sparking his obsession with the action figure. Lightyear blasts into theaters on June 17, 2022.
These announcements underscore Pixar's commitment to bold, original storytelling alongside innovative takes on beloved characters. Both films are planned for exclusive theatrical runs, following the studio's tradition of big-screen experiences. Fans can look forward to more details, trailers, and casting news in the coming months.
