Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354)

Jim and Drew dig into a packed week of animation news, from the surprising cancellation of a promising Pixar project to Netflix’s growing global animation footprint. Along the way, they explore box office winners, long-gestating passion projects finally coming to life, and the evolving relationship between streaming, theatrical releases, and viral animation hits. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that highlights just how quickly the animation industry continues to shift.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pixar’s canceled “Be Fri” project revealed - a female-led film that was deep into development before being shelved amid studio shifts and Disney+ strategy changes

• “Super Mario Galaxy” tops the box office while global competition heats up from international hits like China’s “Pegasus 3”

• Netflix expands its animation empire with a new Vancouver studio hub, joining Disney and Sony in a growing production hotspot

• Fathom Events brings viral hit “The Amazing Digital Circus” to theaters, highlighting the pipeline from YouTube to the big screen

• Brad Bird’s long-awaited “Ray Gunn” finally unveils first images after decades in development

• Warner Bros. and Netflix continue investing in YA and reimagined fairy tale animation, including “Steps” and new book adaptations

• One Piece grows into a full franchise push with new seasons, specials, and theme park experiences

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia (instagram.com/JimHillMedia) | X: @JimHillMedia (twitter.com/JimHillMedia) | Website: JimHillMedia.com

• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored (instagram.com/drewtailored) | X: @DrewTailored (twitter.com/DrewTailored) | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

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SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia (patreon.com/jimhillmedia).

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency (strongmindedagency.com)

SPONSOR

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