Woody and Buzz to Return to Theaters in 2011 with New Pixar Short

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After a strong box office showing and outstanding reviews – minus a few bad apples – audiences were treated to what was thought to be the cinematic farewell to Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys. Not so fast. In a recent interview from MSN, director Lee Unkrich revealed that it may not be goodbye for Woody and Buzz after all. It turns out some of the toys will be part of a short that will be attached to Cars 2 when it is released on June 24, 2011.

Here’s what Unkrich had to say with regards to keeping the toys “alive”:

    “Well, I really tried my best to end the story of Andy and his toys and bring that story to a close in a really nice way at the end of this film. That being said, we know that people love the characters, love Woody and Buzz, and would hate to say good-bye to them completely. I don’t know that there would ever be a [Toy Story] 4. We don’t have any plans for one — but we are trying to find ways to keep the characters alive. We have announced we’re going to do a short film in front of Cars 2 that uses the Toy Story characters. We’re going to keep them alive; they’re not going away forever.”

While I even said that Toy Story 3 felt like the final chapters of a great book, I also added that the ending leaves an opening for more sequels if Pixar so chooses. However, if they are to be regulated to shorts, that may be a win-win in the long run. Imagine people flocking to see Cars 2 just so they can see Woody, Buzz or some of the lesser toys. Because right now that’s the only thing going for Cars 2, a sequel that I’m sure Pixar fans are still scratching their heads over. Especially when a movie like The Incredibles seems like a better fit for a sequel. And don’t get me started on the Monsters Inc. sequel after the original had the perfect ending before fading to black.

Finally, if you haven’t seen Toy Story 3 yet, what’s the hold up? Is there a snake in your boot or something?

Travis Leamons is one of the Inside Pulse Originals and currently holds the position of Managing Editor at Inside Pulse Movies. He's told that the position is his until he's dead or if "The Boss" can find somebody better. I expect the best and I give the best. Here's the beer. Here's the entertainment. Now have fun. That's an order!