Disney Finally Listens to Fans, Promises To Make Movies the Old-Fashioned Way

Walt Disney Animation Studios appears to be shifting gears after years defined by sequels, franchise building, and live-action reimaginings. Fans have long asked the studio to return to the creative spirit that shaped Disney’s most iconic movies, and now a new announcement suggests the company may finally be taking steps in that direction.

Sequels Have Ruled Disney’s Release Slate

In recent years, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar have leaned heavily on familiar brands. Films like Inside Out 2 (2024), Frozen 2 (2019), and the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) earned major box office revenue and found lasting success on Disney+.

Meanwhile, original titles have had mixed results. Encanto (2021) became a phenomenon, but Strange World (2022) and Wish (2023) did not meet the company’s expectations. Still, not every follow-up resonated either, with Lightyear (2022) and Snow White (2025) falling short of expectations. This has led fans to question whether Disney’s creative strategy has become too focused on expanding known properties.

Despite these concerns, Disney continues to develop major sequels, including Toy Story 5 (2026), Moana (2026), and Frozen 3 (2027). A fourth Frozen film is also confirmed with the returning cast, though a release date has not been disclosed.

A Promising Step Toward Original Storytelling

Disney leadership recently emphasized a commitment to reducing the high-volume content slate created during the Bob Chapek era. Part of that shift has involved shelving several Disney+ exclusive projects, including the animated series based on The Princess and the Frog (2009).

Now Disney is signaling a course correction back toward original concepts. In an interview with The New York Times, Zootopia 2 (2025) writer and director Jared Bush revealed that Walt Disney Animation Studios is actively developing a new, wholly original animated feature scheduled for release in 2028.

While Bush did not offer plot details, he described the film as set in a “non-human world” and built around a stylistic approach that is “very different” from the studio’s typical output.

Jared Bush confirms that Walt Disney Animation Studios will release an original film in 2028.

“It’s not a human world. It’s a very different style than we usually do.”

(Source: @nytimes)

Jared Bush confirms that Walt Disney Animation Studios will release an original film in 2028.

“It’s not a human world. It’s a very different style than we usually do.”

(Source: @nytimes) pic.twitter.com/XhHA4scsmG

— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) November 26, 2025

Bush also noted that he has spent “a lot – a lot” of time reflecting on artistic evolution, especially following the worldwide success of Netflix’s anime-inspired KPop Demon Hunters (2025).

A Glimpse at the Disney Movies Fans Have Been Asking For

According to The New York Times, Walt Disney Animation Studios is taking steps to rebuild the creative model that once fueled its most successful eras. The article frames the upcoming 2028 film as a test of whether Disney Animation can reclaim the inventive momentum that defined classics like The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Lion King (1994):

“Original animated hits are crucial for Disney because they keep the company relevant with families and strengthen the company’s famed ‘flywheel.’ That term refers to the ways in which Disney monetizes its characters on an endless loop — from movies to consumer products to streaming services to theme parks.”

For fans eager for Disney to explore bold, original ideas again, the untitled film represents the first real sign of that shift. Will it mark the beginning of a true creative renaissance? We’ll find out in 2028.

Are you planning to see Zootopia 2? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!