Disney’s Next Animated Film: Why 2-D Animation is the Key to Success!

For individuals who grew up around the turn of the century, Disney’s animated movies are often synonymous with their classic two-dimensional artistry. Movies like Snow White were a cherished part of childhood for many generations. However, starting with Tangled, Disney moved towards a three-dimensional animation style. Although Disney had dabbled in 3-D earlier with films such as Bolt and Meet the Robinsons, Tangled was significant because it was the first Disney princess film to be made in this style, effectively ending the era of two-dimensional princess movies. The last film of its kind was The Princess and the Frog in 2009.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed an ongoing evolution in Disney’s animation style, with the 3-D genre remaining strong and recent hits like “Encanto” receiving widespread praise. Simultaneously, Disney has been leaning heavily towards live-action remakes of their timeless classics, starting with “The Jungle Book” in 1994. This trend has continued, reimagining beloved tales such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Snow White”, moving us further away from the enchanting allure of 2-D animation. With 3-D and live-action productions taking center stage, the charm of Disney’s hand-drawn past seems to be fading into rarity. Here’s why I believe the next Disney animated feature should revisit 2-D.

2-D Animation Is Beloved by Older Audiences

Today, children’s cartoons are increasingly crafted to offer something enjoyable for adults as well. Shows like Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power fall into this category in recent times. Similarly, Disney has joined the trend by incorporating humor that appeals to viewers of all ages in their movies. However, some adults who are hesitant due to modern 3-D animation may need a gentle encouragement to watch these films.

A traditional (2-D) Disney film could resonate strongly with grown-ups who once cherished Disney movies in their childhood. This style of animation might seem less alien and more welcoming for them as they were acquainted with it during their formative years. From a financial standpoint, children wouldn’t typically purchase tickets to the cinema on their own. Instead, they usually attend screenings accompanied by an adult. If Disney were to produce their next movie in 2-D instead of 3-D, a greater number of adults might feel inclined to visit the cinema voluntarily.

2-D Animation Gives More Artistic Freedom

It cannot be argued that Disney’s latest 3-D animations are breathtakingly stunning and visually captivating. The 3-D animation technology Disney employs is truly remarkable, and it’s not surprising that people keep going to theaters to witness them. However, one can’t help but notice that the artistic liberty that was so prominent in their earlier 2-D animations seems to have been overshadowed a bit.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at some of the iconic moments from the classic Disney 2-D films. For instance, watching the Prince transform in Beauty and the Beast, or seeing Cinderella’s dress dance and shimmer with every step she takes, these scenes are pure magic. Not to mention Aladdin’s enchanting magic carpet ride!

Each frame of these 2-D animated films seems to brim with creativity and individuality. The characters, their movements, the dialogue, even the background designs – everything feels unique, as if each choice was carefully considered and implemented by a passionate artist. It’s almost like you can feel the personal touch that went into making these timeless masterpieces.

2-D Animation Can Still Attract Younger Audiences

3D animation has made its mark in children’s television, with hits like “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous,” “Supa Team 4,” and “Blaze and the Monster Machines” leading the way. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that 2D animation continues to hold sway over kids’ TV shows. Shows such as “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Teen Titans Go!”, and “Fairly OddParents” are still very popular and have maintained a strong presence among the youngest viewers, indicating that the love for 2D animation is alive and well.

It’s been demonstrated that anime, particularly Studio Ghibli’s work, has shown the potential of two-dimensional animation in cinema. This form is not only alive but thriving, as it offers a timeless appeal to various generations. While Disney might not be taking a significant risk by opting for a 2-D production for their next film, given that other studios and formats continue to prove their viability and profitability. A two-dimensional movie would evoke nostalgia in older audiences while remaining captivating for the younger generation.

2-D Animation Will Feel Fresh Again

It’s not a surprise that people grow tired of repetition in their entertainment. Although 3D animation is more about style than story genres, viewers may eventually yearn for something novel or different. After all, many youngsters have probably only known 3D animations from the movies they’ve watched in theaters, given that Disney’s 2D films predate their 3D counterparts. Thus, 2D animation could offer a fresh perspective on this art form for younger audiences who may not associate it as strongly with full-length films as older generations do.

The same observation applies to adults who now primarily watch their childhood 2-D animated movies on streaming platforms or DVDs instead of in theaters. If this trend continues, especially among those with children, they may not be accustomed to watching non-3D movies in a theater setting. However, if Disney were to produce their next movie in the classic 2-D style, it could offer a novel experience for both young and old audiences.

2-D Animation Will Stand Out Against Competitors and Other Studios

As a dedicated fan of Disney’s animated films, I’ve noticed that some recent releases haven’t been as successful at the box office as expected. Even though Disney is synonymous with family-friendly animation, mere brand recognition isn’t enough to lure audiences to theaters anymore. Today, Disney is up against tough competition in 3D animation. Movies like DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” and Dream Well Studio’s “Flow,” set to release in 2024, are garnering positive reviews and creating a stir, making it clear that the battle for audience attention is heating up.

Moving back to 2-D animation may provide Walt Disney Animation with a distinctive edge, distinguishing it from its sister studio, Pixar. Although Inside Out 2 was Disney’s top-grossing film in 2024, it is often linked more with Pixar than Disney. Furthermore, Disney faces competition not only from itself, as the box office success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse demonstrates that animation can be highly successful when connected to a different studio. By adopting 2-D animation, Disney could forge a new identity and rekindle its legacy of unique storytelling while using Pixar studios and Marvel for their 3D animated content. In simpler terms, embracing 2-D animation might help Disney Animation regain its own distinct character in the world of animation, allowing it to coexist with Pixar and Marvel’s 3D animated productions.

2-D Animation is More Affordable

In recent years, Disney has suffered significant financial losses with several of their films, making a 2D animation movie a potential success for them. The media often uses numerical data to boost the perception of success, but when we look at the actual figures, movies like “The Marvels” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” lost over $900 million in revenue just in the year 2023.

It appears that the budgets of films are growing larger by the day. For instance, consider the $200 million budget of the film “Wish” versus Disney’s last 2-D animated film from 2011, “Winnie the Pooh,” which cost roughly $42 million when adjusted for inflation (originally at $30 million). To put this into perspective, a 2-D feature typically costs between $5,000 and $25,000 per minute, while 3D animation services can range from $15,000 to $50,000 per minute. Given the current trends, producing a 2-D film might be more profitable in today’s market.

The Future of 2-D at Disney

For fans of Disney’s classic 2-D animation style, there’s still reason to remain optimistic. The upcoming film “Wish,” set for release in 2023, has revitalized the 2-D format by merging it with 3-D techniques. This unique blend offers the intricate detail and personal touch of 2-D while maintaining the fluidity and realism associated with 3-D animation. The success of “Wish” suggests that Disney may be considering a return to some aspects of 2-D art, potentially setting itself apart from other studios in the competitive animation industry.

Regrettably, the film I followed, Wish, didn’t fare well at the box office. This could suggest that Disney might have chosen to stick with their classic, 3D animation style instead of experimenting with new techniques for their flagship movies. Simultaneously, it indicates that these types of films are grappling with competition, and a full return to traditional 2-D animation, rather than subtle alterations in the animation style, might be more effective. Interestingly, Disney Studios’ upcoming productions, Zootopia 2 and Elio, have both been confirmed as 3-D. The performance of these films could influence Disney’s decision to reconsider a shift back to 2-D animation.

‘Once Upon a Studio’ Showed Us the Importance of Movie Magic

As a devoted cinephile and Disney enthusiast, I can’t help but express my heartfelt admiration for the enchanting short film, “Once Upon a Studio“. This captivating piece, created to commemorate Walt Disney Animation’s centennial, has left audiences spellbound by its unique blend of traditional hand-drawn characters seamlessly intermingling with their modern CGI counterparts.

The appearance of these timeless, hand-drawn characters stirred a fresh wave of nostalgia within us, a feeling that Disney seems to have expertly harnessed. However, I can’t help but voice my concern about the future of this remarkable art form: Hand-drawn, theatrical 2D animation is not just a medium; it’s an artistic expression, one that, if neglected and left unattended, could fade away.

Given Disney’s rich history with hand-drawn animation, it’s crucial that they rekindle their relationship with this art form. It’s a legacy worth preserving for future generations to cherish.

2025-02-23 16:02