In a recent interview with Chris Buck, co-director of Disney Animation’s latest film, “Wish,” there are hints of a potential return to 2D animation for future projects. While “Wish” boasts a 3D animated style, it pays homage to the classic 2D animation that defined Disney’s legacy.
Buck enthusiastically stated that Disney Animation would “absolutely” explore the incorporation of 2D animation in upcoming movies. He revealed that early tests for the character Star in “Wish” were done in 2D, emphasizing the studio’s ongoing exploration and evolution of animation styles.
The last Disney Animation venture into 2D animation was with 2011’s “Winnie the Pooh” and “The Princess and the Frog” in 2009. Since then, the studio has predominantly focused on 3D animation, delivering box office hits like “Frozen,” “Moana,” and “Encanto.”
“Wish” serves as a testament to Disney’s commitment to honoring its animation legacy. The film’s unique style emerged from the evolution of earlier shorts like “Paperman,” “Feast,” and “Far From the Tree.” Buck explained, “You just don’t know what the next thing is going to be,” highlighting the studio’s willingness to explore diverse animation techniques.
While the 100th anniversary of Disney Animation might have seemed like an ideal time for a return to 2D animation, “Wish” was crafted to celebrate the studio’s legacy as a whole, incorporating both 2D-inspired elements and modern 3D animation.
Despite the potential for “Wish” to reignite interest in 2D animation, the layoff of Disney’s hand-drawn division in 2013 has cast a shadow over the prospect of a notable increase in 2D projects. The industry eagerly awaits any signs of a resurgence, with fans expressing a desire for a sequel to classics like “The Princess & the Frog.”
Notably, the upcoming Disney+ series “Tiana” is on the horizon, promising to follow the titular princess in 2D animation, reminiscent of the original film. While details are scarce, the series offers a glimmer of hope for those longing for the return of beloved 2D animation from Disney.
