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RUMOR: Andrew Stanton Developing 'Finding Nemo' Sequel? [UPDATE]

Andrew Stanton Finding Nemo News

Many breathed a sigh of relief following the announcement of Pixar’s slate of original films earlier this year, with the consecutive releases of Toy Story 3 and Cars 2 leading some to fear that the studio had fallen into a "sequel-itis" of sorts. After Monsters University in 2013, Pixar was not known to be working on any continuations of their existing properties. However, that could change now.

Deadline is now reporting that Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton’s next project after John Carter could likely be a sequel to the 2003 Pixar classic. According to their sources, he has a premise for the film that both him and the studio are very excited about. Allegedly, Disney will give Stanton another chance with live-action following the financial failure of John Carter if Pixar goes through with the sequel.

Personally, I’m glad that Stanton is being involved with the project, but a sequel to Finding Nemo sounds totally unnecessary. The worlds in Toy Story and Cars certainly had some room for expansion, but I don’t feel the same way about Nemo. Unfortunately, from what Deadline is stating, it sounds like one of Stanton’s main motivations for the sequel is to convince Disney to allow him to continue dabbling with live-action.

Finding Nemo is second highest-grossing Pixar film of all time and continues to be beloved by audiences worldwide. A second film would be extremely profitable for Disney, and considering the lack of obvious directions to take the characters after the original, money is probably a top priority for the company in pushing Pixar to make Finding Nemo 2.

Negativity aside, the film could be great with Andrew Stanton’s involvement. It’s much too early to judge, and the project hasn’t even been confirmed by Disney or Pixar yet. Finding Nemo 3D arrives in theaters on September 14, 2012, with a Blu-ray release following on December 4; perhaps the rumors will be put to rest by then.

Do you think Finding Nemo 2 could work?

UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter is backing up Deadline’s report with some additional details: Victoria Strouse is set to write the sequel with Lindsey Collins producing, aiming for a 2016 release date.

Last modified: July 17, 2012