Exploring the possibility of a third installment in The Incredibles series presents a fascinating opportunity to elevate it to the status of one of the greatest trilogies in cinematic history.
The Incredibles, a product of Pixar’s golden age alongside classics like the Toy Story trilogy, Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, WALL-E, Up, and Monsters Inc., remains a shining example of animation and superhero storytelling at its finest. What’s particularly intriguing about The Incredibles is how it effortlessly surpassed many of the actual adaptations of Marvel’s “first family,” the Fantastic Four, in capturing the essence of a family of superheroes. The Parr family, consisting of Bob (voiced by Craig T. Nelson), Helen (Holly Hunter), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Spencer Fox), and the scene-stealing Jack-Jack, felt like a relatable, cohesive unit dealing with everyday family and personal challenges. The superhero aspect, while central to the narrative, almost felt secondary, underscoring the film’s universal appeal.
Despite the evident potential for further exploration of this rich universe, The Incredibles had to wait an unusually long time for a sequel. When Incredibles 2 finally arrived in 2018, it didn’t receive the instant acclaim that many superhero sequels had experienced. This stood in stark contrast to the successes of films like Superman II, X2, Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, all of which not only matched but exceeded the quality and impact of their predecessors.
Even nearly two decades after its initial release, The Incredibles continues to garner acclaim. Respected film critic Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, for instance, placed it among the top 10 films of the decade. While Incredibles 2 achieved financial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, director Brad Bird expressed his willingness to embark on a third film in the franchise only if he had a genuinely compelling idea to explore. However, the prospect of Bird returning to the world of The Incredibles for a third time offers the potential for something truly remarkable – the creation of one of cinema’s most celebrated trilogies.
1. Superhero Fatigue: One of the most compelling reasons to consider a third Incredibles film at this juncture is the phenomenon of superhero fatigue that has been steadily building within the film industry. While the term “superhero fatigue” has been used for some time, recent developments have shown a noticeable decline in audience enthusiasm for superhero movies. This decline is especially evident within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the MCU once enjoyed immense popularity and anticipation leading up to the epic conclusion of the Infinity Saga with films like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, recent phases have struggled to maintain the same level of excitement and engagement. This decline is partially attributed to a lack of genuine stakes and consequences, with characters being easily revived or reintroduced through the intricate concept of the Multiverse.
In contrast, a return to The Incredibles universe could provide a refreshing antidote to this fatigue. While Incredibles 2 may have had its flaws, its appeal lay in the fact that these flaws had nothing to do with the characters themselves. The comedy of Bob juggling the role of a stay-at-home dad was well-received, and both Violet and Dash displayed compelling character development. A third Incredibles film has the potential to further explore these engaging character arcs and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, all while wrapping up the definitive fate of the Parr family in a landscape where superhero narratives have started to lose their shine.
2. Pixar’s Need for Success: Recent years have witnessed Pixar, a studio renowned for consistently delivering high-quality animated films, facing a dual crisis on both critical and financial fronts. This crisis was precipitated by the decision to release Pixar films directly on the Disney+ streaming service during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift in distribution disrupted the traditional theatrical experience, leading audiences to become accustomed to viewing Pixar films from the comfort of their own homes. The days when Pixar’s creations, such as Toy Story 4 and Incredibles 2, could confidently cross the billion-dollar mark at the global box office seemed to be waning.
While Pixar had maintained a reputation for producing top-tier cinematic experiences, the studio’s recent offerings have fallen short of the lofty expectations they had set for themselves. While there were still some gems like Soul, there was a noticeable decline in the studio’s output. Films like Lightyear and Elemental, which were both released after the Disney+ shift, were not only box office disappointments but also received some of the weakest critical reviews in Pixar’s illustrious history.
In light of these developments, a high-quality and exciting Incredibles 3 could potentially serve as a catalyst for Pixar’s resurgence. The return of the Parr family and their thrilling adventures could help Pixar recapture the magic and commercial success it had seemingly left behind.
3. Brad Bird’s Excellence: Brad Bird, despite his relatively concise filmography, stands as one of the most accomplished filmmakers of his generation. His directorial credits include such masterpieces as The Iron Giant, Ratatouille, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, each of which has left an indelible mark on cinema. Even his creative misstep with Tomorrowland bears no cynicism, reflecting his dedication to imaginative storytelling.
It’s somewhat unfortunate that Bird has not directed a new film since Incredibles 2. Seeing him return to complete the story of The Incredibles would not only be a cinematic treat but also an opportunity for audiences to once again witness his mastery of the craft. Bird’s unique storytelling prowess and ability to create compelling narratives would ensure that a third Incredibles film not only lives up to the lofty standards set by its predecessors but also reaffirms his status as a director par excellence.
In conclusion, the prospect of The Incredibles 3 becoming a reality represents an enticing opportunity to craft one of the most celebrated trilogies in film history. With superhero fatigue becoming increasingly palpable, Pixar’s need for a resurgence, and Brad Bird’s excellence as a director, all the pieces are in place for the Parr family to embark on yet another exhilarating adventure that could captivate audiences and solidify their place in the pantheon of cinematic legends.
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