Disney Pixar has faced a tough stretch at the box office in recent years, with films like Lightyear (2022) and Turning Red (2022) failing to meet expectations.
“Turning Red” (2022)/Credit: Pixar Animation Studios
Despite the struggles, Pixar found massive success with Inside Out 2 (2024), which crossed the $1 billion mark, when the company reportedly went more conservative in the development of the film. However, not every project had the same fate. Fans of the Cars franchise were left disappointed when Pixar quietly canceled a planned spinoff, Planes 3: Space, which had already racked up an astonishing $34.7 million in production costs.
Planes 3 was set to take the beloved franchise to new heights—literally—by following two planes on a journey to the edge of the atmosphere. A teaser for the film was even unveiled at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2017, exciting fans with the promise of another thrilling adventure. However, the project was removed from Pixar’s release slate, and DisneyToon Studios, the division responsible for the Planes films, was shut down entirely.
Credit: Pixar
The decision to cancel the film came at a hefty cost. Financial reports reveal that Disney had already poured nearly $35 million into development, covering everything from early animation tests to production planning. Thanks to tax incentives in the U.K., where the project was partially produced, the company recouped about $6.5 million, leaving them with a significant financial loss.
Pixar’s focus has since shifted to sequels of its biggest hits, including the highly anticipated Toy Story 5. Meanwhile, the cancellation of Planes 3 serves as a reminder that even well-established franchises aren’t guaranteed success, and the industry is evolving rapidly. With streaming platforms like Disney+ changing the way audiences consume content, it’s clear that Pixar is being more selective about which projects move forward.
Credit: Pixar
While the Planes series may not have reached the same heights as Cars, its unique charm and family-friendly appeal made it a fan favorite. For now, fans can only hope that Lightning McQueen and his high-flying pals might return in another form down the road.
