Disney could well turn up on its future projects with a decision that would mark a real turning point for its feature films. But then, what can we remember exactly?
It’s been over ten years since Disney did not release a feature film in 2D animation. From Winnie L’Ourson In 2011, the studio puts everything on 3D. However, something seems to move behind the scenes. And the words of Jared Bush, creative director of Walt Disney Animation Studios, suggests that a real return could prepare.
A return to 2D at Disney? Nothing is confirmed, but …
During an interview at the Annecy festival, Jared Bush spoke for visual styles at Disney for a long time. He clearly expressed his love for 2D. Without officially announcing anything, he slipped a sentence that says a lot: “We have 2D artists who are doing completely crazy things right now. I won’t say more. ” Inevitably, it intrigues.
Even if he keeps the mystery, this declaration relaunches hope among fans of traditional animation. A return of 2D to Disney? It is no longer a simple rumor. It is a real possibility. Officially, Disney stopped the production of films in 2D in 2013. Too expensive, not profitable enough. But in reality, some specialized animators have been preserved. They are found mainly on short films or projects for Disney+, such as the Tiana series.
A real reason to come back
And today, according to Bush, these artists are still there. Even better: they would be experimenting with new things. Which suggests that Disney has never really turned the page. He just waits for the right time. For Jared Bush, changing style is not enough. “” “It takes a real narrative reason behind each visual choice”, He explains. In other words, no question of using 2D just to make it pretty or to surf nostalgia.
He takes the example of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film marked by its unique style, but above all because it was perfectly stuck to the universe of comics. It is this consistency that Disney also seeks to reach. Surprise, yes. But only if it serves the story.
Zootopia 2, an experimental field
While waiting for a real return to 2D, Zootopia 2 should already offer some visual developments. The film will be released November 26, 2025and Bush co-diriges the project with Byron Howard, already present on the first opus. The duo promises some “visual deviations” thanks to the Presto engine, while remaining faithful to the world of the saga. The objective remains clear: to test new ideas without losing Disney’s identity. Visual adjustments, yes, but never at the expense of experience.
Source : Disney
