Monsters, Inc. was a solid hit for Pixar Animation Studios and Disney back in 2001 and before animators decided to go the prequel route with Monsters University in 2013, a direct sequel was first pitched that would have showcased a radically different look for Mike, Sulley, and Boo.
Speaking to The Wrap, screenwriters Bob Hilgenberg and Rob Muir (Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue) are revealing details on the script for the sequel that they turned in to Pixar back in 2004, titled Monsters, Inc. 2: Lost in Scaradise.
In that version of the Monsters, Inc follow-up, Mike (Billy Crystal) would be on the verge of walking down the altar, Sulley (John Goodman) would now be one of the top executives at Monsters Incorporated, and Boo would be much older. In short, the original idea for a Monster, Inc. sequel centered around a massive time-skip.
"We stand by that script, we’re very proud of it. It’s one of those things where, when we were writing it, everything was falling into place. It was a labor of love and were very passionate about it," Muir told The Wrap.
He went on to add, "We wanted to make sure we stuck with the Pixar brand. Our goal was, when somebody read the script, to not know if we were influenced by Pixar or not."
Hilgenberg also chimed in, stating, "It was really important for us to have Pixar read it and say, Wow, that’s where we would have taken it. We stand by it."
And then touching on the fact that a third Monsters, Inc. theatrical film was announced earlier this year in March, he added, "Call Pixar, tell them to make our version. Show up with signs – Bob and Rob’s draft!"
As for why this version of the sequel was never made back in 2004, it was primarily due to the fact that the relationship between then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Pixar owner Steve Jobs had deteriorated over a contractual dispute over Disney's stance that sequels did not count towards the number of films that Pixar was contractually obligated to produce for Disney.
That dispute resolved itself in 2006, as Bob Iger replaced Eisner and Disney decided to just purchase Pixar, outright.
Earlier this year, with original Monster, Inc. director Pete Docter now calling the shots at Pixar, it was announced that a third Monsters, Inc. film was in active development.
The third film comes on the heels of a previously announced major, Monster, Inc. themed expansion at Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL. The area is reportedly called Monstropolis land, and is replacing the former Grand Avenue and Muppet Courtyard areas.