Out of all the Pixar movies, I think it’s safe to say that Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are the real fan favourites, and the watermark by which all others are judged. I guess this kind of explains why there was such an outcry when Disney announced they were going to go ahead and make a Toy Story 3 without the involvement of Pixar. Of course, since then Disney acquired Pixar for $7.4 billion and everyone was happy!

Yesterday Disney revealed a few more details on the highly anticipated project, including the fact that they are aiming for a 2009 release, and that John Lasseter will not be directing. In his place it will be Finding Nemo/Monsters Inc./Toy Story 2 co-director Lee Unkrich getting his first crack at directing solo. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will return as the voices of Woody and Buzz, and the script is being penned by Oscar-nominated Little Miss Sunshine screenwriter Michael Arndt. So they’re recruiting some outside talent… that’s a little bit surprising, but I think it’s a good move. I’m assuming Lasseter will still have plenty of input too. It’s a long way off but this gives Pixar fans something more to get excited about.

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