"Toy Story" and "E.T." Ready to Return to the Big Screen

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

15 May 2009 09:12 PM

Woody and Buzz Lightyear are back... and they have issues. Naturally. Why else would there be a "Toy Story 3?"

The popular playthings with attitude are reportedly coping with abandonment issues in the new "Toy Story" sequel.

While the new flick isn't set to debut in theaters until next year, insiders are dropping hints about what the gang will be facing in the third installment. According to John Lasseter, director of the first two "Toy Story" movies and chief creative officer for Pixar and Disney animation, Woody and Buzz learn what happens when a child loses interest in his former favorite toys.

The boy, who owns the chatty cowboy and space hero, has grown up and is preparing to go to college. Basically, the boy has outgrown his toys, and the "Toy Story" gang is left to deal with their greatest fear: not being played with.

Lasseter dished that Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will return as the main mouthpieces, providing the voices of plastic buddies Woody and Buzz. The award-winning director also noted that animated sequels are only given the green light if the characters lend themselves to new adventures that will captivate audiences.

Lasseter is not spilling all of the details, but will say that "Toy Story 3" feels like the "summation of a trilogy," and that viewers can expect an emotional finish to the flick.

"That's got to be the surprise of the film."

Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg and Drew Barrymore are reportedly in talks to bring legendary movie alien E.T. back to the big screen in a big budget Hollywood sequel.

It's been nearly 30 years since the bigheaded extraterrestrial landed on planet Earth and melted the hearts of moviegoers the world over, now Spielberg wants to the alien's adventures to continue.

According the National Enquirer, Barrymore and Spielberg have met to discuss the project, which will reportedly feature E.T. returning to Earth to rejoin the now-adult Gertie (played by Barrymore).

A source tells the tabloid, "Steven and Drew are being very secretive about this baby. But they want to do this project and work together. Steven has an incredible story in mind for the sequel that will bring E.T. back to earth."

Will you pay to see the sequels?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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