When Pixar wants to show their confidence in someone they'll often pair them up with a more experienced filmmaker on a major project. For instance, Lee Unkrich co-directed Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo before he was entrusted with Toy Story 3. Now Pixar is ready to put their faith in another rising star in the company by adding Josh Cooley as co-director on Toy Story 4.
Cooley will join John Lasseter in co-directing the 2017 sequel, which we've learned will be more of a romantic comedy separate from the original trilogy. Cooley started as an intern but recently served as head of story on Pixar's Inside Out. He also directed a short film that will be on the Inside Out Blu-Ray. Here's what Cooley told Variety about the opportunity to work with Lasseter...
"To be co-director on ‘Toy Story 4’ with John, who brought the ‘Toy Story’ characters to the screen 20 years ago, is a dream come true. When I first saw ‘Toy Story’ I was amazed by the groundbreaking computer-generated animation. But it was the strong storytelling that kept me coming back. ‘Toy Story 4’ will continue that tradition and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it!"
Quite a vote of confidence. Don't be surprised if Cooley is directing his own film in the next couple of years. Toy Story 4 will open June 16th 2017 with a script by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.
Rootin', tootin' news from the playset: Josh Cooley (@CooleyUrFaceOff) will co-direct #ToyStory4, debuting in 2017. pic.twitter.com/tkcggO0zVT
— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) March 11, 2015
