Get ready to return to Monstropolis. Pixar Animation Studios has officially confirmed that a third film in the beloved *Monsters, Inc. * franchise is now in development . The news comes via a recent Wall Street Journal profile examining the inner workings of the studio as it prepares to release its latest original film, Hoppers .
For fans of the one-eyed green ball of energy and his big, furry best friend, this is the big-screen reunion they've been waiting for. Here's a complete guide to everything we know so far about Monsters, Inc. 3.

A Monster-Sized Legacy
The original Monsters, Inc.  hit theaters in 2001 and quickly became a cornerstone of Pixar's golden age. Directed by Pete Docter (who is now Pixar's Chief Creative Officer), the film introduced audiences to the ingenious world of Monstropolis, a city powered by the screams of human children . At its heart was the unlikely friendship between the gentle giant James P. "Sulley" Sullivan and his fast-talking, one-eyed best friend and partner, Mike Wazowski . Voiced by John Goodman and Billy Crystal, the duo's chemistry propelled the film to massive success, earning $528.7 million worldwide .

In 2013, Pixar returned to the franchise with the prequel Monsters University, directed by Dan Scanlon. Exploring how the mismatched pair first met during their college years, the film was an even bigger hit, grossing a staggering $743.5 million globally .

Now, with a combined box office haul of over $1.3 billion and two successful seasons of the Disney+ series Monsters at Work, the studio is finally ready to craft a proper sequel to the original story .

What Is the Plot?
As the project is still in its very early stages, Pixar is keeping plot details tightly locked away in the vault . The biggest question mark hovers over where in the timeline the story will take place . Will it be a direct sequel to the 2001 film, showing us what Sulley, Mike, and a now-grown-up Boo are up to years later? Or will it explore another untold chapter in the monsters' lives? For now, the studio isn't saying .

Years ago, Pete Docter hinted at the challenge of making a sequel, telling Entertainment Weekly: "We purposely went with a prequel for Monsters University because we didn't want to answer some of the questions about what happens to Boo, and how does she grow up, and things like that. It would have to be really compelling, which is hopefully the benchmark for all of our sequels, anyway" . With Docter now overseeing the studio, fans can expect that high bar to remain.

Who Is Directing?
No director has been announced for the project yet . While Pete Docter directed the original and Dan Scanlon handled the prequel, the studio has not confirmed who will take the helm for this third installment .

Who Will Voice the Characters?
An official voice cast has not been confirmed . However, it's hard to imagine a Monsters, Inc. movie without the iconic duo at its center. John Goodman (Sulley) and Billy Crystal (Mike) are essentially inseparable from these roles, having reprised them for Monsters University and the Monsters at Work series . While Pixar hasn't made it official yet, most expect the studio to do whatever it takes to bring them back .

The original film also featured the voices of Steve Buscemi as the chameleon-like villain Randall Boggs, the late James Coburn as Henry J. Waternoose, and Jennifer Tilly as Mike's girlfriend, Celia . It remains to be seen if or how these characters might factor into the new story.

When Will It Be Released?
Pixar has not yet set a release date for Monsters, Inc. 3 . Given that it was only just announced, the film is likely still years away. The studio has a packed schedule of other major projects lining up first. These include:
Toy Story 5 – Set for release in June 2026 .
The Incredibles 3 – Targeting a 2028 release, directed by Peter Sohn (Elemental) .
Coco 2 – Expected to debut in 2029, with original directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning .
With this slate already filling the calendar, Monsters, Inc. 3 will likely find its place in the early 2030s.

A Shift in Strategy at Pixar
The development of Monsters, Inc. 3 is part of a broader strategic shift at Pixar. Once a studio that prided itself on releasing two original films for every sequel, Pixar is now leaning more heavily on its beloved franchises to provide "ballast" for its slate, while original films are developed under "narrower, more cautious conditions" .
This doesn't mean Pixar is giving up on new ideas. The studio is simultaneously developing ambitious original projects like the Venice-set Gatto, a supernatural-themed feature called Ono Ghost Market (inspired by Asian myths), and Pixar's first-ever musical, which is being developed by Turning Red director Domee Shi .

As Pete Docter himself put it, the goal is to "re-embrace the universally relatable concepts like talking toys and monsters in the closet that once made it a juggernaut," while ensuring that every film, sequel or original, is made with uncompromising quality . "If we're going to just crank crap out, let's shut the doors," he said. "I'd rather die trying to make something that we genuinely believe in" .

Where to Watch the Originals
While waiting for more news on the threequel, fans can revisit the adventures of Mike and Sulley anytime. Both *Monsters, Inc. * and Monsters University are available to stream on Disney+ . The story continues there as well with the series Monsters at Work, which ran for two seasons and picks up after the events of the first film .