Pixar's Pandemic Era (2020-2022)

Pixar's Pandemic Era, from 2020 to 2022, presented unprecedented challenges for the studio. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, several highly anticipated Pixar films, including Soul, Luca, and Turning Red, were released directly to the Disney+ streaming platform in most international markets, bypassing traditional theatrical runs. While these films were largely well-received critically, the direct-to-streaming strategy significantly impacted their box office performance and cultural visibility as major cinematic events. This period culminated with Lightyear, which saw a return to exclusive theatrical release, though the era as a whole highlighted the evolving landscape of film distribution.