The Pixar universe, far from being a collection of standalone tales, is a richly interconnected tapestry woven with subtle hints and clever Easter eggs, suggesting a single, shared timeline spanning centuries. While not officially confirmed by Pixar, the prevailing “Pixar Theory” proposes that all their films are part of a cohesive narrative, linked by a shared universe powered by a common source: energy, emotion, and societal progress.
The Pixar Timeline: A Journey Through Eras
The Pixar Theory, most famously popularized by film critic Jon Negroni, posits that the films are chronologically linked, forming a cohesive timeline from the distant past to a potential dystopian future. The heart of this theory rests on the consistent presence of specific characters, companies, and recurring themes throughout the Pixar filmography. While initially considered a fun thought experiment, the sheer volume of interconnected details has fueled its popularity and credibility.
The Power of A113
One of the most ubiquitous connections is the A113 Easter egg. This number, appearing in almost every Pixar film (and many other animated projects), represents the classroom number at the California Institute of the Arts where many Pixar animators learned their craft. While technically not part of the Pixar Theory’s narrative, its constant presence reinforces the idea of a shared creative origin and intentional interconnectedness.
Soul: The Spark of Existence
The movie Soul provides a possible origin story for consciousness and personality, offering a glimpse into the Great Before. This realm is where souls are given their personality traits before being sent to Earth. This suggests a universal system governing personality and potentially influencing the behavior of characters in other Pixar films. The emphasis on finding one’s “spark” connects to the broader theme of pursuing purpose, prevalent throughout Pixar’s stories.
Boo’s Journey and Sully’s Longing
A key piece of evidence linking Monsters, Inc. to the wider universe revolves around Boo’s continued interest in Sully. The theory suggests that Boo, fascinated by the magic of doors, spends her life trying to find her way back to him. This explains why she has objects that resemble Jessie from Toy Story 2 and Nemo from Finding Nemo – she is consciously trying to recreate the objects and images she associates with her friend Sully. This showcases the power of memory and the persistent influence of past connections.
Buy-N-Large (BnL): A Corporate Overlord
The Buy-N-Large (BnL) corporation, prominently featured in WALL-E, casts a long shadow over the Pixar universe. Hints of its presence can be found in Toy Story 3, Finding Nemo, and even The Incredibles. BnL’s role in depleting Earth’s resources in WALL-E implies a dystopian future resulting from unchecked corporate greed, potentially fueled by the exploitation of energy sources explored in earlier films. This corporate entity acts as a warning about the consequences of environmental neglect and societal dependence.
Emotion as Energy: The Key Connection
The most compelling aspect of the Pixar Theory is the idea that emotion itself is a form of energy. Monsters, Inc. literally powers its city using the screams and laughter of children. Inside Out explores the complex interplay of emotions and their influence on personality. This concept suggests a fundamental connection between all living beings in the Pixar universe, regardless of species, highlighting the interconnectedness of their emotional experiences and their impact on the world around them.
The Timeline Summary
The timeline generally progresses as follows:
- The Good Dinosaur: A distant past where dinosaurs never became extinct.
- Brave: Magic exists and influences the world.
- The Incredibles & The Incredibles 2: Rise of superheroes and technological advancement.
- Toy Story Series: Sentient toys and the power of childhood.
- Ratatouille: Animals gain human-like intelligence and culinary skills.
- Cars: Animals fully evolve with independent vehicle culture, potentially after humanity’s demise.
- Finding Nemo & Finding Dory: The advancement of aquatic life.
- Monsters, Inc.: Monsters learn to harness emotions for energy.
- WALL-E: Earth becomes uninhabitable due to BnL’s actions, leading to space colonization.
- Up: The journey to South America.
- Coco: The exploration of death and the afterlife.
- Soul: An exploration of the origin of existence.
- Luca: Sea monsters exist in the human world.
- Turning Red: The power of inner turmoil and connection with animal spirits.
This isn’t a definitive, studio-endorsed order, but rather a theoretical framework based on observable connections.
FAQs: Unraveling the Pixar Puzzle
H3 FAQ 1: Is the Pixar Theory actually canon?
No, Pixar has never officially confirmed the Pixar Theory as canon. However, the animators themselves have intentionally included numerous Easter eggs and references to other Pixar films, suggesting they are aware of and perhaps even embrace the theory’s popularity. It’s more of a fun thought experiment and a testament to the filmmakers’ attention to detail.
H3 FAQ 2: What’s the significance of the Pizza Planet truck?
The Pizza Planet truck, originating in Toy Story, appears in almost every Pixar film as a subtle nod to the studio’s early success and a visual thread connecting the different stories. Like A113, its presence is more of an Easter egg than a plot device.
H3 FAQ 3: How does Cars fit into the Pixar timeline?
The Cars universe is one of the most debated elements. Some believe that Cars takes place far in the future, after humanity has either died out or left Earth, leaving sentient vehicles to develop their own society. The reliance on fossil fuels and the absence of humans support this theory.
H3 FAQ 4: What role does magic play in the Pixar Universe?
Films like Brave and Onward demonstrate the existence of magic in the Pixar universe. The theory suggests that magic is a primitive form of energy, potentially a precursor to the more advanced forms of emotional energy harnessed by monsters in Monsters, Inc.. This suggests a progression from primitive magic to technologically advanced energy sources.
H3 FAQ 5: How does Coco connect to the other Pixar films?
Coco explores the Land of the Dead, implying that an afterlife exists within the Pixar universe. This reinforces the idea of a cyclical existence, connecting life, death, and the potential for reincarnation or spiritual continuity. The movie also features Dante, an alebrije, which could connect to other magical elements.
H3 FAQ 6: Is Toy Story crucial to understanding the Pixar Theory?
Yes, Toy Story is a cornerstone of the Pixar Theory. It establishes the concept of sentient objects with emotions and personalities. This foundation is essential for understanding the emotional energy used in Monsters, Inc. and the personification of characters in other Pixar films.
H3 FAQ 7: How does Turning Red fit into the timeline?
Turning Red expands on the concept of spirits and ancestral connections, further solidifying the idea that magical elements exist alongside technological advancements. The Red Panda transformation can be seen as another manifestation of the emotional energy present in other Pixar films.
H3 FAQ 8: Does the Pixar Theory explain why animals are often anthropomorphic?
The theory suggests that the evolution of animals in the Pixar universe is linked to the increasing availability of energy, particularly emotional energy. This energy allows animals to develop higher intelligence, communication skills, and human-like characteristics, as seen in Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, and Cars.
H3 FAQ 9: Are there any Pixar films that contradict the Pixar Theory?
Some argue that certain films, particularly those with more fantastical elements like Onward, present challenges to the theory. However, proponents often find ways to incorporate these films by suggesting they take place in specific regions or timelines where magic is more prevalent. No films completely invalidate the theory.
H3 FAQ 10: What’s the overarching theme of the Pixar Theory?
The overarching theme of the Pixar Theory is the interconnectedness of all things. It suggests that every action, emotion, and technological advancement has a ripple effect, shaping the future of the Pixar universe. This theme emphasizes the importance of responsibility, empathy, and environmental stewardship.
H3 FAQ 11: What are the implications of BnL being a recurring element?
The recurring presence of BnL serves as a cautionary tale. It represents the dangers of unchecked corporate power, environmental exploitation, and consumerism. Its role in WALL-E highlights the potential consequences of neglecting the environment and prioritizing profit over people.
H3 FAQ 12: Why has the Pixar Theory remained so popular over the years?
The Pixar Theory has resonated with audiences because it offers a compelling narrative that unifies beloved characters and stories. It invites viewers to actively participate in the storytelling process by connecting the dots and creating their own interpretations. The theory also celebrates the artistry and attention to detail of Pixar’s filmmakers, highlighting the intentionality behind their creative choices. It adds another layer of enjoyment and depth to the films we already love.