Pixar’s Scrapped Movie ‘Be Fri’ Sparks “Devastating” Reactions Among Staff

Pixar Animation Studios has recently been in the spotlight, primarily due to the success of its original comedy Hoppers, which garnered positive critical acclaim and impressive box office returns. This success has raised hopes for the Disney-owned animation studio’s ability to introduce new properties, especially as anticipation builds for Toy Story 5, set to release this summer.

However, the studio is also facing scrutiny following the revelation of a canceled project, Be Fri (stylized as BeFri), which had been in development for several years. On the same day Hoppers premiered, a report confirmed that this feature was scrapped in late 2023, leaving many Pixar employees shocked. The project, which took three years to develop and involved a team of 50, is now considered one of the longest-developed films to be abandoned by the studio, known for its ability to salvage troubled productions, as seen with Brave in 2012.

The Concept Behind Be Fri

Be Fri was conceived by director Kristen Lester, recognized for her work on Pixar’s 2019 short Purl. The film was inspired by Lester’s personal experiences with a friendship that faded over time. It was intended to follow two teenage girls who, after discovering that their beloved Sailor Moon-style television show is real, embark on a quest across the universe to save humanity. The creative team also included writer Blaise Hemingway, known for Clifford the Big Red Dog, and editor Nicholas C. Smith, who retired from Pixar in 2024 after nearly two decades with the studio.

A former Pixar employee involved in the project revealed that Be Fri underwent four iterations based on feedback from studio executives. The film was nearing the animation phase when Disney decided to halt production. Selected scenes from the film circulated on social media, showcasing the tension between the characters and a sequence featuring a chase scene with an angry demon. Following the third round of internal reviews, Disney requested significant changes to the film.

Internal Struggles and Reactions

After the third Braintrust meeting, where key creatives presented their case to Disney, the team was given six weeks to overhaul the entire film. The former staff member recounted the intense effort put in by Lester, Hemingway, Smith, and several board artists, who worked tirelessly to compress a year’s worth of pre-production into a mere six weeks.

The final footage produced was reportedly on par with Hoppers, leading to confusion among staff as to why Disney chose not to proceed. Concerns were raised that Disney executives felt the film did not resonate with young male audiences, expressing that they could not support a “girl power movie.” This decision came in the wake of Lightyear, a Toy Story prequel that underperformed at the box office, partly due to controversy surrounding its inclusion of a same-gender kiss.

The Impact of Cancellations

The cancellation of Be Fri was described as devastating by the former staff member, who noted that employees held a memorial to honor the project. This gathering allowed team members to express their feelings and share notes and artwork that celebrated the film’s potential.

Another former Pixar employee expressed disappointment over the studio’s apparent tendency to let public perception dictate its creative decisions. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within Pixar regarding leadership’s willingness to stand firm on artistic choices.

Despite these setbacks, Pixar remains optimistic about its future projects. Following a challenging release for Elio and a slow start for Elemental, Hoppers has achieved significant success, surpassing $330 million at the global box office. This success provides hope for upcoming original films, including Gatto, set for release next year. Meanwhile, Toy Story 5 is expected to be another major hit for the franchise.

Comparisons with Competing Titles

In the past year, KPop Demon Hunters, which originated at Sony Pictures Animation, has generated considerable buzz. The film, which debuted on Netflix, has become the platform’s most-watched title and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, outpacing Elio. The former Pixar employee noted that KPop Demon Hunters shares thematic elements with Be Fri, raising questions about Disney’s decision to cancel the latter.

The individual remarked on the undeniable similarities between the two projects, suggesting that those who rejected Be Fri at Disney might now regret their decision, especially as they witness the success of KPop Demon Hunters.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-04-10 22:55:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk