9. Including Marvel & Star Wars Without Looking Like Sell-Outs
One of the most impressive feats of the Toy Story franchise is that it managed to sell toys without seeming like the movies were just feature-length commercials, much like The Lego Movie successfully did earlier this year. The charm, personality and warmth came first, and if Pixar also shifted some of their own toys as well as a few other, better-established products, what's the harm, right? Considering that Disney own the rights to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars, this opens up a whole other world of possibilities for Toy Story 4. Imagine seeing an Iron Man doll comparing armour with Buzz (bonus points if Downey Jr. voices him), or Darth Vader sharing war stories with Emperor Zurg. The potential for some fun references is certainly there, though doing so without seeming like sell-outs will be immensely challenging. The sensible option is to include these characters in cameo form once or twice during the movie: to make them significant characters would likely seem too on-the-nose and be an easy way to earn it derisive comparisons to the first three movies.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
