Amid Recent Box Office Setbacks, Disney Considers a Return to Its 2D Animation Roots

Following a series of underwhelming box office performances from its recent animated features such as Encanto, Strange World, and Wish, The Walt Disney Company appears to be re-evaluating the direction of its animation division. As audiences grow increasingly nostalgic for the studio’s classic storytelling style, Disney’s Chief Creative Officer, Jared Bush, has hinted at the company’s interest in revisiting one of its most beloved and foundational forms of storytelling — traditional 2D animation.

In a recent internal studio discussion, Bush acknowledged the shifting landscape of audience preferences and emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the emotional depth and artistic craftsmanship that defined Disney’s golden age. While 3D and CGI animation have dominated the market over the past two decades, many long-time fans and even younger viewers are expressing renewed appreciation for the timeless appeal of hand-drawn animated films — masterpieces like The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.

As part of this potential creative renaissance, Disney has brought back one of its most respected and influential veteran animators, Ron Clements. Best known as the co-director of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and Moana, Clements has been tasked with mentoring a new generation of artists. His role will focus on passing down traditional animation techniques, storytelling principles, and artistic sensibilities that once made Disney the gold standard in family entertainment.

The move signals a broader strategic pivot. Rather than solely relying on photorealistic effects and franchise-driven content, Disney appears to be nurturing a space where original, character-driven 2D stories can flourish again. Industry insiders speculate that this could lead to an entirely new slate of hand-drawn features — projects that blend the nostalgia of the past with modern themes and inclusive narratives.

Though nothing official has been announced regarding specific 2D titles, sources suggest that early concept development is already underway within Disney’s animation studios. There is growing enthusiasm among both staff and fans for a revival that honors the company’s legacy while introducing 2D animation to new audiences who may have never experienced it on the big screen.

If successful, this renewed focus on 2D storytelling could mark a defining moment in Disney’s modern era — one that embraces the emotional artistry of the past while responding to the creative demands of today’s entertainment world.