Pixar is one of the most successful animation studios in the world, known for producing hit movies like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. But who owns Pixar? The answer to that question is not as straightforward as you might think.
The Early Days of Pixar
Pixar was founded in 1979 as the Graphics Group, a division of Lucasfilm, the production company behind Star Wars. The Graphics Group was responsible for creating computer-generated graphics and special effects for movies. In 1986, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, bought the Graphics Group from Lucasfilm for $10 million and renamed it Pixar.
Disney Acquires Pixar
Pixar's first major success came in 1995 with the release of Toy Story, which was the first feature-length film to be entirely computer-animated. The movie was a huge hit, and Pixar went on to produce several more successful films over the next decade. In 2006, Disney acquired Pixar for $7.4 billion in a deal that made Steve Jobs the largest shareholder in Disney.
The Current Ownership of Pixar
Today, Pixar is owned by The Walt Disney Company, which is one of the largest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. Disney owns several other well-known brands, including ABC, ESPN, and Marvel. Pixar operates as a subsidiary of Disney, with its own creative team and management structure.
The Impact of Disney's Ownership on Pixar
Since Disney acquired Pixar, there has been some concern among fans that Disney's influence could negatively impact the quality of Pixar's movies. However, so far, Pixar has continued to produce high-quality films that are loved by audiences around the world. Some of the most successful Pixar movies since the Disney acquisition include Up, Inside Out, and Coco.
The Future of Pixar
Despite some concerns about the impact of Disney's ownership on Pixar, there is no doubt that Pixar will continue to be a major player in the animation industry for years to come. The studio has several highly anticipated movies in the works, including Toy Story 4, The Incredibles 2, and a new original film called Onward.
Conclusion
So, who owns Pixar? The answer is that Pixar is currently owned by The Walt Disney Company, but the studio has a rich history that includes a stint as a division of Lucasfilm and a period of independence under the leadership of Steve Jobs. Despite changes in ownership, Pixar has remained committed to producing innovative and entertaining movies that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.