It’s hard to argue with Pixar’s track record. Look at their body of work over the last 15 years, and find me any studio who would love to have A Bug’s Life as their worst effort. But after this summer’s sequel Cars 2, Pixar is taking a different approach to the studio’s 13th feature film. For one, the main character is a female, a first for Pixar. After years of Buzz, Woody, Wall-E, Remy and more, its surprising to see Pixar has made it to 13 movies with out a movie led by a female character.
The female in question is Merida, the young daughter of a Scottish King and Queen, who accidentally unleashes chaos across the kingdom, and must discover the meaning of true bravery to save the day.
In terms of tone, it also seems to be a darker movie than Pixar is typically known for. Even Up and Wall-E, which contained heavy doses of sadness and sentimentality, look like Care Bears by comparison.
“‘Brave’ is an epic adventure chock-full of action, humor and heart,” says director Mark Andrews. “There’s no more perfect setting for this powerful tale than the dark and rugged Scottish Highlands. Imagine: magic, mystery and danger—all set within a haunting and beautiful landscape. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before from Pixar.”
It’s too early for actually footage or animated screenshots, but Disney Pixar have released some concept art showing our heroine and the darker tone of the movie. The movie will hit theatres on June 22, 2012.
