Once upon a time, in the magical world of Toy Story, there was an alternate ending, tucked away in the depths of the first draft of Toy Story 3. It was an ending that would have tickled the funny bone and left audiences laughing until their sides ached. But alas, it was not meant to be. Screenwriter Michael Arndt, the genius behind the film, recently spilled the beans about this comedic gem in an interview with Script Apart.
In this original version, our beloved gang of toys narrowly escaped the clutches of Sunnyside Daycare and embarked on a mad race to reach their beloved owner, Andy, before he departed for college. But here's where the fun came in: instead of a simple sprint, the toys stumbled upon Al's Toy Barn, a treasure trove of playthings. They seized the opportunity, grabbing a radio-controlled car, motorcycle, and airplane, thinking these high-speed contraptions would be their ticket home.
However, in true slapstick fashion, chaos ensued. The toys, in their newfound vehicles, collided left and right, with each of them manning the incorrect remote control. It was a comedic calamity: the motorcycle riders puppeteering the car, the car occupants guiding the airplane, and well, you get the idea. It was a merry mess!
But wait, there's more! As if that wasn't enough, the toys faced another set of challenges along the way. The battery of the motorcycle dwindled, forcing them to squeeze onto the car. But lo and behold, the car's batteries eventually drained too, leaving our determined hodgepodge of toys with no choice but to commandeer the airplane.
Cue the climax! Just as Andy prepared to leave for college, the toys, zooming through the window on their makeshift plane, crash-landed spectacularly into his bedroom. They succeeded in making a grand entrance, but at what cost?
While this zany ending was undoubtedly a riot, it ultimately didn't fit the narrative of Toy Story 3. The heart and soul of the film lie in the toys' journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It's about learning to let go and finding new purpose in life. The original ending would have sidetracked that narrative, reducing it to a race against time without any character growth or emotional depth.
Besides, we've already experienced thrilling chases in the previous Toy Story films, with Woody and Buzz Lightyear on their adventurous pursuits. It was time for something different, something more meaningful. Toy Story 3 needed an ending that would tug at our heartstrings and leave us with tears of joy rather than tears of laughter.
And that, my friends, is how the Toy Story 3 we know and love came to be. It wasn't the comedic sprint to the finish line that the first draft offered, but rather a poignant farewell as Andy bids adieu to his cherished toys, passing them on to Bonnie. It's a beautiful reminder that growing up often means leaving beloved things behind, but it also opens the door to new beginnings and fresh adventures.
So let's raise our glasses to the brilliance and creativity of the Pixar team, for crafting a narrative that can make us laugh and cry, all in the span of a few hours. And who knows, maybe somewhere in the vaults of Toy Story history, that alternate ending still waits, ready to bring a smile to our faces and a chuckle to our souls. Until then, we'll cherish the Toy Story 3 we have and eagerly anticipate the adventures that Toy Story 5 will undoubtedly bring.
To infinity and beyond!
