Is Monsters Inc: Laugh Academy happening?

Will Mike and Sully return in Monsters, Inc: Laugh Academy, a sequel to the original movie – or are fans excited over nothing?

In Pixar’s infancy, director Pete Docter crafted a classic on his first try with Monsters, Inc. It may have lost the Oscar (Shrek won the first-ever Best Animated Feature award), but it’s still broadly seen as one of the greatest movies in the studio’s history.

The original film followed Mike and Sully (Billy Crystal and John Goodman), a one-eyed monster and his furry, monstrous partner who work at a factory with one purpose: scaring children silly. However, when a little girl sneaks into the monster world, they realize her laughter produces more energy than fear.

While there have been other entries in the franchise, some people believe a new Monsters, Inc sequel is in the works – is it true?

Is Monsters, Inc: Laugh Academy real?

No, Monsters, Inc: Laugh Academy isn’t happening, nor is any other sequel in development.

There have been two official follow-ups to the first film: Monsters University, a prequel movie released in 2013; and Monsters at Work, a Disney+ sequel series that premiered in 2021. A second season is expected to be released in 2024, but very few details have been revealed.

So, where has this rumor come from? YODA BBY ABY, a Facebook page that prolifically shares made-up movie announcements; for example, The Emoji Movie 2, Ratatouille 2, and Three Granddads and a Baby.

YODA BBY ABY: Facebook

Alongside a fake poster, the caption reads: “Get ready for a laughter-filled adventure in ‘Monsters, Inc. Laugh Academy’! Join Sulley (John Goodman) as the CEO and Mike (Billy Crystal) as the top laugh harvester in this sequel.

“When laughter is banned in the human world, they embark on a thrilling journey to lift the laugh law, encountering old friends, including a grown-up Boo. Don’t miss the fun – coming to theaters in December 2024 from Disney Pixar!”

This absolutely isn’t happening. A direct sequel was once in the works, set to be made by Disney’s Circle 7 rather than Pixar after disagreements between former CEOs Micahel Eisner and Steve Jobs. In late 2005, Bob Iger stepped up as Disney’s new chief and re-opened negotiations with Pixar, leading to its acquisition the year later. At this point, all plans for the second film were canceled and development on the prequel kicked off in 2010.