What was Disney’s last 2D animation?

When we think of Disney animations, it is common for classic films and characters, such as princesses, to come to mind. Most of them share a common characteristic: after all, most of their films were produced in 2D. Furthermore, many people believe that “The Princess and the Frog”, a film released in 2009, was the studio’s last film to use this type of technology.

But did you know that Tiana’s story wasn’t actually the one that ended this tradition? Two years later, in 2011, another classic became known as the last to use 2D in production: “Winnie the Pooh”, a reboot based on the stories of the English writer. A.A. Milnewas the true film that ended the era of 2D animation at the studio.

The film’s goal at the time was to revive the franchise of the little yellow bear and his gang for new generations, adopting a more modern animation style, but still preserving a familiar trait that harks back to the early Disney era. It is possible to notice that the landscapes do not feature grandiose mountains or characters full of details, maintaining a simpler aesthetic, but nostalgic and comforting at the same time. Check out the official trailer for the production!

The main reason behind the studio’s decision to stop producing 2D animated films was the search for more guaranteed profits. Even though it only grossed $50 million at the box office, “Winnie the Pooh” is not the only one responsible for this change, after all, many of Disney’s 3D films from the 2010s were already in development when the animation premiered.

Compared to the $592 million earnings of “Tangled” and $471 million of “Wreck-It Ralph,” both released in the same decade, Disney realized it was more advantageous to focus solely on the trend that was sure to be more successful in the future.