Pixar Canceled a Female-Led Movie That Was Similar to KPop Demon Hunters

KPop: Demon HuntersLightyearPixar Canceled a Female-Led Movie That Was Similar to KPop Demon Hunters“Basically, Disney reps were like, ‘We can’t have a girl power movie.'”By Jim VejvodaUpdated: Apr 11, 2026 8:00pm UTC44 commentsPixar had an animated musical movie in development for three years that was thematically similar to KPop Demon Hunters, but Disney brass killed the project in 2023 reportedly because, according to one former Pixar employee, “Disney just didn’t feel like little boys could see themselves in the film enough.

Basically, Disney reps were like, ‘We can’t have a girl power movie.'”Titled Be Fri (stylized as BeFri), the film’s creative team included director Kristen Lester (Purl), screenwriter Blaise Hemingway (Clifford the Big Red Dog), editor Nicholas C.

Smith, and at least 50 other Pixar employees.“Inspired by Lester’s real-life experience involving an adolescent friendship that dissolved, Be Fri was to focus on two teenage girls who were once besties but find themselves drifting apart after learning that their favorite, Sailor Moon-style TV show is real and that they need to set out on a universe-spanning quest to save humanity,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.Pixar's Movies: Worst to BestView 30 ImagesCiting unnamed sources close to the project, including former Pixar employees, Be Fri would have found a kindred spirit in Netflix’s future Oscar-winning blockbuster, KPop Demon Hunters.

“The comparisons to KPop Demon Hunters are pretty undeniable because there were musical aspects to it, and it was a rip-roaring time,” according to a former staffer.THR claims Lester, Hemingway and Smith retooled Be Fri at least four times after receiving notes from Disney.

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One former Pixar employee, who was not present at for this pivotal meeting with Disney brass, recalled what those who were in attendance said happened:“We know you don’t like where the film is at right now.

Give us six weeks, and we’ll redo the entire film ## Editor's Note This announcement has sparked considerable discussion among gamers. Source: [IGN](https://www.ign.com/articles/pixar-canceled-a-female-led-movie-that-was-similar-to-kpop-demon-hunters)