Things between Disney and Pixar haven't always been this peachy. Ten years ago there were serious doubts as to whether their differences could possibly be mended for their relationship to continue. It took a complete shakeup in Disney leadership to work a deal that both animation powerhouses could agree to.

In the meantime, Disney constructed a new animation division called Circle 7 charged with producing only Pixar sequels, as Disney would maintain the rights to the stories and characters of the films produced under the original deal. Once the acquisition of Pixar by Disney was announced however, Circle 7 was axed before any of their films left the story department.

Animated Views was granted an exclusive interview with Bob Hilgenberg and Rob Muir, the two comic writers commissioned to draft scripts for Circle 7 treatments of sequels to both Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story 3 (neither of which went into full production). The interview gives a unique, insider's perspective on the ins and outs of that deal. The interview is a bit on the lengthy side, so /Film has written up a summary that highlights the most interesting parts for Pixar fans.