Jared Bush, the creative force behind Zootopia and Encanto, is leading a major change at Walt Disney Animation Studios. The CCO recently offered a thrilling tease about the studio’s upcoming slate. Their 2028 original film, releasing November 22, promises to be in a “very different style.” This project has already set fans buzzing.
Setting the Stage for the New Style
As we previously report, the studio has been actively building a foundation for this creative shift. Back in June 2025, Bush revealed that he had brought animation legend Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin) out of retirement. Clements’ role involved mentoring the current team to address a “loss of know-how” in traditional hand-drawn techniques. This signaled an intent to embrace artistic diversity. Now, we finally know the specifics of the film that will test this new vision.
What Does a “Non-Human World” Mean?
Bush shared in the interview that this new world will be a “non-human world.” This immediately opens the door to incredible possibilities. It could follow in the tradition of Zootopia with its world of animals, or perhaps it will focus on elemental beings or sentient objects. The promise of an original, non-human world is a major win for fans. It confirms the studio’s commitment to prioritizing new creative IP over simply relying on established sequel franchises.
Moving Beyond the Standard Style
The discussion about the “very different style” has dominated industry chatter. For years, Disney Animation has maintained a highly polished, consistent CGI look. This new visual mandate suggests a major departure from that status quo. Fans are already hoping the studio will lean into a more graphic, stylized look. Examples include the success of hybrid styles seen in Sony’s Spider-Verse films.
Bush has long talked about the need for the art style to serve the story organically. This project is the first true test of his creative philosophy. It signals a willingness to take risks and experiment with visuals. The CCO is clearly pushing the artistic envelope. Since it takes Disney Animation around five years to complete a film, this 2028 project is already deep in development. This confirms the new, bold vision is already well underway.
The combination of an original concept, a non-human setting, and a brand-new style marks an exciting new era for the studio. This highly anticipated film confirms that Disney is focused on pushing the boundaries of feature animation. Fans will eagerly await more details on this truly unique film.
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