Will There Be a Wreck-it Ralph 3? Everything we Know so Far

The Wreck-It Ralph films have been an undisputable smash hit for Disney. The House of Mouse struck gold with this video game-inspired franchise, following the adventures of arcade baddie Ralph and his perky pal Vanellope von Schweetz.

With two awesome movies under their belt, this zany duo has glitched and smashed through any obstacles in their path.

These surprise smash hits blend sharp writing and nostalgia with vivid worlds and endearing characters that families can’t get enough of – so it’s no surprise to hear that some fans have petitioned a Wreck-It Ralph 3 for half a decade.

Will There Be a Wreck-it Ralph 3?

There is no official confirmation yet if there will be a Wreck-it Ralph 3, though it is unlikely. The directors of the movie Phil Johnston and Rich Moore even said there wouldn’t be one.

Ever since the release of the second entry in the franchise, Moore and Johnston agreed that Ralph and Vanellope’s story was essentially done with the sequel.

In an interview for Comicbook.com released in 2018, director Phil Johnston mentioned that both he and Moore felt “good about where they’re at,” referring to the ultimate fates of Ralph and Vanellope in the second movie.

For the directors, the internet itself acted as a metaphor for Ralph and Vanellope’s personal growth. It’s not like they couldn’t come up with a few ideas about what to do in a potential Wreck-It Ralph 3, either.

“I mean you could envision like plot things where something gets screwed up and they have to reconnect to fix it” – says Johnston, but he then mentions that that idea won’t move Ralph or Vanellope’s characters forward in any meaningful way.

Reasons For a Wreck-it Ralph 3

Though it seems likely there won’t be a Wreck-it Ralph 3 anytime soon, there are a few things that suggest that it is a possibility.

First, the ending of Wreck-it Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet left the door open for a third movie. In the film, Ralph and Vanellope discover a world of internet-based video games that they have yet to explore.

This could be the setting for a third movie, in which Ralph and Vanellope go on new adventures in the internet.

Second, the Wreck-it Ralph movies have been very successful at the box office. This suggests that there is a big audience for these films, which could make a third movie financially viable.

Finally, the directors of the Wreck-it Ralph movies, Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, have said that they are open to making a third movie.

Also, there’s someone deeply connected to Ralph who might have a few ideas regarding what to do in a potential threequel.

What Could Wreck-it Ralph 3 Plot Be?

Even though he also shares the notion that Ralph’s story is done by the end of the second film, star John C. Reilly (the voice of Ralph himself) has some quirky ideas about what Wreck-It Ralph 3 could be about.

“Maybe satellites?” Reilly commented on a 2018 interview with the Toronto Sun. “Now that he and his pal Vanellope can get themselves into the Internet, why wouldn’t they beam themselves right out into space.”

While this was more-or-less a humorous retort, the idea of Ralph and Vanellope going to space doesn’t sound too farfetched for a series known for upping the digital ante in every entry.

Another possibility worth exploring is that the third entry in the Wreck-It Ralph franchise might not even feature the cranky but adorable video game character at all.

The idea of a Ralph spin-off sounds like the perfect way to keep fan interest in the franchise alive and well, and directors Moore and Johnston already have an idea of what this spin-off could be about.

One of the most iconic scenes in Ralph Breaks the Internet doesn’t feature either Ralph or Vanellope directly – it shows us some of the most legendary Disney princesses chilling in their own private lounge.

Moore and Johnston gave their blessing to the idea of a standalone show or feature film with their versions of the princesses, but there has been no confirmation regarding this project.

Why Was Wreck-It Ralph So Popular?

The Wreck-It Ralph films have smashed expectations to become beloved animated hits. When the first film was released in 2012, Disney took a risk with its retro video game premise. But audiences quickly fell for the story of arcade bad guy Ralph and his quest for something more than just being the villain.

With sharp writing, creativity, and nostalgia for classic games, the movie won over critics and fans, grossing an impressive $471 million worldwide.

Its sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet, showcased franchise longevity. Set in Litwak’s arcade, it explored online gaming and internet realms.

Characters like Shank and Yesss joined Vanellope and Fix-It Felix Jr. Their journey was memorable and resonated deeply.

With over $529 million grossed globally, the 2018 follow-up showed Wreck-It Ralph still had tricks up his sleeve. Disney has struck a chord with the series’ humor, heart, and appeal to all ages.

A key ingredient in the Wreck-It Ralph films is their ability to tap into gaming nostalgia across generations.

The retro references and cameos from classic video game characters create a sense of nostalgia for older audiences. Yet the movies also appeal to a new generation of young viewers, as the themes of figuring out your place in the world and the friendships between Ralph and Vanellope are more than highly relatable.

What Would Be So Unique About Wreck-It Ralph 3?

Many of us cherished Disney’s direct-to-video sequels during our childhood. However, Disney seldom ventures into theatrical sequels. Ralph Breaks the Internet marked their notable third attempt.

Its box office results undoubtedly surprised and impressed Disney executives.

Yet, producing animated trilogies remains rare for the studio. That’s why announcing Frozen 3 caught so many fans off guard.

Should Wreck-It Ralph 3 materialize, it would join Disney’s limited trilogies. But remember, Frozen II’s earnings tripled that of Ralph’s sequel.

Some Reddit users believe Ralph and Vanellope might benefit from a non-theatrical approach.

Considering other Disney series like Monsters at Work or the upcoming Moana, a sequel series seems apt.

Wreck-It Ralph celebrated its 10th anniversary recently. Young fans would surely welcome more adventures, especially from home.