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Back in June of 2009, word leaked that director Pete Doctor would be going back to Monstropolis for a sequel to 2001's Monsters Inc. The info leaked at the International Licensing Expo.  Since then, nothing has been reported about the project and when people have asked Pete Doctor about it...he would never say anything either way.

But he can now stop trying to avoid the question, as Pixar has set a November 16, 2012 release date for Monsters Inc. 2 (or whatever it'll be called).  The company that only makes hits has also announced Brave will be released on June 15, 2012.  From what I can tell, Brave used to be called The Bear and the Bow.

For more on what we know about The Bear and the Bow (Brave), hit the jump.

Last September, we reported a possible synopsis for Brave:

"The Bear and the Bow" will be about the rebellious Princess Merida who prefers roaming free in the Scottish Highlands rather than being closed up in with her parents, King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Eleanor (Emma Thompson) and her younger triplet brothers.  Further details were scarce but don't expect a prince to figure prominently in the plot, which is supposed to focus more on Merida's relationship with her mother.  Lest you confuse it with a Nora Ephron film, "Bow" will also feature a villainous "Wise Woman" who is voiced by Julie Walters.  Conception art is all that is available right now but it is supposed to be very impressive.

Here's what Collider reader Max sent us.  Sounds like the official synopsis.

Brave will feature the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters. In the film, the impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right.

While some might wonder why Pixar is going back to the same well for a sequel to Monsters Inc., I think Pixar has enough street cred to have everyone leave them alone.  Until they make a bad film..I'm open and receptive to whatever they want to make.

(some info in this story from Variety)

Monsters Inc. movie image Pixar new.jpg