Uncovering a Major Plot Hole in the Monsters, Inc. Sequel

In Monsters, Inc., there's a line of dialogue that doesn't quite match up with another important part of the franchise's story, causing some confusion in the timeline. This seemingly insignificant line of dialogue has a big impact on the coherence of the following movie. Despite the impressive worldbuilding in the Monsters, Inc. universe, the sequel doesn't perfectly align with the original film.

Monsters, Inc. was released in 2001, while Monsters University came out 12 years later in 2013. Surprisingly, Monsters University is actually set before the events of Monsters, Inc. Watching Mike and Sulley's college days provides valuable insight into their relationship in the first movie. However, the plot of Monsters University takes an unexpected turn when considering a specific line spoken by Mike Wazowski in the original film.

Mike's Monsters Inc. "Fourth Grade" Line Makes Monsters University Impossible

Mike's quip doesn't make sense after Monsters University's release

Sulley laughing at Mike in Monsters, Inc while Mike looks annoyed - Mike's quip doesn't make sense after Monsters University's release - Mike's Monsters Inc. "Fourth Grade" Line Makes Monsters University Impossible

In the early scenes of Monsters, Inc. from 2001, we witness the playful teasing between Mike and Sulley. When Sulley jokes about Mike, the green monster fires back with, "You've been jealous of my good looks since the fourth grade, pal." This simple exchange reveals the long-standing friendship between the two. However, a problem arises when we consider Monsters University, where Mike and Sulley supposedly meet for the first time in college. Since both movies exist in the same world, there seems to be a continuity issue between the two stories.

Mike and Sulley start the prequel without knowing each other, so their friendship starting in fourth grade doesn't add up. It's a minor mistake, but it has a major impact on the logic of the Monsters universe. If we take Mike's response as truth, then the story of Monsters University cannot happen the way it did in the film.

Monsters University's Story Is Better For Mike And Sulley's Relationship

The prequel's version of events is much more fulfilling

Mike and Sulley smiling and waving at their colleagues on the Scare Floor in Monsters, Inc. - The prequel's version of events is much more fulfilling - Monsters University's Story Is Better For Mike And Sulley's Relationship

The changes to Mike and Sulley's first encounter in Monsters University may not match up with the events in the first movie, but the story in the sequel is actually an improvement from what was hinted at in Monsters, Inc. The whole "friends since childhood" idea can feel a bit overused and lacking depth. By showing the initial tension between Mike and Sulley in Monsters University, it makes their eventual friendship in Monsters, Inc. much more meaningful and satisfying.

Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University can both be streamed on Disney+

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights a compelling issue within the "Monsters, Inc." franchise, where a seemingly minor line from the original film creates a timeline inconsistency with the prequel, "Monsters University." The fact that Mike claims to have known Sulley since fourth grade contradicts their first meeting in college in the prequel, raising questions about the franchise's narrative cohesion.

However, the article also presents an interesting perspective by arguing that the changes made in "Monsters University" ultimately enhance the relationship between Mike and Sulley. By depicting their initial conflict and gradual growth into friendship, the prequel offers a more nuanced and fulfilling exploration of their bond. While the continuity error may be a concern for some, it's worth considering whether the narrative improvements in "Monsters University" outweigh the slight timeline discrepancy.