Disney, Pixar Playing Chicken

Jobs has said repeatedly that he would like to see a new distribution partner for the studio in place by year's end. The current arrangement between the two studios expires after the release of Pixar's next flick, Cars, which is due in theaters in spring of 2006.

But Marla Backer of Soleil Securities says that neither Disney nor Pixar is expecting Pixar-like numbers out of Chicken Little. In essence, unless the movie unexpectedly does enormous box office, Backer believes the two parties will move closer to a new distribution deal.

Moreover, Backer says the chicken's showing "has implications for lots of different companies because it will show whether we have an undersupply of family entertainment."