For decades, it seemed that Pixar couldn’t lose. Starting with “Toy Story” in 1995, the Emeryville-based computer animation studio rolled out hit after hit, with movies that achieved critical acclaim as well as box office riches. But after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, even the once-unflappable Pixar fell victim to the doldrums plaguing the entertainment industry and the company’s own missteps. Films such as “Lightyear” did poorly at the box office, partly due to their timing during the pandemic and a perceived falloff in quality, for which Pixar had long been considered the gold standard. Par…