Late to the party, blah blah blah, but doesn't 3D take longer as well? They're switching to a different format, will have to create the models, run all sorts of test animations (at least, they should), animate the clothing (if that wording makes any sense), animate the hair, make sure nothing bugs out...
Not that 2D is a walk in the park as it can still be a pain and take a long-ass time, but I was under the impression that 3D would take longer since you have this additional work to do? (Especially if something bugs out.) Sure, he might have something of a team this time (I doubt it, though, given how the man lies through his teeth; it might just be one person doing all the work again), but it still probably isn't going to be "sooner" -- if ever. Granted, I'm not an animation expert so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.