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Category: Disney

  • Live-Action Lion King Side By Side Trailer Comparison Will Give You Chills

    Live-Action Lion King Side By Side Trailer Comparison Will Give You Chills

    The first teaser trailer for Disney’s live-action “The Lion King” was just released and it’s is amazing. As if the new video wasn’t powerful enough a new video shows the trailer in a side by side comparison with clips from the original animated film and it will give you chills

    In the video, the new trailer is matched up to the original movie clips in a shot for shot recreation and it is spot on. Take a look for yourself below, but remember…  I’m not crying, you’re crying.

    The live action hits just keep on coming and watching the iconic moments from the original animated movies recreated in live-action is what makes these films so magical.

    We’ve seen side by side comparisons before for films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, but this trailer by far has the largest amount of recognizable and iconic clips.

    Disney has continued its dominance at the box office in with a slew of live-action remakes of its animated classics, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” and last year’s $1.25 billion worldwide grossing “Beauty and the Beast.”

    The Lion King is just one of several remakes Disney has on the docket, including Lady in the Tramp for its Disney+ streaming service and Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which bows March 29, 2019.

  • First ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Teaser Trailer Released

    First ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Teaser Trailer Released

    There is so much to give thanks for this Thanksgiving, but this news deserves a special thanks.  Disney has just released the first teaser trailer for Jon Favreau’s upcoming live-action “Lion King” adaptation and it’s a thing of pride!

    Disney released the teaser trailer on Thursday as part of the Thanksgiving football festivities, replicating the opening scene of the beloved 1994 original animated film.

    “Everything the light touches is our kingdom,” says Mufusa (James Earl Jones) in a voiceover, as the camera pans over the African wilderness. Take a look at the trailer below:

    Last summer at D23, Favreau first showed off footage from The Lion King including photo-real landscapes and Rafiki introducing baby Simba on Pride Rock, but now we get to see the real thing.

    Donald Glover leads the cast as young Lion Simba who loses his dad, while Beyonce — who is credited in the trailer with her last name, Knowles — voices Nala, a childhood friend and later love interest to Simba. The cast includes James Earl Jones reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Simba’s father Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Simba’s villainous uncle Scar, Alfre Woodard as Simba’s mother Sarabi, with child actor JD McCrary playing the young version of Simba. Shahadi Wright Joseph is voicing the young Nala, while John Kani voices the baboon Rafiki and John Oliver playing Mufasa’s confidant, the hornbill Zazu.

    The Lion King is just one of several remakes Disney has on the docket, including Lady in the Tramp for its Disney+ streaming service and Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which bows March 29, 2019. Favreau previously had huge success with his remake of The Jungle Book, which grossed $966 million globally.

    The original Lion King grossed more than $968 million worldwide and featured memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice. Favreau’s Lion King is set to open July 19, 2019.

  • Fifteen Fun Facts For Mickey Mouse’s Birthday

    Fifteen Fun Facts For Mickey Mouse’s Birthday

    As the famous Walt Disney quote says, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.” – and today we’re celebrating that Mouse!

    Mickey Mouse made his official film debut on November 18, 1928, in the film “Steamboat Willie,” and has since become a famous face at Disney Parks around the world.

    In honor of today’s milestone, below are 15 fun facts about Mickey Mouse you may not know:

    1. Walt Disney wrote the first script for “Plane Crazy,” the first short created to star Mickey Mouse, while traveling on a train from Chicago to Los Angeles.
    2. Walt initially named Mickey Mouse “Mortimer,” until Walt’s wife, Lily, suggested “Mickey” was a better choice.

    Mickey plane crazy

    1. Disney Legend Ub Iwerks was the sole animator for Mickey Mouse in “Plane Crazy,” and produced an estimated 700 drawings per day for the film, some during the day (as a part of a secret project for Walt) and others after hours in Walt’s garage.
    2. The short film “Steamboat Willie” was the first short starring Mickey Mouse released, but was actually the third created. The first two, “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho,” initially failed to find distributors, but were picked up and released later.
    3. When penning Mickey’s movements, early animators drew inspiration from popular comedic film stars of the day – like Charlie Chaplin.
    4. The first Mickey Mouse Club was formed by theater owner Harry Woodin in Ocean Park, California. On his own accord, Woodin devoted Saturday afternoons in his theater to showing only Mickey Mouse shorts and led children in a Mickey Mouse pledge. Walt later partnered with Woodin and spread the idea of Mickey Mouse Clubs to movie theaters across the nation.
    5. The first Mickey short in which Mickey spoke was “The Karnival Kid,” the ninth Mickey short, which was released in July 1929. His first words: “Hot dog!”
    6. Walt Disney wasn’t satisfied with the first few actors chosen to provide a voice for Mickey Mouse, so he did it, and continued to do so through about 1947.
    7. A Mickey Mouse comic strip, penned by Ub Iwerks, launched in January 1930, and at its height was printed in 40 newspapers in 22 countries.
    8. The first piece of Mickey Mouse merchandise was a tablet of paper that featured the mouse, designed for children. The first Mickey Mouse doll was designed in 1930.

    Mickey Mouse Macy

    1. Mickey Mouse made his debut appearance in the “Macy’s Santa Claus Parade” (now “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”) in 1934. Measuring 40-feet-tall, the balloon was handpainted and guided by men and women dressed in Mickey/Minnie Mouse costumes.
    2. When Walt was contemplating a name for his first theme park (Disneyland park), he once considered calling it “Mickey Mouse Village.”
    3. Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which was given on his birthday (November 18) in 1978.
    4. Mickey Mouse has been a prominent feature at Disney Parks since Disneyland park opened its doors in 1955, with guests interacting with him in character meet and greets, viewing him in parades or snapping up Mickey Mouse merchandise.

    Partners statue

    1. The Partners Statue, a sculpture of Walt and Mickey holding hands, debuted at Disneyland park on Mickey’s birthday in 1993. A second Partners Statue debuted at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1995.

     

  • Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse! Iconic Character Turns 90 Today

    Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse! Iconic Character Turns 90 Today

    Everyone’s favorite pal Mickey Mouse has been entertaining families for generations. Millions flock to California, Florida and around the world to be with him and his friends every year, and today we’re celebrating his 90th birthday.

    On this day in 1928, Mickey Mouse starred in Steamboat Willie, the first commercially successful animated cartoon to use synchronized sound.

    It was Disney’s third Mickey short, but the first with sound. It debuted as a sneak preview at Universal’s Colony Theatre – located at Broadway & 53rd Street in New York City. It is shown before the feature film Gang War.

    Steamboat Willie is co-directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and features the first appearance of Minnie Mouse. It is animated by Ub Iwerks, Wilfred Jackson and Dick Lundy. The short also features the work of in between artist Les Clark (who will go on to be one of “Walt’s Nine Old Men”). Walt himself supplies the voices for all the characters – although there isn’t any real spoken dialogue just whistling, grunts, laughter and other vocal sounds.

    During the premiere Walt sat nervously at the rear of the theater to gage the audience’s reaction. To his delight, the Colony echoed with laughs and giggles throughout the short! Steamboat Willie was shown every night for two weeks.

    Disney’s imagination created Mickey Mouse, but he drew inspiration from real-life characters. The mouse’s movements were modeled after comedic film stars in the 1920s, including Charlie Chaplin. Mickey’s creator wasn’t only responsible for dreaming the mouse up, he was also responsible for voicing the character. From July 1929, when Mickey said his first words, “Hot Dog!” until about 1947, Disney, himself, was the voice behind the mouse.

    Despite the fact that this is not the first Mickey cartoon made or released, this date is still considered Mickey Mouse’s true debut … and birthday!

  • RUMOR: ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Reboot To Star Female Pirate Redd as Sparrow Replacement

    RUMOR: ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Reboot To Star Female Pirate Redd as Sparrow Replacement

    As we previously reported, Disney might be considering rebooting their billion dollar Pirates of the Caribbean franchise without Johnny Depp and now rumor has it that the lead role may go to a female pirate that many Disney fans already know.

    According to a report today from Hybrid News, the studio is looking to center the franchise on Redd, the recently revamped character in the popular Disney Parks attraction.

    The character is well known to Disney fans and has been around for quite some time.  The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney reimagined that section of the ride in both Disneyland and Disney World.

    In Disney World’s new version the famed redhead is no longer being auctioned off. She has a new look and a new attitude! Now she sports a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

    A bit mysterious by nature, Redd travels to various ports throughout the Caribbean—selling rum and collecting coin.  She has been given a full back story and it could be just what Disney is looking for.  After all, the ride inspired the first set of movies, why not let it inspire the reboot as well.

    There is no script as of yet, but what we do know at this point is that Disney has had early talks with Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick about writing the reboot.

  • New Live-Action Dumbo Trailer Will Warm Your Heart

    New Live-Action Dumbo Trailer Will Warm Your Heart

    A new for trailer for Tim Burton’s live-action “Dumbo” remake just aired during the 52nd Annual CMA Awards and it will warm your heart.

    The reimagined story expands on the beloved classic story where, as Disney puts it, “differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight.”

    The story begins when circus owner Max Medici played by Danny DeVito who enlists former star Holt Farrier played Colin Farrell and his children to care for a newborn elephant. “We’re all family here,” they tell a frightened Dumbo. “No matter how small.” Take a look at the trailer below:

    The trailer, which features Norwegian popstar Aurora singing Baby Mine, features clips of Dreamland as well as Dumbo taking flight for the first time.

    Tim Burton helms the live action “Dumbo” which is inspired by the 1941 animated film. It’s written by Ehren Kruger and has an all-star cast including Eva Green, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Alan Arkin, and Danny Devito.

    Disney has continued its dominance at the box office in with a slew of live-action remakes of its animated classics, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” and last year’s $1.25 billion worldwide grossing “Beauty and the Beast.”

    Tim Burton’s Dumbo flies into theaters March 29, 2019.

  • Marvel Legend Stan Lee Dead at 95

    Marvel Legend Stan Lee Dead at 95

    Stan Lee, the creator Marvel Comics, has died at 95.

    An ambulance rushed to Lee’s Hollywood Hills home early Monday morning and he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

    Lee had suffered several illnesses over the last year or so — he had a bout of pneumonia and vision issues, according to TMZ.

    Lee started Marvel Comics with Jack Kirby back in 1961. He started off with The Fantastic Four and went on to create Spider Man, Black Panther, X-Men, The Incredible Hulk, and more.

    He is survived by his daughter, Joan.

  • Disney Drops First ‘Toy Story 4’ Teaser Trailer

    Disney Drops First ‘Toy Story 4’ Teaser Trailer

    The very first teaser trailer for ‘Toy Story 4’ dropped Monday along with details about the much-anticipated sequel that will emotionally take audiences to “infinity and beyond.”

    The Disney Pixar film is the third sequel to Toy Story starring Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, but Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang are joined by newcomer “Forky” in the teaser trailer.

    Forky, voiced by Tony Hale, was a spork until Bonnie made him into a craft project. Since he was not originally a toy, Forky faces something of an existential crisis. Take a look below:

    The story centers around Woody who has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.

    With the release of Toy Story 4, the beloved franchise now spans more than two decades. The original film was released in 1995, with Toy Story 2 close behind in 1999. The third film, released in 2010, featured the protagonist, Andy, all grown up and going off to college as the toys find a new home with Bonnie.

    “Like most people, I assumed that Toy Story 3 was the end of the story,” director Josh Cooley said in a press release. “And it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning.”

    Josh Cooley is now helming the film after John Lasseter stepped down from the project and Stephany Folsom has penned the next installment of the franchise after, actress Rashida Jones left due to “creative and philosophical differences” in November 2017.

    Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

  • Disney Reveals New Streaming Service Will Be Called Disney Plus

    Disney Reveals New Streaming Service Will Be Called Disney Plus

    Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced yesterday during a live audio webcast of Disney’s fiscal full year and fourth quarter 2018 financial results that the name of Disney’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service is Disney+.

    Disney’s new DTC (direct to consumer) streaming service is meant to be a direct competitor with Netflix and hopefully give the company a serious foothold in the streaming market.

    One thing this new service has is lots of content, but still Disney is planning on making more. Disney also announced its plans for a second Live action Star Wars series as well as a Marvel series centered around a fan-favorite character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    The new projects join an impressive slate of films and series planned for Disney+ that includes new stories set in the worlds of Disney•Pixar’s Monsters Inc. and Disney Channel’s High School Musical, as well as a galaxy far, far away. Earlier this year, Lucasfilm revealed that Emmy-nominated producer and actor Jon Favreau will write and executive produce The Mandalorian for Disney+.

    Once ties are severed with Netflix for good, Disney will be losing an estimated $300 million in annual revenue from Netflix for pay-TV rights. Beginning in 2019, Captain Marvel and every Disney film released in theaters will no longer head to Netflix and instead will make their way to Disney+. Ant-Man and the Wasp will now be the last Marvel movie to come to Netflix.

    Disney+ is scheduled to launch in the U.S. in late 2019.

  • Disney Announces Marvel TV Series Based on Loki Starring Tom Hiddleston

    Disney Announces Marvel TV Series Based on Loki Starring Tom Hiddleston

    Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger confirmed yesterday that Marvel is in development of a live-action series for the company’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service called Disney+.

    To help Disney+ complete with Netflix, the company is assembling a live-action series centered around a fan-favorite character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iger confirmed during Disney’s latest earnings report that Marvel Studios is developing a series based on Loki and Tom Hiddleston will be reprising his role as the god of mischief.

    Disney+ will debut in the United States sometime in late 2019. It’s unclear when the Loki show will debut, how many episodes there will be, or what the plot will be, but thankfully the rumor of a live-action series centered around Loki isn’t just more mischief from the demigod trickster from Asgard.

    We don’t know where in Marvel’s timeline this new series will fit into, but it will be interesting to see given the character’s fate in Avengers: Infinity War.

    Iger also announced that Lucasfilm is developing a second Star Wars live-action series for the new service. Stay tuned to Disney Dorks for the latest updates.