Oh boy, oh boy, Mickey is starring in a movie! And he’s facing Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent! WHAT?
In a VERY surprising and exciting announcement, Walt Disney Studios’ president Alan Horn told the company’s shareholders that Disney is developing an adaptation of the spectacular nighttime show Fantasmic! that can be seen in multiple Disney parks. What this means is: WE ARE GETTING A MICKEY MOUSE MOVIE.
Even though he’s the face of Disney and one of the most popular characters ever, Mickey has never starred in a feature theatrical movie. But that’s all about to change! Not only that, but he’ll face Maleficent! And more Disney Villains! You see, Fantamic! centers on a journey through Mickey’s imagination. A team up of all the Disney Villains attack Mickey’s spirit in a series of nightmares in which he faces Jafar, the Evil Queen, Maleficent, and more.
In the letter (you can see the relevant parts below) Horn says it was the technology used in The Jungle Book that gave them the idea for a Fantasmic! movie. And given the latest batch of photos released, we have to agree the animals look very impressive. If a CGI Mickey doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll be pleased to hear Horn also said the movie will be a mix of live-action and both 3D and 2D animation and will be directed by Iron Man’s Jon Favreau.
Since Fantasmic! takes place in Mickey’s imagination, I assume some segments will be traditionally animated. Others will perhaps be brought to life with computers, while the rest will probably feature a mix of animation and live action footage (which will allow Angelina Jolie to face our beloved mouse). The letter also hints that other villains will make an appearance and that the movie was inspired by the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – so expect other actors from the upcoming live-action remakes to reprise their roles too, forming a kind of Villain Avengers to defeat Mickey. This is insane.
I don’t know what else to say, so here’s Alan Horn’s letter:
“We have a fantastic slate of movies headed our way in the upcoming years. We’ll be revisiting classic stories as beloved as ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Dumbo’ and, of course, ‘The Jungle Book.’ It was the amazing technology used in this last film that made us think about a very, very exciting prospect: a Mickey Mouse feature movie.
Mickey is one of the most recognizable characters in the entire world and, until now, the world was deprived of enjoying his charm and can-do attitude on the silver screen. But, inspired by the enormous success of Marvel Studios’ movies and its strategy, we got a group of great filmmakers together to talk about our idea of a Mickey Mouse film. And talk just naturally went to ‘Fantasmic!,’ which is a personal favorite of mine. The idea of seeing Mickey facing Maleficent and all of our iconic villains in a movie was intoxicating!
The movie will feature a mix of live-action footage with 2D and 3D animation, taking advantage of the fantastic technologies available to us today. Jon Favreau will be the captain of this ship and, with his experience directing fun and exciting blockbusters such as 2008’s ‘Iron Man’ and this year’s ‘The Jungle Book’ (which I just saw and fell in love with), we’re confident he’ll bring the project home in a spectacular way. So be prepared to root for our beloved Mickey when he faces a terrifying group of villains, lead by Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent, hellbent on breaking his spirit!”
The rest of the letter doesn’t reveal a release date, but, still, it’s a Mickey Mouse movie, everyone! Plus, it will have actors from all the other live-action remakes! I’m rooting for Emma Watson’s Belle and Mickey teaming up to defeat Maleficent.
Are you excited about this movie? Are you hoping the movie incorporates the show’s phenomenal score? MICKEY MOUSE MOVIE, PEOPLE!
Edited by: Hannah Wilkes
