Disney Channel Goes on New Adventures in Babysitting

By Courtney Potter

What do you get when you take two couldn’t-be-more-different babysitters, a curfew-defying tween, and a gaggle of kids, and drop them in the middle of a frenzied metropolis? You get an evening you won’t soon forget… complete with clumsy criminals, a surprise rap battle, a possible love connection, and maybe—just maybe—a new outlook on life.

Sabrina Carpenter in Adventures in Babysitting

Adventures in Babysitting is the whopping 100th Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM), and a fresh take on the 1987 comedy film of the same name. Girl Meets World’s Sabrina Carpenter portrays straight-laced, straight-A student Jenny Parker, while Disney’s Descendants star Sofia Carson plays recent high school graduate and passionate artist Lola Perez. The two strangers accidentally swap phones while interviewing for a prestigious photo internship. When the Anderson family calls Jenny’s phone looking for a last-minute sitter, audacious Lola (in need of some extra cash) nominates herself. Meanwhile, Jenny is already set to babysit the Cooper family that same evening. Lola’s first-ever attempt at babysitting goes from bad to worse when Trey, one of the Anderson kids, sneaks out to attend a concert—one that Jenny’s crush is attending as well. With her reputation now at stake, Jenny finds Lola and (with the remaining kids in tow) they head out to the big city to bring Trey home. Eventually, they find themselves on the run from a pair of bumbling crooks while trying desperately to keep both pairs of parents none the wiser. It’s the experience of a lifetime, and it’s all during one truly magical night…

Recently, D23 was lucky enough to chat with Naketha Mattocks, Vice President—Original Movies, Disney Channel, to get the dish on this colorful new reimagining of a classic.

D23: First off, do you remember when you first saw the original Adventures in Babysitting? If so, what resonated with you most about that story?

Naketha Mattocks (NM): I think I first saw it on cable, and what was really exciting to me was the idea of going on this big, exciting adventure with a really cool babysitter. I’m an only child, so the idea of having a babysitter cool enough—that was going to take me out on a big adventure on the town—was always really exciting to me. How all of the kids became “siblings” and best friends… As a little kid watching this on cable, that really resonated with me and meant a lot to me.

D23: What drew you to the idea of retelling this story for the here-and-now?

NM: To be honest with you, when I first thought about the project and we started putting it together, it was some of the same things that meant something to me as a kid that I think still resonate with kids today… the idea of going on this big, exciting adventure; being able to take a chance… [Ultimately], the kids believe in themselves so they can actually get what they need done—and get home in time before the parents are the wiser.

D23: This time ‘round, the film boasts two babysitters…

NM: I jokingly call it “Twice the sitters, twice the fun!”

D23: That’s true! What can you tell us about their characters, and what they add to the story?

NM: The relationship between Lola and Jenny was definitely at the heart of this for me. Two girls that are very, very different—and each of them, immediately judgmental of the other. By the end of the night, these two girls that were seemingly at war—or [at least], definitely weren’t on the same page at the beginning of the movie—actually are supportive of each other, [and] have helped each other get to the next step of what they need. There’s not just fun in there for the girls; for each of them, there’s something really powerful that happens in terms of their own personal mission, that gives them a [higher] level of confidence. Clearly, this night is one they’re never going to forget!

Sofia Carson and Sabrina Carpenter in Adventures in Babysitting

D23: Was it a conscious decision to keep some familiar references from the original movie?

NM: Absolutely! We’ve been using the word “reimagining” because certainly, we know the roots of this are in a movie that I, and so many other people, love. Everything from the coat Jenny wears, to this film’s rap battle—which of course was the “Jazz Club” scene in the original—to the tow truck that comes to take their car; it’s called Dawson’s Towing, which is actually the same towing company from the original movie… to the position that Lola’s sitting in when the parents finally come home… There’s a lot of really wonderful moments throughout that we’ve made sure are “Easter eggs” for the parents who sit down to want to watch this with their kids—and for the kids, of course, it’ll be a fresh, new [experience].

D23: Do you have a favorite memory from the shooting of the film?

NM: For me, probably one of the most memorable things was the very first time I saw the cast rehearsing for the film’s big rap battle! They did it in a dance studio—and actually seeing that come to life was fantastic. And I certainly loved watching little Madison [Horcher, who plays AJ], our roller skater, get up to speed and learn to skate. [The kids] really became a family unit; it’s kind of hysterical just how much they all love each other. It was really sweet to see how Sophia and Sabrina became sisters in their own rights, and big sisters to all of the younger kids.

D23: Anything else you’d like D23 members and fans to know?

NM: I think all of our movies are definitely family inclusive—but what I think is fantastic about this one, is that this is really a movie where parents (who remember and love the original movie) and their kids can come together. There’s something in this movie for everyone!

Adventures in Babysitting premieres Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m. ET on Disney Channel!

D23’s Sip & Scream Adds New Spooks and Spices with The Chew!

By Tyler Slater

Trick-or-treat! D23 Members looking for something good to eat should not miss Sip & Scream during the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World! New this year and exclusive to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members, Sip & Scream attendees are invited to a taping of ABC’s Emmy® Award-winning series The Chew!

Cast of The Chew at Epcot

As part of their experience on October 5, 2016, D23 Sip & Scream guests will attend a recording of The Chew against the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth backdrop with co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz. The dynamic co-hosts will share tasty new recipes and a bounty of festival surprises with their Epcot audiences.

Cast of The Chew with Mickey and Goofy at Epcot

D23 Sip & Scream attendees will also enjoy free time during the event to enjoy the festival’s newest culinary offerings—including three delicious dishes inspired by the show: Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce; and Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle. These food stars of the Epcot festival will be available at The Chew Collective in the Next Eats festival area of Future World.

Stay tuned for more Sip & Scream event details on D23.com and relive the fun from last year’s Sip & Stroll event here!

EXCLUSIVE: Read the First Chapter of Tales from the Haunted Mansion

By Nicole Nalty

Fans of the Haunted Mansion, we have some pretty ghoul news for you! We’ve just received a sympathetic vibration from a ghost—or Ghost Host, you might say—who’s giving D23 readers early access to the first chapter of Tales from the Haunted Mansion, a new chapter book series based on the Disney Parks attractions.

Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is a favorite attraction of Michael Siglain, editor at Disney Publishing Worldwide and creative director at Lucasfilm Publishing, so the new book was certainly a passion project. “I love the idea that a book can expand upon such an iconic ride, so that readers can take a little piece of the ride, or in this case, maybe even a ghost, home with them,” Siglain said. Siglain worked closely with Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the Haunted Mansion off the page. “We were granted unprecedented access to the ghosts, which was both helpful and horrifying,” Siglain recalled.

Haunted Mansion Ghost at Walt Disney World

A ghost may not follow you home, but Andy DiGenova, associate producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, hopes that Tales from the Haunted Mansion will bring a little spirit of the Disney Parks attractions home. “I think it’s great that guests who already love the Haunted Mansion will now be able to have a small piece of it back in their homes with this book. And it’s exciting to think of the people who may discover the book first and have it inspire them to come see the Haunted Mansion in person.” Haunted Mansion fans should look out for special nods to the classic attraction, both in and out of the book—like the cloth spine that matches the eye-mazing wallpaper of the Mansion interiors.

Tales From the Haunted Mansion cover art

Tales from the Haunted Mansion will bring readers, if they dare, into this spooky space with the tales of the Fearsome Foursome—four children who look to out-scare each other. But will this mysterious mansion and its dearly departed librarian, Amicus Arcane, out-scare them all? Get an exclusive preview of the first chapter of the book HERE.

Tales from the Haunted Mansion

Tales From the Haunted Mansion is available at retailers everywhere July 19, or you can pre-order your copy here.

The Epcot Insider’s Guide to Frozen Ever After

By Steven Vagnini

For the first time in forever, Epcot welcomes two exciting Frozen experiences to the Norway pavilion in World Showcase! These all-new attractions, which premiered June 21, serve as the latest example of what Walt Disney Imagineering does best: creating amazing environments and immersing guests in memorable stories.

In Frozen Ever After, guests are invited to step aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel for a voyage through a magical, wintry world—from the docks of Arendelle, through the frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley, and up to the icy blue world of the North Mountain, where Queen Elsa’s ice palace awaits. Our favorite Frozen characters and songs help make this “Summer Snow Day” an especially memorable adventure for guests of all ages. The celebration continues inside Royal Sommerhus, the summer cabin where Anna and Elsa have arrived for a special reception. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap a photo with the royal sisters and share a warm hug or two.

Frozen Meet and Greet at Norway pavilion

With so much to explore, D23 sat down with Michel Den Dulk, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, to discover more about what Epcot fans can look forward to during their next visit to World Showcase. Here are a few fascinating things we learned that we know D23 Members will love!

Expanding the Norway Pavilion

Upon entering the Norway pavilion, Epcot regulars may be surprised to find new, expanded settings inspired by the Scandinavian country. “We’ve doubled the size of the pavilion, where the Stave Church is now the centerpiece, shining in the middle,” Michel shares with D23. “To the right of it, we have the city—the buildings of Norway—with the fortress where Frozen Ever After is housed. And to the left, we have the countryside, featuring a little village that offers some more flavors from Norway.”

During a research trip to the country, Michel observed something interesting that would influence the look and feel of the pavilion. “Norway really is this combination of the powers of nature—the roughness of the forest and the mountains,” he explains. “And then there are these little pockets of civilization that are squeezed in there—houses and villages built with natural materials in very remote locations.” These themes served as the foundation for some of the pavilion’s new designs, furthering the sense of authenticity World Showcase is famous for.

Don’t Miss the Details

Keeping with World Showcase tradition, Imagineers have added more cultural flair and a variety of brand new details throughout the Norway pavilion. When asked for a favorite example, Michel points to a door at Royal Sommerhus that was inspired by the Delti House in Sverresborg. “I was very charmed by the combination of that house’s dark, natural aesthetic and the vibrant wood-carved portal at the entry. It was a beautiful combination that we tried to represent in the pavilion.” When you visit the cabin yourself, look for a special Frozen touch in a custom-designed pane found just above the door.

“We aimed for a subtle mix of the two big elements in the pavilion—Norway and Frozen,” Michel continues. “At the ice storage building by Frozen Ever After, there’s a little carved statue that’s a kind of representation of Kristoff and Sven. But since it’s outside, I deliberately wanted it to feel like it came out of the real world of Norway.” (Its inspiration was a small statue of a man holding an axe, which Michel noticed while visiting a colorful row of houses near Bryggen.) While these cultural touches may be relatively small in size, they each serve as a powerful testament to the Imagineers’ legendary approach to storytelling.

Bringing New Dimensions to the World of Frozen

The attention to detail continues throughout the Frozen Ever After attraction, where more than 15 advanced Audio-Animatronics® figures delight voyagers across 11 all-new, immersive scenes. “It’s such a wonderful, charming, musical experience where you get up close to your favorite Frozen characters,” Michel describes. “Sometimes very close!”

“Although everything seems familiar, it’s a very fresh approach with a few twists,” he notes. “The ride has some spectacular moments, especially when you see Elsa. Now that she’s in control of her magical powers, she can display it on Summer Snow Day and have fun with it. And there are characters we see who used to be fearsome and scary but are now friendly to us, like Marshmallow. He’s big and impressive—and yes, he will roar at us and cover us in a cold cloud of icy mist—but it’s all done with a smile. So that’s what I hope—that guests really come out of the attraction with smiles on their faces.”

New Melodies for the Epcot Songbook

“There’s something about music that touches people,” Michel says, referencing Epcot’s rich musical legacy. “I see music in our parks as having the same role in film. It brings you to a certain mood, connecting the dots, if you will, to a certain emotion.” And music now plays a bigger role in the Norway pavilion, where Imagineers worked closely with the original Frozen songwriters and voice talent to record new versions of beloved melodies for Frozen Ever After. In a few cases, lyrics to our favorite Frozen songs were tweaked ever so slightly to fit the attraction’s happily-ever-after storyline.

But the musical adventure begins before you even step foot in your vessel. “We did something really fun for the queue,” reveals Michel. “You’ll hear a beautiful, newly-composed selection that really reminds you of Norwegian folk music. Within it, you’ll come across new themes, and every now and then you’ll recognize rearrangements of the iconic Frozen songs, but done in a new and romantic way. It sounds wonderful!”

Imagineers also incorporated new music selections across the rest of the pavilion. “We came up with two different medleys: one for inside Royal Sommerhus and one for the outside that is exclusively traditional Norwegian folk music,” Michel continues. “We found some beautiful new tracks—some similar to what has played in the pavilion for many years and some of it new. But it all sounds very nice and fitting to the scenery.”

A Wink (or Two) to the Past…

As Imagineers brought new magic to the Norway pavilion, they found room to include a few sly nods to an Epcot attraction of the past. “Both at Frozen Ever After and Royal Sommerhus, we have homages to the former Maelstrom attraction that I love,” Michel hints.

Of course, he’ll leave them for Epcot fans to discover on their own. “I’m sure our guests who love our product will not have a very hard time figuring out where and what those are, but I think they’re really cool details that pay tribute to the past.”

It all comes full circle, as Norway’s rich culture and heritage are celebrated at Epcot in a whole new way. We look forward to seeing you at World Showcase “in summer!”

See Frozen Northern Lights this July—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Frozen Northern Lights to Debut This Summer

“Just imagine how much cooler I’ll be, in summer!” Frozen’s Olaf knows the best things happen in the summer sun—and we’ve got proof! Brand-new Frozen fun is on the horizon with Disney’s colorful new Frozen Northern Lights! An original story from the kingdom of Arendelle (spanning a collection of books, animated shorts from LEGO, and new digital experiences), Frozen Northern Lights will send Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven on an epic adventure—all starting this July—to restore the glimmer of the Northern Lights!

The new story entitled Disney Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights, published by Random House, will be introduced as a deluxe novelization in July ahead of an extended collection of books featuring the all the characters fans know and love—as well as a cool new protagonist named Little Rock. Later this fall, the story will be reimagined with four new animated shorts from LEGO (a full compilation will air on Disney Channel later in the year); the shorts will bring all the humor you expect from the LEGO world, plus all the voice talent from the movie reprising their roles. Amazing, right? And that’s not all: The website http://frozen.disney.com/ will be updated in July with all kinds of nifty activities tied to the new story, and Disney will soon launch a Frozen-inspired Instagram account, @DisneyFrozen.

So beat the heat with the frosty fun of Frozen Northern Lights, next month!

Mark your calendar with upcoming Disney events

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
July 18
D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Ink & Paint Department
August 22-26
D23 Presents Aloha Aulani!
November 19-20
D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures
Studios
July 1
The BFG opens in theaters.
August 12
Pete’s Dragon opens in theaters.
November 23
Moana opens in theaters.
December 16
Rogue One opens in theaters.
Parks
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30 and October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort
November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29 and December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resort
Television
June 24
Adventures in Babysitting Premieres on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. EDT

Elena of Avalor poster

¡Verano Divertido! Meet Elena of Avalor on July 22

Disney’s newest princess is set to make her big debut this summer! Join Princess Elena when the highly anticipated animated series Elena of Avalor premieres with a special one-hour event on Friday, July 22, from 7–8 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel.

Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series tells the story of Elena—a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience, and compassion… the traits of all truly great leaders!

The stories incorporate influences from diverse Latin and Hispanic cultures through architecture, traditions, food, and customs. Magic, mythology, folklore, and music also play an important role—with each episode featuring original songs spanning an array of Latin musical styles. (Listen for the show’s theme song, performed by Latin Grammy® Award winner Gaby Moreno.)

Elena of Avalor features the voice talents of Aimee Carrero (Freeform’s Young & Hungry), Jenna Ortega (Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle), Yvette Nicole Brown (The Odd Couple), and Emiliano Díez (George Lopez)—plus guest appearances by Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Ana Ortiz (Devious Maids), Danny Trejo (Con Air), and Hector Elizondo (Last Man Standing).

Meet Mega-Adorable Baby Dory in New Finding Dory Clip

Well, we know a lot of y’all saw Finding Dory over its opening weekend (it had the biggest opening day for any animated film, ever! Kudos!)… but just in case you haven’t yet had a chance to meet the ludicrously adorable Baby Dory from the film’s flashback scenes—seriously, we can’t get enough of her—you’re in luck! Disney just released a short clip featuring lil’ Dory and her parents, Charlie (voice of Eugene Levy) and Jenny (voice of Diane Keaton), as they try to play a game of “hide-and-seek.” Check it out, above…

Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory is in theaters now!

Star Wars The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack: Lightspeed to Vinyl

Collect vinyl records, you do? It’s all the rage right now—so it stands to reason that Walt Disney Records is releasing a super-cool new hologram vinyl version of the original motion picture soundtrack for Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

With a score conducted and composed by five-time Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams, and liner notes by the film’s director, J.J. Abrams, the double LP features a 16-page booklet on 180-gram vinyl and fancy Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) for a truly amazing listening experience. The one-of-a-kind vinyl set, hand-etched by Tristan Duke of Infinity Light Science, offers a 3-D hologram experience featuring the Millennium Falcon on Disc 1/Side B and a TIE Fighter on Disc 2/Side B.

So alert that music fan in your life: this Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2-LP hologram soundtrack is now available at Disney Music Emporium, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and wherever vinyl is sold.

A Big, Friendly Premiere for D23 Members!

By Tyler Slater

The stars aligned on June 21, 2016, at Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre, as a limited number of D23 Gold Members had the opportunity to attend the premiere of The BFG. Guests were provided exclusive access to seating along the red carpet to watch the arrivals of Hollywood’s biggest names—including Bill Hader, Penelope Wilton, and the legendary Steven Spielberg!

Bill Hader at the BFG premiere

Fans were able to say hello to the stars as they passed, and some even stopped for a photo or autograph. Director Steven Spielberg took a pause from the paparazzi and sat with D23 guests—a true highlight of the evening!

Steven Spielberg at the BFG premiere

When asked how it felt to contribute to the legacy of Disney storytelling, Spielberg commented: “I feel I’ve finally been given a golden ticket to join the Mickey Mouse Club.”

Following the red carpet, D23 Members in attendance were surprised with not only an advanced screening of the film, but they actually attended the premiere at the El Capitan Theatre! It truly was a giant adventure.

D23 Members at The BFG

The BFG opens Friday, July 1, at a theater near you!

3 Disney Easter Eggs in Soarin’ Around the World

By Jim Frye

Last week’s spectacular opening of Shanghai Disney Resort brought with it a brand-new Soaring Over the Horizon attraction, a state-of-the-art update to the popular Soarin’ Over California that first debuted at Disney California Adventure before making its way to Epcot in Orlando as simply Soarin’. Now, the all-new Soarin’ Around the World (as it is called in the States) has touched down in both California and Florida, complete with new enhanced, crystal-clear footage from locations from all over the world. And as a special nod to loyal Disney fans, the Imagineers layered some special “Easter eggs” into the new round-the-world flight as callbacks to previous Disney experiences. Guests to Epcot, Disney California Adventure, and Shanghai Disneyland are now able to experience this new update. See if you can pick these out:

The Matterhorn. At nearly 15,000 feet high, this spectacular mountain is one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe, straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy. It’s included in the new film not just because it’s an awe-inspiring sight, but also because of its connection to the Matterhorn attraction at Disneyland Park in California. (Be on the lookout for the Abominable Snowman!) The attraction draws inspiration from the 1959 Disney film Third Man on the Mountain, which featured the real-life landmark. After visiting the actual Matterhorn in Switzerland, Walt Disney (who vacationed in the country several times during his life) asked his Imagineers to build a replica at Disneyland.

780x463-062216_soarin-easter-eggs_Image1

The Great Wall of China. Measuring over 13,000 miles long, the Great Wall of China is a marvel of ancient engineering that has captured our imaginations for thousands of years. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Wall is a must-see for any traveler to China. Visitors to the China pavilion at Epcot might feel a bit of déjà vu, though, because for the new Soarin’ attraction, Imagineers decided to shoot at the same location that was originally used for the 1982 Wonders of China Circle-Vision 360 film.

Germany. And finally, many an eagle-eyed guest will recognize Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. The 19th-century Romanesque Revival Palace sits atop a hill in southwest Bavaria, Germany, welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors per year. Why is this place significant? Because it helped inspire the design of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.

The Rocketeer at 25: Star Billy Campbell’s 5 Favorite Memories

By Tim Lammers

June 21 marks the 25th anniversary of the beloved Disney action adventure The Rocketeer—the film that featured a then-relative unknown actor named Billy Campbell in the lead role. Co-starring Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, Alan Arkin, Paul Sorvino, and Terry O’Quinn, The Rocketeer went on to attain cult status among movie viewers and launch Campbell’s big-screen career.

The Rocketeer stars Campbell as Cliff Secord, a daring young racing pilot in the late 1930s who happens upon the prototype of a jetpack that, thanks to a few alterations by his mechanic, Peevy (Arkin), turns him into aerodynamic super hero. But the unearthing of the jetpack attracts some unwanted attention for Secord, since the device is wanted by everyone from the FBI to the mob and the Nazis.

D23.com contributor Tim Lammers talked with Campbell in 2011 about the film, which was directed by Joe Johnston (who went on to direct another WWII era film with Captain America: The First Avenger). Here are a few recollections from the actor about the high-flying role.

The Rocketeer

Campbell says he had an odd fear of flying when he took on the role:

“Joe Johnston came to me after I was cast in the film and said, ‘We have this crazy idea. We actually want to do the scenes at the beginning in an old plane’ and asked me if I’d be willing to go up in one of them. But my fear of flying is strange. I don’t like flying in planes that have engines—especially commercial flights—but I also own and fly a hang-glider, which I love doing. So it’s not like I don’t like flying and don’t like the thought of being in the air; I just don’t like being in the air and strapped to an engine.”

The Rocketeer

The actor says Johnston tried to put him at ease by hiring a seasoned stunt pilot for the racing plane scenes, but it didn’t help much:

“Craig Hoskings, who is one of the best stunt pilots in the world, flew me around—but it was still pretty hairy [laughs]. There were things that I had to control from the second cockpit in the plane, like the tail-wheel lock and the oil [which splashes in his face during the scene] and some other things. When we rehearsed the scene on the ground, Craig had this microphone that he’d speak instructions into, and I could hear him (in headphones) under my hat. But when we went up to shoot, the engine was drowning the sound out entirely, so I just sort of faked doing the things I was supposed to do when I was supposed to do them—but it all went OK.”

The Rocketeer

Campbell says he loved how The Rocketeer—based on Dave Stevens’ acclaimed graphic novel—weaved in real historical figures and events into the film’s fantasy narrative:

“I hadn’t been familiar with the comic book, so I remember reading the script and thinking, ‘This is pretty terrific how Hollywood history was woven into the story.’ Since it was such of a long audition process, I went out and bought the comic book in the middle of it all, and I was blown away. It really threw my appreciation for the script into hyper-drive.”

The Rocketeer

Campbell says he has never has grown tired talking about The Rocketeer because it was a breakthrough role for him:

“It has plenty of personal meaning to me, not the least of which it was my very first film, so it was terribly exciting in that respect. It just did so many things for me. I was just in awe that my first film was something of such quality. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and energy, and to have it turn out so well—not that I expected that it wouldn’t—was just icing on the cake.”

The Rocketeer Movie Poster

While Campbell went on to carve out a successful career in both film and TV, he’s still caught up in somewhat of an identity crisis. Seems a mistake on the Internet Movie Database to this day has him listed as the second cousin of acclaimed character actor Bruce Campbell (of Evil Dead fame). Billy Campbell says they’re not related.

“We actually worked for 15 minutes together on a film once. Bruce is a great guy and really funny. Years later somebody asked him, ‘Are you related to Billy Campbell?’ and he said, ‘No, no, I’m the Campbell who can act.’”

7 Decisive Facts about The Reluctant Dragon

By Les Perkins

When discussing the early Disney feature films, we usually refer to the five classics: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi. But there’s actually a sixth feature sandwiched in between Fantasia (November 1940) and Dumbo (October 1941): The Reluctant Dragon, released June 20, 1941. The film provided a live- action tour through the then brand-new studio in Burbank, California, giving glimpses of the animation process—including several animated sequences—and culminating in the 20-minute story of “The Reluctant Dragon,” about a dragon that prefers poetry to fighting.

This unique feature is one of the few Disney films never reissued theatrically or edited for TV. Yet, it provides a fascinating account of the premier animation company at its zenith. Thankfully, in recent years, it has been rediscovered: first on Disney Channel, then through Home Video releases. In honor of the film’s 75th anniversary, D23 unearths seven cool facts you may not know about this innovative film.

Walt Disney on the Studio Lot

1. Walt needed a low-budget film to generate income.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, astounded the movie industry—becoming one of the most successful motion pictures ever. But despite critical acclaim, “The Concert Feature,” released as Fantasia, and Pinocchio yielded disappointing returns in 1940, due, in part, to diminished overseas markets resulting from the rapidly expanding World War II. Further, profits from Snow White were invested into building a much-needed, larger facility in Burbank, constructed specifically to accommodate Disney production methods—along with the addition of nearly 800 employees!

Walt wanted a relatively low-budget film for summer 1941 to help generate income, thus allowing adequate development time for the expensive features Dumbo, Bambi, and Peter Pan. “A lot of people ask me… to show how these things are made,” Walt remarked in a story conference. “We take for granted what we do every day. But to the public, it’s a mystery.”

Reluctant Dragon postcard art

2. The film stars the grandfather of the author of Jaws.

In that era, moviegoing included feature films,   previews, cartoons, newsreels, and live-action short subjects running 10 or 20 minutes. One such M-G-M series featured humorist, critic, and sometimes actor Robert Benchley, noted for his understated dry wit. Benchley’s grandson, noted author Peter Benchley, wrote the novel Jaws and also played a cameo role in the 1975 film, playing a news reporter filing a story from the beach.

Early in 1940, Walt met with Benchley and a lively conference concluded with the idea of Benchley conducting a tour of The Walt Disney Studios, plus animated sequences. Having recently obtained rights to The Wind in the Willows (Mr. Toad) by Kenneth Grahame, Walt decided the animated climax would be a chapter out of an earlier Grahame book, Dream Days, which contains a parody on the legend of St. George and the Dragon.

On the set of The Reluctant Dragon

3. During development, the script underwent several strange rewrites.

While still at the old Hyperion Studio, in 1937 Walt responded to a request from exhibitors in England to make a film that would help answer questions from their patrons on how Mickey Mouse is made. Al Perkins (no relation to this author) was assigned to script a short subject film called “A Trip Through The Walt Disney Studio.” Although it was a matter-of-fact narrative, it was so successful they adapted the footage to help promote Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was natural, then, that Al Perkins be the leading scenarist of this new project. The basic premise posed a huge challenge that was debated and revised for months, and he submitted a variety of treatments for the live-action structure.

A May 3, 1940 “Action Breakdown” had Robert Benchley getting on to the lot to begin a search for Walt. It even contained an overnight “Benchley Lost” sequence in which he fell asleep on the orchestra stage as Leopold Stokowski recorded “Clair de Lune” for an update to Fantasia. In the morning, Studio police found and chased Benchley all over the campus.

“I feel the plan you have submitted on the Benchley short is too much like a regular comedy,” Walt wrote in a memo to Perkins on May 6. “I think this thing should be definitely presented as a trip through the studio, and we don’t want any cheap comedy.” Walt proposed a Tuesday night meeting, which shows that long workdays were nothing new.

From surviving transcripts of story meetings, we can see that the next day, May 7, Walt already said the film needed to run at least an hour to be marketable. Aiming for an entertaining story, the team struggled with more premises and funny situations. Walt cautioned, “We’re getting away from the point, which is showing off the plant.” He later would add, “If you get into a lot of technical stuff, it wouldn’t be interesting.”

By May 21, the working title had become “A Trip Through the Studio (Benchley Picture).” Al Perkins suggested, “If he just started outside the gate and said, ‘Come on. I’m going to take you in,’ it’s just a travelogue. But it’s like a lot of people say, ‘I have a great story for Disney.’ And he would… try to find Walt and is always getting into these other things.” Work would continue on the script through August 1940.

Mickey Avenue on the Walt Disney Studios Lot

4. One of the most famous corners in all of Disney was created for the film.

One of Perkins’ pre-production scenes has Benchley observing a street sign reading “Snow White Lane” and “Pinocchio Road.” It’s likely this morphed into the current “Mickey Ave/Dopey Drive” sign erected for this picture that remains on the lot to this day.

On the set of The Reluctant Dragon

5. Disney employees hampered shooting.

When filming began on October 9, 1940, employees initially ruined some of the first day’s work. Most had never witnessed a film being made and pressed up against the windows to see what was going on outside.

6. Disney luminaries appear in the film.

Disney animators Ward Kimball (in a speaking role) and Fred Moore appeared in the How to Ride a Horse sequence. Norm Ferguson was shown drawing Pluto.

Walt Disney agreed on two relatively unknown RKO contract players who could be believed as staff members. Frances Gifford (Doris) went on to prominent roles at M-G-M. Alan Ladd (Baby Weems story director) became a big star after This Gun for Hire (1942).

7. Critics liked it; the public not so much.

Although many reviews were quite favorable, apparently the public was confused by what the film was. Some felt cheated it was not a fully animated story like Pinocchio. Disney storyman Otto Englander said, “This doesn’t fall into any groove. That is why it’s so hard.” The release also coincided with a bitter animators’ strike, violating the fun, happy working atmosphere depicted in the film. Sadly, Walt’s hope for a “quickie” profit-maker was not realized, and the film lost money.

Thanks to DVDs and Blu-rays, this valuable film has been rescued from obscurity. Today, we can enjoy this lovingly photographed, unusual time capsule of the great, innovative animation studio at work when it was under the guidance of Walt Disney himself. The feature (and the 1937 tour shorts) appear on the Walt Disney Treasures set (the “tins”) “Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studio.” The cartoon segment has also been released on home media compilations.

Recently, a glorious re-master was provided as a bonus feature on the “Two-Movie Collection” Blu-ray of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad plus Fun and Fancy Free. And you know what? It is well worth exploring, 75 years later.

Meet the Freemakers

By Jim Frye

A brand-new Star Wars adventure blasts its way onto TV screens when Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures premieres on Disney XD on June 20. This latest entry into the Star Wars universe—which infuses heavy doses of Lego’s signature humor—is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and stars the Freemakers, a family of sibling scavengers who operate a salvage and repair shop in space, scouring the galaxy for useful debris to build new vehicles to sell.

The series was dreamed up by creators Bill Motz and Bob Roth, who met while at a summer production workshop at USC. They bonded over their mutual love of Star Wars and have been writing and producing together ever since. They quickly sold their first script to Darkwing Duck and have since worked together on a variety of projects including Disney’s Kim Possible, Nickelodeon’s Rufus, and The Penguins of Madagascar—for which they won an Emmy in 2011.

But even though the series is full of action, droids, spaceships, and all the galactic-sized adventure we’ve come to expect in a Star Wars film, the one thing that permeates the entire series is a sense of family—the Freemakers love each other and take care of each other. That’s the true heart and soul of this series. Through the Force, the youngest sibling, Rowan, discovers the existence of the Kyber Saber, an ancient artifact with enormous power. The quest to find the missing pieces of the Kyber Saber throws Rowan and the Freemakers into an epic struggle against the Empire to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy.

So let’s meet the Freemakers:

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ROWAN FREEMAKER (voiced by Nicolas Cantu) is a spunky, Force-sensitive 12-year-old with a thirst for adventure and a clear sense of right and wrong. When the Freemakers need a moral beacon, Rowan is the one to light the way.

Nicolas Cantu, the 12-year-old actor who voices Rowan, has already lent his voice for recurring roles on numerous television shows including the hit Disney Junior animated series Sofia the First, The Amazing World of Gumball, Dora and Friends, and the upcoming Hey Arnold. In addition to voicework, Cantu has appeared in numerous commercials and on Disney XD’s Walk the Prank. His feature film credits include Vikes and The Impossible Joy.

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KORDI FREEMAKER (voiced by Vanessa Lengies) is the brain behind Freemaker Salvage and Repair. She picks their targets and charts their courses. Sixteen-year-old Kordi is smart, capable, and quick-witted and can talk her way out of just about any jam that the Freemakers get into.

Vanessa Lengies, who provides the voice of Kordi, currently can be seen on the FOX television show Second Chance. Other television credits include starring roles in Glee and Mixology. Her feature film credits include Waiting alongside Ryan Reynolds, Stick It, and We Are Your Friend with Zac Efron. She recently wrapped the lead in the upcoming film Happy Birthday.

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ZANDER FREEMAKER (voiced by Eugene Byrd) is the oldest brother that every kid wants. He’s an 18-year-old ace pilot and charming rogue, and he brings the Freemakers to all the galaxy’s hot spots. His encyclopedic knowledge of starships allows him to identify just about any craft he sees. He’s a self-taught starship builder who rarely follows instructions but comes up with some ingenious creations. He tends to leap without looking, which often gets him and his siblings into trouble.

Eugene Byrd, who voices Zander, currently can be seen on television on the FOX hit show Bones and CW’s Arrow. He has guest-starred on many series including The Mentalist, Numbers, Crossing Jordan, Heroes, and Law and Order: SVU, among others. His feature film credits include Julia, Sleepers, 8 Mile, and Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid. Other highlights include the Sundance favorite Lift with Kerry Washington and a pivotal role in the 2009 feature Easier with Practice.

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RO-GR a.k.a. Roger (voiced by Matthew Wood) is a rusty battle droid and veteran of the Clone Wars that the Freemaker family found sitting on top of a garbage heap. With a little re-programming, they turned him into a butler droid, which would be ideal if Roger were a better butler. He’s well-meaning but a self-contained chaos generator. Still, he’s genuinely useful and his firsthand experience dealing with the Jedi comes in handy as Rowan learns the ways the Force.

RO-GR is voiced by Matthew Wood, himself no stranger to the Star Wars universe. Having appeared in the Star Wars films (including The Force Awakens) and animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, his love for Star Wars shines! In addition to his voicework, Wood has been a Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Designer at Skywalker Sound and has worked on numerous projects including Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Star Trek: Into Darkness and WALL•E. He is currently working on Rogue One.