Where the Live Action Is!

This morning at D23 EXPO 2015, The Walt Disney Studios transported us to “worlds” through the looking glass, to “galaxies” far, far away, and to “universes” filled with Marvel Super Heroes—and a huge announcement at the end to top it off. There was no more exciting place to be than Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Alan Horn, president of Walt Disney Studios, first brought up president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, himself a huge Disney fan and D23 member, who declared this is “the best D23 EXPO yet.” Feige kicked off the Marvel portion of the presentation with Doctor Strange, followed by a sneak peek of Captain America: Civil War.

“This is the culmination of everything that has come before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” he said, then brought up the film’s stars Anthony Mackie, who plays The Falcon, and Captain America himself—Chris Evans. “I grew up loving Disney. That’s my idea of heaven,” Evans said, before introducing footage from the film—footage that included Iron Man, Ant Man, and an Easter egg—a hidden D23!

The first movie Bailey introduced was The Finest Hours, based on the true story of a 1952 Coast Guard rescue, starring Chris Pine—who was thrilled to come onstage before almost 8,000 fans. “Shouldn’t you all be on rides right now?”

In April of 2016, Disney will present The Jungle Book. Bailey said, “We strive to honor what’s come before while saying something new” when they reimagine a story from Disney’s rich canon. “One of the most technologically advanced movies ever made,” he said. Because the bar was set so high, Jon Favreau was a perfect choice to direct, and an eagerly welcomed guest at the presentation!

Favreau was a fan of the animated film, while Alan Horn had a strong connection to the Rudyard Kipling novel. Favreau has spent time with Richard Sherman, who wrote the music for the film, and they’ve talked at length about Walt Disney. “He loved technology,” Favreau said about Walt, and he says Audio-Animatronics were cutting edge for their time. “We tried to extend that legacy.” And Favreau believes that the best CG technology is the kind that disappears. Cast members Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o and Neel Sethi, the 11-year-old playing Mowgli. “It was so fun and so awesome,” he told the crowd.

Favreau screened very early footage of The Jungle Book for the appreciative crowd—a crowd that only grew louder when Bill Murray, the voice of Baloo, was heard singing a few bars of “The Bare Necessities.” The breathtaking footage brought the crowd to its feet.

Continuing the tradition of what Bailey refers to as “the empowered heroine,” Alice Through the Looking Glass was introduced. The film is to be released in May 2016. Many favorites are returning for the film, and a new character, Time, will be played by Sacha Baron-Cohen. Alice, aka Mia Wasikowska, says she grew up watching so many of her fellow cast members, and had a fantastic time shooting the film. A sizzle of the film was shown… and sizzle it did! We can’t wait to go back to Wonderland.

Pete’s Dragon is a beloved classic to so many Disney fans, and the upcoming film will likely become a favorite as well when it debuts in summer 2016. A Mickey Mouse T-shirt-clad Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World) told Hall D23 that she was obsessed with Pete’s Dragon as a child, and loved the idea of being able to revisit the story. “There’s a power in this story, and there’s something very universal that gets told in this. It’s about what it takes to find a family,” Howard said, adding that she can’t wait to share this with her family.

In the tradition of McFarland, U.S.A. is The Queen of Katwe, about a young Ugandan girl who becomes a chess master. This film stars Lupita Nyong’o, who said it was great to go home to make this movie for Disney and share this story on a world stage. “Uganda is such a vibrant country,” she stressed, and that vibe is a big part of the film.

When Bailey said the words, “the tale as old as time,” it was clear we were about to hear about the live-action Beauty and the Beast—which Bailey confirmed is a musical. The film has an all-star cast—“It’s like a fairy tale,” Bailey said—before introducing a video message from Belle, Emma Watson, who, in turn, introduced her co-stars, Luke Evans (Gaston) and Josh Gad (Le Fou). They thrilled the crowd with an a capella rendition of “Gaston,” before Gad urged everyone to make sure to have fun at Disneyland!

For Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Bailey made the announcement that Orlando Bloom is reprising his role as Will Turner, followed by Disney Legend Johnny Depp onstage, in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia, tossing grapes into the crowd!

When Horn returned to the stage, he said, quite rightly, “There’s only one place left to go from here,” and that is, of course, a galaxy far, far away. Horn confirmed that Star Wars Episode IX, to be released in 2019, will be directed by Colin Trevorrow. He discussed the Star Wars Anthology film that will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, and is being written by Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon. Horn showed us the first cast photo from the set of Rogue One, before returning to the most immediate film in the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens.

The film’s director, J.J. Abrams, received a hero’s welcome, and thanked Horn and the fans. “We’re so grateful to you for your unbelievable enthusiasm and patience,” he said. “It’s more exciting than I can put into words,” Abrams said of the process, talking about the experience of hearing John Williams play pieces of score on his piano. When pressed to share some secrets, Abrams offered “epic Star Wars news.”

But first he brought out the cast: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong’o. and fan-favorite Harrison Ford, who emerged to a thunderous round of applause! “You guys have made my life,” Ford told the overjoyed fans. “It’s a great thrill to be here with you who made this whole thing happen.”

And when it seemed like things couldn’t get more exciting, chairman and CEO Bob Iger came to the stage to make a huge announcement: a brand-new 14-acre Star Wars land addition to Disney theme parks in both Anaheim and Orlando. Each land will include new stories from the films, a full-size cantina with roaming beasts and alien creatures, and a chance to “fly” the Millennium Falcon.

What a morning! Super heroes, intergalactic space adventures, and live-action adaptations of beloved Disney animated classics. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Walt Disney TV Animation Defying Gravity

Have you ever wondered where the ideas for Disney’s zany, crazy TV animated shows come from? Alex Hirsch, creator of the hugely popular (with kids and adults alike) Gravity Falls has a very personal answer: “I wasn’t the most normal kid in school,” said Hirsch. “When the other kids were playing dodgeball, I would lie on the circle in the middle of the blacktop, face-up, waiting for a UFO to arrive and pick me up, because the circle looked like a landing spot. I was obsessed with books on the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot, so Gravity Falls came from me wishing that everything could happened.”

Gravity Falls is the story of Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend the summer at their great uncle’s tourist trap, The Mystery Shack. Mysterious things begin occurring all over town. Its deep mythology and outlandish stories have earned the show a very committed fanbase. Joining Hirsch onstage were Craig McCracken (Wander Over Yonder), Jared Bush and Sam Levine (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero), Noah Z. Jones and Joel Trussell (new series Pickle & Peanut), and Daron Nefcy (Star vs. The Forces of Evil).

Nefcy’s oddball childhood mirrors Hirsch’s. “Much like Alex’s [Hirsch] story, I was a weird kid and spent time drawing and thinking about how life was boring,” Nefcy said. “I was obsessed with Sailor Moon and magical girls. I wanted magic powers, and I wanted my cat to talk… so this character was wish fulfillment, and her powers are real and she gets to go on all these amazing adventures.”

The offbeat sensibilities of Hirsch, Nefcy, and the rest of the panelists have delivered a new wave of fun, oddball comedies for Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior. But Nefcy is quick to point out they don’t do it alone. “There are so many people involved,” she said. “The only way these shows are this great is because of all the amazing people working on them. All these people are holding these shows together.” For a taste of all the fun and wackiness, check out new episodes on all Disney channels this fall.

Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Celebrates Disneyland

The Disneyland Diamond Celebration calls for something truly dazzling, and the extraordinary D23 EXPO exhibit of artifacts from Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom—from an Autopia car to the Abominable Snowman—is exactly that. Displayed across 12,000 square feet of the D23 EXPO show floor, “Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit” is the largest display the Walt Disney Archives has ever presented. “Our D23 EXPO guests have really been responding to the spaciousness of the exhibit,” noted Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives. “They’re enjoying taking their time and getting close-up views of the rare pieces we are sharing from the Archives.”

The more than 300 items on display include artifacts from the short-lived Mickey Mouse Club Circus (November 24, 1955, to January 8, 1956), featuring the bizarre costume for Bob-O the Clown. The Mouseketeers themselves performed at this circus and the iconic costumes of beloved Mickey Mouse Club stars Annette Funicello and Cubby O’Brien are lovingly showcased.

When asked which displays guests were most appreciating, Nick Vega, manager, Collections and Exhibits, said, “My own personal favorite is “Constructing the Dream,” because I’m fascinated by the Archives’ recently acquired surveying equipment used in Disneyland’s construction. Guests really seem to love the Star Tours display—really, anything that explores the anatomy of an attraction.” One of the most detailed displays is dedicated to the Fantasyland dark ride Alice in Wonderland, which opened in 1958. The highlight: a wheel-less prototype of the caterpillar-shaped vehicles, a plywood mock-up that has never before been seen by the public. Another display features a virtual recreation of Adventure Thru Inner Space, a well-loved Tomorrowland attraction that closed in 1985.

Surprises abound, and the unexpected are around every corner. There’s a so-called big-head Ben Franklin costume from the America on Parade pageant that seems to evoke warm memories and shivery fears in equal measure. There’s a Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicle, a pirate galleon from Peter Pan’s Flight, and a remarkable number of Audio-Animatronics® figures. Vibrant color 3-D photos taken during Disneyland Park’s first few months by silent-film star Harold Lloyd are on view in all their stereoscopic glory. A gleaming red popcorn cart is parked near an elaborate Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs scene from a 1970s Emporium window display featuring the evil queen. From the mammoth head of the original dragon from Fantasmic! and a glow bug from the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade to Disneyland Ticket No. 1 purchased by Roy O. Disney in 1955, this once in a lifetime experience of six decades of Disneyland treasure can only be experienced at the 2015 D23 EXPO.

What’s Coming from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation!

Think about it—how many of your most cherished Disney memories can be traced to films from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios? This afternoon, at D23 EXPO 2015, Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter led us on amazing journey through the films you’ll be seeing in the coming months and years. We were overjoyed to see some old animated friends—we’re talking to you, Dory!—and happy to meet some exciting new ones. We were left with a true memory of a lifetime for having witnessed one of those special events that only happen at D23 EXPO.

Alan Horn, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, told the audience, “This is D23. This is your get-together,” before turning things over to John Lasseter, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer. Lasseter showed off one of his signature Hawaiian shirts—one of more than 500, according to Horn—and even fired a few off into the audience.

Before presenting the Studios’ slates to a thrilled audience of Disney fans, Lasseter heralded both studios for their incredible stories: Walt Disney Animation Studios, “a studio that Walt Disney himself started 92 years ago,” and Pixar, “the studio of pioneers who invented much of computer animation.” The two came together for a spectacular afternoon.

First up was Zootopia, which opens March 4, 2016. Lasseter revealed, “One of the things I’ve always loved about Disney animation is talking animal movies. Especially the ones where they walk upright and wear clothes.” Directors Byron Howard (Tangled) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), and producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph) welcomed Ginnifer Goodwin to Hall D23. Goodwin, who plays Zootopia’s “bunny cop” Judy Hopps is a self-described “Disneyholic” who was thrilled to learn that the house she now lives in was once owned by the voice of Winnie the Pooh, Disney Legend Sterling Holloway. The filmmakers gave all in Hall D23 a sneak peek of Zootopia, and revealed one special surprise—international superstar Shakira is lending her Grammy^®-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia. Via taped message, Shakira played “a snippet” of an original song from the film, “Try Everything.”

When Lasseter returned to the stage, he referenced the lasting legacy of Disney animated films and said, “If we’ve done our job right, these stories can live forever in people’s homes.” So many of these eternal stories come from fairy tales, and Lasseter thrilled the 7,500-member audience by announcing that Walt Disney Animation Studios is in production on their version of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” a film that is called Gigantic. Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Gigantic follows adventure-seeker Jack as he discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds. He hatches a grand plan with Inma, a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl, and agrees to help her find her way home.

And as director Nathan Greno (Tangled) and producer Dorothy McKim (Get A Horse!) said, if you make a movie that has gigantic comedy and gigantic emotion, you’re going to need music. And music in the film—and today at D23 EXPO—is provided by the award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the team behind Frozen. They previewed a demo of a song from Gigantic, which is slated to hit theaters in 2018.

Beloved animators Ron Clements and John Musker (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid), along with producer Osnat Shurer (Boundin’), unveiled Moana, the tale of a spirited teenager who sets out to prove herself a master wayfinder. Moana is inspired by stories of a legendary demigod, Maui. In casting Maui, Musker said, “We wanted to find someone who was mighty. We needed someone strong. And, of course, we needed someone extremely… ”

“Handsome!” a bold offstage voice boomed. And on to the stage walked the actor lending his voice to Moana—the mighty, strong, and yes, handsome, Dwayne Johnson. Johnson was clearly thrilled to be at D23 EXPO, and moved to be part of a Walt Disney Animation Studios film. “I had a goal, and the goal was to be in the Disney family. The goal was to be part of a Disney animated movie. For me to be standing here today with these brilliant filmmakers and storytellers… Thank you so much!” he said.

The filmmakers from Pixar’s current blockbuster Inside Out, Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera, begged John Lasseter to allow them to screen Riley’s First Date?, the short that will be included on the Blu-ray, DVD, and digital release of Inside Out in the fall. We’re so glad that they were so persuasive—the short is awesome!

In previewing The Good Dinosaur, the film’s director, Peter Sohn, explained that his love of movies came from his mother, who would take him to see American movies—even though she didn’t understand English. He would translate as best he could. But there were movies he didn’t have to explain, and those were Disney animated movies. The iconic scene between Dumbo and his mother just “got her,” Sohn said. “She didn’t need to understand English. We just felt everything.” That experience made him want to learn animation. Sohn and and producer Denise Ream also showed off never-before-seen footage of a trio of T-Rexes, voiced by AJ Buckley, Anna Paquin, and Sam Elliott.

There was a veritable school of surprise guests for the Finding Dory portion of the presentation! After Lasseter revealed that no one lobbied harder than Ellen DeGeneres for a sequel to Finding Nemo, DeGeneres herself appeared on the Hall D23 stage. She was joined onstage by her co-stars Ed O’Neill (Modern Family), who lends his voice to Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Ty Burrell (Modern Family), the voice of Bailey, a misguided beluga whale; and Kaitlin Olson (Always Sunny in Philadelphia), who voices Destiny, a kind-hearted whale shark. The filmmakers also revealed that we’ll meet Dory’s parents in the film, whose voices will be provided by Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy. Finding Nemo’s director Andrew Stanton has returned for the sequel (co-directed by Angus MacLane and produced by Lindsey Collins, the co-producer of WALL•E), and he admits that he never planned on revisiting the story. But over time Andrew realized, “One issue remained unaddressed—Dory’s family.” “I wanted to know that if this charming, forgetful fish ever got lost again, that she could find her way home.” Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

There were more old friends to visit—but first we were introduced to new ones. Director Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and producer Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3) revealed the title of their upcoming film today at D23 Expo 2015. Disney·Pixar’s Coco is the celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion. The film was inspired by Lee Unkrich’s thoughts about his ancestors. “What if I could meet them? What would I ask them?” he wondered. Unkrich and Anderson visited Mexico to research the film and Dia de los Muertos, which, Anderson explains, “is like a big family reunion that spans the divide between the living and the dead.”

And then it was time to go back to the film that started it all—Toy Story—by looking forward to the next adventure for the toy box gang. “Each of the stories [in the trilogy] is a different genre. Toy Story 4 is a genre we’ve never done in the Toy Story world, and it is a love story. We’re proud to announce that it’s a love story between Woody and Bo Peep.” Lasseter stressed how thrilled he is to be directing the film—along with co-director Josh Cooley—and the story is very personal to him, inspired by his wife, Nancy.

When Lasseter introduced Toy Story 4, he acknowledged disbelief that the first film is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “I’m sorry to make a lot of you feel old all of a sudden,” Lasseter apologized. But there was no better way to celebrate that milestone than with a live performance of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Disney Legend Randy Newman, evoking that same feeling we had upon watching Toy Story in 1995.

The celebration culminated when Green Army Men rappelled from the ceiling, spirited cheerleaders shot T-shirts from cannons into the crowd, and the whole Toy Story gang took the stage—dancing in the grandest finale, making us very glad that we have a friend in Pixar and in Walt Disney Animation, and always will.

“Stand Out” with A Goofy Movie’s 20th Anniversary

A Goofy Movie debuted in theatres in 1995, and since then, it’s become a bona fide “fan favorite.” To celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, key members of the voice cast—Disney Legend Bill Farmer (Goofy), Jason Marsden (Max), Jim Cummings (Pete), Rob Paulsen (P.J. Pete), and Jenna von Oy (Stacey)—joined screenwriter Jymn Magon for a jubilant panel in Stage 28 at D23 EXPO 2015. Hosted by famed Disney producer Don Hahn, the panel also featured special video messages from several other members of the cast—including Wallace Shawn (Principal Mazur) and Pauley Shore (Bobby)—and the film’s director, Kevin Lima (who later went on to direct Tarzan and Enchanted). Judging by the reaction of the capacity crowd over the entire hour, this particular panel might be a “fan favorite” of D23 EXPO 2015 itself!

Despite his charges’ attempts to thwart the discussion with hilarious asides and impressions (including a short but memorable “Christopher Walken”-off between Bill, Jim, and Rob), Don managed to uncover what makes the film so special: its heart. As Jenna explained, “You don’t expect the movie to be so emotional, to have that undercurrent of love coming through.” “So many people come up to me and say the movie changed their relationship with their dad, that they play the songs on a road trip,” Bill said. He recalled taking his then-5-year-old son to see a screening of the film—and as they left, he noticed his son crying. “He told me, ‘When Goofy went over the waterfall, I thought that was you!’ That’s when I knew the movie had great heart.”

Several other rare behind-the-scenes tidbits were shared during the panel. Bill revealed he spent 43 days over two and a half years recording his lines for the film—some of which were done alone, and others with Jason and Jim. Rob admitted that the best stuff comes from more collaborative recording sessions; “A high tide raises all boats; you just get better.”

“I didn’t know the depth of love for this film. It’s absolutely astonishing. It really did change my life.”

Perhaps the most memorable moments came towards the panel’s end, when Don told the fan-filled crowd that they were going to “right a wrong.” Despite the fact that Jason can, indeed, sing, another actor named Aaron Lohr provided Max’s singing voice for the movie (which featured many great songs by writers Jack Feldman and Tom Snow). However, for the assembled crowd at D23 EXPO 2015, Jason took the mic alongside Bill and performed a song from the film, “On the Open Road.” But that wasn’t all; as the finale to an already memorable panel, Don welcomed R&B singer Tevin Campbell (the singing voice of the film’s resident pop star, Powerline) to perform A Goofy Movie anthem “I 2 I”!

Judging by the final two-minute-long standing ovation, A Goofy Movie will enjoy many more decades of popularity. As Rob admitted, “I didn’t know the depth of love for this film. It’s absolutely astonishing. It really did change my life.”

Celebrating Fashion and Fandom at Mousequerade

Since March, talented Disney fans have designed, stitched, and hot-glued their hearts out—all to create their very own Disney-inspired costumes for a chance at D23 EXPO glory! The 2015 Mousequerade, hosted by Disney’s Jim Babcock, was a five-category contest judged by luminaries including Disney Channel star Zendaya (KC Undercover); recent Dancing with the Stars winner Alfonso Ribeiro; Once Upon a Time costume designer Eduardo Castro; and Global Entertainment Costume Design Lead for Disney Parks, Leigh Slaughter. The winner of each category competed for the ultimate grand prize: a 4-day, 3-night trip for two to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa! Check out some of the “best of the best” from each category, and the eventual grand-prize winner, below!

“Heroes Unmasked” – Terrance Thompson as Spider-Man

“Once Upon a Costume” – Judith Grivich as Ursula

“The Wonderful Worlds of Disney” – Elizabeth Oldak as Matterhorn Yeti

“Weird, Wild, and Goofy!” – Marty Brooks as SuperDiamondDisney60TextMeAdliocious

“Best of Star Wars” – Alexander Ford as Chewbacca Beast

Mousequerade Grand Prize – Elizabeth Oldak as Matterhorn Yeti

Mousequerade Photo Gallery

Costume Winners from D23 EXPO Mousequerade Contest

Snow White, The Magic Mirror and Edna Mode

JUDITH GRIVICH as Ursula from The Little Mermaid

Connor Breen as Captain Hook in D23 EXPO 2015

RYAN GARCIA as The Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Matterhorn Yeti D23 EXPO 2015 Costume Winner

JENNIFER WILLIAMS as The Ghost That Follows You Home

LEIGH SLAUGHTER, EDUARDO CASTRO, ZENDAYA, ALFONSO RIBEIRO

ROBERTA NICHOLS as Lady Tremaine and Lucifer

Yeti Costume Winner from D23 EXPO 2015 Mousequerade Contest

A Whole New Muppets Show

Kermit, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo showed up at Stage 23 at D23 EXPO to tell us all about their new show The Muppets, premiering this September on ABC. Oh… and they brought along their personal “Muppeteers” to help (the humans whose hands and voices give life to the Muppets).

“We’re always learning,” said Dave Goelz, voice and Muppeteer for Gonzo. “Everyday we like to surprise each other with new aspects of the characters.” Other Muppeteers joining Goelz onstage were Steve Whitmire, Bill Barretta, Eric Jacobson, and Matt Vogel.

Bill Barretta, Muppeteer for Pepe the King Prawn and Rowlf the Dog, agreed, saying, “Every day we’re pushing them a little bit and have fun with them. The characters, even after we cut, tend to stay alive. This new show is about what happens to them after we call cut, which is fun. People don’t usually get to see the backstage stuff.”

Fans fell in love with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their whole oddball cast during the initial run of The Muppet Show back in the ‘70s, a comical look at what it takes to put on a weekly variety show. Since variety shows aren’t as well known today, The Muppets is now a behind-the-scenes look at a late-night talk show—Miss Piggy’s late-night show, of course. “It’s two shows—a show within a show,” Whitmire said. “But you probably can’t find that late-night show, although Kermit says he’s trying to find a place on the air.”

Kermit, as always, is in charge, but with a twist—he and Miss Piggy are no longer seeing each other (many blogs and entertainment sights reported the breakup as closely as other Hollywood split).

During the Q&A portion, a D23 EXPO attendee asked about the tone of the new show, to which Steve Whitmire, Muppeteer for Kermit and Rizzo the Rat, answered, “It’ll be real life. A little edgy by nothing that parents can’t let their kids watch.”

I’m really excited. I don’t know if I’ve ever worked on a project like this before.

Goelz added, “You want to do something you’re interested in. We’ve always done things that amused us, that worked on an adult level but safe for kids.”

Perhaps the best part of the panel was when the Muppeteers, along with Kermit, Fozzy, Gonzo, and few other famous fuzzy stars, invited some lucky D23 EXPO fans up onstage to learn how to work with Muppets. They ended up dancing, kind of like an oddball Muppet-and-fan congo line. It showed the enthusiasm and love fans are now lavishing on the Muppets, eager to see them return to TV after such a long absence. “We couldn’t have done this show five years ago,” said Whitmire.

“The time feels right now,” Jacobson added. “After the viral videos [a series of Muppet-themed viral videos tore up social media the past couple years] primed the pump, followed by the movies that we did. There’s now a real appetite for the Muppets. And we’ve got this amazing team, the creatives, the writers, this material—it’s so incredible. I’m really excited. I don’t know if I’ve ever worked on a project like this before.”

The Ins and Outs of Inside Out

Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out offered audiences an exhilarating look inside Headquarters, the control center within 11-year-old Riley’s mind. Today at D23 EXPO 2015, Stage 28 was the “headquarters” where the filmmakers behind Inside Out took guests on a funny and fascinating look into the creation of this hit film. In the exclusive presentation at D23 EXOPO 2015’s Stage 28, In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out, Academy Award^®-winning director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera regaled D23 EXPO attendees with insider info that was fun, intriguing, and yes, emotional. With humor and insight, these Pixar pros gave an authentic taste of their creative process by tracing the development of the character of Sadness. As an extra added treat, Phyllis Smith (The Office), who voiced the lovably downhearted character, joined the panel to add her own unique perceptions.

Rivera and Docter shared exclusive photos of artists, outlines, and even offices at the Pixar plant in Emeryville to give the audience a true sense of “you-are-there.” Docter revealed that the idea for this high-concept animated feature orginated with his daughter Elie, who as she entered her tweens became more moody. “Growing up is hard,” Docter noted, and this led to the idea of a movie about a young girl who herself is the setting of the film: what—and who—are her emotions and how do they impact her behavior from the inside out. Through never-before-seen development art, Docter and Rivera revealed that they not only explored what each emotion would look like—starting with basic shapes and colors—but also which emotions would be the stars of the show; for example, they considered including Pride and Hope.

“Growing up is hard.” -Pete Doctor

One surprise gleaned from this artwork: Sadness was originally going to be a male character named Bud. Artist Albert Lozano, played up the idea of having Sadness shaped like an upside-down teardrop, and the character really started to gel when he drew Sadness as his own mother.

The casting of Phyllis Smith as the vocal embodiment of the blue-hued emotion was a huge breakthrough in the character’s development. Her comedic vocal hesitancy gave the creators a new insight into the character, who before this stage had constantly cried in an annoyingly one-note fashion. When the filmmakers said that, inspired by Phyllis’s voice, they added insecurity to the character’s personality, the actress cracked “That’s me! You nailed it!” In sharing with the audience the story of being contacted by the Pixar artists to come in and discuss the role, Smith recalled her reaction to seeing the storyboards as presented by Docter: “I felt like I had walked into Geniusland.” To the delight of D23 EXPO guests, the trio recreated a recording session of an actual scene from the film on the spot, with Smith voicing Sadness at the stand, Rivera reading the other roles, and Docter directing. When the director advised the actress to “try it again with a little less energy,” Smith asked, “Are you firing me?” in her saddest Sadness voice, earning her a huge laugh from the audience and a big hug from Docter.

In personifying basic emotions for this extraordinarily creative film, Rivera said, “We were hoping that these characters would be our Seven Dwarfs, that forever after Sadness will be defined as looking and sounding the way we portrayed her.” Judging by the delighted reactions of the D23 EXPO guests, these endearing characters have indeed been embraced. This inside (and out) look at the behind-the-scenes creative process as presented by Docter, Rivera, and Smith was met with Joy. Only when the presentation was over was there Sadness.

The Stuff of (Disney) Legends at D23 EXPO 2015

Thousands of Disney’s most loyal and passionate fans headed to Hall D23 this morning at the Anaheim Convention Center to watch as The Walt Disney Company honored the eight—make that nine!—newest inductees into the prestigious circle of Disney Legends. Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger hosted this historic event, which marked the fourth time the Disney Legends ceremony has taken place at D23 EXPO.

George Bodenheimer. Andreas Deja. Eyvind Earle. Danny Elfman. Susan Lucci. George Lucas. Julie Reihm Casaletto. Carson Van Osten. And also, in an unexpected announcement, Johnny Depp was inducted into the 2015 class, making a surprise appearance on stage to the roaring delight of the audience.

“I have the happiest job on Earth,” Iger said in opening the ceremony. “Walt would be so proud of everything The Walt Disney Company is doing today.” He acknowledged the huge responsibility he feels for protecting the Company’s legacy.

In inducting first Disneyland Ambassador Julie Reihm Casaletto, Iger said, “She set the standard,” noting that every Ambassador who came after her followed Reihm Casaletto’s lead. “Wherever Walt is,” Reihm Casaletto said in accepting the award, “he’s smiling, and his eyes are like the eyes of a boy.”

George Bodenheimer, former Executive Chairman of ESPN, said, in accepting his award, “Whenever I’m asked what’s the best part about ESPN, the answer is always the same. The people. The people of ESPN deserve the credit for what ESPN has become.”

The late Eyvind Earle’s daughter, Kristin Thompson, accepted the award on behalf of her father, the artist, illustrator, and designer best known for his work on Sleeping Beauty, for which he contributed significantly to the production design, including styling, background, and color. “During his post-Disney career, he was often referred to as a ‘Disney artist.’ That was something he was very proud of,” she said.

Susan Lucci is best known for her portrayal of the husband-collecting Erica Kane on the daytime drama All My Children, but as Lucci said, “It’s all primetime as far as I’m concerned.” Lucci later shared that a reporter today asked her to design a Disney ride based on her iconic character. “It would have a lot of husbands, and would definitely be a roller coaster!” she laughed.

Carson Van Osten, an artist known primarily for his work at Disney Consumer Products, referenced a remark from Pablo Picasso during his remarks. “Picasso said all children are artists until they are taught not to be. My mother never taught me not to be.”

Andreas Deja, a 30-year Disney animator best known for his portrayals of such villainous characters as Scar and Jafar, said, “I have a ‘before Jungle Book’ life and an ‘after Jungle Book’ life,” Deja said of the film that gave him his life’s mission. The he humorously lobbied Bob Iger for a Jungle Book ride at Disneyland Paris. “The Germans will come!” he promised.

Composer Danny Elfman, who has penned scores for such Disney movies as Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, and the upcoming Alice Through the Looking Glass, said, in his mind, that his time spent with Disney has felt “like a throwback to Hollywood’s golden age. Working with Disney is unlike working for any other company.”

In introducing what we thought was the last Disney Legend for 2015, Iger said he was “stating the obvious” in declaring George Lucas to be one of the best storytellers of all time. “His gifts for storytelling are matched by his incredible abilities to innovate.” In accepting his award, Lucas said he was a park guest on the second day the park opened, and that “Disney has always given me a great deal of inspiration.” Lucas also shared a secret with the audience: “Not very many people realize that Goofy was the inspiration for Jar Jar Binks.”

Those in the audience may have thought the 2015 Disney Legends Awards ceremony would now come to a close. But as Iger said, “There is nothing D23 fans like more than a good surprise.” And a good surprise was delivered when he announced that Johnny Depp would also today become a Disney Legend. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do stupid stuff for a living,” a visibly moved Johnny Depp told the excited crowd, before acknowledging how much he will treasure this honor. “I hope I get the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse!” he said.

Another memorable surprise was a moving tribute to the Disney Legends who have passed away since the last D23 EXPO. Josh Strickland saluted them with a heartfelt rendition of “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan.

The nine very special talents honored today have now taken their places alongside the 249 men and women who, since 1987, have received The Walt Disney Company’s highest honor for their timeless contributions and inspirational talent.

Who is the Little Man of Disneyland?

August 14, 2015February 21, 2019

By Jim Fanning

For Walt Disney and his Imagineers to design, build, and open Disneyland Park 60 years ago took oodles of imagination, tons of creative courage—and a wee bit of luck. So it couldn’t hurt to have a leprechaun on hand. A whimsical story about just such an Irish elf is one of the best-kept secrets surrounding the creation of Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Fans of this fanciful little fellow have been fascinated with him and his unique status as a “resident” of the magical park—in fact, some who have read his tale have been searching for his mysterious house ever since! But if you aren’t acquainted with this legendary leprechaun, allow D23 to introduce you to the fabled Little Man of Disneyland.

Meet Patrick Begorra

The “buried gold” of this elusive leprechaun begins with those fan-favorites, the Disney Little Golden Books. These well-told, richly illustrated volumes—both adaptions of classic films and specially created stories—were often illustrated by moonlighting Disney Studio artists, including such Disney Legends as John Hench, Al Dempster, and Mary Blair. In 1955, several Little Golden Books spun stories around Walt’s latest dream-come-true, Disneyland. The most fantastical of these was Little Man of Disneyland, the charming story of Patrick, a leprechaun who lives in a tiny, half-hidden house at the roots of an Anaheim orange tree—until one day Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and Goofy (and Pluto too) turn up. They are ready to start moving trees so they can build “a wonderful place called Disneyland… with all sorts of marvelous things for fun.” The friends take the little man on a helicopter ride back to the Disney Studio—exactly how Walt traveled back and forth from Burbank—to see the Disneyland blueprints, drawings, and concept paintings (all based on actual Disneyland art). Patrick agrees to let them build the Park—as long as he can live there in a new house. Once Disneyland is ready to open, Patrick moves into a “wee snug house” of his own in a secret spot at the Park known only to him.

Authentic Art

Prolific Golden writer and editor Jane Werner penned Little Man of Disneyland. The author of more than 400 Little Golden Books, Jane wrote the tale of Patrick and his hidden home under one of her pen names, “Annie North Bedford.” (The Golden Book offices were on North Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills.) The full-color illustrations “by The Walt Disney Studio,” were adapted by Dick Kelsey. The illustrations are authentic: Richmond Kelsey joined Disney in 1940, with credits as an animator, art director, and writer, working on such animated classics as Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Alice in Wonderland. He was also one of Disneyland’s designers. Dick’s vibrant, artful illustrations are so intriguing, that young—and young-at-heart—readers have kept their eyes—and imaginations—open to wonder as they visit “The Happiest Place on Earth,” hoping to find Patrick’s home. Some readers even assumed Patrick’s “out of sight, hidden away” home was in Adventureland, apparently because the art portrays Donald querying the Little Man about his hidden Disneyland home near the Jungle Cruise.

“Leprechauns are very unpredictable.”

Little Man Gold at the D23 Expo

Walt Disney ’s Little Man of Disneyland was published in 1955 as “A Mickey Mouse Club Book” in the Little Golden Book series. Random House— the publisher of the Golden imprint—has created a special reprint of the book that will debut at the 2015 D23 EXPO, August 14-August 16. This collectors’ edition of the classic Little Golden Book will be available exclusively in the Random House booth, in the Disney Consumer Products area of the D23 EXPO show floor. This cherished Little Golden Book title is being “brought back” especially for D23 EXPO 2015.

See (and Hear) the Original Book

For longtime lovers of this vintage storybook as well as those just being introduced to this one-of-a-kind tale, a Little Man of Disneyland vignette can be discovered at the “Walt Disney Archives Presents: Disneyland–The Exhibit” pavilion on the show floor of the 2015 D23 Expo. Featured will be a 10’ x 10’ background image from the book, a case displaying two original 1955 copies of the Little Golden book, and a piece of the original art painted by Disney artist Dick Kelsey and on loan courtesy of Disney Consumer Products. As part of this unique exhibit guests can also see a video of Disney Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter relating his childhood memories of the beloved book and reading it aloud on camera.

The Little Man at Disneyland?

But what of the legend of the Little Man of Disneyland? Is Patrick’s tiny home hidden somewhere in the Park? Well, enchanting things have been known to happen at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, especially during such an extraordinary occasion as the Disneyland Diamond Celebration. And some even claim to hear whispers and murmurs on the wind that the leprechaun’s new house just might “magically appear” during the weekend of the D23 Expo. And where exactly in the Park might the mystical miniature manse of the Little Man of Disneyland appear? When asked, all Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline could do was shrug and say—with twinkling eyes worthy of Patrick Begorra himself—“Leprechauns are very unpredictable.”