50+ Disney Animated Bits That Have Us Wanting To Watch Them Again
Disney’s animated movies are without a doubt some of the most well-known tales ever presented on the big screen. Every myth and fable seems to have been made into a colorful, entrancing animated movie. You might have missed a few unimportant details in these enduring movies, though. Here are some of the coolest details about Disney animated features that will change the way you view them, from vintage classics to the newest Pixar movies.
Pinocchio’s Nose Only Grew Once!
One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of Pinocchio is the fact that his nose grows whenever he lies. You might have believed that he was atoning for the white lies he told throughout the film.
Pinocchio’s Nose Only Grew Once!
His nose only changes once throughout the entire film despite this. As a way of demonstrating his growth as the story’s protagonist, he claimed to have seen “two big monsters with big green eyes” on his way to school.
101 Dalmatians Has So Many Black Spots
Do you know how many black spots there are in the movie 101 Dalmatians? It must be a large number of dogs, given that they can be seen from beginning to end.
101 Dalmatians Has So Many Black Spots
The film contains a total of 6,469,952 black spots. It’s unclear who exactly counted every spot from frame to frame. Perdita’s 68 spots, Pongo’s 72 spots, and the puppies’ 32 spots, on the other hand, all help.
Rapunzel Is the Only Princess With Green Eyes
When all of the Disney princesses are considered, they all appear to have characteristics that set them apart from one another. Rapunzel stands out from the rest of the pack in a variety of ways, but she has one unique feature.
Rapunzel Is The Only Princess With Green Eyes
The other Disney princesses all have brown or blue eyes, but the main character of Tangled is the only one who has green eyes! It could be because her name, Rapunzel, is derived from a specific lettuce.
Tiana Is the Only Disney Princess With a Real Job
It’s already remarkable that Tiana from The Princess and the Frog was Disney’s first African-American princess. Nevertheless, there are a lot of additional fascinating facts surrounding this film.
Tiana Is The Only Disney Princess With A Real Job
You’ll note that Disney heroines are usually always princesses or unemployed nobodies when you think of them. Tiana was the only one with a legitimate career; she worked as a waitress and aspired to be a chef.
Tom Cruise Inspired Aladdin?
You could say to yourself, “Wow, that character looks familiar.” when you see certain Disney characters. This is because Disney typically bases their characters on celebrities who they believe have star power.
Tom Cruise Inspired Aladdin?
Take a look at Aladdin’s story. He is a short daredevil who enjoys conducting his own stunts around the city of Agrabah, as the character was modeled after Tom Cruise.
Frozen’s Hans Can Be Seen in Big Hero 6
All through the Disney films, especially the more recent ones, there are various easter eggs to be found. The Mouse’s films these days are a lot more self-referential, with a lot of callbacks to earlier films and subtle hints that they’re all situated in the same universe.
Frozen’s Hans Can Be Seen In Big Hero 6
Consider the film Big Hero 6. In the background of a brief scene, a “wanted” image of Hans from Frozen may be seen. Even then, it appeared that they wanted him imprisoned.
WALL-E Was Named After Walt Disney
Walt Disney, the man who created it all, is only mentioned in a few Disney films. WALL-E is also a good option. This cute tiny robot is the protagonist of the film of the same name.
WALL-E Was Named After Walt Disney
It’s simple to see where the term “WALL-E” came from, because Walt Disney’s full name was Walter Elias Disney. It’s a lovely little nod, but most people are likely to have missed it the first time they viewed the movie.
Maui Is Based on The Rock’s Grandfather
Dwayne Johnson’s contribution on Moana looks to have been more brilliant than originally realized. The blockbuster actor was able to persuade the producers that his character Maui should be based on his late grandfather.
Maui Is Based On The Rock’s Grandfather
Peter Maivia was a renowned Samoan wrestler. Dwayne Johnson’s grandfather, Maivia Johnson, and Dwayne’s father, Rocky Johnson, helped The Rock in becoming a WWE celebrity, which opened the path for his acting career.
Mickey Mouse’s Head Is Seen a Lot in the Emperor’s New Groove
It’s sure to happen that Mickey Mouse, the character that started it all for Disney, would show up in future films, even if as a cameo or a subtle reference.
Mickey Mouse’s Head Is Seen A Lot In The Emperor’s New Groove
Nonetheless, the contour of Mickey’s head can be seen in many instances in The Emperor’s New Groove. It may be found in Kuzco’s meals, Yzma’s jewelry, and even a few shrubs.
The Apple Car in Cars
The Disney/Pixar film Cars, of course, is chock-full of cars! A vast variety of fantastic racecars of diverse forms and colors are seen throughout the film, each with their own distinct personality.
The Apple Car In Cars
A white racing car with the Apple logo and the number “84” (the year Apple’s first computer was produced) will be missed if you blink. It makes sense because Steve Jobs was Disney’s largest shareholder at the time.
Hercules Wears Scar’s Pelt
Disney films are duly noted for being self-referential, meaning they typically include subtle uncanny similarities to other Disney films. Some of the references are obvious, while others are less so.
Hercules Wears Scar’s Pelt
For instance, in Hercules, the main character is seen wearing Scar’s fur from The Lion King. Scar is supposed to have been a trophy hunter’s victim. Isn’t it true that not even he is deserving of such treatment?
Walt Disney’s Favorite Animation Is in Cinderella
It’s always fascinating to hear Walt Disney’s thoughts on the films he oversaw throughout his lifetime. The guy who started it all claimed in an interview that the Cinderella dress transformation was his favorite animation of all of his films, and we can see why.
Walt Disney’s Favorite Animation Is In Cinderella
Even through this, Disney has published an astounding amount of films since his death in 1966, and animation has only endured the test of time. Walt would be relieved and ecstatic.
Merida’s Hair Is Very Long
Although it isn’t the most well-known Disney film, Brave is just as good as the rest for its compelling characters and stunning visual storytelling. The young heroine Merida, who has wild, curly, red hair, is at the center of the film.
Merida’s Hair Is Very Long
However, it appears that if she straightened her hair, it would grow even longer. Merida’s hair would be at least four feet long if it were straightened, according to experts.
First Pregnant Woman in a Disney Film
Chicha made Disney history as the first pregnant character to appear in one of the studio’s films, despite having only a minor role in the 2000 animated film The Emperor’s New Groove.
First Pregnant Woman In A Disney Film
Disney movies are notorious for portraying mothers in a negative or sad light. In many animated films, the mother’s character is usually killed off early on or transformed into a villain. Chicha’s constant presence in the film signaled a dramatic change in Disney’s portrayal of women.
Mini Maui Tattoo
The daughter of a Polynesian village chief meets a demigod named Maui in the film Moana. Maui is covered in tattoos describing his supernatural accomplishments, in addition to carrying a magical fish hook that allows him to change forms.
Mini Maui Tattoo
One of his tattoos is a self-portrait that serves as an animated representation of his conscience. Maui’s tattoo was designed by animator Mark Henn to be a friend as well as a voice of reason and good in difficult situations.
An Unconvincing “Tarzan Yell”
Actors in Tarzan films should expect to be asked to record a “Tarzan Yell” at some point during the production. The company that manages the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs, author and creator of the Tarzan character, has registered this distinctive and loud yell as a trademark.
An Unconvincing “Tarzan Yell”
Unfortunately, Tony Goldwyn, who played Tarzan, was unable to create a convincing jungle call. The film’s signature sound was created using Brian Blessed’s voice, who played the villain.
The Spaghetti Scene Almost Didn’t Happen
The Lady and the Tramp wouldn’t be the same without the famous spaghetti-eating scene. The film, which follows two very different dogs as they fall in love, is still a fan favorite.
The Spaghetti Scene Almost Didn’t Happen
The dogs share a bowl of pasta in the film’s most adorable (and often parodied) scene. This canine carb-laden meal was apparently not approved by Walt Disney, who removed it from the film’s storyboards. He assumed the scene would be far too chaotic. Thankfully, the scene was reworked by the film’s directing animator, Frank Thomas, into the now-iconic cinematic moment.
The Spice Girls Were Almost the Muses
The five muses help set the tone for the events of Hercules from the beginning of the 1997 animated Disney film. Much of the film’s music is provided by these five women, who are based on various Greek goddesses.
The Spice Girls Were Almost The Muses
Alan Menken, the film’s composer, had envisioned the Spice Girls as the muses for one of the film’s most popular songs, “I Won’t Say.” Due to scheduling conflicts, the British girl group reportedly declined to lend their voices. Ultimately, the film’s composers chose gospel-influenced music over pop music for the soundtrack.
Ursula Was Originally Ariel’s Aunt
In the 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid, the sea witch Ursula is one of Disney’s most popular villains. Ursula offers Ariel a way to transform into a human in order for her to fall in love with Prince Eric in the film.
Ursula Was Originally Ariel’s Aunt
Ursula was supposed to be the sister of King Triton, making her Ariel’s aunt. While the idea of her being a fallen member of the mermaid royal family was eventually abandoned, the film does make reference to their relationship when Ursula explains how she used to live in Triton’s palace before being banished.
Gaston’s Final Scene Was Way Darker
Gaston is one of Disney’s least popular characters, thanks to his dismissal of Belle’s love of books and his general arrogance. Gaston screams “Time to die!” he says as he stabs the Beast to death, during the original climactic battle scene.
Gaston’s Final Scene Was Way Darker
“Belle is mine!” was later added to the scene, in the final cut of the movie. Some people believe the original line was too dark and violent, while others believe the final version is more in line with the storyline of the two characters fighting for Belle’s affection.
The Pop Star Behind Dr. Facilier’s Look
The character of Dr. Facilier from the film The Princess and the Frog is one of the newest villains to join the Disney family. Dr. Facilier plays a New Orleans witch doctor who dabbles in voodoo and other dark arts in the film.
The Pop Star Behind Dr. Facilier’s Look
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, provided the inspiration for the villain. Many of the pop star’s moves and mannerisms were incorporated into the character by animator Bruce W. Smith. Smith drew inspiration for the smooth-talking villain from Jackson’s thin figure and costumes.
Ariel Was Modeled After Alyssa Milano!
How Disney’s creators envision the appearance of their iconic characters is always a mystery. When it came to Ariel, the main character of The Little Mermaid, Disney chose a pretty random person to model her after.
Ariel Was Modeled After Alyssa Milano!
Even though she isn’t a redhead, ’80s child star Alyssa Milano was the talk of the town at the time the film was being made, and the studio wanted Ariel to be based on both her looks and her character traits!
Simba Roars Like a Tiger, Not a Lion
It may appear to be an odd fact to include on this list, but it is nonetheless fascinating. Grown Simba’s roar at the end of The Lion King wasn’t actually that of a lion because sound effects were used for the animal sounds.
Simba Roars Like A Tiger, Not A Lion
So instead, a tiger’s roar was used by Disney. A typical lion’s roar is thought to be a little too quiet, contrary to what the MGM lion might suggest. We’ve been deceived!
Dumbo Is the Shortest Disney Movie
To be honest, most of Disney’s animated films aren’t very long. After all, can you expect your child to sit through a three-hour film? Dumbo, on the other hand, takes things to a whole new level.
Dumbo Is The Shortest Disney Movie
Dumbo has an incredible 64-minute runtime, clocking in at just over an hour. Executives advised Walt Disney to lengthen the film, but he refused, saying, “You can stretch a story just so far and after that, it won’t hold together.”
Sleeping Beauty Only Had 18 Lines
Okay, we’ll have to be a little more specific. In the classic Disney film Sleeping Beauty, there are over 18 lines. The main character, Aurora, on the other hand, had only 18 lines in the entire film.
Sleeping Beauty Only Had 18 Lines
We already knew she didn’t say much, but that’s insane! Aurora, according to reports, has the second-fewest lines of any Disney film. Number one is Dumbo. To be fair, he is a baby elephant after all.
The Beast Is a Mix of Many Animals
You might not have considered what kind of animal the titular Beast from Beauty and the Beast is when you were a kid. At first glance, you might think he’s a one-of-a-kind feline creature.
The Beast Is A Mix Of Many Animals
The fierce character’s appearance, however, turns out to be a mix of many different animals. This image depicts which animal each of the Beast’s physical features are based on. He does, however, have a lion’s mane, just to be sure.
The Shining Connection in Toy Story
Some movie references are more random than others, and Toy Story, of all films, is one of the best examples of this. The creepy kid’s hallway carpet in the part of the movie where Woody is at Sid’s house is eerily similar to the hotel carpet in the classic film The Shining.
The Shining Connection In Toy Story
In fact, production designer Ralph Eggleston was so taken with the Stanley Kubrick film that he decided to pay great tribute to it. The only way to make The Shining more terrifying is to cast living toys as the characters.
The Jungle Book Vultures Were Based on the Beatles
There have been many times in Disney’s history when you’ve looked at a character in one of their films and thought to yourself, “Hmmm, that character sure looks familiar.” This is because Disney has a habit of basing characters on real-life people.
The Jungle Book Vultures Were Based On The Beatles
Take, for example, the vultures in The Jungle Book. They are unmistakably inspired by The Beatles. Disney actually wanted the Liverpool band to voice the four birds, but at the time, John Lennon refused to appear in an animated film.
Tarzan Has a Cute Mulan Reference
Here’s an example of a Disney film that subtly references another. There’s no denying that this little easter egg in Tarzan would only be noticed by the most observant viewers.
Tarzan Has A Cute Mulan Reference
A stuffed toy falls out of the professor’s bag and can be seen from above during this scene, where he gets a little too close to the gorillas. Little Brother, the dog from Mulan, is supposed to be the inspiration for it.
Eeyore & Optimus Prime Are the “Same”
It’s amazing how varied voice actors can be in terms of the characters they play, and Disney is full of classic examples. The amazing voice actor Peter Cullen has to have one of the most unique character contrasts in the series.
Eeyore & Optimus Prime Are The “Same”
In the Winnie the Pooh animated series, the veteran actor voiced the iconic character of Eeyore the donkey. He was, however, Optimus Prime in the Transformers film series.
Remy “Foreshadows” Dug the Dog From Up
Disney movies will make references to more than just previous films. There have also been instances where easter eggs in their recent films have hinted at what’s to come in the future. Ratatouille is a great example.
Remy “Foreshadows” Dug The Dog From Up
Remy the rat is sneaking around when he is startled by a shadow that looks suspiciously like Dug the dog from Up, which had not yet been released at the time.
Pocahontas Is the Only Heroine Who’s Based on Historical Events
Pocahontas is almost the only Disney heroine who was based on a real historical figure, believe it or not. Pocahontas was a real-life Native American woman from the Powhatan tribe who was captured by colonists in 1613.
Pocahontas Is The Only Heroine Who’s Based On Historical Events
She was forced to convert to Christianity, marry, and have a child in the years that followed. Some argue, however, that Mulan was a real person. Others, on the other hand, believe she was just a character in an old Chinese poem.
Ariel and Belle Are in Enchanted?
In the strictest sense, Enchanted isn’t an animated film. It does, however, have an intriguing link to classic animated films from the past. It focuses on two of Disney’s most famous princesses – or, more accurately, the actresses who played them.
Ariel And Belle Are In Enchanted?
Jodi Benson, who played Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and Paige O’Hara, who played Belle in Beauty and the Beast, appear in the 2007 film as a secretary and a soap opera character, respectively.
The Dirty Reference in the Rescuers
A few Disney films have included witty jokes or easter eggs that are, to put it another way, more adult-oriented. The film The Rescuers contained one of the most explicit details that many people missed.
The Dirty Reference In The Rescuers
If you blink, you’ll miss what appears to be a topless woman standing near a window as Miss Bianca and Bernard fly by. After receiving numerous complaints from shocked families, Disney decided to return 3.4 million videos.
Lilo and Stitch Are Obsessed With Elvis
Lilo and Stitch, for example, has some of the most bizarre pop culture references of any Disney film. While the King was known for including songs in his films, many of his songs are featured in the popular animated film.
Lilo And Stitch Are Obsessed With Elvis
Elvis Presley’s films were rarely well-received by critics, despite the fact that Lilo and Stitch was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2002. Not to mention the fact that in the movie, Stitch dressed up as Elvis Presley!
False Teeth Helped Created the Witch’s Voice in Snow White
When it comes to creating sound effects for its films, Disney has always been innovative. And, on occasion, the actors in those films contribute their own creativity, revolutionizing our perceptions of that character.
False Teeth Helped Created The Witch’s Voice In Snow White
Lucille La Verne, who played the Queen/Witch in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, had a brilliant idea for her role. Before reading her lines, she took out her false teeth, allowing her to use that iconic, evil voice.
A Hyena Researcher Sued Disney
Animals aren’t always best learned through animated films. In fact, cartoon depictions of some species, such as the spotted hyena, can have negative consequences.
A Hyena Researcher Sued Disney
Three spotted hyenas appear as evil henchmen for the film’s villain, Scar, in the 1994 animated film The Lion King. One hyena biologist was so offended by the film’s inaccurate portrayal that he filed a defamation of character lawsuit against the studio. Hyenas are highly intelligent and adaptable apex predators in reality.
There Are 11 Sassy Disney Horse Sidekicks
You have probably noticed some recurring patterns if you’ve seen enough Disney movies. This category includes characters who appear to be the same, such as all of the Disney princesses.
There Are 11 Sassy Disney Horse Sidekicks
However, it appears that a specific species appears in many of the films, and they all appear to behave in a similar way. Several of the heroes and heroines have sassy horse sidekicks. Maximus, Pegasus, Angus, Phillipe, Samson, Major, Sitron, Bullseye, Khan, Achilles, and Buck are the 11 horses.
Pumbaa’s Gas Passing Makes Animation History
Despite the fact that passing gas is a common bodily function, it was never depicted on screen until Disney’s The Lion King in 1994. Pumbaa, a warthog, suffers from flatulence on occasion, much to the chagrin of the other animals.
Pumbaa’s Gas Passing Makes Animation History
Pumbaa’s gassiness was not only endearing and amusing, but it was also the first time a character in a Disney film passed gas. Perhaps it wasn’t Pumbaa’s smell that was the issue, but the fact that he was surrounded by animals with extremely sensitive olfactory glands (a meerkat and a lion).
The Luxo Ball Appears a Lot
Although most of these fascinating facts pertain to a specific Disney animated film, this one applies to a large number of them, particularly Pixar films. Fans will recall the iconic “Luxo Ball,” the yellow ball from which Buzz Lightyear bounced.
The Luxo Ball Appears A Lot
But even so, the same ball has appeared in a number of other Pixar films. This section includes links to Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and Cars, to name a few.
Jackie Chan’s Surprising Disney Roles
Most people in the United States are familiar with Jackie Chan for his stunt work in various action films, but the actor also has a musical side, which he has demonstrated in a number of Disney films.
Jackie Chan’s Surprising Disney Roles
Chan is a Cantonese, Mandarin, and Taiwanese singer with an operatic background. He has released over 20 albums in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Taiwanese. He not only played Captain Li Shang in the Chinese remake of the 1998 film Mulan, but he also recorded a Cantonese and Mandarin version of the film’s song “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.”
Pocahontas’ Sidekick Was Almost a Turkey
It’s unsurprising that animators considered including a turkey in Pocahontas, a 1995 animated film. Turkeys are common in the Virginia area where the film is set. Originally, the Native American princess’s sidekick was a turkey named Redfeather.
Pocahontas’ Sidekick Was Almost A Turkey
Unfortunately, following the death of the actor who played Redfeather, the decision was made to replace the feathered friend with a raccoon named Meeko, a common North American animal. Because of his dexterity and hilarious interactions with Governor Ratcliffe’s pug, Meeko proved to be an excellent fit.
Tinker Bell’s Real-Life Inspiration
Audiences were enthralled by Tinker Bell’s adorable antics and appearance when she first appeared on movie screens in the 1953 animated version of Peter Pan. Margaret Kerry, an actress, was revealed to be the real woman behind the pixie dust.
Tinker Bell’s Real Life Inspiration
Kerry was studied by animators in order to capture her movements for the action scenes in the film. Kerry even used large props to reenact several of the film’s scenes, such as getting stuck in a keyhole and posing near a pair of scissors.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s French Connection
Despite the fact that many animated films are set in far-flung locations, they are usually created in a single location. Disney wanted to make sure the city of Paris was depicted as realistically as possible in the 1996 animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame’s French Connection
Approximately 20% of the film’s production was outsourced to a French animation studio. Filmmakers flew to the French capital to capture the city’s architecture and history, and they were even given a private tour of the famous Notre-Dame cathedral.
The Lion King Scene That Took Years to Make
When most people think of The Lion King, one scene in particular comes to mind: the stampede scene. A young Simba comes across his now-trampled father in this emotional scene. Although the scene was only about two and a half minutes long, it took nearly three years to animate.
The Lion King Scene That Took Years To Make
To create the scene, animators used a combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer effects. They also studied the behavior of real wildebeests in herds and traveled across the African savannah to achieve a realistic representation of the landscape.
Disney Created an Entirely New Language
The filmmakers of Disney’s 2001 film Atlantis: The Lost Empire wanted to do more than just explore the myth of an ancient underwater city; they wanted to create an entirely new language for the inhabitants of Atlantis.
Disney Created An Entirely New Language
The language, known as Atlantean, was created by American linguist Marc Okrand, who is best known for his work on the Star Trek series’ Klingon language. Okrand came up with about 1,000 words that were used in the movie.
The Secret Behind Tarzan’s Tree “Surfing”
Tarzan grew up in the jungle, so it Is no great shock that he would feel more comfortable climbing trees and swinging on vines rather than walking on the ground.
The Secret Behind Tarzan’s Tree “Surfing”
When Tarzan’s animator, Glen Keane, was working on one of the animated film’s most memorable scenes, he turned to pro skateboarder Tony Hawk for help. In order to set the scene, Keane drew inspiration from his own son’s surfing and extreme sports skills.
Lilo & Stitch’s Creepy Movie Connection
Lilo & Stitch is a film about an alien who adopts a young Hawaiian girl as a member of her family. It’s hard to believe that the same actress who played the sassy Lilo Pelekai in the horror film The Ring could also be the voice of Samara.
Lilo & Stitch’s Creepy Movie Connection
Despite their vast differences, young actress Daveigh Chase provided the voices for both characters. Chase played both adorable and nightmare-inducing characters in the Disney animated film, which may come as a surprise to most Disney fans.
Casting Hades Was a Greek Drama
In Disney’s 1997 animated film Hercules, it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than James Woods as Hades, lord of the underworld. Prior to casting Woods, the filmmakers had their sights set on another leading man: Jack Nicholson.
Casting Hades Was A Greek Drama
Unfortunately for the studio, Nicholson’s salary expectations were far higher than what they were willing to pay, so the actor declined. Woods’ trademark sneer and rapid speech rate were incorporated into the new and final character on screen by animators.
Tim Burton Was the Real Nightmare on Set
The Nightmare Before Christmas fans will recall the film’s ending, in which the threads that hold Oogie Boogie together are unraveled, resulting in his death. To Tim Burton’s chagrin, director Henry Selick wanted a different ending in which Oogie Boogie was revealed as Sally’s (the protagonist’s love interest) father.
Tim Burton Was The Real Nightmare On Set
Burton kicked a hole in the wall out of rage during their fight. To be fair, Burton had been planning the film for years prior to its release and was very enthusiastic about the original plot.
Changing Voices in The Sword in the Stone
It’s never fun to go through puberty’s physical changes, especially for young actors. When teen actor Rickie Sorensen was cast in Disney’s Sword in the Stone, an animated retelling of King Arthur’s story, he noticed his voice was changing.
Changing Voices In The Sword In The Stone
Fortunately, the film’s director, Wolfgang Reitherman, had two sons around Sorensen’s age. With one small detail – the character’s voice was noticeably different in various scenes and parts of the film – the director’s improvisation was able to ensure that the film’s production continued.
The Six Planets in Hercules
The Fates, as depicted in the Greek mythology film Hercules, have the ability to see into the past, present, and future. They describe an event in which the planets will align, allowing a prophecy to be fulfilled, in one scene.
The Six Planets In Hercules
However, viewers will notice that the animated scene only shows six planets. The reason for this is that the ancient Greeks would have only been able to see six planets in the night sky, not eight. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Earth would have been the six planets.
Beyoncé’s Ego Cost Her a Role
Being an international pop icon can make stars feel as if they don’t need to audition for a role. When filming for Disney’s The Princess and the Frog began, the pop star simply assumed that she would be cast in the lead role.
Beyoncé’s Ego Cost Her A Role
‘Queen Bey’ turned out to be wrong. She, along with other well-known celebrities such as Alicia Keys, had to audition for the part of Tiana. Thankfully, Beyoncé’s Dreamgirls co-star Anika Noni Rose auditioned and was cast in the highly sought-after role.
The London Location That Made History
For its heartwarming story and adorable canine characters, many Disney fans adore the 1961 animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians. The film made Disney history by being the first animated film set in a specific, modern setting.
The London Location That Made History
Most Disney films before One Hundred and One Dalmatians were either set in general geographical regions or were fairy tales set in fictional settings. The film’s setting in London was a one-of-a-kind twist that would pave the way for future story-specific settings.
The Real Lizard Behind Tangled’s Pascal
Pascal is one of the most beloved characters in the animated Disney film Tangled, despite the fact that he never speaks. Pascal is Rapunzel’s best friend in the film. The sassy chameleon and his adorably expressive eyes were a hit with moviegoers.
The Real Lizard Behind Tangled’s Pascal
The filmmakers knew they wanted the princess to have a non-traditional animal sidekick from the start, so they chose a lizard. Pascal was the name of a pet chameleon owned by one of the film’s animators. During filming, the real Pascal became a father, and his children are listed in the film’s end credits!
Tramp Was Actually a Girl
While there are many memorable characters and scenes in Lady and the Tramp, few people are aware that Tramp was based on a real dog. Tramp was modeled after a real stray dog discovered by one of the film’s story artists.
Tramp Was Actually A Girl
Erdman Penner, an artist, tracked down the charismatic stray at the local pound, where she was about to be put to sleep, after a long chase. Fortunately, Penner stepped in and adopted her. The animators used the dog as one of the main live models for the film.
Lilo & Stitch’s Surprise Original Setting
Chris Sanders, a storyboard artist, imagined the storyline of Stitch taking place in a remote location when he first came up with the concept. Before settling on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, he considered Kansas.
Lilo & Stitch’s Surprise Original Setting
Sanders learned about the Hawaiian cultural concept of ohana, or extended family, which includes friends as well as blood relatives, and how the lush island landscape influenced the animation process and color palette. As most fans of the film are aware, ohana becomes a central plot point and theme throughout the film.
The Jungle Book Was Far Darker
The Jungle Book, a 1967 animated film, is remembered for its humorous characters and memorable songs such as “The Bare Necessities.” The true story behind the film was far darker than what was depicted in the Disney adaptation.
The Jungle Book Was Far Darker
The film is based on the same-named book by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling’s stories frequently dealt with darker themes such as abandonment, law, freedom, and death. Bill Peet, the film’s original story artist, wanted to stay true to the darker themes of the original book but was stopped by Walt Disney himself.
The Inspiration Behind Maleficent
Maleficent is one of Disney’s most memorable villains. While the “Mistress of All Evil” is based on a variety of classic fairytale characters, her onscreen appearance was unlike any other evil female character before her.
The Inspiration Behind Maleficent
Speculation has been circulating since the 1959 release of the animated film Sleeping Beauty that the evil fairy was heavily influenced by an actress named Maila Nurmi. Nurmi was known for her revealing gowns and her glamorous gothic alter ego Vampira. Nurmi’s diary entries from 2014 revealed that she was indeed a model for the animated villain.
The Avengers Director Created Toy Story’s Rex
There was a time when Joss Whedon, the director of The Avengers and DC’s Justice League, wasn’t directing superhero blockbusters. At one point, the man behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one of the creative minds behind Pixar’s first big hit, Toy Story.
The Avengers Director Created Toy Story’s Rex
In fact, Whedon played a key role in the development of one of the film’s most memorable characters. The same person who directed Age of Ultron also created Rex the nervous dinosaur!
The CEO Who Inspired Ratigan
The Great Mouse Detective was a Disney animated rendition of the classic Sherlock Holmes story set in Victorian-era London that incorporated mice and rats. Old pictures and paintings of Victorian Londoners served as inspiration for the characters.
The CEO Who Inspired Ratigan
Ratigan, the film’s villain, was created by former Disney CEO Ron Miller. Miller, like Ratigan, has an imposing stature. He stood 6’6′′ tall and was a former professional football player. Given how wicked this guy was, we hope the parallels ended there.
Finding Nemo Pays Homage to Jaws
The idea of a vegetarian shark is, to say the least, amusing. One can be found, though, in the famous Disney picture Finding Nemo. His name is Bruce, and despite his intimidating appearance, he is a truly nice guy.
Finding Nemo Pays Homage To Jaws
However, there’s a reason he’s known as Bruce. He was called after the animatronic shark that appeared in the legendary shark film Jaws. Of course, that shark was not a vegetarian.
Mike Wazowski Is Billy Crystal’s Favorite Role
When Harry Met Sally, Billy Crystal featured in one of the most unforgettable films of all time. However, the seasoned actor’s favorite role was as Mike Wazowski, one of the major characters, in Disney’s Monsters, Inc.
Mike Wazowski Is Billy Crystal’s Favorite Role
Crystal had a lot of characteristics with the green, one-eyed monster. He could identify with this “little guy in a big guy’s world,” and speaking his lines alongside co-star John Goodman contributed to the reality.
Is Disney Ageist?
As per the Brigham Young University research, a whopping 22% of Disney villains are 55 or older. Furthermore, Disney’s older characters are depicted in a negative manner in around 42% of cases.
Is Disney Ageist?
Many children’s impressions of the elderly have been warped as a result of prejudices reinforced by these films. This isn’t to argue that Disney’s older characters are entirely horrible. Take the film Up as an example. The protagonist of that film is an elderly man!
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Were Married in Real Life
It’s said that life imitates art, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse are living proof of that. For 32 years, voice actors Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor contributed their voices to the beloved Disney characters.
Mickey And Minnie Mouse Were Married In Real Life
I’ll tell you what’s even better. As a result of their roles, the two actors became so close that they fell in love, married, and have been happily married for almost two decades.