Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & Happy 2024
Once Upon a Studio is a 10 minutes released back in June 2023 for the Centennial anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. The short features 534 characters from Disney’s animated shorts and featured length movies.
Given that it’s less than 10 minutes and there are several hundred characters in the short what does the mean for the Hunchback Characters? I originally thought some would be BUT you have to keeping an eye out to notice them. So these are the instances I noticed, I could have missed some.
Frollo’s head can be seen in at the bottom of the scene next to Maleficent.
Next you can seen Esmeralda WAY to the far right between Baymax and Jacchus from Fantasia.
Clearly Esmeralda’s skirt in the foreground.
In the short the character are trying to get a group shot. The first try fails but then “When you wish Upon a Star is Sung” as a moral booster.
Quasimodo sings a line of the song. This made me happy because it’s so nice to see Hunchback characters get a highlighted in such a way in the short.
And in the final group shot you can see Quasimodo with the Gargoyles on top of the sign with Frollo, Phoebus, Esmeralda and Djali in the back row next to the Tarzan characters. Djali is kind hard to see but he’s there.
Personally, I really loved this short. I don’t find it hard to separate the corporate side Disney from the creative side. This Short was delightful, endearing and sometimes silly.
The Magical Adventures of Quasimodo’s version of Frollo isn’t like other Frollos. He differs in one yet very critical way; he is not into Esmeralda at all, ergo he can’t be obsessed with her and thus does not suffer. This Frollo differs in other ways too but that one is the deciding crux of the character, the pivotal element that makes the character essential the character. This Frollo is only the character in name only.
Frollo ≠ Frollo
He does share some aspects of the character. At the start of the show, Frollo works in Notre Dame. What he does there is not stated, he just works there. He does help with raising Quasimodo even though he is abusive. All that is akin to the book, he works at Notre Dame and Quasimodo is his ward. However this Frollo is not part of any religious orders.
Another similarity is Alchemy. Alchemy is a big part of this Frollo’s characterization. Most of his “evil” plans revolve around alchemy which is magic to a large degree in this show. It also features into his backstory as an assistance to Quasimodo’s parents were accomplished alchemists.
Also part of this Frollo’s backstory is that he was born to poor parents and was bulled as child. This differs from the novel but ties into to his whole desire for money and power angle for the show.
He is also around the same age as his book counterpart except he is four years older. At least 40 in this show versus 36 in the book. But this Frollo is more young at heart than the book version.
It’s Magical!!!
In the novel Frollo follows hermetic and seems to working on the classic transmutation of turning lead into gold. The desire for the transmutation of turning lead into gold by alchemists was not for greed. It was because gold was considered a spiritually perfect metal, while lead was viewed as immature and flawed.
Frollo in the novel is obsessed with the idea of “spiritual perfection” and Esmeralda ruined it by being really, really, really ridiculously good-looking. Magical Adventures Frollo just wants the gold for wealth. He wants to be really, really, really ridiculously rich and to rule the world. Classic simple villain wants and desires.
Also unlike his book counterpart, Magical Frollo is unencumbered with mortally or pretending that he was ever a “good” person. He flaunts being evil and his alignment would be neutral evil.
Frollo & Friends
Magical Frollo also has a lot of companions and associates. He has two side-kicks one being his dog, Azarof and other is Dragon, a stone gargoyle he brings to life via alchemy/magic. Dragon works too much and Azarof is good boy who is long-suffering under Frollo who shows little to no gratitude for his sidekicks/minions.
Given that Quasimodo is liken to a dog and gargoyle, one can see why these work for Frollo to have as side-kicks. Sort-of deconstructed Quasimodo without him being the underling. Or there is another reason that we’ll circle back to.
Also Azarof looks to be modeled off a Saluki.
Frollo has several associates who help him out, including Clopin. He’s also very good at getting help from other like-minded villainous people for his numerous evil schemes. So he has good people skills which is another difference from the book. People did not like Frollo in the novel. So magical adventures Frollo is villainously charming.
Cartoonishly Evil Magician Trope
If the magical adventures version of Frollo could describe himself, he would say (and does say) that he is “Brilliant, Handsome, Sensitive and above a Liar.”
This Frollo acts and operated more like Gargamel from The Smurfs. He is a sorcerer who obsessed with riches and status and to achieve that end he wants the Philosopher’s stone. Frollo has dog named Azarof and Gargamel has cat named Azrael….
I referred to him a lot as “Cartoonishly Evil Magician Frollo-type” and that sums hims up very well.
He might more Gargamel than “Frollo” but he is delightful as well as “Brilliant, Handsome, Sensitive and above a Liar” and doesn’t love those types of villains.
The third member of the gang of pals triumvirate is François. François is Esmeralda’s twin brother. He is quite different from Esmeralda and Quasimodo as he is cowardly and egotistical. This means his ego can override his cowardice when properly manipulated and his twin sister can absolutely play him like a fiddle. But don’t worry, Esmeralda manipulates her brother for only good.
Le Poète des Fous
François is very often the butt of the jokes. Typically the jokes involve his very bad poetry, falling down, or some sort of embarrassing scrape. Speaking of his poetry, it is very bad. His poems are so bad that it often used to drive people away.
François naturally doesn’t think his poetry is bad, everyone else is just doesn’t understand great works of high art. It’s often a red flag if someone claims to like François’ poetry. This is either because they are a bad guy or trying to use François for some ulterior motive. This tactic absolutely works because of François’ pesky ego.
Lovely is the Love of François’ Lovey Love Poetry
Admittedly his poetry was funny in the beginning of the show but wore thin after a few episodes.
François also has no other talents. He can not sing, play an instrument, draw etc. This is because Quasimodo and Esmeralda are good at things. But at least he thinks he is good at stuff, so he has confidence and that is at least something.
Unlike Quasimodo and Esmeralda, François is a flirt. Some girls seem into it and some are not. François being a flirt is presented as an off-shoot of him being a “poet.” Wooing ladies with his sonnets, in his mind, adds to his mystique. Also at one point, Quasimodo tells his that he is a handsome guy, so the consensus in this world is that François is attractive. Which explains why at least one lady is alright with the bad poetry.
Basically François is the foil to Esmeralda and Quasimodo as well comedic relief. However he does display some measured behaviors. For example, when he learns the truth of his origins, he’s very accepting of it which played against Esmeralda’s reaction. Though a few episodes later, he was all in when he learned that his ancestor was the founder of Knights Templars. So maybe not the lesson about found family and family being more than bloodline was a moot point to François. Though the whole thing feed his ego so it does track for his character.
François from the Novel?
François is technically a new character for The Magical Adventures of Quasimodo. According to IMDB, François was based on the character François Villon in The Beloved Rogue (1927) as they are both poets. That could be true but there is a character in the Hugo’s novel that is a poet, works closely with Esmeralda and whom is considered more like a brother to her and that would be poet Pierre Gringoire. It’s more likely that François was based on Gringoire. Even the last syllable of their names sound a little similar. But why they changed his name is a puzzler. Maybe they just prefer free men to rocks.
Also given that François is a handsome flirt, which Gingoire is not, it could that the show threw is a dash a Phoebus into his character. Phoebus is not a character in this show nor does he get a name drop of any kind. But that is a “quasi-baked” theory.
Warrior Poet François?
François is not as agile as Quasimodo nor does he have a magical item like Esmeralda. He can be helpful in a fight but he is more an assist than the VIP, which is always Quasimodo. It’s a shame they didn’t weaponize his poetry otherwise they would have been unstoppable.
François is a Genius; You just don’t get his Art!
François is mostly a bumbling buffoon. He does come off as good natured and has some moments to shine but mostly he is there for comedic effect. And donkeys are his worst critics.
Every year the Reveals perform at the historical Sanders Theater at Harvard University. Their shows are to celebrate the winter season with traditional songs and dance. For the 2023 season, the show is the based on The Feast of Fools. Their write-up even calls it “Topsy-Tursy.” Because you know why.
The Reveals’ music has long been a part of my holiday season for a very long time so I’m overjoyed to know they are taking inspiration from The Feast of Fool for their new show.
And if you can’t make the Journey to to olde Harvard, they offer virtual performances.
No News News
I get Google Alerts on Hunchback New and day I got Speculation Over Live-Action ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ Resurfaces With Latest Release. It was about a post from Reddit in which there was excitement around an Esmeralda doll. This lead people to think the doll was ushering a Live-Action remake. The Doll is not new as it came out in 2021
It’s a nice enough Doll, I like wood hair brush. There is one thing minor piece of Live-Action non-news news that I recently happened upon. or I just missed it.
To mark the anniversary of Hunchback’s release, Gad retweeted (are they still called that) Menken’s tweet. Gad even included a pun from the movie.
What does this mean?
Only Gad truly knows what it means. The reports of the project being in limbo were from May and this is from June. Either Gad is alluding to it happening one day with grit and determination or it more of dream at this point.
It’s important to keep in mind that the project hasn’t been officially cancelled and the speculation is that Iger just doesn’t like it. One can wildly speculate as to why Iger dislikes it and can’t be swayed? And I might after Wish comes out, I have a theory.
But It’s also important to keep in mind that Iger’s contact ends in 2026 and there are rumors of a hostile take over of the company. So who knows what is up inside the company? The only reason to really cancel any of the “remakes” would be fatigue. That being said Hunchback MIGHT be one the few IPs that would/could benefit from a live-action remake over more recent ones.
Only time will tell if their live-action plans will come to fruition to be “out there among the millers and weavers and their wives.”
Esmeralda in The Magical Adventures of Quasimodo is very similar to Quasimodo’s characterization. She is smart, kind, loyal, charitable, athletic, creative and has a sense of humor.
Unlike Quasimodo, Esmeralda is a hot-head who will rush into situations. She is the most assertive one of the main characters. However despite being the most brash one of the group she considers herself “the happiest of people.”
Esmeralda and Others
Like all other Esmeraldas, she is very pretty but unlike most Esmeraldas she’s never singled-out for being super attractive. She never captures the attentions of this particular Frollo as he is not into her in the slightest. This Frollo has other motivations.
When Esmeralda first sees Quasimodo, she forms an instant affection for the shy hunchback. Their relationship is very innocence and wholesome. Had the show gone on longer their relationship might have evolved into something more romantic. However she likes his shyness and calls him “dear friend.” It is clear that the show was all for this pairing, as it is the only pairing.
In contrast to other versions, this Esmeralda has a twin brother, named François. François is similar to Gringoire from the novel as François is also a “poet.” This is different from other adaptations and yet the novel does sort-of support this take. After Esmeralda saves Gringoire in the novel, she makes it very clear that they will not be lovers but would have a more sibling-like relationship.
The decision to make Esmeralda and François siblings could have been less about book and more to prevent a love triangle. François and Esmeralda being siblings means the young audience will not root against any flirtations between Quasimodo and Esmeralda. There is at least one episode that Esmeralda has a bit of an admirer which gives Quasimodo some insecurities. Esmeralda does not reciprocate this admirer and it is never mentioned again.
Her Backstory
This version also fixes Esmeralda’s backstory from the book so it that it’s free of negative stereotypes but still akin to the novel. Esmeralda and her brother are raised by their grandmother, Angelica, who took them in after their parents died. However this is only part of the story. Esmeralda and François believed that Angelica was a blood-relation and thus they were fully member of the nomads however that is not the case.
They were raised by Angelica after their parents died in a forest fire. Their parents placed them in basket on a river with Djali to look after them. So yes they were taken in by the nomads but no they were not stolen. Esmeralda takes this news really hard because she really believe that bloodline matters. The tension is resolved by the end of the episode and Esmeralda learns her lesson.
A Girl of Action
In addition to all the magical adventures, saving France and thwarting Frollo’s evil plans, Esmeralda does dance and does train Djali. These are things she enjoys but she is rarely called “dancing girl” and there only few instances of Djali showing off her training. Esmeralda does fall prey to being a damsel in distress on occasion as typically getting into trouble for acting on her own. Despite that she is useful throughout the “adventures” especially with her other talent.
A Girl of Magic…?
Of the three main characters in The Magical Adventures of Quasimodo, Esmeralda is the only one who can actually use magic. This is a complete departure from other Esmeraldas who are accused of witchcraft but are only guilty of having a smart goat or parlor tricks.
The outliner would be Melody from Enchanted Tales who is has the godlike power to bring instruments to life. The Magical Adventures Esmeralda is not as godlike as she can only create powerful illusions using her locket. While the illusions are tangible, they are temporary. So technically, yes she is the most bewitching Esmeralda on the the technicality that the other character has a different name.
This Esmeraldas has a good balance between of the late 90s conventions and her characterization from the novel. She is pragmatic, somewhat dreamy, yet can stick up for herself, help in a fight and is delightfully charming. Plus Djali!
It’s the culmination of the Spooky Season, Halloween.
The characters of the Magical Adventures of Quasimodo wear a lot of disguises. Heck, in episode eight they have a Halloween-like festival. What are they all wearing this year for “Witches Eve???”
Whose Costume would Win Best Costume?
Quasimodo as Aladdin…maybe?
Not really sure what Quasimodo is dressed up here. The fez makes it look like an Aladdin costume. It’s defiantly a look though.
Esmeralda as a Frightful Old Lady
This is the first time that a Quasimodo calls an Esmeralda “ugly.” However that means it’s a convincing costume.
Frollo as The Reaper
Classic Frollo! If wasn’t for the scythe this could have been a Phantom of the opera costume.
François as a Spooky Ghost
François even has a lighting effect.
Dennis as a Delightful Bird
A cockatiel maybe?
The King as a Strutting Peacock
Seems correct for a King to be a Peacock.
Happy Halloween!!!!!
I enjoy reading Tarot cards, not very skilled at it but it can be interesting sometimes. So for fun I recently asked my tried-and-true rider-waite deck about the status of the Disney Live-Action Hunchback Remake and here’s what I got;
Got the 7 of cups, the 5 of wands in reversed, the 2 of pentacles and the page of wands. I know some readers like to use the top card and the bottom deck card also which were The Fool the top on the deck and the Knight of Wands on the bottom.
The Current State of the Live Action Hunchback Flick as is Known
At present the status of the Live-action is in limbo. There are rumors that CEO Bob Iger doesn’t like the original movie, as well as Josh Gad and Alan Menken suggesting that the creatives are at odds with higher ups. That is all speculation but still the only recent news was the production is in limbo.
What does this Reading Mean???
I like to use Bibby Tarot as a reference as well as my own intuition. Again this is just for fun.
The first card is the 7 of cups which about illusions, wishful thinking and opportunities. Which might fit with creative teams’ desires to make this version in the first place.
The second is the 5 of wands in reversed. This card in this alignment is about inner conflict, conflict avoidance, or tension release. Perhaps there is more conflict amongst creatives than either Gad or Menken alluded to in interviews. Perhaps there is a lot of creative differences in conjunction with the studio “powers that be.”
The third card is the 2 of Pentacles. This card speaks of multiple priorities, time management, prioritization, adaptability. I tend to read this card a balancing act as in a push and push. Perhaps this also speaks to the forces acting on this project, as in what they creatives want and what the studio wants. In some capacity they want a good movie that makes money and maybe wins awards. But the sides can not agree.
And finally the Page of Wands. This card has connotations with inspiration, ideas, discovery, limitless potential, free spirit. This could mean that they are retooling ideas for the film. Or that they are moving on to new ideas/projects.
An Interesting reading to say the least. Though given the state of the Disney company and all the drama surrounding the Snow White version might have dodged a bullet.
Also there is a Disney Villains Tarot Deck that looks super fun. Cruella is The Chariot, which is just chef’s kiss.
The Magical Adventures of Quasimodo version of the titular hunchback is quite likely the most well-adjusted iteration of the character. He starts out being too afraid to go outside but he gets over that quickly when Esmeralda is in trouble in the first episode.
His Award-Winning Personality…
Aside from the hunch, Quasimodo is quite a catch. He is smart, kind, loyal and charitable. Add in that he is athletic and creative in both art and problem solving. But what about a sense of humor and kind to animals? Of Course!
The Magical Adventures version of Quasimodo is not as musically inclined as some of his other counterparts. However massive bells cathedral bells are hard to play. He just needs some practice which is he willing to do, so he’s humble too.
He is also well-versed in the act of patience but can be impulsive. When he is impulsive it is out of necessity. As in something he needs is getting away like a scroll or a messenger pigeon. So he is flexible.
His Goals…
This Quasimodo is also family-oriented. He on an on-going search for his super awesome alchemist parents. Quasimodo’s parents are also members of the nobility and for some ladies find that super appealing.
This one of three versions of character to have “noble” origins. The other versions that see Quasimodo coming from wealth are the 1999 Quasimodo del Paris, The Enchanted Tales version and that 2023 medieval farce movie.
If you want to stretch the text of the novel, this backstory is not too far off but is is a stretch. Quasimodo is Frollo’s ward and Frollo is a member of the petty nobility with a small fief and an alchemist.
His Love Life…?
Quasimodo is sort of in a semi-commitment relationship with his best friend, Esmeralda. They are just friends but they flirt a fair amount and genuinely care for each other. In fact it’s Esmeralda who makes the first interested overtones to Quasimodo.
They are still young and it’s a younger kid’s show so they maintain friendship between them but had the show had more episodes, I think they would have started a more a romantic yet wholesome relationship. A given episode could center on them going on a date but either a Frollo plan or François mucks it up somehow. Or some eclipse happens that endangers France with magical shenanigans that plague the world. Again this not the only version to have Quasimodo have an actual romantic relationship with Esmeralda. The other versions are Quasimodo del Paris, The Enchanted Tales version, and 1986 Jetlag version.
Is he Perfect? You Bet!
Aside from Quasimodo’s psychical deformity he is pretty much without major fault. Throughout the show the hunch doesn’t really pose much of an issue. He is shy in the beginning of the show but after he makes some friends, saves the king and freed from his abuser, he is no longer shy. Quasimodo doesn’t have much in the way of hang ups or insecurities. His hunch is only a minor issue when he is rejected from the army but he just shows up and proves how capable he is to the captain and that solves the problem.
Making Quasimodo nearly perfect is a tactic to get the young audience to like him and want to watch his magical adventures. Ergo he doesn’t need to be heartbreaking or super compelling. This version of Quasimodo just needs to be fun, likable and maybe make a silly quip every once in a while.