Brief Update on Disney Live-Action of Hunchback

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Disclaimer- I know nothing outside of what is being reported.

Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image
Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

With the upcoming Little Mermaid Live Action version coming out this moth, Alan Menken drop a little update on the Hunchback Live Action version which can be read here; https://comicbook.com/movies/news/alan-menken-shares-update-live-action-hunchback-of-notre-dame-movie-hercules-broadway-exclusive-interview/

In a nutshell, the project is in limbo. Menken mentions the seriousness of the issues that Hunchback deals with and them brings up Hellfire. So it sounds like there COULD be a debate over this the version should be a musical as Menken say they can’t do the version without “Hellfire.”

Of course I could be completely wrong and the question of about it being a musical is not the reason but it does give credence to what Josh Gad said on instagram back in March “and hopefully the powers that be will see this love and let us make the live action adaptation the original animated film deserves.” (source)

Disney’s live action remakes do seems to flirt with making them musical or not. They are very half in half out. Mulan no but Beauty and the Beast yes. Cinderella has some diegetic singing but Little Mermaid will be a musical and then there is Lion King speaking “Be Prepare” but the studio wanted to cut it.

So the Hunchback is in limbo. Perhaps the studio feels like it could be taken more “seriously” without the songs and they can get their precious industry accolades if make it gritter and real which a musical would hindered. But the creatives want the music and the fans seem to want the songs.

Meanwhile Disney let a subsidiary (Searchlight) make a farce version that is Hunchback in name only so who knows what Disney is doing these days.

So TLDR – Hunchback version in Limbo

Thoughts on this Mary Sue Article

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https://www.themarysue.com/disney-is-still-remaking-the-hunchback-of-notre-dame-and-i-have-concerns/

I have a sinus infection and I’m really tired. I’m also tired of the fallout from the stupid fan-casting which weird took parts from a Disney Fanon Wiki . Also I have posted too many times this week and I still haven’t watch any more Magical adventures …..

Esmeralda singing God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image
Esmeralda singing God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The article talks about representation for the Travelers characters. The article has concerns about casting Romani actors for the roles. Which would be a good look for Disney BUT would people of Romani descent even want to portrayed these characters or be in this project? It would come down to the script of course. I am not Romani so obviously I will not say anything one way or the other besides that I think the article is well-intentioned in their concerns over the casting.

To my knowledge there has been one performer of Romani-descent who played Esmeralda in the Russian cast of Notre Dame de Paris, Diana Savelyeva.

However the article also mentions the book where Quasimodo is deaf and how this should be considered for casting the Disney remake. And yes he is deaf in novel but he is not in the Disney version just like how, whether you like it or not, Esmeralda is not a born Traveler in the book. She was swapped with Quasimodo when she was young (I think she was two.) So this is a cherry-picked bit of “concern.”

If this version wants to make Quasimodo deaf like the book, fine and if they want to keep to the Disney film that is also fine. There something a little less than genuine however when one’s concern for representation brings up the source that would make concern for Esmeralda’s casting a little moot.

Gad’s Quote about the “Powers”

Then there is what Gad said in regards to the fancast which alludes to “the Powers” being on the fence about this version. Gad said;

“Wow. This spread quickly. For the record, this is not real. This is a [Fan-Cast]! I was just responding to it. Love that you guys all want this. We do [too]! The script is one of the best I have read and hopefully the powers that be will see this love and let us make this live-action adaptation the original film deserves.“

It’s the last sentence that gives me pause. NOW this could mean that Disney has not fully committed to it. Or it could mean the executives are micro-managing the creatives. Or it could mean something else.

The other pause is that release date which is now SUS. Sure movies get pushed back all the time but that bit of news didn’t get much or any traction. The Mary Sue article didn’t even mention it and on July 5th 2024 is when The Lion King prequel comes out.

Wouldn’t two Disney live-action movies released the same month be a weird move? Wouldn’t they be competition for each other?

I feel confused and this site https://mickeyblog.com/2023/03/21/josh-gad-hunchback-notre-dame/ is saying there is no release date and this project isn’t even if the pipeline. Though IMDB has it as “excepted.”

Just wake me when there is real news until then…

(I’m sick….I shouldn’t post when I’m sick)

Is the Hunchback TikToK Fan-Cast Actually Real?

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By now many of you have seen this poster or the tiktok.

Live Action Fan Cast

Now, in case you want to know if this is true or not I would say it’s fake. There is good evidence that the release date for this movie is July 19th 2024. There has been a few news pieces on that and it’s on IMDB which grain of salt but it is still far easier to create a photoshop image and TikTok than it to edit IMDB. So unless that release day is wrong this is fake and it is.

BUT let’s just LOOK at the “casting.” It is rather easy to tell which roles the actors are intended for.

Josh Gad as Quasimodo. I have said much on this subject already. If he doesn’t play Quasimodo it would be MORE of a shocker. And until it’s officially announced I maintain he likely to Quasimodo for this version.

Gal Gadot for Esmeralda. Again I have said a bit on this one in my IMDB trivia post however Gadot is set to play the Evil Queen in the Snow White remake so it is less likely that she would play two different Disney remake characters for movies that release the same year (unless the the July 2024 date is wrong.)

Chris Evans for Phoebus. I mean sure that could work. Evans fits the actor-type for Phoebus.

Peter Capaldi for Frollo. I’ve said that an actor for Frollo should have a hard, angular look to them and Capaldi does. I’ll admit I’m not familiar his roles so I don’t know how good a Frollo he would be but the base look is there.

Imelda Staunton as Laverne. I have seen Staunton is a few different roles but as Laverne? Maybe I’m sure she can handle the role, it’s not complex just a mixing of grumpy and tender.

Kelsey Grammer as Victor. Sure why not. Victor is the mid-point between the gargoyles so the character can be anything that the production needs to balance out the group. So a snarky elegance could work.

Jack Black as Hugo. I still would prefer no gargoyles for this remake but Black does have a quality to him that could soften Hugo’s sense of humor and make it more endearing. It is however not beyond the scope that the gargoyles could have different personas in the remake unlikely but it still a change that could happen

Sacha Baron Cohen as Clopin. I do like the idea of le mis actor in another Victor Hugo related movie project so sure why not.

Also according to Gad this fan-casting is not real (https://www.justjared.com/2023/03/21/josh-gad-confirms-hes-not-actually-starring-in-the-hunchback-of-notre-dame-movie-for-now-at-least/)

Edit June 2023- Was looking through old posts and I found this one from July 12th 2018 (a few months before the Live Action version was even announced) basically it’s a fan-casting that is very similar…

https://www.thehunchblog.com/2018/07/12/a-not-real-casting-list-for-a-disney-remake/

An Idea for the Gargoyles for the Disney Live Action version

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Gargoyles A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image
Gargoyles A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

After looking through the casting rumors for the Disney live action movie it is apparent that the Gargoyles are going to be comedic. The Gargoyles are a point of contention for the original Disney film as their humor was too much for the overall tone of the movie.

There has been two musicals based on Disney’s Hunchback that took different approaches to Quasimodo’s imaginary friends. The German musical made the Gargoyles subtle in their humor. They were characters but they didn’t mess with the tone of the production. In the American musical version there are not gargoyles or characters so to speak but there is an ensemble or the congregation. They are more like voices that are part of the cathedral as in statues or stained glass windows.

Rumor had it that the congregation was a reason why the show didn’t go to Broadway because of the amount of people it called for and the The Actors’ Equity Association. I do not know if that is true.

Getting back to the 2024 Live action version, the actors rumored to being playing the Gargoyles are Ed Helms for Victor, Jane Lynch for Laverne, and Jason Alexander reprising Hugo. So this would make Gargoyles go in a comedy direction.

However can the production has its proverbial cake and eat it too? Yes! Yes, it could! And if the movie goes for this method I would just assume they had the same idea as me, which would be great.

I think they should use the actors who they cast as the Gargoyles to also play townspeople, like the ones that Quasimodo made models depicting, the people who Quasimodo sings “Knowing them as they will never know me.” So Jason Alexander go play Hugo and also play the baker for example.

Contextually this would make the Gargoyles part of Quasimodo’s parasocial relationship with the people of Paris. They can still be humorous but it would make the characters both darker and sadder without the need for any lines to explain it. The production would just need to show actors early on in their townspeople roles which they can easily do in the opening number, The Bells of Notre Dame. Unless they do something else with the opening.

So that is one way this version could still have funny gargoyles that could offer Quasimodo more pathos.

I’m sure there way to convey this in the narrative in this movie wants to go in that sort of direction and it’s also they don’t. We shall see.

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney
The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

What do you guys think? How would you like the gargoyles handled in line action version?

Analyzing the Trivia for the Live Action Version

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The Disney live action version is over a year away with a release date set for July 2024 but I though it would fun to look through the IMDB trivia as it is in early February 2023 and offer my thoughts. You can see the IMDB trivia HERE.

Most of these are rumors. I also know that actors’ job is to act and one can’t completely base opinions of an actor’s capabilities on other work/characters they have done, so grain of salt with some of my opinions. Also with a grain of salt all of these since IMDB can easily be edited. Also singing a is part of this casting consideration.

“Chris Hemsworth has expressed interest in the role of Captain Phoebus.”

I can see that casting as a good choice. I wrote a post about Hemsworth as a hypothetical casting picks which you can read here.

“A live-action remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) was announced in January 2019.”

This is true. I believe it was the 16th though I did a post on the 17th ( blog post) However unlike the first reports I don’t think this version will be called “Hunchback” like 1997 version.

“Lin-Manuel Miranda has expressed interest in playing Clopin.”

On a personal level I think I would prefer another actor to play Clopin but I’m more ambivalent about this casting should it come to pass.

“Jason Alexander is rumored to reprise the role of the comical gargoyle Hugo.”

My opinion is that Jason Alexander reprising his role would not be a good idea. First off no one really gravitated to the gargoyles so having them in the movie seems not the best call. And if this version reframes them to be not annoying we are still going to be reminded of the previous version based on Alexander’s involvement.

Though I could see one way that the production could have their cake and eat it too as making the gargoyles both comical and sad/dark. This post is long enough so I will do a separate post on that.

“Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is reported to be in consideration for the role of Phoebus.“

Again this was a previous hypothetical casting post I did ages ago. I think he would work I just worry that he might be too mature for the role. But it could be fine.

“According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has tapped the Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang to pen the script. In addition, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz will write the music, as they did for the 1996 animated original; their combined work on that movie nabbed them Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.“

David Henry Hwang is attached to this project and he has since the project was first announced. I have no knowledge of his work so we shall see.

“Robert Bathurst expressed interest in playing the villain Claude Frollo, following his antagonistic performance as Dottor Massimo in The Thief Lord (2006).”

I haven’t heard of The Thief Lord nor am I certain that it would a good basis for an actor or like I said, if we should basis previous roles for this hunchback version but I will slightly for this piece of trivia.

I have been a fan of Downton Abbey for a while and Bathurst (who was in seasons one and three) would not be my top pick for the role. I know much can be achieve with make-up and costuming but he doesn’t seem to have the right look for Disney’s Frollo.

Now Iain Glen who was also on Downton Abbey (season 2) would make a great Frollo, he has a certain look for it and apparently he can sing. I guess what I’m saying is that Frollo should look hard with sharp angles, no softness.

“Pamela Adlon has expressed interest in playing a new character.“

I don’t know what this would even mean. Looking into her roles she has done quite a lot of voice work so I’m not sure if she means doing that or not. A new character could mean anything but new characters are fine.

“Simon Russell Beale is possibly being considered to play the Archdeacon. Colm Wilkinson is also being considered, having portrayed a similar role in the 2012 film adaptation of the hit musical “Les Miserables.“

So there are two trivia nuggets in this one. I mean either actor is fine, Beale has more movie acting experience than Wilkinson and Wilkinson’s casting in the Les Mis movie was an homage because he was the original Valjean on Broadway so Wilkinson doesn’t the same type of connection to this project that he did with Le Mis, aside from Victor Hugo musicals adaptations.

I’m not sure what the analogous would be to casting someone for another Hunchback project. The mischievous part of me say cast someone from Notre Dame de Paris or one the OG Disney Hunchback musical performers, like Patrick Page. But I have no really strong opinions on the Archdeacon’s casting, at least at this point.

Actually I quite like the idea of Patrick Page playing the Archdeacon in this version.

“Gal Gadot expressed interest in playing Esmeralda.“

In fairness, Esmeralda does skew older in the Disney movie. It’s well known that in the novel she is sixteen however in the Disney version she comes off as older but she is still youthful enough as she is referred as “girl’ throughout the movie.

I just wonder if Gadot as Esmeralda is be a bridge too far? However 40 year old guys often play a 20 year old Quasimodo and an over 50 year old is “under consideration” for this version of Phoebus so the remake just may skew older with casting which would make a more maternal Esmeralda for an oldish Quasimodo work. However I do feel like an age-ish ass for this casting opinion. But Gadot can sing so there is that in her favor and she has a good look for Esmeralda too.

“As of July 14, 2019, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is under consideration to play Phoebus.”

Trivia so nice, they listed it twice. As of Early 2023 there is not casting information out yet so it’s unclear how far this consideration has really gone or if Coster-Waldau is at all interested the role. He might not be.

“Ed Helms has expressed interest in playing the comical gargoyle Victor.“

Given this bit of trivia and the one about Jason Alexander and the one that follows, the gargoyles are not being re-contexturized they are going to comic relief. Maybe the humor will be better than animated but we shall see.

“Jane Lynch is rumored to play the comical gargoyle Laverne.“

I feel like I need make peace with new Disney Gargoyles. I don’t relish the idea of Lynch as Laverne but I can see others getting a kick out it, so my opinion is ambivalence. Also it would just be her voice so that might be fine.

I did an anti-hypothetical casting post for Lynch for a book character who is an older-ish woman character so… there is that.

“Josh Gad is set to produce, and as of July 14, 2019, confirmed to be in consideration to play Quasimodo.”

It’s not at all surprising that the actor spearing-heading the project would want to play Quasimodo. That just seems to be how it goes down from Chaney to Timsit to like six other hunchback projects that were announced but never made. I also assume that for the Broken Lizard version called Quasi, Kevin Heffernan, who is also the producer, director and screenwriter will play Quasimodo.

Do I see Gad as being the ideal casting pick for Quasimodo? No. Is he likely to be cast as Quasimodo for this project? I would be surprised if he wasn’t.

“This will be the sixth remake of a Walt Disney Animation Studios movie that is from the Disney Renaissance, after Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), The Lion King (2019), Mulan (2020), and The Little Mermaid (2023).“

Factually yes.

“The production on the film was temporarily halted in March 2020 due to the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic, until six months.“

Makes sense I’m just a little confused was it halted for six months or did it resume six months after this trivia was posted? I mean I shouldn’t question anyone grammar.

“Becky G has expressed interest in playing Esmeralda.”

I have never heard of her so I no clue if she would be a good choice for the role. Not a choice I would have considered looking into her filmography but if she capable at playing the role effectuality, maybe. But not a first pick for casting.

“Hiba Abouk is rumored to play Esmeralda.“

I have never heard of her. She is a little on the older side to play Esmeralda, she is within the same age range as Gadot. She does a have a good look for Esmeralda but I don’t know much about her or her acting capacity. I suppose in fairness to her and Gadot they don’t look their ages (whatever that means in today’s society) and Esmeralda is more motherly in Disney, so maybe.

‘Vocal coach and opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff hopes that Hellfire emulates Jonathan Young‘s metal cover for the movie, as well as in stage productions.“

I’m not sure why this is IMDB trivia. But it would be great if the Hellfire was as cinematic as the animated version. I don’t think a metal version for the film would work but the production can prove me wrong.

“To be released on the occasion of the original The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)’s 28th anniversary.”

Cool. Though the Animated version came out June 21st 1996 and this version is to be released July 19th 2024 so does this indicate there are advance screening planned in June 2024? Or is this piece trivia just incorrect?

“Set to be the first live-action movie musical adaptation of the novel.”

Neat? I do suppose a single song/dance does not make for a musical or the 56 version would have it beat.

“Josh Gad, Alan Menken, and Stephen Schwartz would also work on the Untitled Josh Gad/Jeremy Garelick Musical Project, even though that movie was originally going to be made in the 2010s.”

So they teamed up once prior and the project didn’t get made? Given Hollywood this seems very normal.

Who would you like to see cast in this version? Remember they have to be able to sing. I hope this means Phoebus gets a song or two.

Frollo’s Sanctuary and other Spookiness from Disney

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One of the differences between DisneyWorld and DisneyLand is that DisneyLand carters more to Locals whereas DisneyWorld carters more for Tourists.

Most of the year this doesn’t mean too many difference in to my knowledge. The exception is Halloween and Christmas. The idea that DisneyWorld has to remain somewhat consistent for all the patrons that visit throughout the year even with the seasonal decor. This isn’t the case for DisneyLand that can really jazz up the decor from year to year and have overlay on certain rides.

This year at DisneyLand’s Halloween Oogie Boogie Bash has the Villains Grove. Which is A REALLY COOL Spooky Walkthrough. It’s a more atmospheric than outright scary with cool lightening, sounds, smells and props. It’s based on Villain inspired vignettes from the movies.

AND THE FIRST ONE IS Frollo’s Sanctuary. Which is actually very pretty. Also it smells like incense.

You can read more about it right here

I just love it when Disney remembers Hunchback and adds it to the park or merch. Though there has been more merch lately and I will write more about that later.

Anyway enjoy this spooky video of the Villains Grove

Disney new stuff Tepid Take

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Here is my super off the cuff Tepid Reactions or Tepid Takes to the some new stuff from Disney

Disney’s newest Pinocchio…

Let’s start with the newest remake on the block, Pinocchio. Apparently there is also new Pinocchio this year including a Paul Shore movie, a dark looking video and the upcoming stop motion Del Toro version. I half-think Disney rushed this to get ahead of Del Toro’s

Now personally, I only ever saw the 1940 Pinocchio once in school. I never liked it. I like Figaro and Monstro end of list. So this was always going to be super pass for me. I’ve seen reviews on this and they do not recommend it. Skip it do anything else with your time, you can never get your time back. (The video is from a reviewer who saw the movie I just didn’t want to post the trailer or get picture)

Did Once upon a time do the live action thing better? Remember Pinocchio was a big part of the first season. In fact he is the reason why the story happens the way it does…..

Trailer for The Little Mermaid

The Little mermaid teaser trailer. The ONLY issue I have is the lighting. It’s dark. Why? Because it’s a teaser trailer and the effects are not done. It could why her tail is super day-glow but everything is not because Ariel tail color is like a point pride. I think I read that somewhere.

Ultimately I do not care who Disney casts, I really do not. No one cared with Once upon a Time when they did the same thing. The trouble is did Once do these live action remakes better??? I think they did……

I will save judgment for a full trailer.

Disenchanted

The Enchanted sequel trailer….. sort of liked it no lies. Probably will watch when it comes out. Do I think it will be the best movie of 2022? No probably not but I doubt it will be the worst and that is at least something.

I’m most liking missing stuff. I know there was Star wars news. I know there was a news piece that the Hunchback version is still in the works. Which good or terrible is fine for me. THOUGH it would be interesting how the studio could make it worse. Can one make the gargoyles worse? Yes. Or could they create something far worse than the gargoyles? Yes.

I do think that since Hunchback is a lesser movie in the studio’s option because of money that they will just leave the production to it own thing which could result in a better end production. OR the executives could meddle as means of over correcting giving us something very bad. We shall see when ever this movie comes out with some pictures or a rushed teaser trailer to show investors or the D23 crowd.

Who are the Top 10 Best Underrated Disney Couples?

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It’s Valentine’s Day. For many it’s a day about love. To celebrate love this year, we have a list of Disney romantic couples.

Not just any type of romantic couples however. That would be boring. These couples are ones that ranking lists forget about. The they underrated ones. The ones you would typically not see on a top ten list. Sorry Belle & Beast, Aladdin & Jasmine, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert, you guys are just too popular and beloved for this list.

For this list the couples had to be in some kind of romantic relationship whether it’s flirty, established or youthful. Some form of perceived romance or maybe just commitment is needed. Also this just theatrical animated Disney movies, no live-action, shows or Pixar.

The is no order to the ranking, there are just 10 couples. The numbers don’t matter there is no order.

10. Pacha and Chicha from The Emperor’s New Groove

Pacha and Chicha from Emperor New Groove picture image
Pacha & Chicha, “The Emperor New Groove“

While the real highlight of The Emperor’s New Groove is Yzma and Kronk however Pacha and Chicha have a such great dynamic. Their love is wonderfully communicated in any second of screen time they have together, which is not a lot. I believe them as a married couple who loves and respect each other.

9. Roger and Anita from 101 Dalmatians

Roger and Anita from 101 Dalmatians picture image
Roger & Anita, “101 Dalmatians“

While 101 Dalmatians is about the dogs it is undeniable that Roger and Anita are very cute very. They do fight a little but they never linger on it for long. Additionally their meeting in the park orchestrated by Pongo is iconic.

8. Mufasa and Sarabi from The Lion King

Mufasa and Sarabi from The Lion King picture image
Mufasa & Sarabi, “The Lion King“

Another couple with a woefully low amount of screen time but you can feel the love. They also had cute banter when their son was trying to wake them up. Classic

7. The Pegasus from Fantasia

The Pegasi or Pegasus from Fantasia picture image
The Pegasus, “Fantasia”

This is a cheat. These are not characters but child-me loved them and loved this part Fantasia. So what is so great about this duo with their babies? The Pegasus are cute family unit. Secondly, they are beautifully in-sync with each other as they soar through the clouds. Lastly, given how they fold their wings when they are in water, they resemble swans so they most likely mate for life which is very romantic.

Fun fact – Their son with the black and white coloration is named Peter.

6. Esmeralda and Phoebus from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Phoebus from The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image
Esmeralda & Phoebus, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame“

Let’s face in the Disney version of Hunchback Phoebus and Esmeralda were made for each. From their joint introductory scene there was an obvious flirtation that turned into mutual respect and love. Maybe if the film had given them their love song they would be more popular.

5. Jim Dear and Darling from Lady and the Tramp

Jim Dear and Darling from Lady and the Tramp picture image
Jim Dear & Darling, “Lady and the Tramp”

You’re not watching Lady and the Tramp for the humans, you’re watching for the dogs and that is fine. Dogs are better than people, it’s just a fact. As far as humans go howeverJim Dear and Darling are sweet together. I mean he gives her a cute little puppy which make him a good human right there.

4. Pepa and Felix from Encanto

Pepa and Felix from Encanto picture image
Pepa & Felix, “Encanto”

Ok, ok, ok this is probably a cheat since I doubt these two are actually underrated even at this point. But they are not on any Buzzfeed top Disney couple lists, at this time, so it counts. Right?

Pepa and Felix are so great together. She is an emotional basket-case (relatable) and Felix is a calming influence without ever trying to tell her to calm down or dismiss her negative emotions. Which is very healthy for mental health. I love these two.

3. Robin and Maid Marian from Robin Hood

Robin Hood and Maid Marian picture image
Robin Hood & Maid Marian, “Robin Hood“

Are these two not just the cutest? They were childhood sweethearts who are still into each other. They have great flirty banter during a fight with some pesky guards. Robin and Marian are just all around lovely together.

2. The Queen of Hearts and the King from Alice in Wonderland

The Queen of Heart & the King from Alice and Wonderland picture image
The Queen of Heart & the King, “Alice in Wonderland“

The Queen of Hearts is mad like everyone else in Wonderland, it’s their thing. Yelling and demanding that heads will roll and yet The Queen is surprising chill with the King. And the King knows how to deal with her. All in all it’s a good working relationship though he does seems more like her puppy than her husband but he doesn’t seem to have much of an ego, so it’s all good.

1.Hyacinth Hippo and Ben Ali Gator from Fantasia

Hyacinth Hippo and Ben Ali Gator from Fantasia picture image
Hyacinth Hippo & Ben Ali Gator, “Fantasia”

Did you know these two had names?

Their love story is more one of infatuation and unabashed flirtation. Hyacinth Hippo is coquettish while Ben Ali Gator is lovestruck. Together they are adorable and iconic as they bring down the house, to end that segment of the movie

Which one of these lovely couples is your personal favorite? Second favorite? Or even your third favorite?

Hot Take on Aladdin Trailer and Frozen 2 Teaser

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Well maybe it’s more of a tepid take.

Starting with Aladdin. This trailer is  really underwhelming. There is no vitality in this movie. Not going to be too harsh since it’s a minute trailer but there isn’t anything blood-pumping, nothing exciting, nothing to get one hyped for a fun adventure. It’s more dream-like, like a soft lullaby maybe that is what they were going for, more mystery. I guess that could be a bold choice with an Aladdin remake.   

Then there is Will Smith’s Genie. First, it’s a no win scenario. People didn’t like him not blue when the first set of pictures were released and they don’t like blue. But more than that it’s nearly impossible to adapt the Genie from Aladdin since so much of the character was Robin Williams.

Either the film needed to just find someone to outright copy Williams’ performance (like they did in the Aladdin cartoon) or they needed to make a whole new characterization. Instead they went for the middle. Again no win.  Personally, I would have gone for a whole new thing for Genie.

Then there is  the Frozen 2 trailer. This is a teaser trailer so there isn’t much of context for what is happening but it is definitely the opposite of the Aladdin trailer, it’s all hype.

Frozen has gone into the realm of serious action movie.  There is training montage, Anna has a weapon, Kristof is riding Sven maybe into battle, who knows yet? Has Frozen gone Skyrim? Maybe. I personally do not know how to feel about this one. More confused than anything.

Also it’s important to keep in mind that trailers are super misleading so this could all be just weird marketing.   

Edit from 2021 – It’s been over a year since these films were released. I still have yet to see the Aladdin remake but with regards to Frozen II when the trailer dropped the film wasn’t even done so in hindsight there was no real context to what was showcased in the trailer, it was all cool hyped. Which was and is fine.

I could sit here and bemoan the fact the Disney doesn’t have more of a vision of how the plot is going to unfold before going into the actual film making process BUT I also have a limited amount of knowledge of film production, so moot point. I do recommend watching the docu-series of the making of Frozen II on Disney plus.


20+ ideas for Hunchback in Disney Theme Parks

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I have 25 ideas for ways in which Disney could inject some Hunchback references into their theme parks.

A lot of these ideas would be easy or low cost add-ins (I think) but some would be more costly. I’m not asking for a Hunchback dark ride where you see movie scenes as you ride around on a ride vehicle shaped like a gargoyle, though that would be cool. And Side note, Disney, If you want to use any of these ideas I will not sue even though I know they will not since I don’t think they can.

But first a few notes;
-These ideas could be in any of Disney’s Theme Parks Worldwide but I was mostly inspired by Walt Disney World especially for some Epcot specific ideas but really these could go anywhere.
-A lot of these ideas follow Disney’s marketing trend for Hunchback so lots of Clopin related stuff.
-Some of these ideas are half-baked, meaning I didn’t give them much thought.

This somewhat organized by least likely to maybe Disney would consider it, maybe, someday maybe if Hunchback gets more popular and makes more money for the company.

Least Likely Disney Hunchback Theming Ideas

There used to be an attraction at Tokyo Disneyland called Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour. I read about it in college. It’s not opened anymore though.
Basically it was a guided haunted house walking tour with Disney villains. The villains were defeated by a child who got a metal at the end of the tour. It was also the only attraction to feature the Horned King from The Black Caldron.
So my idea is make it a dark ride with Disney villain tableaus including Hellfire, which would be the best scene. Maybe at the end of the ride the youngest person in the ride vehicle or a cast member could just pick the person somehow, defeats the villains with their “pure heart.” And the gift shop attached to the ride could sell the metals or little pins showing your victory over the darkness.

Animal Kingdoms has Goats. Name a Goat after Djali. Or They could change the name that area to Djali’s Sanctuary, works on two levels. Or change the name of the train that takes you to the goats to the Djali Express.

A Walkthrough of the Court of Miracles. Like maybe it’s little shops.

A Clopin cast-member could have a cart and perform puppet shows of Disney movies. Clopin Style!

Clopin could lead a Parade. (did that peform)

Poker with Pigeons. A game where kids could bet bird seeds and win something small.

Hunchback themed bathrooms. Could go with gothic architecture or a topsy turvy theme but Disney loves its theme bathrooms.

Add one of the Hunchback Gargoyles to the Bridge near Be Our Guest Restaurant amongst the other gargoyles that are lamps. Could be a hidden easter egg. Or they could put a gargoyle statue at the entry of the France pavilion.

A Toy Making experience like they have at Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge. Guests could get a custom made wood craving of themselves in the style of Quasimodo’s wood cravings. It would be 3D printed.

The Flying Buttress ride. It would be a ride like the Dumbo ride but with Flying Buttress. Not sure what that would consist of.

Slightly More Likely Disney Hunchback Theming Ideas with Food

A Clopin themed Cart that serves Dole Whip. Maybe it’s a swirl with Raspberry, Mango and Lime because Topsy Turvy. Or Spiked Dole Whip because Hunchback is a grown up movie. Although Spiked Dole Whip is already a thing. Or just a Clopin inspired Dole whip cone. Or a feast of fools one.

Interactive Bells at the France Pavilion that kids can ring. They have drums that kids can bang on why not bells that they can ring.

Or a Bell show with performers. Maybe they are dress similarly to Quasimodo.

A projection of Quasimodo at the France pavilion. Like on the side of a building.

An Indian/French fusion restaurant with a Festival of Fool theme. Maybe it has a King of Fools contest every night and someone is crowned King of Fools.
Please note, I won’t go in too deeply into Romani food culture. I did a little research and found that it was similar to Hungarian food but I’m sure it differs with Romani country to country. So just point a pin in that and we’ll come back to that in a bit.

Embed Hunchback stuff in the ground. Disney does this a lot so why not Hunchback stuff? Quasimodo’s shadow, the woven map, Esmeralda’s earring or one of Frollo’s rings, Djali’s hoof prints, or Achilles hooves or Snowball’s hooves.

One of the Paintings around the France Pavilion could feature Esmeralda and Djali in like an Art Nouveau style to keep to the theme of the pavilion.

L’Halles at the France Pavilion could offer a Quasimodo Croissant because he is shaped like one.

L’Artisan Des Glace at the France Pavilion could have a Hunchback inspired flavor.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Dole Whip could be called Topsy Turvy Cake with Dole Whip. Maybe offered a different location then where it is currently offered because it’s a Hawaiian theme place. Or they could change it slightly to a different fruit. But Upside down cake sounds like a prime contender for the Topsy Turvy name.

A Purple Esmeralda inspired confection. Make it Instagram-able for the Purple Wall.

Have a Speakers at the France Pavilion that plays Bells of Notre Dame or a recording of the actual Bells of Notre Dame.

Since I mention Hungarian Food being similar to Romani food, and if I’m wrong I apologized, why not have a Romani/Hungarian inspired Poutine. Now I have made this before and it is delicious. Basically instead of gravy you cover the fries with Paprika Sauce and cheese curds. You can call it Clopin Poutine. It would be amazing, trust me. Paprika Sauce amazing!

Esmeralda inspired Mini Ears. It would have purple sequins as the ears with a teal bow with gold strips and maybe a pink ribbon draping off like her hairband.

A Character dining experience with Esmeralda, Meg and Jane. Or a Villain dining experience. I bet people would love that.

So those are my ideas. Imagine the ideas people who actually work at Disney would have because they know the parks and have experience. I just watched a lot of videos and know Hunchback fairly well. So while I don’t think any of these ideas will ever happen I had fun making this list.
Maybe I should do this with other lesser represented Disney movies.