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Jessica Rabbit’s disappearance: Zemeckis discusses Disney’s new direction
The podcast revelation
Robert Zemeckis recently shared some surprising insights during his appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, while promoting his latest film, “Here” — which reunites him with the legendary duo, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright from “Forrest Gump.” Zemeckis offered a rare glimpse into the challenges of bringing back some of his iconic characters, particularly Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.”
The great sequel script that won’t see the light of day
While discussing his extensive filmography, Zemeckis revealed that a brilliant sequel script for “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” exists. However, the current Disney ethos, which he describes as overly cautious, has shelved any plans to revive the vibrant and arguably provocative Jessica Rabbit. “The current Disney would never make ‘Roger Rabbit’ today,” Zemeckis explained, lamenting that Jessica’s image proves too challenging for the family-friendly brand they’ve cultivated.
Disney’s makeover of Jessica at the theme parks
To understand why a sequel remains unlikely, look no further than the changes made to Disneyland’s “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” in 2021. Jessica Rabbit, once known for her alluring attire, was swapped out for a more modest, trench-coated detective version. Zemeckis didn’t hide his disappointment about this transformation: “Look what they did to Jessica at the theme park. They trussed her up in a trench coat.”
What made ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ a classic
Originally released in 1988, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” was a monumental success, grossing $351 million worldwide and ranking as the second-highest-grossing film of the year. Directed by Zemeckis from a screenplay by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman, the film masterfully blended live-action and animation. Set in an alternate version of 1947 Hollywood, the narrative introduced audiences to “toons,” cartoon characters existing alongside humans. Bob Hoskins’ portrayal of Eddie Valiant, a private detective with a grudge against toons, partnered with the charming but accused Roger Rabbit, created an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Zemeckis’ homage to Walt Disney
Reflecting on the movie’s success, Zemeckis emphasized his commitment to Walt Disney’s ethos: “I kept saying, and I sincerely say this, ‘I am making ‘Roger Rabbit’ the way I believe Walt Disney would’ve made it.’ Walt never made any of his movies for children. He always made them for adults.” This philosophy is evident in Roger Rabbit, where complex themes and engaging storylines resonate with audiences of all ages.
In a particularly revealing anecdote, Zemeckis described a test preview that featured only moms and their kids. “These kids were five and six years old. They were riveted by the movie. I realized that kids get everything. They understand. They get it. The thing that Walt Disney never did was he never talked down to the children in his movies. He treated the kids like adults.”
Changes at Disneyland and their broader implications
The 2021 modifications to the Disneyland attraction underscore broader trends at The Walt Disney Company. Zemeckis’s lamentations highlight a shift towards more conservative representations of characters who, in earlier forms, might prove too divisive for today’s audience. This transformation wasn’t just cosmetic but symbolic of Disney’s effort to align with contemporary sensibilities.
Accolades and milestones
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” garnered critical acclaim, securing six Academy Award nominations and taking home Oscars for best film editing, sound, and visual effects. Richard Williams, renowned for his animation prowess, received a special achievement Oscar for his contributions.
Looking ahead
Zemeckis’s latest venture, “Here,” is now playing in theaters nationwide. If you’re intrigued by his storytelling mastery and the compelling themes he explores, catching his latest film might offer just the kind of cinematic satisfaction you’re seeking. And while Jessica Rabbit may find herself sidelined for now, fans can still celebrate the brilliance of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and its rightful place in film history.
So why not share this nostalgic trip down memory lane with fellow cinema enthusiasts on social media, or stay tuned to our platform for more updates and reflections on the ever-evolving world of film.
