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82Original Concept Designs of Beloved Disney Characters That Almost Looked Completely Different, Part 2
Cracked.com presents concept art that reveals significant alternate designs for beloved Disney characters. These images showcase how iconic characters like Ariel, Buzz Lightyear, and others almost looked completely different before their final versions were chosen.
Disney removes trans storyline from Win Or Lose series
Disney has reportedly removed references to a transgender character's gender identity from its upcoming Pixar series, "Win Or Lose." The decision was allegedly made months ago.
Wish review: This kingdom really needs some magic
The AV Club reviews Disney's new animated film "Wish," noting that while the film features some vibrant visuals and catchy songs, it ultimately falls short of its potential. The reviewer suggests the movie lacks the necessary magic to truly resonate.
The live-action Tangled casts its Rapunzel and Flynn
Teagan Croft (Titans) and Milo Manheim (Zombies) have been cast as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively, in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney's Tangled. They will be taking over the roles originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the 2010 animated film.
Snow White review: A tarnished tiara with a single crown jewel
The AV Club review of Disney's "Snow White" (2024) criticizes its failure to modernize effectively the classic elements, particularly the dwarfs and the Evil Queen, while highlighting the star's winning performance as its single crown jewel. The review suggests the film struggles to balance modern sensibilities with the core aspects of the fairy tale.
Raya And The Last Dragon is a formulaic but sometimes moving addition to the Disney princess canon
The AV Club reviews *Raya and the Last Dragon*, calling it a formulaic but sometimes moving addition to the Disney princess canon. While predictable, the film offers moments of genuine emotional resonance.
Carlos López Estrada Says Disney's 'Robin Hood' Remake Is "Dead"
Director Carlos López Estrada announced that Disney's planned remake of *Robin Hood* is no longer moving forward. The animated remake, announced in 2020, would have been a musical.
Disney+ announces live-action Robin Hood reboot that's definitely gonna give kids some thoughts
Disney+ is developing a live-action reboot of *Robin Hood*. The project, described as a musical, will be directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada and written by Kari Granlund, aiming to engage a younger audience with modern themes.
Monsters At Work drops us back into the Monsters Inc. franchise
The article discusses the return of the *Monsters, Inc.* franchise with the series *Monsters At Work*. The show drops viewers back into the world of Monstropolis.
What a struggling Disney could learn from Nimona's surprising success
The article analyzes the success of the animated film *Nimona* and suggests that Disney could learn from its focus on authentic representation and willingness to embrace unconventional storytelling. *Nimona*'s journey to the screen, overcoming initial rejection and studio closures, highlights the importance of championing diverse voices and narratives.
Academy Museum Acquires Original Disney Adult
The Onion reports that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has acquired Rick Tomko, the "original Disney adult," for its permanent collection. The unveiling took place at the opening of the "Fanaticals: Cinema’s Most Fearsome Freaks" exhibition.
Andor reckons with all kinds of evil as the Empire tightens its grip
The AV Club reviews episode eight of "Andor," finding it reckons with all kinds of evil as the Empire tightens its grip. The review does not offer explicit details but sets the stage for the episode's themes.
John Lasseter takes leave from Disney/Pixar, apologizes for “unwanted hugs”
John Lasseter, then chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, took a six-month leave of absence after acknowledging and apologizing for behavior that made some employees feel uncomfortable. He specifically cited "unwanted hugs" and other actions that he said crossed the line.
The Fun Factory
This article provides an inside look at the culture and creative process at Pixar Animation Studios. It explores the company's unique approach to filmmaking and its commitment to creating innovative and emotionally resonant stories.
Catherine O'Hara
Catherine O'Hara is a Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer. She is known for her roles in films such as *Home Alone*, *Beetlejuice*, and *Best in Show*, as well as her television roles in *SCTV* and *Schitt's Creek*, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for the latter.
Turning Red delivers a timely message as it tackles a timeless topic
The AV Club reviews *Turning Red*, noting how the film tackles universal themes of adolescence and cultural identity. It explores the story of Mei Lee, a Chinese-Canadian girl grappling with her changing body and the expectations of her overprotective mother.
In Walt's Own Words: Plussing Disneyland
The Walt Disney Family Museum commemorates Disneyland's anniversary by sharing Walt Disney's reflections on the park's personal significance. Disney's own words reveal his vision of Disneyland as a constantly evolving space, always subject to "plussing" and improvement.
Finding Nemo at 20: Disney's Greatest Trauma Revisited
This article revisits Pixar's "Finding Nemo" on its 20th anniversary, highlighting its relatability and ability to evoke trauma through its depiction of a parent's worst nightmare. It argues that the film's emotional impact stems from its grounding in realistic fears.
Watch Rye Lane Streaming Online
The provided URL is a Hulu page for the movie "Rye Lane." The description highlights the availability of the movie on Hulu and advertises a bundle with Disney+.
Watch Prey Streaming Online
The provided URL directs to a Hulu page for streaming the movie "Prey." The description encourages viewers to watch "Prey" and other shows and movies on Hulu, and it advertises a bundle with Disney+.
Watch Predator: Killer of Killers Streaming Online
The provided URL directs to the Hulu streaming page for the movie "Predator: Killer of Killers." The description highlights the availability of this movie alongside other TV shows, movies, Hulu Originals, and the option to bundle with Disney+.
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle review: Pulpy update rocks
Michelle Garza Cervera updates the 1992 film *The Hand That Rocks The Cradle* with a modern, brutal, and truthful take on motherhood. The review highlights the film's effective kills and relevant themes.
Watch The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Streaming Online
The provided URL is for the movie "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" available for streaming on Hulu. The description highlights that Hulu offers a wide array of TV shows and movies, including new releases, classics, and original content, and mentions a bundle deal with Disney+.
Watch Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Streaming Online
This URL redirects to a Hulu page for the movie "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande." The landing page includes the title, description, and streaming availability on Hulu.
Disney’s Tomorrowland realizes a bright future dreamt up in the past
A.V. Club reviews Disney's film *Tomorrowland*, exploring its themes of optimism and futurism as reflections of past aspirations. The film grapples with the challenge of envisioning a positive future amidst present-day anxieties.
National Geographic Unveils Inaugural Creator Cohort Initiative, Cultivating a New Generation of Storytellers for the Creator Era
National Geographic has launched its inaugural Creator Cohort Initiative to cultivate a new generation of storytellers. The initiative aims to foster creativity in the "creator era."
Disney Composer Alan Menken Breaks Down His Most Iconic Songs
This YouTube video from PEOPLE features Disney composer Alan Menken breaking down some of his most iconic songs, including selections from "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin." Menken shares insights into the creative process and inspirations behind these beloved Disney classics.
Everyone Is Beautiful and No One Is Horny
The Blood Knife article analyzes the modern blockbuster film's depiction of the human body, arguing that while bodies are frequently displayed as sexy, they lack genuine sexuality. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift where the body is fetishized but stripped of its inherent eroticism and desire.
Mickey Mouse & Friends
The official Disney site dedicated to Mickey Mouse and Friends offers streaming movies and series, videos, character bios, shopping, and photos. It provides an immersive experience into the world of these iconic characters.
Zootopia 2 review: Disney sequel needs to evolve
A review in the AV Club suggests that Disney's *Zootopia 2* feels less like a grand cinematic event and more akin to a Disney+ TV show. The review indicates that Disney seems less invested in the sequel, delivering a product that doesn't quite live up to the epic nature of the original.
The Art of Star Wars: Andor (the Complete Series) a book by Phil Szostak - Bookshop.org US
Bookshop.org promotes "The Art of Star Wars: Andor (the Complete Series)" by Phil Szostak, a behind-the-scenes look at the Disney+ series. The book features concept art, visual development, and interviews with Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna, exploring the production of the critically acclaimed series.
The Athletic finally shut down a newspaper’s sports desk
Disney's ESPN is closing down its sports desk at ESPN.com, as its sports coverage increasingly goes to its streaming service ESPN+. This represents a further bundling of The Athletic with other Disney products.
I pitched a roller coaster to Disneyland at age 10 in 1978
In 1978, a 10-year-old pitched a roller coaster design to Disneyland, inspired by Space Mountain. The story details the young inventor's ambitious vision and the experience of presenting it to Disney representatives.
Streamers in U.K. Set to Come Under 'Enhanced Regulation' from Ofcom
U.K. media regulator Ofcom will begin overseeing streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ due to new legislation. This "enhanced regulation" aims to bring streaming services under similar rules as traditional broadcasters in the UK.
Star Wars: Andor's Tony Gilroy Gives Interview He Couldn't Before
In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, *Andor* creator Tony Gilroy discussed Disney's request to avoid the term "fascism" while promoting the *Star Wars* series. Gilroy's show explores themes related to fascism within the *Star Wars* universe.
An Interview with Matthew Ball About Gaming and the Fight for Attention
Ben Thompson interviews Matthew Ball about the gaming industry and the broader competition for consumer attention. Ball emphasizes gaming's potential beyond entertainment, its convergence with other media, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for businesses.
ARCHIVE WALKERS
Archive Walkers is a curated list of articles, podcasts, and videos covering a wide range of topics including technology, culture, sports, and business. It provides links to content from various sources like news outlets, blogs, and social media.
'Toy Story 5' Trailer Reveals a New Villain: the Smart Tablet
The trailer for "Toy Story 5" has been released, revealing a new villain: a frog-themed smart tablet called Lilypad. The toys must compete with the tablet for Bonnie's attention.
Disney issues cease-and-desist to ByteDance's Seedance AI
Disney has issued a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, regarding its new AI product Seedance 2.0. Disney alleges that Seedance 2.0 infringes on its character copyrights.
Unsung - Waxy.org
This blog post from Waxy.org provides a collection of various news, cultural observations, and internet ephemera from the past week. It covers a wide range of topics, including AI, sports, media, business, and various cultural trends.
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter delivers movie, TV, awards, lifestyle, and business news. It provides coverage of the entertainment industry, lifestyle trends, and relevant business developments.
Kylo Ren fans fly "Save #TheHuntForBenSolo" banner over Disney
Fans of the Star Wars character Kylo Ren are campaigning for a standalone film centered on the character, following Adam Driver's revelation that he and director Steven Soderbergh had developed such a project. The campaign involved flying a banner that read "Save #TheHuntForBenSolo" over Disneyland.
Disney passed on Adam Driver, Stephen Soderbergh's Star Wars
Disney passed on a Star Wars movie pitch from Adam Driver and Stephen Soderbergh titled "The Hunt For Ben Solo." The movie was not the Star Wars film that Disney was looking for.
Hannah Montana
The provided link is to a page on the AV Club dedicated to the television series *Hannah Montana*. No content beyond the title and a single description is available.
The Mandalorian And Grogu teaser: Watch Baby Yoda be adorable
A teaser trailer has been released for "The Mandalorian And Grogu," a *Star Wars* film starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver. The film is scheduled to premiere on May 22, 2026.
Disney settles Gina Carano's lawsuit after firing her from 'Mandalorian' for comparing being conservative in US to being Jewish in Nazi Germany
Disney settled a lawsuit with Gina Carano after firing her from "The Mandalorian" for comparing being conservative in the US to being Jewish in Nazi Germany. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Disney Plus plans to add user-generated, short-form AI content
Disney Plus is planning to introduce generative AI tools that allow users to create and share short-form content directly within the app. This move aims to boost user engagement by enabling personalized content creation.
WALL-E
The provided URL is for the WALL-E movie page on the Pixar Animation Studios website. The page contains information about the movie, including its plot, characters, and production.
Seedance: ByteDance to curb AI app after Disney legal threat
ByteDance is scaling back its Seedance AI app after Disney threatened legal action. The app, after an update, allowed users to generate viral videos featuring Spider-Man and other Disney intellectual property.
Paramount, Disney Send ByteDance Seedance AI Cease-and-Desist Letters
Paramount and Disney have issued cease-and-desist letters to ByteDance over copyright infringement, alleging its Seedance video and Seedream image generative AI platforms are using their intellectual property without permission. The studios accuse ByteDance of "blatant infringement."
Disney to Invest $1 Billion in OpenAI in Major Deal That Boosts Sora
Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI. The deal will allow users of OpenAI's AI video creation platform, Sora, to create clips featuring 200 characters from Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises.
Disney+ is launching short-form videos this year
Disney+ plans to launch short-form videos this year. This move mirrors the personalized vertical video feed introduced in the ESPN app last year, indicating a broader strategy to engage users with shorter content formats.
FiveThirtyEight is shutting down as part of broader cuts at ABC and Disney
Nieman Journalism Lab reports that FiveThirtyEight is being shut down as part of broader cuts at ABC and Disney. While Nate Silver left in 2023, FiveThirtyEight continued to offer election forecasts and other analytical tools.
Marvel and Disney VFX workers ratify first union contract
VFX workers at Marvel and Disney have ratified their first union contract, signaling a shift in working conditions. This follows years of complaints regarding pressure and poor treatment within the visual effects industry at Marvel.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Is Disney's Newest Theme Park Masterpiece
The AV Club reviews Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a theme park attraction at Disney. The review praises Walt Disney Imagineering for creating a tour de force experience.
The Mormon Comeback: From ‘Book of Mormon’ to ‘Bachelorette’
The article examines the resurgence of Mormon representation in mainstream pop culture, from the musical *Book of Mormon* to reality TV shows like *Bachelorette*. It attributes this shift from "freak to niche to prime time" to the rise of Mormon reality stars and influencers, including Taylor Frankie Paul.
Rise (2022 American film)
Rise is a 2022 American biographical sports drama film about the Antetokounmpo family. The film covers their journey immigrating to Greece from Nigeria and the rise of brothers Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas Antetokounmpo in the NBA.
Inside Casey Wasserman's Birthday Bash: Iger, Clinton, Imagine Dragons
Casey Wasserman, the head of LA's 2028 Olympic committee, celebrated his 50th birthday with a party that drew prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Attendees included Bob Iger, Bill Clinton, and Imagine Dragons.
Disney Settles Streaming Data Suit From CA Attorney General for $2.75 Million
Disney will pay $2.75 million to settle a lawsuit brought by California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding streaming data practices. The suit involved alleged violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Walt Disney's Strategy in 1957 Drawing
In 1957, Walt Disney crafted a detailed visual strategy illustrating how the different parts of his company would feed into and support each other, focusing on film production as the central engine of revenue and brand building. The diagram highlights the synergy between Disney's film productions, television shows, theme parks, and merchandising efforts.
Disney World Receives Permit Approval for Next Major Phase of Villains Land & Cars Construction at Magic Kingdom
Disney World secured permit approval for the next phase of its Magic Kingdom expansion project. The expansion will introduce Cars and Villains themed areas to the park.
Al Lowe on model trains, funny deaths and working with Disney - Spillhistorie.no
This interview on Spillhistorie.no features Al Lowe, the creator of the Leisure Suit Larry series, discussing his career beyond Larry, including his passion for model trains and his work with Disney. The article highlights his diverse interests and contributions to the entertainment industry.
searchresults.page-2.pdf
The document appears to be a listing of search results, potentially related to a media monitoring or business intelligence activity. The entities listed are a mixed bag of brands, people, and organizations that likely featured in the search query.
A lot of people just don’t realize how unpopular Trump is
The article argues that many powerful people underestimate Donald Trump's unpopularity, pointing to the backlash against ABC/Disney for cancelling Jimmy Kimmel's shows as an example. It highlights that roughly two-thirds of Americans are not Trump voters, a fact businesses should acknowledge.
@npr.org on Bluesky
Disney is partnering with OpenAI in a three-year licensing agreement to bring hundreds of its characters to Sora, OpenAI's short-form video platform. This allows Disney to explore new creative applications of its characters in AI-generated content.
Disney Invests $1 Billion in the AI Slopification of Its Brand
Disney is investing $1 billion into artificial intelligence, partnering with OpenAI to integrate AI into its streaming platform. The investment aims to enhance Disney's offerings but is criticized as potentially leading to a decline in quality, referred to as "AI slopification."
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI Reach Agreement to Bring Disney Characters to Sora
Disney and OpenAI have reached an agreement making Disney the first major content licensing partner on Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform. This partnership will bring Disney characters to Sora.
An Oral History of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
Vulture presents an oral history of the making of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," detailing the challenges faced during production such as budget constraints, the complexity of makeup and wigs, and Jim Carrey's dedication to the role. The article features interviews with actors, writers, and production staff, revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and the film's journey to becoming a holiday classic.
Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft to Star in Live-Action Tangled
Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft will star as Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, respectively, in the upcoming live-action *Tangled* adaptation. The casting announcement has paired Manheim, known for his role in *Zombies*, and Croft, recognized for her portrayal of Raven.
2025
The article is a list of cultural predictions for 2025, covering topics such as AI, sports, fashion, media, and business. Predictions include sustained use of Ozempic, the influence of Anthropic's Claude, and the popularity of specific athletes, musical artists, and films.
Pluralistic: Code is a liability (not an asset) (06 Jan 2026)
Cory Doctorow argues that code should be viewed as a liability rather than an asset, due to the risks associated with software development and maintenance. The piece features an array of links covering diverse topics including AI liability, regulation and culture.
10 Movies to Stream for Black History Month
The New York Times suggests 10 movies to stream for Black History Month in February 2026. The selections aim to highlight the range and evolution of Black film.
How Miss Piggy Went From Minor Muppet to TV’s Top Hog
The New York Times article discusses the evolution of Miss Piggy from a minor Muppet character to a pop culture icon, highlighting her sassy attitude and karate chop. A new Muppets special is set to premiere on Wednesday.
Aggregation Theory
Ben Thompson's "Aggregation Theory" details how platforms gain power by owning direct relationships with users, controlling demand and commoditizing suppliers. This structure leads to winner-take-all dynamics, especially in digital markets.
Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past
Ben Thompson uses the concept of organizational structure and focus to analyze Apple's current trajectory, contrasting it with companies like Disney, Gap, and McDonald's. He argues that Apple risks losing its core focus on integrated products and user experience by pursuing diverse revenue streams and potentially prioritizing financial engineering over product excellence.
Variety - Entertainment news, film reviews, awards, film festivals, box office, entertainment industry conferences
Variety is a leading entertainment news publication covering film, television, music, and digital media. It provides breaking news, reviews, box office data, and in-depth analysis of the entertainment industry.
Disney Names Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro Next CEO, Replacing Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, currently chairman of Disney Experiences, will succeed Bob Iger as CEO of The Walt Disney Co. in 2026. This succession plan marks a significant leadership transition for the entertainment giant.
State of Markets Overview
The Google Slides presentation provides an overview of the current state of various markets. It explores trending topics, cultural moments, and shifts in consumer behavior, as well as key statistics and business insights.
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI reach landmark agreement to bring beloved characters from across Disney’s brands to Sora
Disney and OpenAI have reached an agreement to integrate over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters into OpenAI's Sora for fan-created short videos. The partnership emphasizes responsible AI implementation in entertainment and includes Disney's enterprise-wide usage of ChatGPT Enterprise and the OpenAI API.
Marvel Studios built a "massive train set" for an upcoming movie that it'll never use, but Disney hopes someone else will
Marvel Studios constructed a large-scale train set for the upcoming *Blade* movie, but the set is no longer needed due to production changes. Disney is seeking to repurpose the set for another project or sell it to another studio.
Hollywood Insiders Unite to Launch Creators Coalition on AI
Hollywood insiders have launched the Creators Coalition on AI, an organization aiming to act as a central coordinating hub for creators navigating the use of artificial intelligence. The coalition published four distinct goals and a call to action, gathering hundreds of signatories.
Disney Princess Brand Moving Into High-End Luxury Fashion Products
Disney is expanding its Princess brand into the luxury market, aiming for more premium products. This includes a Viktor&Rolf Cinderella doll and a Pandora diamond collection.