News & Press Releases

ABC Television Star Tim Allen talks comedy, sobriety & family with AARP

Published

11 years ago

September 18, 2012

As a comedian best known for playing the everyman, Tim Allen is surprisingly introspective. In an exclusive interview with
AARP The Magazine, the Golden Globe® winner discusses his fresh
outlook on marriage and family, as well as his career successes. Allen
also touches on his sobriety, losing his father at a young age, and
other personal struggles from which his accessible
brand of comedy was born. Allen is currently headlining a stand-up act
at The Venetian in Las Vegas through the beginning of November.

On 14 years of sobriety:

“Seeing
the worst parts of my behavior helped me to understand the better
parts. So while I’m still more anxious than I want to be most of the
time,
I’m far less anxious than I used to be.”

“I
was doing comedy clubs, concerts, movies and TV, and didn’t ever
realize how fatigued I was or how much I was missing in my life.”

On his thoughtful new presence:

“Oh, please, don’t say
sensitive. It will kill my image.”

On his home life:

“I
used to live an isolated existence, even in relationships, but now my
family knows me for who I really am. Mostly, that’s a good thing.”

On his new passion for motorcycles:

“I
always wondered about those high-speed turns where the bike lays down
almost on its side. I’m really close to achieving that.”

On really being present in one’s life:

“I
suggest it to everybody to engage as much as you can in life. Most
human beings are disengaged all day, every day. You’re doing one thing
but you’re
thinking about your dry cleaning or ‘I’ve got this on Friday.’ It takes
energy. God knows I’m not the Dalai Llama, but if you’re not careful
and don’t find your center point, you end up sorta drifting through life
sideways.”

“Yesterday
I was swimming with my 3 year-old, and I looked up and thought, ‘How
wonderful this world is.’ We’re always searching for something, but
it’s going to be all right. Stop fretting so much.”

On his friendship with Steve Jobs:

“I
tried to act like hanging out with Steve was not a big deal, but it was
a tremendously big deal. Your impulse is to kiss up to him or go, ‘Hey,
I’m very smart, too.’ But soon enough, our personalities came through,
and I started asking him legitimate questions. All the way through our
relationship he would say, ‘No one’s ever asked me that.’”

“When Steve got sick, I sent a gift basket. It was all stuff I knew he would never eat, because he ate only healthy food.
I sent him cold cuts and soda pops. I also sent all these magazines about PCs.”

Julie Bowen on Allen’s charm:

“Tim’s the everyman that men wish they were, which is why he’s so popular. He’s funny, charming and attractive without
being too much of any of those things. Tim makes you think, ‘I could be that guy.’”

On losing his father at age 11:

“It changed everything forever.”

“Part
of me still doesn’t trust that things are going to work out all right. I
knew my father was dead, but I was never
satisfied with why he was dead. I wanted answers that minute from God.
‘Do you think this is funny? Do you think this is necessary?’ And I’ve
had a tumultuous relationship with my creator ever since.”

On his early prison term:

“It
finally dawned on me in prison that I worked harder being a crook than I
ever worked legitimately. I was doing 12-hour days running from the
police
and screwing up lives. Once I got that I could make money doing
something legal, I turned it around.”

John Pasquin, director on Home Improvement and Last Man Standing, about Allen’s success:

“Comedy is often drawn from anger, and I think that’s true in Tim’s case. He’s able to joke about what really ticks him
off.”

On evolving with age:

“What
I wanted more than anything was clarity, and I still do. That’s what I
appreciate about spending time with older people. My wife and I have
befriended couples in their 70s, 80s and 90s, and they’re so clear
about who they are. They teach us humility and gentleness. Maybe their
bodies don’t work the way they once did, but they’re right there. That’s
how I want to be as I get older.”

“You don’t want the end to come and say, ‘I wished I’d loved more, I wish I smelled more roses.’ You have to do that now.”

News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

Published

3 weeks ago

May 4, 2023

Jim Hill

Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”

Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.

We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.

News & Press Releases

Disney’s New Trailer Reveals How Ralph & Vanellope Get to the Internet in “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2”

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2018

Jim Hill

When “Wreck-It Ralph” opened on Nov. 2, 2012, it turned in the highest opening weekend ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film at the time of release. Now Disney is hoping Ralph will not only break the Internet but the 2018 Thanksgiving boxoffice records as well.

The film re-teams the original director, producer and co-writer behind “Wreck-It Ralph.” The screenplay is currently being written by Phil Johnston and Pamela Ribon. Director Rich Moore, producer Clark Spencer, and co-writer Phil Johnston partnered with fellow director Byron Howard and co-writer/co-director Jared Bush to create the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster feature “Zootopia.”

ROYAL REUNION – In “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2,” Vanellope von Schweetz-along with her best friend Ralph-ventures into the uncharted world of the internet. When she finds herself surrounded by Disney princesses, she’s surprised to learn that she actually has a lot in common with them. The scene, highlighted in a new trailer for the film (below), features several of the original princess voices, including Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”), Kristen Bell (Anna in “Frozen”), Idina Menzel (Elsa in “Frozen”), Kelly MacDonald (Merida in “Brave”), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in “Tangled”), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”), Ming-Na Wen (“Mulan”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas”), Linda Larkin (Jasmine in “Aladdin”), Paige O’Hara (Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”) and Jodi Benson (Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”). Featuring Sarah Silverman as the voice of Vanellope, “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 21, 2018.

“RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2”

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

https://disney.com/ralphbreakstheinternet

https://www.youtube.com/user/disneyanimation

https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph/

https://twitter.com/wreckitralph

https://www.instagram.com/wreckitralph/

U.S. Release Date: Nov. 21, 2018

Voice cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Taraji P. Henson, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk

Directors: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston

Producer: Clark Spencer

Film & Movies

Marvel Fans: See Props, Costumes, New Games, Exclusive Content and More at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2017 in Anaheim

Published

6 years ago

May 22, 2017

Jim Hill

MARVEL ANNOUNCES EPIC EXPERIENCES FOR FANS AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO 2017 IN ANAHEIM, JULY 14-16

BURBANK, Calif. (June 1, 2017) – Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo’s show floor from July 14-16 with an exciting look at its upcoming film titles in the Marvel Studios Pavilion, featuring an array of props and costumes from the Studios’ upcoming slate, including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and more.

In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, in theaters November 2017, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok-the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization-at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela., played by Cate Blanchette.

But first he must survive the Grandmaster’s gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger-the Incredible Hulk.

Fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from this highly anticipated movie as well as photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film.

The incredible costumes from Black Panther will also be on display.

Black Panther follows the journey of T’Challa after the events of Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War,where he returns to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader.

In addition to the exciting props and costumes on display, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events within its pavilion space in Hall B.

Fans will get the chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Exclusive artwork will be given away daily, along with other surprises. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available on the D23 Expo app.

Fans will also be able to enjoy all-new console and mobile Marvel Games, plus incredible exclusive content and announcements throughout the weekend!

For the first time at D23 Expo, guests will be able to get their hands on the hottest new console and mobile games featuring favorite Marvel Super Heroes, playing as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more!

LEGO^®Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO^®Marvel Super Heroes.Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor,the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.

Adding to the infinite excitement of D23 Expo, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series.

Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite features a variety of exciting and accessible single-player modes and rich multi-player content for new players and longtime fans alike and will be released on September 19, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes.

Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs and MMOs with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. With thousands of hours of character progression and rewards,Marvel Heroes Omegacomes packed with tons of replay value and a steady stream of new challenges with regular updates.

Netmarble is bringing its best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight.

Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can try their hand at saving the universe.

Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game available on your phone, tablet, and PC.

Marvel Puzzle Questcombines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-versus-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more. Guests can unleash their inner Super Hero and wage war against their enemies. Learn more atwww.marvelpuzzlequest.com.

Marvel will present incredible panels during D23 Expo, including the fan-favorite Cup o’ Joe on Friday, July 14, at 1:15 p.m. in the D23 Expo Arena, featuring Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Joe Quesada, in a no-holds-barred panel of everything Marvel!

That same day at 6 p.m. on Stage 28, Marvel Animation presents a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28. Details will be available on the D23 Expo app.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 forchildren 3-9. Membersof D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3-9. Multi-day tickets are also available.

For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.