Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Ruminations: The man in blue (tights) is back

Roger Colton continues his coverage of Wondercon, offering JHM readers an sneak peek at Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns”

Published

18 years ago

March 1, 2006

Roger Colton

Stop here. Go no further. Download this trailer.

Now take a few moments to watch it. Don’t worry. We will all still be here when you get back.

Okay. You can say it. “Wow”!

As one fan put it, “I love the teaser trailer, but you could show a guy mowing the lawn to that music and I’d get excited!”

So when I saw that Wondercon was going to have Bryan Singer, the director “Superman Returns,” as one of the guests, I knew I was hooked in going to the City for the event.

This project has a long history, dating back to the mid-Nineties. The list of names attached to it at one time or another reads like “Who’s Who in Hollywood.” Director candidates have included Tim Burton, Oliver Stone, Brett Ratner, Michael Bay and Joseph “McG” Nichol. Some of the actors who were supposedly donning the blue tights included Nicholas Cage, James Caviezel, Henry Cavill, Matthew Bomer and even Johnny Depp.

Kevin Smith took a stab at writing a screenplay for the project, under the influence of then-producer Jon Peters. Kevin has shared some tale of those days at various events, and yes, Wondercon was no exception. For the best telling, check out the DVD “An Evening With Kevin Smith.” Hearing Kevin tell about Peters’ insistence on the addition of a giant spider is a gem. (And while we won’t see that in “Superman Returns,” he did finally get his giant arachnid fix in the extremely disappointing “Wild Wild West” movie.)

Thankfully, the folks making the decisions at Warner Brothers picked the guy to direct this comic book hero film. After showing us all what he could do (so well) with other stories in the genre with “X-Men” and “X-2 : X-Men United,” Bryan Singer gets exactly what these characters and their worlds are all about. Those two films show audiences that he can tell these stories in a modern setting keeping the compelling points intact. And now, he is doing it again, but crossing from the Marvel Comics to the DC Comics universe.

The Wondercon event kicked off with Bryan taking the stage to generous applause. With a line of folks ready, the microphone was opened for questions. The first question brought up the subject of villains and did Bryan have any thoughts about who he would like to see as the nemesis in the next Superman film. Frankly, he seemed a bit stunned that fans would already be thinking that far ahead as this film hasn’t even been shown yet. He did mention that the video game to accompany this film will have other villains from the DC universe in addition to Lex Luthor, but gave no indication as to any personal preference.

Then the subject of John Williams came up and it was revealed that there will indeed be pieces of his music from “Superman The Movie” in the new score adapted by composer John Ottman. At that point, Bryan stopped the questions and showed the audience the trailer, admittedly a bit cleaner and somewhat improved over the version previously shown at the San Diego Comicon.

After the trailer, questions resumed from the audience. Stepping aside from “Superman”, it was asked how he felt about Brett Ratner taking over the directing duties on the “X-Men” franchise. Bryan said that it was difficult for him to step aside on X-Men as he has close relationships with many members of the cast. Had he been able to do both X3 and Superman, he would have done so. However, he gave great credit to the Donner film and that the portrayal of a super hero was very inspirational to him in the defining the way that a super hero film such as “X-Men” should be. Yet, Bryan shared that he has known Brett for some time and that as daunting it would be to step in to such a project he felt that Brett could and would be up to the task. Having now seen a trailer for X3, Bryan said he was even looking forward to seeing it at some midnight showing with a group of friends.

Taking another break from questions, he wanted to bring out someone who had been working on the film with him. That turned out to be Brandon Routh, making his first public appearance to discuss his role as Superman.

Brandon Routh and Bryan Singer
as seen on one of the video screens at Wondercon.
Image by Roger Colton

Needless to say, it was several moments before the fans quieted down and the questions resumed. Brandon seemed a bit overwhelmed at first, but jumped right in to answering.

A woman then wanted to know how the role of Lois Lane will be played by Kate Bosworth, the gist being that would she be too fragile (as some people had commented based on the trailer) or would she be the unconventional damsel in distress, feisty and intelligent? Bryan replied that now she has other people in her life and that yes, she would continue to get “into trouble” but now she has other people in her life and that she would take those other people into those situations with her. Brandon said that he saw her character as tenacious, that Lois is always a strong reporter and that those other people in her life will bring complications along as well. “It’s not as easy getting out of those situations she gets herself into.”

The next question was for Bryan about his occasional writing partner, Christopher McQuarrie, asking if he was planning to work with him again. Bryan replied that he had worked closely with Christopher on several drafts of “X-Men” and that he had just finished two weeks of work in Seattle with him on a remake of the of the 1976 “Logan’s Run.” That brought a solid round of audience approval.

Another audience member wondered how directing “Superman” differed from both of the “X-Men” films for Bryan. This was a much more daunting experience. It was a longer shoot than the others and was done in Australia, a much longer distance from home than he had worked before. Another major difference was that this film centers on one character rather than an ensemble. In the case of “X-Men,” it is many actors playing many parts. With “Superman,” it was Brandon playing three parts – Clark on the farm, Clark in the newsroom and then Superman. Comparing Superman as character from the DC Comics universe to those from the Marvel universe, Superman has a kind of virtue and nobility that may not exist with the Marvel characters or even with Batman (also a DC character).

Brandon was then asked about the pop culture myth of the supposed curse surrounding actors who have played the role of Superman. While unfortunate things had happened to other people, he had never thought of it as a curse. He has enjoyed the ability to do a number of things in his life and he doesn’t see this as standing in his way to continue to do so.

A question for Bryan inquired into the possibility of a sequel, and said that he takes these movies one by one. There is an intention in his mind to move it forward. It is the nature of comic books in general that the first issue is not meant to just be the first issue.

Brandon was then asked about how he felt after beating out all of the big name talents that had been mentioned for the role. He is very honored to have been the one to do this. It always felt like the right thing the way it happened. Working with Bryan seemed to make it very easy as it all happened.

Many people saw Christopher Reeve as the embodiment of Superman in his portrayal and in his life. A question from the audience asked about how Bryan and Brandon felt about the film and it’s connection with him. Brandon said that he felt that each artist, whether drawing or acting has brought their own addition to the Superman character. For Brandon, the portrayal by Reeve was a basis for him to build upon, as much as Reeve’s had been done by others.

A really great question from the audience asked if there was a moment in the first Donner film that made them truly want to make a Superman movie. Bryan related that as much as he loves that film, it was during the scenes where Superman is having his first date with Lois Lane.

“She’s staring at him and wants to know why he is there, having fallen in love with him at first seating. She says, “Why are you?” and then realizes she has to pull it together. She says, “Why are you here?” and he replies that he “is there to fight for truth, justice and the American way.” She thinks that is absurd, silly. So she says that he’ll “end up fighting every politician in Washington.” And he says, “You don’t really mean that, Lois.” And she says, “You got to be kidding.” And he says to her, “Lois, I never lie,” and he’s very serious about it. That’s the moment when everything crystallizes and his entire character forms. So I thought with all those unique powers and abilities that this one conviction ends up… being one of his greatest liabilities and yet his greatest virtue.”

So it indeed does seem that Bryan Singer is the guy who really gets what this character is all about. And based on how Brandon Routh handled that first chance to talk with some of the fan base for the film, I would say that so far, he is indeed the right choice for the role.

And if this wasn’t enough of a temptation for you, check out the Wikipedia reference, this link and this one too, for more goodies on what this film has in store for audiences.

Like I said last week, it’s going to be a long wait until June. And it’s only getting longer…

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

6 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

6 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

6 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.