For decades, there was an unspoken rule at Disney studios: no sequels, short or feature films, should ever see the light of day. A decision rooted in the origins of the studio and the firm will of its founder, Walt Disney himself.
In 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression, the Disney studio scored a huge success with The Three Little Pigs, a short film part of the Silly Symphonies series. The song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” It quickly became a popular anthem, a symbol of strength in the face of adversity.
Based on this enthusiasm, the artistic team naturally imagines that a sequel will be launched. however, Walt Disney Everyone will be surprised: he categorically refuses to continue the story. According to a famous anecdote reported in the biography Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination By Neil Gabler, his response would be: “Pigs can’t bring pigs back“, in other words: “Pigs can’t beat pigs“.
With this colorful expression, Walt wanted to say that it was useless to try to repeat the success with the same formula.
strict philosophy
This position became a guideline for the entire studio while Walt was in charge. No film—whether animated or live-action—has had a live-action sequel. Thus, despite their popularity, Mary Poppins, Treasure Island, or Four Bassets for Dane did not get a sequel.
Even the short films centered around Mickey or Donald, although they may seem related, do not tell a continuous story. Each episode is self-contained, sometimes changing the characters’ personalities or styles.
A change of direction after Walt’s disappearance
It wasn’t until the deaths of Walt in 1966 and his brother Roy in 1971 that studio management began to question this policy. Directed by Don Tatum and Card Walker, Disney Studios released in 1972, Not Seen, Not Filmed, with Kurt Russell reprising his role as Dexter Riley, who had already played The Computer Madness (1969). This is the first official live action.
On the animation side, we’ll have to wait even longer: Bernard and Bianca in Kangaroo Country, released in 1991, marks the first animated sequel made for the cinema. It follows the adventures of Bernard and Bianca from 1977.
Sequel, but not in cinema
In the 1990s and 2000s, Disney studios circumvented the rule in another way: by producing multiple sequels for the video market without releasing those films in theaters. It’s time for The Lion King 2, Lady and the Tramp 2, The Little Mermaid 2, Cinderella 2, etc. These productions, often produced by outside studios, don’t quite challenge the idea that sequels have no place in theaters.
2019: a new era
for a long time Bernard and Bianca in Kangaroo Country will remain an exception. Until the turning point in 2019, the year Disney released Ralph 2.0 and Frozen 2 back-to-back. Since then, the policy has clearly changed: Moana 2, Zootopia 2 and even Frozen 3 and 4 and Moana 3 have already been announced.
original desire Walt Disney Not using the same concept twice is now behind us. The current era, marked by franchises and expanded universes, has finally buried this unique philosophy that still defined Disney Studios for more than half a century.
As you know, you can obviously watch Disney movies on Disney+.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
