Legendary Disney Filmmaker Calls for a Course Correction towards Storytelling at Disney
ICARO Media Group
In a recent interview, renowned Disney filmmaker John Musker expressed his concerns about The Walt Disney Company prioritizing political messages over storytelling in its recent films. Musker, known for co-directing beloved classics such as "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and "Moana," highlighted the need for Disney to focus on creating engaging characters and compelling stories rather than pushing a "woke" message.
Speaking to Spanish outlet El País at the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, Musker emphasized the importance of placing the message secondary to entertainment. He suggested that Disney undertake a course correction by ensuring that characters and story remain at the heart of their productions.
Addressing the criticism surrounding "The Princess and The Frog," a film he co-directed in 2009, Musker clarified that they were not trying to be "woke," acknowledging the critiques. He then expressed his observation that recent Disney films seem to prioritize messaging over storytelling. According to Musker, the essence of classic Disney films was to captivate audiences with captivating characters and immersive worlds, with messages organically woven into the narratives.
While Disney has faced significant backlash in recent years, with allegations of promoting a "woke" agenda, Musker stated that the political agenda was not as pronounced during his heyday in the 1990s and 2000s. Nevertheless, he confessed to having made adjustments to content for the sake of political correctness.
Disney has encountered various challenges, including box office disappointments like the 2022 LGBTQ-oriented film "Lightyear," massive layoffs, and a considerable loss of 2.4 million subscribers on its Disney+ streaming service. These issues have further fueled the debate surrounding the company's approach to storytelling and political messaging.
Musker's remarks bring to light a growing sentiment among critics that Disney should reevaluate its storytelling priorities, giving emphasis to the creation of relatable characters and engaging narratives. The company's ability to strike a balance between including social messages and delivering compelling stories will likely play a significant role in shaping its future success.
Fox News Digital reached out to Disney for comment on Musker's statements. As of now, the company has not responded.