‘Aladdin’ Director Comments On Disney
John Musker, the acclaimed Disney director known for his work on classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Disney’s film production. Following several public and financial disappointments for the studio, Musker offered some insightful advice on how the company might regain its footing.
With over four decades of experience at Disney, Musker co-directed numerous beloved films alongside Ron Clements. His impressive filmography includes “The Great Mouse Detective,” “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and “Moana.”
During a conversation with the Spanish outlet El País at the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, Musker reflected on various topics, including the criticisms of “The Princess and the Frog” (2009), which tells the story of a waitress in New Orleans who dreams of opening her own restaurant.
Musker addressed the perception that the film had an overtly “woke” agenda, saying, “We weren’t trying to be woke, although I understand the criticism. The classic Disney films didn’t start out trying to have a message. They wanted you to get involved in the characters and the story and the world, and I think that’s still the heart of it.”
He emphasized that while it’s important not to exclude social agendas, the primary focus should always be on creating sympathetic and compelling characters and engaging stories. “You don’t have to exclude agendas, but you have to first create characters who you sympathize with and who are compelling. I think they need to make a course correction a bit in terms of putting the message secondary, behind entertainment, a compelling story, and engaging characters.”
Musker also shared an interesting anecdote from the production of “Aladdin,” noting the challenges posed by the Gulf War. The team had to disguise the name Baghdad with an anagram: Agrabah. Due to the war, they couldn’t conduct on-site research and had to rely on resources available at the Saudi Arabian expo in Los Angeles.
Disney has faced financial difficulties in recent years, particularly with films that prominently feature what some perceive as “woke” messaging. One notable example is the “Toy Story” spinoff “Lightyear,” which included a much-publicized same-sex kiss between two female characters.
The 2022 animated film underperformed at the box office, earning $226.4 million against a $200 million budget, likely resulting in a loss after considering marketing and other expenses. Despite this, Disney is moving forward with “Toy Story 5.”
Musker’s insights suggest that Disney’s path forward lies in a return to its roots: prioritizing engaging stories and characters while balancing the inclusion of social messages. His perspective, shaped by decades of successful filmmaking, highlights the importance of storytelling as the core of Disney’s enduring appeal.