Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Disney Lawyers, and Pixar's Elemental

Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers Premiere

• 🎬 The premiere of "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers" on Disney Plus is highlighted, with director Akiva Schaefer specifically thanking the Disney lawyers who made the film possible.
• 💡 The film features numerous cameos, including My Little Pony and He-Man, with a notable inclusion of Ugly Sonic, voiced by Tim Robinson.
• 💰 The production budget was significantly smaller than typical Pixar or Disney animated features, shot in 30-35 days in Vancouver with a mix of animation styles.
• 🎯 The movie is seen as a film for adults who grew up with Disney Afternoon and similar media, rather than young children, due to its specific humor and references.

Pixar's "Elemental" and Animation News

• 🌟 A new Pixar film, "Elemental," is announced, directed by Peter Sohn, inspired by his parents' immigration experience and set in a city where fire and water characters live together.
• 💥 The trailer for the new Baymax! series from Walt Disney Animation Studios, set to debut on Disney Plus, was released and praised for its animation.
• 📉 Netflix has shut down three animated projects: "Wings of Fire," "Anti-Racist Baby," and "Kind Regards from Kindergarten," resulting in the elimination of approximately 150 positions.
• 💔 The passing of Tom Gonzalez, an 18-year veteran of Pixar's editorial department, is mourned, with a GoFundMe established to support his family.

Animation Industry Developments

• 🎥 Locksmith Animation has partnered with DNEG Animation for their next film, "Next Christmas," directed by Simon Otto.
• 🤝 Sony Pictures Animation has two upcoming projects: "Young Love" for HBO Max and "Agent King" for Netflix, both premiering at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
• 🎮 The free-to-play crossover fighting game Multiversus, developed by Player First Games, is set to have an open beta test in July.
• 🏞️ Disney Dreamlight Valley, a life-simulation game combining elements of Animal Crossing and The Sims, will offer early access this summer before its 2023 release.

Tom Hanks and Early Career Moments

• 📺 A discussion of Tom Hanks' early guest appearance on "Happy Days" in 1982, playing a character seeking revenge on Fonzie.
• 🎬 Hanks' role on "Happy Days" preceded his breakout role in Disney's "Splash," directed by Ron Howard, which helped cement both their careers.
• 🎬 Ron Howard is also directing his first animated feature, "The Shrinking of Treehorn," for Netflix, with animation by Animal Logic.

Animation Styles and IP

• 🎨 The film "The Shrinking of Treehorn" aims to maintain the distinctive illustration style of Edward Gorey.
• 🤖 The game Multiversus features a wide array of Warner Bros. Discovery IP, including characters from Looney Tunes, DC Comics, and Hanna-Barbera, with a notable moment featuring the Iron Giant teaming up with Superman.
• ⚖️ The creative liberties taken with characters in "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers," such as Peter Pan, highlight the significant role of Disney's legal department in enabling such projects.