Disney's Release Schedule, Encanto's Cast, and the Origin of the Oregon Ducks Mascot

Disney's Shifting Release Schedule

• 🗓️ Disney announced its release schedule through 2024, impacting films like The Little Mermaid and confirming theatrical releases for remaining 2021 slate.
• 💥 The success of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" influenced these decisions, leading to an earlier release for "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" and a reassessment of other film rollouts.
• 🎬 Most 2021 films will have at least a 45-day exclusive theatrical run, a move seen as an effort by Disney to mend fences with exhibitors.
• ⏳ "Encanto" is set for a 30-day theatrical run before moving to Disney Plus, aiming to capture both theatrical revenue and holiday season streaming viewership.

Encanto: Cast and Themes

• 🌟 The voice cast for Disney's "Encanto" was revealed, featuring Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel, Diane Guerrero as Isabela, and Jessica Darrow as Luisa.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The film focuses on a large, extended family with approximately a dozen principal characters, presenting a challenge in storytelling that "Meet the Robinsons" also faced.
• 💖 Key themes explored in "Encanto" include understanding one's family and finding one's place within it, amplified by songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Oregon Ducks Mascot Origin Story

• 🦆 The University of Oregon's sports teams, originally known as the Webfoots, adopted the "Ducks" moniker in the 1920s, predating Donald Duck's debut.
• 🤝 A handshake deal between Walt Disney and Oregon's athletic director Leo Harris in 1947 granted the university permission to use Donald Duck as its mascot.
• 📜 This informal agreement was formalized in 1973, granting the university rights to Donald's likeness, though Disney retained control over usage and costume appearance.
• 🔄 In 2010, a new agreement refined the mascot's design to be less obviously Donald and allowed the university more freedom in its use, though Disney still polices merchandise and unauthorized depictions.

Animation News and Book Releases

• 📺 Trailers for "Ron's Gone Wrong" and "Star Trek: Prodigy" were discussed, with "Prodigy" set to debut on October 28th.
• 📚 Upcoming animation-related books include "The Art of Encanto," "The Art of Maya and the Three," and "Art of Vivo."
• 🦆 "Walt Disney's Donald Duck: The 25th Volume of the Complete Carl Barks Disney Library" is also set for release, highlighting Donald's long history.
• 🎬 The Disney Movie Club is offering exclusive Blu-ray releases of "Make Mine Music" and "Melody Time" to its concierge-level members.

Mickey Mouse Logo and Disney Home Video

• 🐭 The iconic Mickey Mouse silhouette logo for Disney Home Video originated from a test for holographic technology related to "The Black Cauldron."
• 💡 A model from "The Mickey Mouse Review" was used for a proof-of-concept test, and its striking visual was later adapted for the home video division's branding.