Disney's Unmade Films: 'Fraidy Cat', 'Black Cauldron', and 'Aida' with Drew Taylor & Jim Hill

Animation News and Updates

• 🎙️ The episode begins with a discussion of the upcoming Adventure Time specials titled "Distant Lands" for HBO Max.
• 💡 It's noted that these specials are a significant addition to HBO Max's animation library, alongside Studio Ghibli films.
• 📚 Drew Taylor and Jim Hill also discuss the recently released autobiography of Elton John, highlighting his reflections on writing songs for Disney's "The Lion King."

The Lion King's Success and Unfulfilled Deals

• 🎶 Elton John's autobiography details his initial intrigue and amusement in writing pop songs for "The Lion King," aiming for a sound kids would enjoy.
• 💰 He recounts the immense success of "The Lion King" soundtrack, which sold 18 million copies and even outsold The Rolling Stones' "Voodoo Lounge."
• 🤝 Disney offered Elton John a lucrative, exclusive deal to develop more films, TV shows, and books, but he declined due to a prior commitment to Jeffrey Katzenberg and DreamWorks.
• 🎢 The discussion touches on Disney's interest in using Elton John's music for the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster attraction, which he also turned down.

Unproduced Disney Animated Features

• 🎬 The podcast delves into several unmade or canceled Disney animated projects, starting with "Fraidy Cat," an affectionate send-up of Alfred Hitchcock films by Ron Clements and John Musker.
• 👻 "Black Cauldron" is discussed as a troubled production, with its rights acquired in 1971 and significant development challenges, including the departure of Don Bluth and his team.
• 💡 A notable aspect of "Black Cauldron" was an experimental hologram effect for the Horn King conjuring undead warriors, which was ultimately deemed too costly and impractical for theaters.
• 🐱 "Fraidy Cat" was eventually shut down by then-president David Stainton, who doubted its appeal to modern audiences and preferred dog-centric animated films.
• 🚢 The conversation also touches on the development of "Aida" (initially "Elaborate Lives") and its complex production history, including a unique unfolding pyramid set piece.

The Fate of 'Fraidy Cat' and Future Possibilities

• 💔 Ron Clements and John Musker resigned from Disney Feature Animation after "Fraidy Cat" was canceled, feeling unsupported by management.
• 🤝 They were approached by Pixar and later invited back to Disney after its acquisition by Steve Jobs, but "Fraidy Cat" was not revived.
• ✍️ The podcast speculates on the potential for "Fraidy Cat" to be produced as a live-action film or a limited series for Disney Plus, given its unique concept.
• 👑 The discussion briefly mentions the upcoming Disney Plus series about the "Queens of Animation" and Karina Longworth's podcast on "Song of the South."
• 🐸 The challenges and pushback faced during the development of "The Princess and the Frog" are also briefly mentioned, as is the cancellation of the "Mort" project due to rights issues with Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.