Fine Tuning with Drew Taylor: Ursula's Voice Actors & Spider-Verse Impressions

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Impressions

• 🕷️ Drew Taylor shares his enthusiastic thoughts on "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," highlighting its beautiful artistry and moving emotional depth.
• 🎨 He notes that Gwen Stacy's storyline is a significant part of the film, with her world visually reflecting her emotions through color changes and dripping paint.
• 🎬 The film is described as having a melancholy tone and a powerful cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the sequel, "Beyond the Spider-Verse."

The Path to Ursula's Voice

• 🎤 The discussion delves into the casting process for Ursula in Disney's animated "The Little Mermaid."
• 🎭 Divine is cited as Howard Ashman's initial inspiration for Ursula's character, aiming for a campy and robust villain.
• 🎤 Bea Arthur was a top choice, but her agent reportedly blocked the offer, fearing the role would portray her as a witch.
• 🎭 After considering other actresses like Joan Collins and Charlotte Ray, Elaine Stritch was chosen but ultimately let go due to substance abuse issues and inability to meet recording tempo.
• 🎤 Pat Carroll eventually secured the role, delivering a performance that deeply impressed Melissa McCarthy, who later also auditioned for the live-action version.
• 🎤 Lizzo also reportedly went to great lengths to audition for Ursula in the live-action film, even creating a video performing "Poor Unfortunate Souls."

Pixar's Elemental and Box Office Concerns

• 📊 Concerns are raised about the projected low box office performance of Pixar's "Elemental."
• 📉 The film's tracking is significantly lower than initial projections, with comparisons drawn to previous Pixar films like "The Good Dinosaur" and "Onward."
• 🌐 The "Disney Plus-ification" of Pixar is questioned as a potential factor in diminishing the brand's perceived strength, despite individual film popularity.
• 🎢 The discussion touches on the lack of attendance bump at Disneyland's Pixar Pier, suggesting Pixar's brand recognition might not be as strong as Disney believes.

Universal Studios and Theme Park News

• 🎢 Universal Studios Florida is expanding with Minions Land at Universal Studios Florida, featuring "Illumination Avenue" and the "Villain Con" attraction.
• 🎃 The integration of the family-friendly Minions Land with the seasonal Halloween Horror Nights is noted as an interesting logistical challenge.
• 🐉 Construction on Epic Universe in Florida is progressing, with details emerging for the "How to Train Your Dragon" themed land, including sculpted totem poles.

Live-Action Adaptations and Casting Rumors

• 🎬 Production is underway for the live-action "Lilo & Stitch" in Hawaii, with a reference Stitch doll being used for filming.
• 🐉 Casting rumors for the live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" include Ouli'i Cravalho for Astrid and Jack Grazer for Hiccup.
• 🎤 The original voice of Moana, Ouli'i Cravalho, has stated she will not return to voice Moana in future projects.