Remembering Russi Taylor, Disney Legend and Voice of Minnie Mouse

Honoring Russi Taylor's Legacy

• 😔 The episode begins with a tribute to Russi Taylor, the beloved Disney Legend who voiced Minnie Mouse for over three decades, noting her passing.
• 🎙️ Her journey to becoming Minnie Mouse began in 1986 during a period when Disney sought to modernize its characters, inspired by figures like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper.
• 🎯 Disney implemented a strategy to have one consistent voice actor for each major character, with Russi Taylor being selected for Minnie in 1986, following Wayne Allwine for Mickey (1983) and Tony Anselmo for Donald (1985).
• ❤️ Despite the initial 'Totally Minnie' project not lasting, Taylor's good humor, professionalism, and unique spin on Minnie's voice led to her becoming the definitive voice, even marrying Mickey's voice actor, Wayne Allwine, in 1991.
• 💔 After Wayne Allwine's passing in 2009, Taylor considered retiring but ultimately returned to voice Minnie, continuing her work until her passing from cancer.
• 🌟 Her final projects included the short "Carried Away" and likely her last big studio project, "Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway."
• 🎭 Beyond Minnie, Taylor also voiced characters like Baby Gonzo (Muppet Babies), Martin Prince (The Simpsons), and contributed to localized versions of Studio Ghibli films.

Discussing Animation and Film Projects

• 🦆 The hosts briefly touch upon the DuckTales reboot, noting the introduction of characters like the Wuzzles, Goofy, and Chip 'n' Dale, and the potential for a Disney Afternoon shared universe.
• 🎬 A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the trailer for "Cats", with commentary on its performance capture technology and its resemblance to the stage musical.
• 💔 The conversation shifts to the ambitious but ultimately abandoned animated version of "Cats" from the early 90s, produced by Amblin Entertainment, highlighting its stunning concept art and post-Blitz London setting.
• 🎬 The upcoming film "Gemini Man" is discussed, focusing on its groundbreaking use of 120 frames per second 3D technology and a fully CGI younger Will Smith character, noting the potential challenges for theatrical exhibition and home viewing.
• 📺 The animated series "Archer" is mentioned for concluding its 10th season, with anticipation for the upcoming season that will see the protagonist emerge from a coma.
• 🚂 The upcoming Cartoon Network series "Infinity Train" is highlighted, drawing comparisons to "Over the Garden Wall."
• 💥 The raw and intense animation in the trailer for "Primal", by Genndy Tartakovsky, is praised, with a humorous interpretation that it serves as creative therapy for the animator.
• 🎙️ Updates are provided on various podcasts, including "Light the Fuse," "The Disney Dish," "Looking for Lucas," "Marvel US Disney," and "Universal Joint."
• 🧸 A particularly unsettling talking Nala toy from the live-action "The Lion King" is described as nightmarish.