John Musker, the mind behind iconic Disney films like 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Aladdin', calls for a return to story-centric filmmaking, arguing that political agendas should not outweigh compelling narratives and engaging characters.
- May 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - John Musker emphasized the importance of creating compelling characters and engaging stories before introducing agendas. "You don't have to exclude agendas, but you have to first create characters who you sympathize with and who are compelling," he said.
He expressed concern that Disney's classic storytelling approach was being neglected, stating, "The classic Disney films didn't start out trying to have a message. They wanted you to get involved in the characters and the story and the world, and I think that's still the heart of it."
Musker also criticized Disney's recent live-action remakes, particularly "The Little Mermaid (2023)" adaptation. He noted that the film's focus on its political message diminished its emotional core and character development. He also commented on the company's tendency to prioritize risk reduction over innovation, stating, "Companies are always like, 'How do we reduce our risk? They like this, right? We'll just do it again and sell it to them in a different form.' "
Musker's critique comes amidst a broader backlash against Disney's perceived embrace of progressive agendas. The company has faced financial losses and viewer backlash, including controversies surrounding its LGBTQ+ representation and its clashes with conservative lawmakers.
Despite acknowledging the need for political correctness, Musker believes Disney's political message has become too aggressive. He explained that during his time in the 1990s and 2000s, the political agenda was less prevalent, but he did make alterations to content, such as changing the name of Baghdad to "Agrabah" in "Aladdin" due to the Gulf War.
