Los Angeles, CA – The director behind Disney classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” and “Moana” has voiced concerns about the direction the entertainment giant is taking with its storytelling. John Musker, in an interview with El País, criticized Disney for prioritizing messaging over the quality of the story in their recent productions.
Musker emphasized the need for a “course correction” at Disney, urging the company to focus on creating engaging characters and compelling narratives rather than pushing a specific message. While he did not explicitly mention the term “woke,” Musker’s comments hinted at his dissatisfaction with the studio’s current approach to storytelling.
In particular, Musker highlighted the recent adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” criticizing the decision to downplay the father-daughter dynamic and the use of CGI. He also mentioned his work on “The Princess and the Frog,” emphasizing the importance of diversity in animation while stressing the need for a well-crafted script.
As Disney continues to produce live-action adaptations of its animated films, Musker expressed his detachment from the upcoming Moana film but expressed hope for its success. He concluded by noting that Disney’s messaging may not resonate with everyone, including former collaborators like himself.
Overall, Musker’s remarks shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding Disney’s storytelling approach and the balance between messaging and entertainment in modern animated films. The director’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing quality storytelling over pushing a specific agenda in the world of animation.