Animation has always been Walt Disney's forte. Over the years, the House of Mouse has brought animated classics like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Pinnochio, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. But, if we don't stop there, the list will never end.
Nothing has changed over time, with Disney still releasing major animated hits. Recent titles include Soul, Raya and the Last Dragon, Onward, The Good Dinosaur, and others. Of course, having Pixar and Marvel characters in their toybox only means more work on their plate, especially with MCU animations such as What If...? starting to land on the streamer this month.
Walt Disney Animation has enlisted a new Vancouver Studio to develop numerous projects to ensure that things would continue at full speed. Moana, Baymax, and Zootopia are the first three in the works, with plenty of others quick to follow.
Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, had the following to say about which projects are coming first and why she's so passionate about today's storytelling possibilities.
“Disney Animation is creating more original storytelling for Disney+, expanding into series for the first time in our history with Iwájú, Tiana, Moana, Baymax, and Zootopia+. As we continue to grow our original slate of projects, there are more creative, artistic, and technological opportunities than at any previous time.”
Walt Disney Animation Studios President Clark Spencer added the following sentiments regarding the talent and technicians involved in the new team, simultaneously putting fans' minds at ease regarding the quality of the programming to come.
“With Burbank and Vancouver both home to some of the world’s most talented artists and technicians, we believe the storytelling and visual quality created within each location will meet the incredibly high standards we set for ourselves and audiences have come to expect from Disney Animation.”
Heading up the Vancouver Studio for Walt Disney Animation is Amir Nasrabadi. His resume should put fans at ease, having experience lending his creative expertise to WildBrain Studios, Pixar Canada, Illumination, and Paramount Animation.
While Nasrabadi previously served as a finance manager for Walt Disney Animation Studios, this marks his return to the House of Mouse. Regarding his reunion with the company, he said the following.
“I am so honored and excited to be joining the Disney family again. I can’t wait to dive in and collaborate with the talented teams at Disney Animation on a new slate of projects for Disney+, starting with Moana. I continue to be amazed at the high level of artistry and technological advancements coming out of the animation industry here in Vancouver, and I am so proud to be a part of this community. This is really a dream come true for me.”
What do you guys think? Is there one of these projects that you're most looking forward to, or are you worried about the new blood in the office? Regardless of what you make of this news, be sure to share your thoughts in the usual spot.
The Vancouver Studio's first project, Moana, is set to hit Disney+ sometime in 2024.