With the release of Christopher Robin right around the corner; Jim Cummings, the voice of both Pooh and Tigger, recently sat down with Collider to discuss what he believes makes the dearly-loved teddies special to so many people as well as what the most crucial characteristic of Pooh is.
The film follows Christopher Robin -- now a family man living in London -- as he receives a surprise visit from his old childhood pal, Winnie-the-Pooh. With Christopher's help, Pooh embarks on a journey to find his friends -- Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo. Once reunited, the lovable bear and the gang travel to the big city to help Christopher rediscover the joy of life.
Cummings was asked what he believes makes the beloved stuffed animals special to so many people. Though the words evaded him, he did explain his gratitude for the film's warm reception.
I can’t even describe it. I just have to say that it’s truly a blessing and an honor. It’s a privilege to carry these characters forward to a new generation, in such a fresh way. They’re absolutely beautiful, these little guys. I even have a teddy bear of my own at home that’s about 60 years old, and it’s all I could do to keep from throwing him into the Hundred Acre Wood with the rest of his friends.
It’s just so sweet and such a blessed feeling. The reception to the movie has been so beautiful. It gets me just as much as it does anybody else because I feel like I’m in the audience. I’m literally never on the screen, even though it’s my voice. It’s just wonderful. It gets me right in the feels, which apparently is a new expression.
The talented voice-actor later explained what he believes is the most crucial element of Pooh - the most important trait that he's kept with him throughout the entire franchise: his sense of wonder.
He still sees the world through honey-colored glasses. It’s never a question of, is the honey pot half-full or half-empty? It’s got honey in it, and would you please put in some more? And while you’re at it, grab another pot. It’s all just forward-thinking and positivity. I leave the gloom and doom to Eeyore because he does it best.
The message of the film is one of optimism and wonderment, Cummings explained what he thinks of this heartwarming theme:
I think it’s just beautiful. It’s perfect timing because the world can catch up with us and steal our magic and that childhood sense of wonder. It’s really east to forget the truly important things in the world when you’re doing the 9 to 5 and bringing home the paycheck. Next thing you know, you’re out there in the world and you don’t stop and smell the roses. So, Pooh makes sure that Christopher gets back to what’s important in the world. I think we can all use some of that.
What do you think of Cummings comments? What do you think is the most important part of Pooh's character? Check out a clip from the film below:
Christopher Robin arrives in theatres on the 17th of August.
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