Comic Con Reveal: Merida Is Coming to OUAT (& a link to a Dark Swan preview)

So at Comic Con* this year are a number of fairy tale-pertinent events, including anything to do with Grimm, whatever Disney and Pixar are doing with tales, lots of smaller indie events (no Fables this year unfortunately, now the series is wrapped, and no news of a Fables movie update from Warner Bros... yet!) and, of course, Once Upon A Time.

The OUAT creators released a promo video Saturday, which unfortunately doesn't tell us much other than who it is (and that her costume is exactly the same as in the movie). I don't see any story set-up in there yet, but for most people, just knowing Merida is set to appear in the world of Once Upon A Time, is news enough.

Yep, Once Upon a Time meets Brave's Princess Merida next season. Now that we've seen her, we can't wait to hear that Scottish accent! And yes, the actress is Scottish. That's Amy Manson, who you may recognize from Torchwood, Being Human and Atlantis. (source)

Take a look:

I think it's been expected for a while and there's a lot of potential for some interesting story lines (transformed bear people and wisps please! Let's get some more classic fairy tale tropes back in there please..).

I have to say I'm disappointed this Merida isn't more robust, although I'm ridiculously glad she's Scottish! We have yet to see her in real action so I'm hoping for the best. I do like that she doesn't appear to be in that OUAT age range of mid-thirties, for something different. (It's like there's a time warp there! Mid-thirties is a great age, but not when EVERYBODY is the same age, barring Granny, Rumple and Grumpy!)

Anyway, lots of speculation from here on out and wish lists getting scribbled in a frenzy by fans as I type...

More updates from Comic Con as they appear (and as I have access to get them to you)...

Oh yes: and if you're curious about Dark Swan Emma, you can see a preview scene HERE.

* In case you're not aware, the annual San Diego Comic Con is currently happening and has grown from indie comic artists and toys to be one of the largest pop culture, comic convention and entertainment events in the US. It's that time of year where any (genre) TV series sends their fan favorite actors and crew to chat on panels, tease spoilers of the coming season and release exclusive clips, interviews, behind-the-scenes and (of course) merchandise. If you love movies, fantasy, sci-fi, comics, pop-culture, illustration, animation and art, this is the place to be - and to geek out and cosplay to your heart's content. (It's also incredibly crowded and hot but for many people it's worth it and a fantastic and fun experience.) 

Ask Baba Yaga: Should I Pick the Career That Fits Me Or the One I Want to Fit?

Baba Yaga by Laura Gilbert

Well here's an interesting one. I used to believe this was a question you might be faced with (perhaps) twice in your life - once as a young person becoming a fully-fledged adult and again as an adult who is taking their working life/career to the next level (and then maybe, if you were lucky, to a less stressful extent when you moved into retirement). I'm now acutely aware that life just doesn't work that way! You may think you're destined for one thing when you're a child, then something more specific as a young person choosing a direction of study and work, but life has a way of being unpredictable and I only know a very small handful of people who've dealt with one major path through their whole life. Most I know are like me: you have plans, you work while you're working on them, some things pan out but are completely the opposite of what you expected and so your plans no longer make sense, while other things don't work at all, and all you know for sure is: you need a change of plan! Then, for someone like me who planned on NOT having a family then did, and suddenly found life was no longer as flexible, what do you do then? I'm lucky in that I loved this curve ball of motherhood I was thrown, but it did mean all my previous plans scattered in the winds of change. And then, kids or not, there seems to be a point at which you realize you're at -yet another!- crossroads and can either shore things up where you are or put in the effort to try something that you're curious about although it may not (yet) be you. How on earth do you choose what is truly best?

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

While advice like 'follow your heart', 'go for your dream', seems to be good advice, when you're saddled with responsibilities of mortgage, clients, children, a reputation or 'brand', etc etc, going beyond known territory and/or outright changing what you are doing (and who you are) is risky and often terrifying. And frankly, it isn't always the right thing to do. Dreams don't always turn out to be the pleasant ones we believed them to be (I learned that the hard way) and your heart can lead you astray. Sometimes the right thing to do is NOT to go for that job, but to commit to where you are and develop from there, because, you don't truly know the potential of that either. 'Success' in either choice and place, ultimately depend on you. (No pressure! Ha.)

I guess what Baba Yaga is pointing out in this case is: be 'alive' wherever you are, be vital - not dead wood.

Hm. When you put it like that, it might actually be possible to choose your path with confidence.

(Gosh she's good!)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Disney Plans On Bringing My Childhood Nightmare To Life

I realized, in the recent round-up list of live-action movies Disney is working on to-date, that I'd left one off, since I was unable to blog when the news broke, and being more folklore than fairy tale, it ended up further and further down my catch-up list... apologies!

At the beginning of June it was announced that Disney would now be bringing a sequence from the original Fantasia to life.

*collective ooh and bright eyes*

Yes, that was my reaction too, until I read the words: Night On Bald Mountain.

*mass hysteria and uncontrollable sobbing on behalf of my five year old self*

Yes. I am not joking. This is the sequence where the giant GIGANTIC demon Chernabog, complete with a slew of ghoulish specters raised from the grave and howling witches (I'm talking the worst and most feared stereotype) that bring every form of fear to a small town at a midnight hour with demonic revels.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Disney is conjuring up a live-action movie based on the "Night on Bald Mountain" sequence from the studio's animated classic  Fantasia. Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless will write the script for the project — which is in early development at the studio — based on the 1940's animated film. The hot writing duo is also executive producing the film. 

The "Night on Bald Mountain" section of Fantasia centered on a dark winged creature who raised spirits from the dead. They dance, fly through the air and enjoy an night of mayhem until they fade away as the night ends and the sun begins to rise. 

Sources say the live-action take will be similar to what Disney did with Maleficent... 

Sazama and Sharpless are a good fit for a dark fantasy tale as they've been building up a solid career based on work that fits into this genre, and have recently grown into a go-to team for this sort of world creation. The duo wrote the script for Universal's Dracula Untold starring Luke Evans, which hit theaters in October. Along with Cory Goodman, they wrote the screenplay for The Last Witch Hunter...

This sequence (which may come close to one of the most nightmarish animation sequences put on film of all time - or at least the most nightmarish kids would see) was followed by another sequence which I will also never forget: Ave Maria. In the rays of dawn, Chernabog and all the forces of hell are beaten back by the light and eventually banished as some pious (and to my young mind, very brave) monks, walk in procession trough the cathedral of trees, singing Ave Maria.

It's a brilliant, brilliant pair of sequences and the animation for each still holds up as stunning and remains impossible to forget. If you haven't seen it, it's worth a look (though you may want to keep small children, five and under, otherwise occupied while you watch (sorry it's split into the two parts - I couldn't find a seamless video):

 

As you can see for yourself, despite this concept's brilliance, it is, indeed, the stuff of nightmares, and I have zero desire to see this nightmare brought to life.

And Once Upon A Time's recent 'guest appearance' by a live action Chernabog only amplifies that zero, with an added, heaping dose of cringe.

(See image at right. > > > > > >)

I know the fan forums seemed to love the idea and wanted more but this was not the Chernabog of lifelong nightmares. In fact it was sort of embarrassing. :/ And kind of disrespectful to the original achievements in both storytelling and art on film.

Perhaps the final product will be so far 'left' of the original that the two won't be compared (which is sort of how I feel about Maleficent - it's more it's own film and story with an homage to Disney's animated Sleeping Beauty than a remake of the original). I don't know. Reading the rest of the announcement feels like being set-up for a B-movie, unless it's done seriously and extremely well. Once again, it's difficult to predict.

There hasn't been any further official news on the project but if we hear some, we'll pass it on.

Korean Director Has Promising Film Debut With "The Piper"

All reviews seem to give thumbs up to this new director Kim Kwang-tae and his movie debut, based on the story of The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

"The Piper hums a familiar tune, yet this fable of mistrust and deceit remains engrossing and entertaining thanks to a few wicked twists."

When an already spooky story gets a 'spooky makeover' my horror-movie alert senses start to tingle, which is where this film does appear to lead. (Despite having a penchant for the darker side of things and not shying away from, shall we say 'forensic' details, horror really isn't my thing and I haven't even seen all the classics. I don't feel I'm missing out. Thrillers, on the other hand, I'm totally in!) Korean directors typically adore horror and love the extremes of gore and sensationalism. They also don't shy away from being tagged in the horror genre (it doesn't appear to be quite as stigmatized as it does in the West) so a 'supernatural thriller' or 'fantasy thriller' actually sounds promising (at least until there's blood).


Here's the synopsis:

Shortly after the Korean War, a man and his son, Woo-ryong and Young-nam, arrive in an isolated mountain village looking for work in order to make enough money to continue their journey to Seoul. Against the chief's better judgement, Woo-ryong is allowed to do odd jobs and soon realizes the village suffers a major rat infestation. Like a mid-century Pied Piper, he makes a deal with the chief to rid the town of the rats but when the time comes to collect his fee and leave, the chief double crosses the father and son. Vowing a revenge, he lures the rats back, fulfilling an old prophecy that brings horror to the village.

The film has gotten English subtitles ahead of it's Korean release (something which appears to be unusual and speaks well of the film and likely distribution).

The Piper (손님) – or more literally translated as The Guest– has received an English subtitled trailer ahead of its July 9th release date in Korea. 

Loosely based on the classic tale of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, the fantasy-thriller is about a father and his sickly boy who, shortly after the Korean War, find themselves at a strange remote village in the mountains on their way to Seoul. Intending to stay there only for a day before moving on, the duo start to experience surreal events amongst the citizens that leads the father to pick up his mysterious pipe.

An alternate summary from Twitch film :

Kim's version takes place in the aftermath of the Korean War and sees the piper traveling through the mountains with his son. They happen upon a path that has magically opened up, indicated to us by way of a dolly zoom, and soon discover a mysterious village that looks upon these wanderers with suspicious eyes. They stick around for long enough to be accepted by the villagers but also to sense that something isn't quite right. Only then does the well-known rat element of the story come into play.

You can read the whole review from Twitch  HERE, which might give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Here's the trailer. It has English subtitles and is NOT graphic (another plus). The most you see are a weird egg and some stained shirts. If you're up for a different interpretation, take a look:

Although at first I thought otherwise, a repeat viewing makes me think the end figure might be the Piper's own child shuffling along there, I'm not sure...

The trailer suggests a beautifully made film, with a few different twists on the usual tale. While I won't be going to any of the upcoming brief and limited screenings happening for it's release in LA later this month, (beginning July 17th with the official US release being July 24th) I will keep an eye out for it streaming. I'd like to see what the director has done that's caught critic's positive attention (and then I can also fast-forward through any gratuitous unpleasantness).

"The Sad Little Princess" To Benefit Veterans

The Princess Who Never Smiled by Viktor Vasnetsov

Here's an unusual tale with some unusual affiliations: a lesser-known Russian fairy tale (usually titled The Princess Who Never Smiled) has been made into a special-release paper doll book (by an award winning doll designer) and after the hundredth copy has been sold, all the rest of the profits will go toward Hope for Veterans.

I'm not sure why this tale specifically, unless it's to do with bringing happiness back into people's lives, (which is definitely veteran related) or why paper dolls might be related to veterans (although it does say the designer supports this cause personally), but either way, it's wonderful to see.

And great to see a different fairy tale getting circulated too. The English version of this tale, The Golden Goose, (in which the townsfolk end up being stuck to each other in a long chain and dragged about town) used to be well and widely known but sadly doesn't seem to be anymore.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

Stacia McDonough, award-winning doll designer and CEO of Neva Dolls, has released her second book, “The Sad Little Princess.” It’s a collaboration between the Bedminster-based doll artist, and the late Tom Tierney, a prolific and talented paper doll artist.

The story is based on an old Russian fairy tale about Feodora, a beautiful, yet melancholy tsarina (a Russian princess), and the quest of her beloved father, the benevolent Tsar, who has offered half of his impressive kingdom to the suitor who can make his precious daughter happy.

McDonough’s verse aims to transport the reader into this whimsical land of make believe, in a tale told with an authentic Russian flair.

...“I am thrilled that this special edition book is being released to the public,” McDonough said. “It was an absolute joy working with the late, great Tom Tierney. He was the quintessential professional, and the absolute finest paper doll artist this world will ever see. Tierney’s dazzling renderings of my original Russian costumes are stunning. The vivid, eye-popping colors paired with my exotic Russian costumes are simply a luxurious treat for the eye to behold. Prepare to be enchanted!”

McDonough is known for her luxurious Neva Dolls. Each doll, “Handcrafted in Russia with Love,” pay homage to all Russian women throughout the centuries, from the farmer bride in the rural village, to the courtly tsarinas. Committed to preserving old-world style through fine detail and sophisticated style, these museum-quality porcelain dolls capture Russia’s history and grandeur with costumes created from genuine furs, exceptional fabrics, and the finest Russian porcelain. The opulent beauties are inspired by Russia’s history, its folklore and fairy tales, and its literature and ballets.

The Golden Goose illustration by Lancelot Speed from The Red Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

For further information or to purchase a book, go to Amazon.com or visit paperstudiopress.com.

"The Wild Girl" (US Edition) Is Out! (And Coming to OUABlog!)

She's here, she's here!

I'm supposed to wait till it's Once Upon A Blog's turn on Kate Forsyth's virtual book tour through the US, to talk at length about this book, or to post our waiting-in-the-wings OUABlog team review (care of Christie Pang) but it felt weird not announcing on Tuesday that it's out NOW, because if you're remotely interested, you will not be disappointed and will wished you didn't wait to get your own copy.


I will admit to hunting down a UK edition (with silhouette artwork) over a year ago when I first heard about the book, knowing I'd at least like it (besides: silhouettes = pretty!). I was not prepared for how MUCH I would like it! The whole "tale behind the tales" (who told them to whom, how the tales were edited and changed [and possibly why], their layers and shades of meaning, how they fit into the cultural landscape of the Napoleonic war at the time etc) is a interesting source of speculation for any fairy tale enthusiast but you may not have considered it in quite the same, fascinating and immediate (and 'human') way as how Kate has told the story. The story of Dortchen Wild (who eventually became Dortchen Grimm - yes, wife of one of THE Brothers Grimm) is a story that makes you wonder why this tale isn't as well known as the fairy tales themselves.

Having read so many fairy tale novels I'm very picky with those I put in my "keep at arm's reach" fairy tale novel bookshelf but this one definitely qualifies, and I've already read  - and referred to - it multiple times.



There's more to come and Once Upon A Blog will have a special INTERVIEW with Kate Forsyth herself (with bonus special 'behind-the-scenes peek!) on this coming Monday - July 13th. (And you'll begin to have an idea of why I love this book so much.)

And there will also be a GIVEAWAY!

Stay tuned...

Once Upon A Time Season 5 Promises A Dark Swan

You've probably seen at least some of the update on OUAT's plans for season 5, especially if you follow on Facebook or Twitter, since I sent an article link on this to both in the past couple of days. (In case you're not aware, I've recently been linking to additional fairy tale relevant articles and interesting news and tidbits I haven't had time to get to, from a remote app I can use while doing other things, without having to log in to the blog, to FB or Twitter. So far so good!)

By now you also probably know that at the end of the last season...

END OF SEASON 4 SPOILERS!!!

LOOK AWAY IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW...>>>

... Emma Swan picked up the Dark One's dagger and we saw the start of the Dark One curse taking over her - something she purposely did to save Regina from doing it (and because someone had to do to "save the world" etc...)

SPOILERS OVER (pretty much, more later)

Since Emma Swan's name is "swan" it has been an obvious and likely plot possibility from the very beginning - that the light and dark sides of Emma be explored - think Odette/Odile in Swan lake, except I'm guessing there'll be less tutus.

(Oh boy. I hope there are less tutus...)

However... (Wait for it..)

Despite it seeming to be a fairly obvious take-off of Black Swan (the amazing-disturbing movie with Natalie Portman playing a ballerina who gets to finally dance the lead in Swan Lake), it looks like the promotional material (which you're not going to be able to avoid, especially if you're anywhere near LA or San Diego's ComiCon) is directly taking those visual motifs and repurposing them (other people might use a stronger term) for the upcoming season.

The emphasis is on ravens and raven feathers, rather than swans but really, the black-on-white/white-on-black with a slash of red, is clearly the same idea.

MORE SPOILERISH THINGS

& RANDOM SPECULATION BELOW

My thoughts on the Black Swan approach: it's been coming for a long time so no surprise there BUT I do love the Swan Lake tale and am intimately familiar with all the nuances in the ballet. There's a LOT to play around with in the story and I'm curious to see if they touch on that at all.

From The Movie Network:

Obviously there's a good portion of the half-season where the light side loses, at least enough for Kitsis and fellow EP/showrunner Adam Horowitz to give her the new nickname 'Dark Swan.' 

The real question is how the powers of the Dark Swan — yes, that’s what they’re calling her! — will differ from Rumplestiltskin’s (Robert Carlyle). “How a Dark One manifests is specific to each person who takes on the mantle,” says Horowitz. “Emma will have her own unique spin on what it means to be a Dark One.”

Big question: will the creators take a stab at dealing with mental illness issues along with general interior conflict? I can just about guarantee it will come up on Tumblr, even if it isn't intentional on the part of Kitsis and Horowitz.

Big question #2: will they finally acknowledge/touch on the Swan Queen vibe (aka Emma & Regina) that so many fans believe is there (and many are rooting for), as their long-time promised, yet not-yet fulfilled, gay character exploration? (Personally, with how Regina's character is looking, I can't see that being a two-way street if it does - her character clearly loves Robin - but that doesn't mean they won't have Dark Emma make a pass at Regina. Not exactly the best way to handle the idea though, as in this would then be a dark trait/manifestation, so I'm hoping this isn't the plan...)

The B-plot, by the way, is Arthurian and all things Camelot. They've gone into this territory before, and more than once, (Lancelot - who will apparently be returning, somehow, and the Lady of the Lake complete with sword, just to name the biggies, but there have been other references too), so here's my prediction: Season 5 is going heavily into princes, princesses, castles and dragons land - that is, the pop-culture idea of what a fairy tale is (see Fairy Tale Fandom's great post on Saint George and the Dragon, which is relevant here). What will this probably overlap with? Maleficent, Lily and whatever draconian familial issues are going on there as well as anything to do with knights errant (be that actual knights or Hook as Emma's knight or whatever).

Plus: Merlin, Merlin, Merlin, who is yet to be cast. He's supposed to be a "big dealio" and key to getting "the dark out of the swan".

SPOILERY THINGS OVER

No doubt we'll find out many other tidbits during the ComiCon panels, come mid-July.

I'm not really getting on board with the Dark Swan look, I'm afraid, but yes, I will be watching. Gotta keep up with what regular folk are considering as being fairy tales these days!

Once Upon A Time season 5 is set to premiere on September 27th.

Disney's Prince Charming Movie Update

A quick update on the "Disney Prince gets a live action movie of his own", story from yesterday.

Variety has since reported that (emphasis in bold is mine):

Sources tell Variety that the studio has acquired the spec “Prince Charming,” a live-action comedy revolving around the iconic character with Mandeville Films and Tripp Vinson producing. 

Matt Fogel penned the script and while plot details are vague, sources say the point of view isn’t that of the prince himself but of his brother who never lived up to the family name. Alex Young is exec producing.

Yep. I can see how that would be a lot easier to write.

I confess a disappointment. I wanted to see how they would make an interesting film about 'the perfect guy' (because no one is, even though you may have a lot of layer peeling to do before you figure out why).

Bother.

I was hoping some stellar and unique writing would put the concept on track and perhaps delve into some lesser known, more multicultural prince tales from other lands. (I always try and hope for the best.)

Now it looks like it's just going to be Cinderella with pants.

And probably a trusty horse.

Pfft.

Please let me be wrong.

Making Wolves Out Of Blown Down Houses

Olav the Wolf

I just HAD to share!

There is a Danish artist who is busy making amazing sculptures out of scrap wood and other discarded construction material and this wolf, posted just a couple of weeks ago, is obviously some part of the Three Little Pigs story we just haven't seen before.

Danish artist Thomas Dambo, creates gorgeous, hulking and humorous sculptures that are all made from reclaimed scrap wood and other discarded construction materials. The sculptures can be found in such cities as Copenhagen, Mors, Aarhus, and Horsens in Denmark and Culebra Es Ley in Puerto Rico. 

"Thomas and his team have made many different sculptures from recycled materials/trash. They have specialized in making wooden sculptures from scrapwood, such as Hector Protector and Troels The Troll but they also have great experience with making sculptures from other materials such as plastic, and even cardboard."

Olav the Wolf at night

Here's a quick little video of "Olav's" construction:

Pretty neat, right?

You can see more sculptures HERE and see other artwork by Dambo via his Instagram HERE.

Source: HERE

Disney Plans On Taking Prince Charming To the Movies

Here's a headline that says a lot:

A fairy tale archetype gets his own film as Disney plan a Prince Charming movie

My reaction: ?!!

Oh yes - and, it's staying with the current live action trend, of course.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Disney is continuing its push into live-action fairy tales, closing a deal for a feature project centering on Prince Charming. Matt Fogel wrote the script, while David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films/TV as well as Tripp Vinson are on board to produce. 

Disney pioneered the recent and lucrative trend of taking either old animated classics or fairy tales and spinning them into live-action features.And since no other studio has done more to ensconce the idea of Prince Charming into the public mind — with movies such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella — it is most appropriate the studio take a close look at the man as well. 

Details are being kept behind a moat, but the script is described as a revisionist take on the fairy tales.

I get the whole, "let's tell the antagonist's story", deal, I do. Usually that's a specific character who, while often using a recognizable archetype aspect, is generally not a flat character. In fact, it's the villain who usually does have the (hopefully second) most interesting story. (One would hope the protagonist is drawn well enough that you do care more about their story... but that's another discussion.)

However, if there's one accusation that's been leveled at (most) Disney princes (particularly the classic ones) it's this: they are made of cardboard. They are flat, dull, uninteresting, replaceable, forgettable, stand-ins to help the girls achieve their goals/dreams.

In fact I've heard it argued that princes in fairy tales - and particularly Disney ones - perhaps should be considered the prize to be won. The girl has to get so far in her story, overcoming obstacles, staying strong etc, to "activate" the prince - in whatever capacity he is needed - wherein his main function is, really, to be the girl's happily ever after pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Retelling one of these prince's stories sounds beyond yawn-worthy*, and then you read that magical little Hollywood phrase: "revisionist take", which basically means, an attempt to erase all previous notions of this idea you ever had. From that angle, I can see why they might want to flip-the-script and write a Prince who is... 'more'.

Possibly the most interesting Princes we've seen from Disney have made their way onto the screen in the last year; Richard Madden's "Kit" (I still can't get on board with that name), from Cinderella, goes against the system while working within it to achieve his goal, and the dueling duet of "Agony" by Rapunzel's and Cinderella's princes in Into the Woods remains one of the best, and funniest, live action "prince sequences" brought to the screen ever. I have to wonder if the latter isn't what spurred the sudden interest in cashing in on the (according to Tumblr) drool-worthy Agony-Prince-vibe.

I'm still not certain I'm up for a whole movie worth of it, though I'll be very interested to see the discussions coming out of this marketing, er, story. Crown prince versus "real" prince (whether or not there's a princess involved) is something it wouldn't hurt our society to consider a little more.


So you ready for the Disney-live-action line-up tally to date?

• Jungle Book
• Beauty and the Beast
• Dumbo
• Winnie the Pooh
• Pete's Dragon
• Mulan
• Pinocchio
• Alice: Through the Looking Glass
• Tink (a Peter Pan spin-off)
• Unnamed Prince Charming movie

Yep, we're set for live action Disney - some of them fairy tales (or Disney's version of a fairy tale) - through till 2018 at least.

Animation movies are still in development and production too, don't forget (Giants, Frozen II, Moana) but they're definitely second at best on the priority list for Disney right now.

* Though the "Disney confession" above isn't mine, I pretty much agree with it. Surprisingly, Prince Philip is the exception among the princes - if you watch Sleeping Beauty with an eye to the Prince's story, you'll see the bulk of the film IS HIS STORY - and it's pretty great - goes against tradition, defies great odds, goes for his dreams, defeats the dragon, etc. It's also exciting, he makes mistakes, there's character growth,  he has a great sidekick, he faces off with the forces of evil and fights both a curse and physical dangers and he proves he'll be a great leader when it's his turn to become king. If you edited the beginning to be more Philip-centric and get rid of most of the ridiculous fairies-can't-do-anything domestic antics, the film is a great adventure movie and both girls and boys love it. #triedthisanditworkseverytime