At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney revealed an ambitious new project that has sparked both excitement and controversy. During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced the creation of a life-like animatronic of Walt Disney, set to be featured in a new show titled “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
The animatronic, designed to capture the essence of Walt Disney, is by far one of Disney’s most ambitious projects to date. The animatronic will debut at the Main Street Opera House next year to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
Disney’s Life-Like Walt Disney Animatronic Sparks Fierce Debate: Tribute or Intrusive?
However, the decision to create a life-like animatronic of Walt Disney has also sparked significant backlash. Critics argue that the use of advanced technology to replicate Disney’s likeness raises ethical concerns. Some fans have expressed discomfort with the idea, finding the concept unsettling or creepy.
For many Walt Disney fans, this feels a bit like crossing a line. There’s something unsettling about bringing someone back in this way, posthumously and without the consent of Walt himself. It’s not just about preserving his legacy; to many, it feels like this project is venturing into a territory that might be uncomfortable and problematic. One fan shares:
The dehumanization of Walt by the Disney Corporation to make him feel like yet another Disney “character” as opposed to a once real, living human person is very dystopian and as cool as this sounds I very much don’t care for this.
The dehumanization of Walt by the Disney Corporation to make him feel like yet another Disney “character” as opposed to a once real, living human person is very dystopian and as cool as this sounds I very much don’t care for this. https://t.co/S7yDzzC22z
— Calvin Zanetti (@Calvin_Zanetti) August 15, 2024
The animatronic will be featured in a show that aims to highlight Walt Disney’s contributions and the history of Disneyland. According to a press release given by The Walt Disney Company, the speech will mash together old speeches and writing to create something new. They say:
“We scoured through his speeches and documents to find the words that would bring him to life in a way that would feel as if we dropped into his office for a chat,” he said. “Our hope is that the end result will give guests the best sense of Walt and his engaging and warm personality”
Will AI Be Used on ‘Walt Disney- A Magical Life’
One of the main concerns of fans is that Disney will use AI to help supplement the existing recordings in order to make this show come to life. The use of artificial intelligence has been tricky for Disney to navigate, and many feel that it would be wrong to put words in someone’s mouth, especially if that someone is the deceased founder of The Walt Disney Company.
Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings. Please be archival recordings.
https://twitter.com/officialblueg/status/1824186371315060955
As the debut of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” approaches, Disney will need to navigate the complexities of public sentiment and ensure that the presentation resonates positively with both fans and critics. The life-like animatronic of Walt Disney is set to be a focal point of Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebrations, and its reception will likely shape the future of how Disney engages with its rich history and beloved figures.