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During a recent appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, renowned director Robert Zemeckis shared insights into the daunting challenges of bringing a sequel to Who Framed Roger Rabbit to life.
Zemeckis emphasized that the current corporate culture at Disney does not align with the original spirit of the film, stating that “the current Disney would never make Roger Rabbit today.”
Credit: Disney
He attributed this to the fact that the studio cannot produce a movie featuring the iconic character Jessica Rabbit, who he claims is considered too sexual for modern audiences.
Despite a well-developed script for the sequel, penned by the original writers, Zemeckis noted that it is unlikely to see the light of day. He expressed disappointment, stating, “The sequel script isn’t ever going to see the light of day as good as it is.”
Credit: Disney
To contextualize this shift, Zemeckis pointed out that the successful original film came at a transformative moment for Disney’s animation division, with the studio emerging from a period of financial struggles. “We were able to make it right at the time when Disney was ready to rebuild itself,” he remarked, suggesting that the drive and energy of that era allowed for creative risk-taking that the current environment lacks.
Jessica Rabbit’s Controversial Image in Modern Disney
The character of Jessica Rabbit, famously voiced by Kathleen Turner, has become a point of contention within the Disney franchise. Known for her sultry appearance and provocative nature, she was designed to embody the classic femme fatale archetype.
Credit: Disney
Zemeckis highlighted how the character’s design faced scrutiny in contemporary culture, referencing changes made to her representation at Disneyland. He stated, “Look what they did to Jessica at the theme park. They trussed her up in a trench coat.”
In 2021, Jessica Rabbit’s character underwent significant alterations in the Disneyland attraction Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. The changes included a shift from her original seductive appearance to a detective – complete, as Zemeckis noted, with a curve-covering trench coat.
The character previously appeared in her trademark red, floor-length dress and was tied up in one scene.
Credit: Disney
“With the recent return of the Toon Patrol Weasels to Mickey’s Toontown, Jessica Rabbit has decided it’s time to throw her fedora into the ring by starting her own private investigative service,” says the ride’s description on the Disneyland website. “Catch a ride in a taxi and follow Roger Rabbit and Benny the Cab as they try to help Jessica Rabbit put a stop to the diabolical plans of the villainous Weasels. But beware—the Weasels are pouring slippery toon-melting Dip in the paths of passing vehicles—including yours!”
Nostalgia and the Original Roger Rabbit
Who Framed Roger Rabbit remains a significant cultural touchstone, lauded for its innovative blend of live-action and animation.
Released in 1988, the film captivated audiences and grossed over $351 million at the box office, securing its status as the second-highest-grossing film that year. Its success can be attributed to a rich storytelling approach that bridged generational gaps, appealing to both adults and children.
Credit: Disney
The latter was arguably key to its success. Zemeckis shared that even young viewers grasped the film’s sophisticated themes during test screenings. “Kids get everything. They understand. They get it,” he noted.
The Future of Animation and Unique Storytelling
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin isn’t the only ride to change as part of Disney’s efforts to make its theme parks as family-friendly as possible.
This includes updates to Pirates of the Caribbean at every park except Tokyo Disneyland, where the classic “we wants the redhead” scene—once depicting pirates bidding on brides—now showcases the redhead herself as a bold pirate.
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic
In a similar vein, Walt Disney Imagineering revamped Jungle Cruise, removing racially insensitive elements and infusing the ride with comic scenes featuring animals and a fresh, culturally diverse cast.
After years of criticism over its ties to Song of the South (1946), Splash Mountain also closed at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park, making way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009), this new experience celebrates Disney’s first Black princess with an entirely reimagined storyline and atmosphere.
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