What's happened
Walt Disney's granddaughter, Joanna Miller, has criticized the creation of an animatronic version of her grandfather for Disneyland's 70th anniversary. She argues that the portrayal is dehumanizing and does not honor his legacy, expressing her concerns directly to Disney CEO Bob Iger.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Legacy Concerns: Joanna Miller argues that the animatronic version of Walt Disney is a 'robotic Grampa' that fails to capture his essence, stating, 'You cannot add life to one empty of a soul or essence of the man.'
- Corporate Decisions: The decision to create this animatronic has been framed by Disney as a tribute, yet it raises questions about corporate ethics in representing historical figures.
- Cultural Reflection: This incident reflects broader societal concerns about technology's role in preserving or distorting human legacy, especially in the context of transhumanism and AI.
- Public Reaction: Miller's public outcry has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of using technology to recreate deceased individuals, highlighting a tension between nostalgia and authenticity.
What the papers say
According to Richard Luscombe in The Guardian, Joanna Miller expressed her emotional response upon seeing the animatronic, stating, 'I think I started crying. It didn’t look like him to me.' This sentiment is echoed in her Facebook post where she described the project as 'dehumanizing.' In contrast, The Guardian's Stuart Heritage discusses the cultural implications of such representations, linking it to contemporary themes in entertainment and technology. The New York Post also highlights Miller's fears about the animatronic's impact on her grandfather's legacy, emphasizing her belief that 'people are not replaceable.' This divergence in perspectives illustrates the complex interplay between corporate interests and familial legacy.
How we got here
The controversy arises from Disney's announcement of a new attraction, 'Walt Disney – A Magical Life,' featuring an animatronic Walt Disney. Joanna Miller, who has voiced her objections, believes this representation contradicts her grandfather's wishes and legacy.
Go deeper
- What are the public reactions to the animatronic?
- How has Disney responded to Joanna Miller's concerns?
- What does this mean for the future of Disney attractions?
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Walter Elias Disney ( DIZ-nee; December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966) was an American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur. A pioneer of the American animation industry, he introduced several developments in the production of cartoons..
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The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California.
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Robert Alan Iger (; born February 10, 1951) is an American media executive who is chief executive officer (CEO) of the Walt Disney Company. He previously was the president of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) between 1994 and 1995 and president...
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