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9 Disney Characters Inspired by Real People

Characters are what make movies unforgettable and Disney has a particular knack for creating some of the most memorable and relatable original characters of all time – Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Elsa – all household names. However, there are a number of characters in Disney movies who are actually based on real people. Here are 9 Disney characters based on real people.

1. The Vultures (The Jungle Book)

The Vultures in The Jungle Book were modelled on The Beatles, with Disney wanting John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr to voice these characters and sing the song “That’s What Friends Are For”. The Beatles ultimately declined, so Disney pivoted to a barbershop quartet style for the song; however they kept the iconic mop-top haircuts and mannerisms of the group intact.

2. Aladdin (Aladdin)

Aladdin is actually based on the character Aladdin of the Middle Eastern One Thousand and One Nights stories. However, for the character in the 1992 movie, lead animator Glen Keane originally modelled Aladdin after Michael J. Fox, but felt the character lacked a certain “edge.” He changed the inspiration to Tom Cruise (specifically his look and charm in Top Gun) to make him a more confident, romantic lead. Aladdin’s signature outfit was also inspired by the rapper MC Hammer!

3. Genie (Aladdin)

Another Aladdin character inspired by a real person, this time it’s the Genie, inspired by the legendary Robin Williams. The Genie however is slightly different in the sense that typically the animation comes first, whereas the character Genie was specifically written for Robin Williams. You can quite clearly see in his mannerisms and energy that the animators had a great time basing the character on his real-life stand-up routines and performances.

4. Tinker Bell (Peter Pan)

There is a long-standing urban myth that Tinker Bell was based on Marilyn Monroe, however Tinker Bell was actually modelled after the actress Margaret Kerry, who sadly passed away recently. Margaret Kerry spent months pantomiming with oversized props on a sound stage to help the animators capture that Tinker Bell magic that we all know and love.

5. Cruella de Vil (One Hundred and One Dalmatians)

While Cruella originally appeared in Dodie Smith’s 1956 children’s novel, her animated persona was heavily shaped by a real-world star. Voice actress Betty Lou Gerson based her performance on Tallulah Bankhead, a glamorous, chain-smoking, and flamboyant stage and screen actress of the 1930s and 40s. Bankhead was the primary inspiration for Cruella’s chaotic energy, dramatic driving style, and husky voice.

6. Mother Gothel (Tangled)

Again, another character based on a fairytale character, Mother Gothel is based on Dame Gothel from the 1812 fairytale Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm. Director of Tangled, Byron Howard, admitted that the animators looked directly to music icon Cher when creating the exotic, gothic, and dramatic look for Rapunzel’s captor, matching her striking dark hair and high-drama energy.

7. Powerline (A Goofy Movie) & Dr Facilier (The Princess and the Frog)

There are a number of Disney characters inspired by famous musicians, and perhaps one of the most obvious examples is Powerline from A Goofy Movie. The superstar singer was heavily influenced by Michael Jackson, with his iconic stage presence, dance moves, and the choreography in the “I2I” concert finale clearly taking inspiration from the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson’s influence can also be seen in the villainous Dr Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. While the character’s design and performance draw from a variety of jazz and soul influences, his smooth swagger, hypnotic movements, and charismatic stage presence have clear similarities to Jackson’s iconic style.

8. Sven the Hummer (Cars 2)

The Cars universe is littered with nods and references to real-world stars, from Lewis Hamilton (who plays himself in a cameo role) to Jay Limo (played by Jay Leno), but one of the best unique references is Sven the Hummer. The yellow Hummer appears in the Porto Corsa casino scene and is a direct parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The model of the car itself is a nod to the fact that Schwarzenegger famously popularized the civilian Hummer, and the character is designed to match his muscular build.

9. Gazelle (Zootopia & Zootopia 2)

This is a fairly obvious one to include on my list, for those of you who may not know, the famous pop star from Zootopia is both played by and inspired by Shakira. As well as her mannerisms and movement, Disney animators deeply integrated Shakira’s exact hair colour, eye colour, and general fashion sense into the pop star mammal. Gazelle is one of the few Zootopia characters that actually wears shoes, which is ironic as Shakira normally doesn’t like wearing shoes when performing!

Who is your favourite real-life Disney inspiration?

Disney has always drawn inspiration from the real world, whether through actors, musicians, or cultural icons.

Which of these real-life inspirations surprised you the most, and who is your absolute favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

21/06/2026
Everything You Need To Know Ahead of Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5 releases tomorrow, and it’s safe to say anticipation is high. It’s been seven years since Toy Story 4 released and there have been a few changes and updates to the Toy Story universe. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Toy Story 5.

Note: The below contains minor spoilers ahead of Toy Story 5!

New Toys and Familiar Faces

As with any Toy Story, we can expect all the usual suspects like Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr Potato Head and the gang are all back on the big screen. A number of supporting characters return too, including Toy Story 4 favourites Forky, Karen Beverly and Duke Caboom. Toy Story 5 also introduces a host of new characters, most notably the film’s villain, Lilypad, a smart tablet, voiced by Greta Lee. Fun fact, this is actually Greta Lee’s second Disney movie, having starred in Tron: Ares in 2025.

The Buzz and Woody Reunion

At the end of Toy Story 4, we saw Woody and Buzz part ways with Woody staying behind as a ‘lost toy’. From the trailers, We know Woody eventually ends up back with the gang and in Bonnie’s bedroom, however we don’t yet know how they reunite. Thankfully, the film does help bridge this gap and Buzz and Woody’s separation is not ignored. We will have to wait and see how it all it ties together, but I’m pleased it’s not being brushed aside!

Jessie Takes the Spotlight

Since Woody left Bonnie’s toys at the end of Toy Story 4, we see from the trailer that Jessie has taken over as the sheriff of Bonnie’s room. We know that Jessie goes head-to-head with Lilypad and they clash to protect Bonnie’s imagination and the film heavily resurfaces Jessie’s deeply rooted trauma and abandonment issues from Toy Story 2. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this plays out as I feel Jessie definitely played a much smaller role in the past few movies.

The Creative Team Behind the Magic

The fifth instalment of the Toy Story franchise is directed by two-time Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton (who directed Finding Nemo and WALL-E), alongside co-director Kenna Harris. Despite this being the first Toy Story movie Stanton has directed, he is well-versed in the Toy Story universe, having served as a writer for story and screenplay on all four previous films. It will be awesome to see the direction he takes Toy Story 5 in!

The Return of Randy Newman

There’s another familiar behind-the-scenes star returning for Toy Story 5 – none other than Randy Newman. Composer of the iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and every Toy Story soundtrack ever since, it’s great to see Randy Newman return for the fifth instalment. The main single for Toy Story 5 is, however, provided by Taylor Swift, who contributed an original song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You”.

Are you ready for one more adventure?

It’s hard to believe we are finally getting a fifth chapter to a story that started all the way back in 1995. Whether you are rooting for Jessie’s new era as leader of the room, or just desperate to see how Buzz and Woody finally cross paths again, tomorrow is going to be an emotional day for Disney fans everywhere.

What are your predictions for the movie? Do you think a smart tablet will make a good Pixar villain? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

18/06/2026
10 Underrated Side Characters in the Toy Story Franchise

The vast, colourful cast of characters in the Toy Story franchise is a huge part of what makes the movies so enjoyable. From fan favourites like Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie, to Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and their adopted Alien children, every character brings something unique to the Toy Story universe.

But alongside the main cast, Toy Story also has a huge number of smaller characters who don’t always get the same amount of screen time, yet somehow manage to steal every scene they appear in.

For this list, I’ve decided to focus on some of the more underrated side characters, rather than the obvious choices like Hamm, Rex or Bo Peep. These are the characters that might only have a few moments on screen, but still leave a lasting impression.

Here are 10 of the best side characters in Toy Story:

Sarge & Bucket o’ Soldiers

As someone who spent most of their Saturday mornings growing up playing with toy soldiers and recreating epic battles across the living room floor, it’s no surprise that I have to include Sarge & the Bucket o’ Soldiers in my list! I really love the concept of the toys having their own personal army and the opening scene in Toy Story, where the soldiers spy on Andy’s birthday party, is just pure cinema! I’m a bit gutted we’ve not seen them since Toy Story 3 and even that was pretty much a farewell to the characters, but nevertheless, they are one of the best side character groups in the franchise.

Barrel of Monkeys

Based on the real life toy by Milton Bradley, Barrel of Monkeys actually appears in all four Toy Story movies. I really love how Pixar used a board game and created ‘toys’ from it to bring it to life for the Toy Story films. Their hooked arms actually serve a lot of purpose in the Toy Story universe too, whether that’s attempting to rescue Buzz or to save RC. The “Death by Monkeys” scene in Toy Story 3 is genius too and a great example of how a child’s imagination can run wild.

Chunk

Toy Story 3 introduced us to a huge number of characters, and Lotso’s henchmen crew provide some of the more interesting minor characters in the movie. One of my personal favourites is Chunk, a rock-like monster from Sunnyside Daycare. He is the epitome of a tough guy goon, providing the muscle for Lotso while also delivering some great comic relief – one of his best lines is: “He ain’t the sharpest knife in the…uh…place where they keep the knives!”.

Rocky Gibraltar

Rocky Gibraltar is another character based on a real-life toy; the collectible Wrestling Superstars figures made by Hasbro. The character features fairly prominently in Toy Story – I love the “Strange Things” sequence in the movie where he works out with Buzz and then helps him repair his ship with the tape dispenser. We don’t see much of him outside of the first Toy Story, albeit a few scenes in Toy Story 2, but he’s a character who really stands out for me.

Peas-in-a-Pod

A really unique set of characters, the Peas-in-a-Pod first appear in Toy Story 3 as one of Bonnie’s toys. I really love the concept of there essentially being three individual characters coming together to create one collective character and the Peas-in-a-Pod tie in works really well for this. They have a few funny interactions with both Woody and Mr Potato Head in Toy Story 3, but only have a minor appearance in Toy Story 4. Fingers crossed we see them again in Toy Story 5!

Lenny

Lenny is one of my favourite side characters in the Toy Story franchise, mainly because I had my own Lenny action figure way back in the late 90s which brings me so much nostalgia just thinking about! Lenny actually plays a fairly big role in Toy Story and then a bit of a smaller role in Toy Story 2, often acting as the eyes for the toys. I really love Lenny and Woody’s relationship in the first movie too, they really seem like good pals.

Hockey Puck

Very much the definition of a minor character, Hockey Puck is only seen briefly in Toy Story after Mr. Potato Head grouchily asked him what he was looking at, to which he just shrugged. Little is known about what happens to the character after that, he is not seen in the moving van later in the movie or in any subsequent Toy Story features. Despite the limited screentime, I think this is just such a fun minor side character and the fact we never see him again other than that one scene where he has beef with Mr Potato Head, make Hockey Puck even more of a mystery!

Mr Pricklepants

Another of Bonnie’s existing toys we were introduced to in Toy Story 3, Mr Pricklepants is pretty iconic as far as side characters go! Sporting a William Shakespeare-esque accent, Mr Pricklepants serves as a nice change of pace from some of the more excitable toys that Bonnie has. I also love the fact that Mr Pricklepants is voiced by former James Bond star Timothy Dalton – how cool is that! Interestingly, John Hopkins will voice the character in Toy Story 5.

Combat Carl

Combat Carl action figures appear in various forms throughout the Toy Story franchise. First, in the first Toy Story movie, Sid famously explodes a Combat Carl figure with a firecracker. In the short Toy Story of TERROR!, a Combat Carl figure and a 4-inch one called Combat Carl Jr both appear, voiced by Carl Weathers. Then in Toy Story 4, three Combat Carl Jr.s assist Bo Peep – this time voiced by Ernie Hudson. Combat Carl is based on G.I. Joe action figures and whilst they often only have minor roles, I really love the continuity to the ‘Combat Carl’ brand in the Toy Story franchise.

Buster

Of course, no side character list would be complete without a dog featuring! Andy’s dog Buster actually has a really great character arc over the course of the movies. Right at the end of Toy Story, Andy receives Buster as a Christmas present, much to the concern of the toys. By the time Toy Story 2 rolls around, Buster is an integral part of the toy group, with Woody even being able to train him. By Toy Story 3, Buster is old and a little chubbier than he was as a puppy – the scene where he falls asleep and falls on Woody will always make me chuckle!

Whilst it’s unlikely that we will see Buster again, he definitely goes down in my list of best boys in the Pixar universe.

In all honesty, this list could have been 30 of the best side characters in Toy Story, but I tried to keep this as concise as possible and based on my personal preference!

What characters would you add to this list? Who do you want to make an appearance in Toy Story 5? Let me know in the comments.

07/06/2026
5 Disney Movie Soundtracks That Deserve More Love

It’s hard to think of a Disney movie that doesn’t feature some sort of hit soundtrack. From “Part of Your World” to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, there’s nothing quite like a Disney banger to listen to, full blast, on a road trip! But certain movie soundtracks definitely get more love than others… I’m looking at you The Lion King and Frozen!

Below are 5 movies that I think deserve a little more love when it comes to their soundtracks:

The Aristocats

With only six songs on its entire soundtrack, The Aristocats may not be exactly the first Disney movie that comes to mind when you think of underrated soundtracks, but I really think it’s the epitome of ‘less is more’ when it comes to tracklists! “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” is truly iconic and has been remixed numerous times over the years for Disney parades and firework shows, showing how much staying power it has. “The Aristocats” is also absolutely brilliant and feels so authentically French. In fact, the legendary French singer and actor Maurice Chevalier was even brought out of retirement to sing the titular song – you can’t get much more genuine than that!

Soul

Soul is one of the best Pixar movies of the 2020s and is of course heavily musically focused, following Joe Gardner as he pursues his passion for jazz and what it means to have a soul. Music plays a big role throughout the movie, but I genuinely don’t think the soundtrack gets near enough love! Jazz is nowhere near appreciated enough in modern movies, let alone modern animation, so I really do enjoy the authenticity of the score in Soul. Unsurprisingly, the soundtrack won both the Golden Globe and the Oscar for Best Original Score!

Mulan

There are a lot of Princess movies out there with fantastic music that takes the limelight, but for me, Mulan’s soundtrack is amongst the very best. I love the playfulness and charisma of “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and also love the beauty and gentleness of “Reflection”. The whole soundtrack is the perfect blend of Disney charm and appreciation for Chinese culture. Granted, I may be slightly biased given Mulan is one of my favourite Disney movies of all time, but it still deserves more love!

Tarzan

Phil Collins famously wrote, composed, and performed hit songs for Brother Bear (which could have easily made this list!) and Tarzan. For me, Tarzan’s soundtrack is flawless. The driving, drum-heavy energy of “Trashin’ the Camp” and the emotional weight of “Two Worlds” fit the narrative of the movie perfectly and don’t even get me started on “You’ll Be in My Heart”! Phil Collins completely broke the traditional Disney mould by not having the characters sing the songs diegetically, which is exactly why the music fits the narrative arc so seamlessly.

A Bug’s Life

After the unparalleled success of the Toy Story soundtrack, John Lasseter teamed up with Randy Newman to deliver the soundtrack to A Bug’s Life – and I’m so glad he did! While A Bug’s Life doesn’t have the same heavy-hitting standalone songs as Toy Story, the entire score is so authentically Randy Newman, it’s hard not to listen to it and smile. The soundtrack has a really great blend of orchestral music and 1940s jazz which really makes A Bug’s Life feel atmospheric. I would even argue that “The Time of Your Life” is as good as “Strange Things” from Toy Story!

The next time you’re queueing up a Disney playlist for a road trip, skip the usual anthems and give these brilliant soundtracks another spin. You might just find a new favourite.

What do you think? What Disney soundtrack do you think deserves way more love?

02/06/2026
From Solar Power to Purple Martins: 3 Amazing Ways Disney is Celebrating Earth Day 2026

Happy Earth Day! We all know Disney for the movies and the rides, but behind the scenes, there’s some seriously impressive work going on to keep the magic sustainable.

To celebrate Earth Day 2026, I’ve picked out three of my favourite recent initiatives that show how Disney is actually walking the walk when it comes to the environment.

1. Harnessing the Florida Sun

One of the big updates today is that Disney have finally opened their new solar facility in Levy County. It’s part of a much bigger push across their parks worldwide – they’ve got massive solar canopies over the parking lots in Disneyland Paris, thousands of panels on the rooftops at Hong Kong Disneyland, and even arrays powering Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

In Florida specifically, this new site means they now have enough solar power to cover 100% of the daytime needs for the entire resort on a sunny day. It’s pretty wild to think that everything from the monorail to the coasters is being powered by the sun while you’re actually there.

The iconic Mickey-shaped solar array at Walt Disney World is just one part of a global push to power the magic with renewable energy. (Photo: Fantasyland News)

2. A 3,000-Mile Commute for Purple Martins

A lot of people don’t know this, but every year, thousands of purple martins travel all the way from the Brazilian Amazon just to spend their spring at Walt Disney World. It’s a massive journey – over 3,000 miles – and they come specifically to nest in the parks.

Disney has set up these specialised nesting “condos” (you can spot them at Saratoga Springs or near EPCOT) to give them a safe place to raise their chicks. It’s actually turned the golf courses into certified wildlife sanctuaries! On May 1st, they’re even hosting a “Purple Martin Palooza” at the Magnolia Golf Course where fans can see the conservation work up close. It’s a great reminder that the parks are a home for wildlife as much as they are for us.

Cast Members at a Purple Martin Palooza event showing off the specialized “condos” that help these birds nest safely in the parks. (Photo: Walt Disney World Golf)

3. 30 Years of Global Magic

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is officially celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since it started back in 1995, they’ve actually directed over $141 million toward protecting wildlife, which is a pretty massive milestone.

One project that stands out to me is Proyecto Tití in Colombia. They work with cotton-top tamarins to create forest corridors so they can move safely in the wild. They even work with local communities to recycle plastic bags into tote bags, which is a great touch. It’s definitely cool to think that a day at Animal Kingdom actually helps fund projects like that.

The Disney Conservation Fund helps protect the Cotton-top Tamarin and their native habitats through projects like Proyecto Tití. (Photo: Pexels)

The Verdict

I’m a big fan of the attention to detail Disney puts into these projects. It’s easy to talk about being “green,” but seeing hundreds of acres of solar panels or tracking a bird’s 3,000-mile journey shows they are actually putting in the work. As someone in the early stages of my golf career, I’ll definitely be adding a trip to the golf course to check out the purple martins (and the greens!).

If you’re looking for something to watch tonight, Disney+ just released a new film for Earth Day called Orangutan, narrated by Josh Gad. If you’re after more Earth Day picks, I’ve put together a full Disney+ watchlist too – check it out here.

Which of these initiatives is your favourite? Are you heading to the Purple Martin Palooza in May? Let me know in the comments!

22/04/2026
The Muppets Are Taking Over! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Reopening Date & Setlist Revealed
If you’ve been following the news out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in recent months, you’ll know things have been looking a little… murky over on Sunset Boulevard. Ever since the Aerosmith era officially came to an end, fans have been eagerly waiting to see how The Electric Mayhem (the Muppets’ iconic house band) would transform one of the most famous rides in Florida.

Well, the wait is finally over! Disney just dropped the full details and I have to say, it looks fantastic.

The iconic guitar is getting a serious Electric Mayhem makeover for the May 26th opening. (Image credit: Disney Parks Blog)

The Big Date

It’s official: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will officially open on May 26th, 2026!

While I’ll miss the classic Aerosmith vibes, the fact that they’ve turned this around so quickly is actually impressive. It’s effectively a clever “paint job” and re-theme, but it means fans don’t have to wait years for the ride to return. A high-speed upgrade with a bit of Muppet chaos is exactly what the park needs right now without the long-term construction headaches. They’ve even confirmed previews for staff, Season Pass holders, and DVC members starting mid-May, so it’s all moving very fast!

A first look at the new pre-show where we’ll see the first-ever Audio-Animatronic Scooter! (Image credit: Disney Parks Blog)

The Setlist

What is a rock ‘n’ roll road trip without a killer playlist? Disney has confirmed that we aren’t just getting one song – we’re getting a full “concert” experience. The Electric Mayhem have teamed up with some massive artists for the setlist, and it looks incredible.

The launch track is a cover of Blur’s “Song 2” as you blast from 0 to 60mph. Here’s the full confirmed setlist:
- “Song 2” – The Electric Mayhem
- “Born To Be Wild” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Camilla the Chicken
- “Love Rollercoaster” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
- “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Def Leppard
- “Walking on Sunshine” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kelly Clarkson
Each limo will have its own unique track which gives the ride so much replayability, I know I will definitely be jumping straight to the back of the queue to hear the next song! Disney have also teased some ‘bonus tracks’ too!

A Bittersweet Change?

The story sounds like classic Muppets. We’re invited to G-Force Records for a VIP tour by Scooter’s uncle, J.P. Grosse (who apparently now owns the studio!), but the band is nowhere to be found.

I’m also really excited to see the new Audio-Animatronic of Scooter in the pre-show. It’s the first time we’ve seen him as an animatronic, and he’s apparently joined by a team of penguins acting as audio engineers – which is just classic Muppets! Instead of the old stretch limo, we’ll be boarding a L.I.M.O. (Lengthy Immediate Motion Object) designed by Muppet Labs.

Disney have also confirmed a massive list of celebrity cameos to look out for in the queue, including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Neil Patrick Harris, and Travis Barker. While most fans were gutted to see MuppetVision 3D go, seeing the Muppets get this level of detail for their own ride feels like a huge win.

Neil Patrick Harris is just one of the massive celebrity cameos confirmed for the new queue. (Image credit: Disney Parks Blog)

The Verdict

I am really looking forward to seeing this for myself, hopefully in the not too distant future! If Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is anything like the conversion of the Paris version into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, we are in for a real treat. And while I really did have a soft spot for Aerosmith, it always felt a bit “less Disney” than the rest of the park. A Muppets rebrand feels like a fantastic fit, and I’m a big fan of the attention to detail Disney seem to be putting into this!

What do you think of the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride? Are you looking forward to hearing the setlist and seeing the Muppets makeover? Let me know in the comments!
17/04/2026
10 Must-Watch Disney+ Movies and Documentaries to Celebrate Earth Day 2026

Earth Day 2026 is one week away and for Disney fans, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with some awe-inspiring content on Disney+. From stunning, in-depth documentaries to classic Pixar movies, there is something for fans of all ages to celebrate Earth Day. Here are 10 of my picks ahead of Earth Day 2026.

Documentaries to Watch on Disney+ for Earth Day

Disneynature’s Orangutan (Releasing April 22^nd)

Narrated by Josh Gad (Voice of Olaf), Disneynature’s Orangutan is Disney’s flagship 2026 Earth Day release and frankly, it looks awesome! The film follows Indah, an inquisitive adolescent orangutan learning how to navigate life as she prepares to leave her family and venture out on her own for the first time. From the trailer, the visuals of Borneo and Sumatra look stunning and the soundtrack really gives me Tarzan vibes. It definitely looks like a documentary not to be missed!

Secrets of the Bees

Another recent documentary addition to Disney+ is Secrets of the Bees, produced by National Geographic. The two-part documentary discovers the hidden world of bees and their incredible intelligence. James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) serves as the executive producer for the documentary so as you’d expect, the visuals are phenomenal. It’s a fantastic documentary to understand the impact bees have on the natural world and humanity as a whole.

Disneynature’s Tiger

Much like Disneynature’s Orangutan, Tiger is another Disneynature documentary film, which as the title suggests, follows the journey of a young tigress raising her cubs in the forests of India. Priyanka Chopra Jonas serves as the narrator and it’s a really wholesome tale of parenthood and understanding the life and journey of tigers.

A Real Bug’s Life

Spanning 2 seasons, A Real Bug’s Life transports viewers into the micro-universe of insects of all shapes and sizes. It’s another fantastic documentary that shows the extraordinary lives insects live and as someone who is fascinated by bugs, this really hits the spot for me as a series! Again, some of the visuals are phenomenal and there is even an episode at the end of the second series which shows how the series was filmed – I’d highly recommend checking it out!

Best Disney Movies for Earth Day

The Lion King

Arguably one of Disney’s most iconic movies of all time, it’s hard not to include The Lion King as part of any Earth Day watch-along! It’s not just the Savannah setting or the abundance of animal species that make The Lion King essential Earth Day viewing, it’s the message the movie conveys. Mufasa famously says the following quote, which I think embodies the beauty of our natural world and captures the essence of Earth Day:

“Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope… When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life”.

A Bug’s Life

We can’t have A Real Bug’s Life in the list without having the Pixar classic! A Bug’s Life is a fantastic depiction of the weird and wonderful insect world and I think does a fantastic job at giving an insight into how organised and intelligent bugs actually are. As a film too, it’s one of the funniest Pixar movies in my opinion and is severely underrated!

Elemental

Another Pixar movie to watch ahead of Earth Day is the fantastic Elemental! The premise and backdrop of the film is literally built on the four elements; fire, water, air and earth. It’s a visually stunning animated movie that cleverly plays on how all of the elements tie in to one another. Plus, at the heart of the movie is a love story that gets me every time I watch it!

Short Films & Relaxing Picks on Disney+

Lava

Lava is a short film (10-minute run time), produced by Pixar which really embodies Earth Day. In essence, it’s a musical love story about two volcanoes that takes place over millions of years. If you’ve never watched it before, it does sound like an odd concept, but in typical Pixar fashion, they do a fantastic job of making the characters so relatable. Also, the song is particularly catchy, so be warned!

Zenimation

I feel like the short Zenimation series on Disney+ has totally gone under the radar for Disney+ fans, but it’s such a wonderful little series. Essentially, it’s a series of short clips from Disney movies (like the water from Moana or the forest from Bambi) edited together for a relaxing visual experience. It’s a really simple concept and if you’ve seen the movies, there is no extra content here, however it really does allow you to appreciate the animation and the calming effects of nature.

Earth Moods

Okay so not quite a ‘short’ as such, Earth Moods is a National Geographic series of videos, ambiently exploring various biomes across the world. There’s no narration, it’s purely an ambient journey through some of the most beautiful places on earth. They remind me of the sort of thing you’d see on display on a TV in an electronics store, but nonetheless, they are perfect for having on in the background while you work or relax.

The Verdict

Whether you’re in the mood for a deep dive into the jungle with Josh Gad or just want some calming scenery while you finish your work, Disney+ really has gone all out for 2026. For me, Earth Day is all about taking a moment to appreciate that “delicate balance” Mufasa talks about – and if I can do that while eating popcorn and watching a Pixar classic, even better.

I’m definitely going to be sat front and centre for Orangutan on the 22nd. There’s just something about those Disneynature films that makes you want to go out and plant a tree (or at least buy a reusable water bottle!).

What are your Earth Day plans? Are you going to be diving into the new Orangutan documentary, or are you sticking with a classic like The Lion King? Let me know your watchlist in the comments below!

15/04/2026
Why is there a lack of merchandise for modern Disney films?

Disney merchandise, be it toys, clothing, video games, plushies or pins, is seemingly unavoidable. Everywhere you look there is a new partnership or collaboration being announced on social media. It’s unsurprising, particularly when you consider how much revenue merchandise generates for the Walt Disney Company.

According to their 2025 Annual Report, Disney’s total “Product” revenue (which covers merchandise, publishing, and games) reached a whopping $9.8 billion. Despite this, there has been a noticeable lack of merchandise in recent years, specifically for modern Disney films.

After watching Pixar’s Hoppers recently, I was incredibly excited to check out what merchandise would be available, particularly given the impressive marketing push Disney and Pixar gave the movie. With the film’s cast of cute and cuddly characters, I was expecting a range of plushies and maybe even a series of pins too, but I was frankly left incredibly disappointed with what I could find on the Disney Store.

A very disappointing search on the Disney Store!

A single plush toy of King George and a figurine set of a handful of the characters made up the merchandise available here for fans in the UK. Upon checking the US Disney Store, stateside Hoppers fans didn’t get much of a better treatment, with only a handful of T-shirts available in addition to the soft toy and figurine set. As a fan who is partial to a Disney collectable or two, I was really disappointed with what was available to coincide with the release of Hoppers.

So, why are we getting less and less merchandise for original Disney movies? Why are we seemingly getting more and more merchandise for the classic Disney movies instead? I’ve taken a look at why this might be happening…

The Financial Unknown

Despite the vast amount of revenue which merchandise delivers for the Walt Disney Company, to ensure that revenue is profitable, Disney’s current strategy is built on “guaranteed wins.” It’s reported that in 2025, Lilo & Stitch merchandise alone generated over $4 billion. When one 20-year-old movie makes that much (granted, the live-action remake certainly had an impact on that figure!), Disney is less likely to risk floor space on a brand-new movie like Hoppers until they are certain it has the same “staying power.”

Walking past the Disney Store, you’d expect to see the latest hits front and centre, but the reality inside the shelves is often very different.

From “Toy Aisle” to a “Lifestyle Brand”

Have you noticed how the toy aisles in supermarkets seem to be shrinking, while the adult sections in shops like H&M or Pandora are growing? Disney is undergoing a massive pivot. They’ve realised that while a child might play with a plastic figurine for a week, a Gen Z or Millennial fans will pay a premium for a high-end collaboration they can actually wear or display.

We’re seeing fewer traditional “playthings” and more “lifestyle” items – designer handbags, jewellery, and “streetwear” collections. By targeting fans with disposable income who grew up with the classics, Disney is essentially trading the £10 plastic toy for a £100 fashion statement. It makes sense for their bottom line, but for those of us who just want a decent plushie of a new character we love, it feels like we’re being left behind.

The Digital Takeover

It’s not just physical aisles that are changing; it’s digital ones, too. Disney has realised that a lot of their audience, especially the younger generation, would rather spend their money on a digital “skin” for Fortnite than a plastic toy for their bedroom. With Disney’s massive $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, we’re seeing a shift where characters like Buzz Lightyear or the Incredibles gang show up as playable avatars before they even hit the Disney Store shelves.

These digital goods are a goldmine for Disney; there are no manufacturing costs, no shipping delays, and no clearance aisles. When you consider that in-game spending is projected to hit over $170 billion by 2030, it’s easy to see why Disney might prioritise a virtual “Mabel” skin over a physical plushie. In their eyes, a digital item that you can show off to millions of other players online has more “social currency” than a toy sitting on a shelf at home.

The “Wait and See” Strategy

In the 90s, you couldn’t move for merchandise hitting the shelves months before a movie even premiered. Today, the strategy has flipped. To avoid the dreaded “clearance aisle” fate that hit films like Wish, Disney often waits for a movie to prove its “staying power” before mass-producing a full range.

It’s a frustrating cycle for fans. We want to celebrate a movie like Hoppers while the hype is at its peak, but Disney is playing it safe, waiting to see if the streaming numbers justify the manufacturing costs. It feels like they’re missing the “magic” of the moment in favour of a spreadsheet.

While new films struggle for shelf space, the “Classics” like Mickey Mouse and Stitch continue to dominate the physical Disney Store aisles.

The Verdict

It’s a bittersweet time to be a Disney fan. While it’s great to see the classics getting so much love, the lack of support for original stories like Hoppers feels like a missed opportunity. If Disney doesn’t let us bring these new characters home through merch, how are they ever supposed to grow into the ‘classics’ that the next generation falls in love with?

What do you think? Have you struggled to find merch for your favourite modern Disney films, or are you happy sticking with the classics? Let me know in the comments!

14/04/2026
What’s new to Disney+ in April 2026?
If you thought March was big with the Zootopia 2 arriving on Disney+, April is looking to keep that momentum going strong. This month is all about the “Shadows” – from the return of one of the most iconic Star Wars villains to the continued gritty action in Hell’s Kitchen.

Whether you are ready to wield a lightsaber or you’ve been waiting for Spidey to finally swing onto the service, the April lineup is absolutely packed with heavy hitters and some really unique specials.

Here is the breakdown of what’s hitting Disney+ this April:

Wednesday, April 1
- Dear Killer Nannies (Full Season) – Hulu Original Premiere
- Donna Hay Coastal Celebrations – Premiere
- O11CE: New Generation – New Episodes
- Secrets of the Bees – National Geographic Premiere
Saturday, April 4
- Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES: Shorts – New Episode
Sunday, April 5
- Inside Out Classic: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers – NHL Animated Special
Monday, April 6
- Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord – Premiere (Chapters 1 + 2)
- American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
- In Your Radiant Season – New Episode
Tuesday, April 7
- Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2) – Episode 4
Wednesday, April 8
- Hey A.J.! – Premiere
- How Not to Draw: Shorts (Season 5) – New Episodes
Friday, April 10
- Perfect Crown – Hulu Original Premiere
- RoboGobo (Season 2) – New Episodes
Monday, April 13
- Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord – Chapters 3 + 4
- American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
Tuesday, April 14
- Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2) – Episode 5
- Meet Iron Man and his Awesome Friends – Premiere
Wednesday, April 15
- Spider-Man: No Way Home – Streaming Premiere
- O11CE: New Generation – New Episodes
Friday, April 17
- Little Margo Stories: Shorts – Premiere
- Perfect Crown – New Episode
Monday, April 20
- Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord – Chapters 5 + 6
- American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
Tuesday, April 21
- Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2) – Episode 6
Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day)
- Orangutan (Disney+ Original) – Premiere
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ – Season 2 Premiere
- O11CE: New Generation – New Episodes
Friday, April 24
- The Prep School Disappearance – Premiere
Saturday, April 25
- Banana Ball: Party Animals vs. Bananas – Live Stream
Monday, April 27
- Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord – Chapters 7 + 8
- Disney Animation’s “Songs in Sign Language” – Original Premiere
Tuesday, April 28
- Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2) – Episode 7
Wednesday, April 29
- SuperKitties (Season 3) – New Episodes
Thursday, April 30
- Project Runway All Stars (Seasons 5-7) – New to Library
April is shaping up to be a massive month for fans of the “darker” side of Disney. Plus, having No Way Home finally join the library makes the MCU collection feel almost complete!

What are your thoughts on the April lineup? What are you most looking forward to watching? Let me know in the comments!
08/04/2026
Will There Be a Hoppers Sequel? Everything We Know (So Far)

Hoppers has barely been in cinemas a week, but after receiving a wave of positive reviews – with many calling it the best Pixar original in years – it got me thinking: could we see a sequel to Hoppers in the future?

We know Pixar loves a sequel, but as with any movie, there are a few factors that determine the green light: Does it make sense to the story, does it make sense financially, and frankly, do we even need one?

Note: This post contains spoilers for the ending of Hoppers!

Does a sequel make sense to the story of Hoppers?

First things first, let’s address whether or not a sequel makes logical sense. At the end of the film, Mabel graduates from college and Dr. Sam tells her that the “Hoppers” programme has been discontinued – essentially meaning there will be no more “hopping” into animals. I thought it was really interesting that the film seemingly closed off the opportunity for future animal-hopping so definitively; they could have easily said the tech was just moving off-campus, but instead, it’s been shut down.

What Dr. Sam goes on to say, however, is that closing the program allows her to focus on “future projects.” The chalkboard reveal in her lab was one of my favourite moments, showing prototypes for Dug’s talking collar (Up), Sox the cat (Lightyear), and a cleaning robot that is unmistakably WALL-E.

This awesome Easter egg was the largest clue that a sequel could be on the cards! Dr. Sam also offers Mabel a job as her assistant, which feels like a clear setup for a follow-up. It suggests a premise where a sequel wouldn’t necessarily be about the beaver robot, but about Mabel helping to develop the iconic tech that populates the rest of the Pixar universe.

Could we see a TV Series instead?

I genuinely think a follow-on TV series for Hoppers could work brilliantly. If a sequel goes down the route of developing Dr. Sam’s prototype projects, that translates perfectly to an episodic format. Each episode could explore a new piece of technology with Mabel helping to implement it. Seeing how Dug got his collar or learning how WALL-E was first created would provide amazing background lore for our favourite Pixar classics.

It’s worth noting that director Daniel Chong actually comes from a heavy TV background (he created the hit series We Bare Bears), so he knows exactly how to build a world that works in a serialized way. Given the success of Pixar’s Win or Lose series on Disney+ last year, there is clearly an appetite for this. A series based on this “prototype development” angle would allow Pixar to be experimental and fun without the pressure of a massive theatrical release.

Do we even need a sequel?

It’s the age-old question: do we even need one? The movie ends on a beautiful, complete note. The glade is saved, the freeway is rerouted, and Mabel has found her place in the world. Sometimes a “true original” is better left as a standalone masterpiece like Ratatouille or WALL-E.

One of the things that made Hoppers so great was the eclectic cast of characters, from King George to Tom Lizard. Since the ending suggests we won’t be seeing the “glade gang” anytime soon, any direct sequel without them might struggle to hit the same heights. However, a spin-off focusing on the dynamic between Mabel and Dr. Sam would be a huge positive in my book.

Does it make sense financially?

This is often the biggest clue as to whether a sequel gets greenlit. Despite it being early days, the signs are very positive. Globally, Hoppers reached an estimated cume of $88M on its opening weekend, making it the biggest original animated debut since Coco in 2017.

This is a massive indicator of intent. It’s particularly relevant because Pixar last year confirmed that ‘Coco 2’ is officially in development. If Pixar is willing to return to a beloved standalone hit like Coco after it proved its financial and critical worth, they will almost certainly be looking at these #1 box office numbers for Hoppers as a reason to turn it into a franchise.

The Verdict

While it’s still early days, the combination of a record-breaking opening weekend and that “Pixar Cinematic Universe” ending makes a follow-up feel almost inevitable. Whether it’s Hoppers 2 or a Disney+ spin-off called The Assistant, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Mabel Tanaka.

What do you think? Do you want to see more of Mabel’s new job, or should Pixar leave this as a one-off win? Let me know in the comments!

14/03/2026