One of the most beloved movies Disney released during the 1980s was the live-action/animated hybrid film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The murder mystery, set in the early days of Hollywood, was an innovator in the world of special effects, seamlessly combining live actors. Animation director Richard Williams was given a Special Achievement Award at the 1989 Academy Awards for his efforts.
Over the years, the film has been seen as a cult classic, receiving multiple short films and even getting its very own dark ride, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, at both Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.
However, whenever the subject of a possible sequel pops up, it usually ends in “It can’t happen because of X or Y.” Aside from the various character licenses, the production was a collaboration between Disney and Amblin Entertainment, meaning that they would have to mutually agree to green-light a sequel.
Now it appears that some light has been shed on the subject for a sequel as the film’s original director, Robert Zemeckis.
Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Polar Express) did an interview with the Happy Sad Confused Podcast. When asked about a possible follow-up to the 36 year old “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” film he stated:
“There is a good script sitting at Disney but here’s the thing. Here’s what you have to know. The current Disney would never make Roger Rabbit today. They can’t make a movie with Jessica in it. So there is a Peter Seaman and Jeffrey Price sequel script. Is it ever going to see the light of day, as good as it is? I mean look at what they did with Jessica at the theme park, they trussed her up in a trench coat.“
When he says “trussed her up,” he is referring to a recent refurbishment of the dark ride in which Jessica Rabbit was covered up to hide her hourglass body. It is true that the character had become somewhat of a sex symbol, so Disney, trying to maintain their family-friendly image, decided to hide her revealing nature. Some see it as Disney looking for a problem when there wasn’t one, like some of their other recent changes at the theme parks.
Unfortunately, for the time being at least, it looks like Roger will remain lost in Toon Town. Whatever the reason, hopefully, someday, everything can be cleared up so that the popular rabbit will be able to make many smiles again with his lovability and side-splitting slapstick comedy.
What do you think? Should Roger Rabbit return? Or is he better left on the cutting room floor? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, Variety
Pirates & Princesses (TM) (Stylized as PNP) is an independent, opinionated News and Information site focused on Travel, Entertainment, Fashion, the “Geek Girl” Lifestyle, and more. We focus heavily on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando Resort, and other themed entertainment and travel destinations. Our news staff includes former theme park and entertainment industry employees, journalists and dedicated pop culture and theme park enthusiasts. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of this site, our affiliates or our sponsors.