Within the early 2000s, Disney’s technique included fewer remakes however many extra sequels. But these weren’t main theatrical releases; they have been direct-to-video sequels that not solely continued the more moderen Disney Renaissance movies, going again to among the firm’s largest classics. Cinderella, The Jungle Guide, Peter Pan, and lots of different movies obtained a continuation, however certainly one of Disney’s greatest movies didn’t obtain the identical remedy: Dumbo. Dumbo had good firm on this, with memorable movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and The Aristocats by no means obtained an official sequel, however Dumbo is exclusive in how shut it got here.
The animation studio promised followers a Dumbo sequel that was by no means launched; nonetheless, plenty of work went into it earlier than it was finally canceled. Again in 2001, Dumbo II was properly underway, to the purpose that for the sixtieth anniversary of the unique movie, Disney launched a have a look at the sequel, giving the followers an concept of what they have been planning. Although it by no means got here to fruition, this trailer reveals followers what they’re lacking, and whereas not each direct-to-video sequel from this period is remembered fondly, the transient perception into Dumbo II proves the thought had potential.
‘Dumbo II’ Plot: What Disney Deliberate for the Cancelled Sequel
The heartwarming story of a younger, outcast circus elephant who learns to fly has managed to face by itself for 85 years, making a sequel pointless. But, whereas the story would not want it, Dumbo II may have offered an attention-grabbing alternative for the characters, particularly because the sequel promised to resolve the thriller of Dumbo’s father. Nonetheless, that wasn’t deliberate because the central storyline. The Dumbo II content material Disney launched in 2001 is much less of a standard trailer and extra of a sneak peek, that includes director Robert Ramirez and different members of the crew discussing the characters and exhibiting off the idea artwork, but it surely offers a way of what they have been planning.
Happening shortly after the unique, the story was set to comply with Dumbo and different circus youngsters as they’re separated from the prepare and get misplaced within the huge metropolis. Along with Dumbo and Timothy Mouse, the movie would have launched a zebra named Dot, Penny the ostrich, Godfrey the hippo, and a set of bear cub twins named Claude and Lolly. Curiously, this is able to have given Dumbo a bunch of mates, which he notably did not have within the authentic movie, permitting him to develop up barely, and the thought of rising up would have been central to the movie. Every of the brand new characters was impressed by a part of childhood growth, from the stage of questioning every little thing to the “I can do it myself” part, permitting for a variety of personalities because it explored childhood, and making it relatable to the supposed viewers. Though we solely know a lot concerning the movie, this concept definitely holds potential, particularly contemplating the opposite direct-to-video sequels that Disney pushed ahead. But Dumbo II by no means did make it to launch.
Why Disney Cancelled ‘Dumbo II’ After Years in Growth
The story of the Dumbo sequel exemplifies the lengthy means of filmmaking, contemplating how lengthy Dumbo II was underneath growth earlier than its cancellation. Progress was clearly underway by 2001, when the trailer was launched, but the movie confronted repeated manufacturing delays and wasn’t cancelled till years later. Reportedly, Joe Grant, an animator on the unique movie, was unimpressed by the take a look at footage, sending them again to the drafting board, actually. The movie was nonetheless in growth till 2007, when DisneyToon Studios was mixed with Walt Disney Animation, the place John Lasseter served as Chief Artistic Officer. Identified to dislike the direct-to-video sequel mannequin, Lassester put an finish to those movies, with The Little Mermaid III: Ariel’s Starting being the final. Whereas Dumbo II was certainly one of a number of movies cancelled on this course of, it represented a few years of labor, exhibiting the fickle nature of the trade.
Although followers won’t ever see it, Dumbo II stays an attention-grabbing idea that had the potential to be one of many higher direct-to-video sequels. Admittedly, the attraction of the unique Dumbo can be troublesome to seize, particularly after it managed to make such a lovable protagonist who by no means utters a phrase. Understandably, the staff behind Dumbo II took their time in hopes of creating a worthy sequel, however sadly, followers can solely think about what it could have regarded like.
DUmbo is streaming on Disney+ within the U.S.
- Launch Date
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October 31, 1941
- Runtime
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130 minutes
- Director
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Samuel Armstrong, Norman Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson
