Disney Celebrates 100 Years With Short Film Featuring All 543 Disney Characters
Updated: Dec 3, 2023
"Once Upon a Studio," the live-action/animated fantasy comedy crossover short film, is an enchanting homage to the illustrious history of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released by Walt Disney Pictures, this film was crafted to celebrate the studio's centennial anniversary on October 16, 2023.
The film, which is approximately 9 minutes long, showcases a blend of computer graphics, traditional animation, and live action, demonstrating the studio's evolution in animation techniques. From Mickey Mouse to the cast of Encanto, and everything in-between; including a captivating moment where the Genie of Aladdin gives us a brief moment with the late Robin Williams, who tragically passed away in 2014. The film features 543 Disney characters from more than 85 films (almost all of the studio's works up until that point), making it a delightful treat for Disney fans of all generations.
The plot takes viewers on a magical journey where beloved Disney characters come to life from the pictures gracing the walls within the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios. These characters collaborate to take a group photo for the studio's anniversary, resulting in a nostalgic and heartwarming spectacle.
The film made its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 11, 2023. Its first public showing was on ABC on October 15, 2023, as part of Disney's grand 100th Anniversary Celebration. Following the television premiere, it was added to the streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu on October 16, 2023.
For those who prefer the cinema experience, "Once Upon a Studio" will be shown theatrically alongside "Wish" on November 22, 2023. In addition to these platforms, the film may also be available on other movie streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon, and Google Play, depending on regional availability.
As a final 'thanks' to those who have supported the Disney brand and the magical creations that have come from the studio over the past 100 years, the final message "To all who have imagined with us, laughed with us, and dreamed with us, Thank You." is cast on the screen upon before the credits.
So, whether you're a lifelong Disney enthusiast or a casual viewer, "Once Upon a Studio" serves as a love letter from Walt Disney Animation Studios to its audience, thanking them for a century of dreams, laughter, and magic. This film is a testament to Disney's enduring legacy of imagination and creativity, and it continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its magic and charm.
