| IN A NUTSHELL |
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As the Walt Disney Company gears up to unveil a new and ambitious attraction to commemorate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, an unexpected voice of dissent has emerged: Joanna Miller, granddaughter of Walt Disney himself. The attraction, titled “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” will feature an audio-animatronic figure of the legendary creator. While intended as a technological tribute, this initiative has sparked controversy, even within Walt Disney’s own family. Through an emotionally charged message on Facebook, Joanna expressed her opposition, urging the company to abandon the plan, which she views as a dehumanizing and disrespectful representation of her grandfather.
The Heart of a Family Dispute
Joanna Miller’s decision to publicly voice her concerns has brought to light a deep familial disagreement regarding the portrayal of Walt Disney. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Joanna shared her motivations behind the Facebook post, explaining the frustration and emotional turmoil she felt. “We are his family, and as you grow older, you become more irritable and tired of remaining silent. I decided to speak out on Facebook, thinking it might change something,” she explained. Despite being invited to view the animatronic figure, Joanna found the experience overwhelming, stating, “I think I started crying. To me, it didn’t resemble him.”
Joanna’s sentiments reflect a broader concern that the current Disney leadership, represented by figures like Bob Iger and the teams at Walt Disney Imagineering, may not fully appreciate the artistic legacy of her grandfather. “These are different people. He’s a businessman. My grandfather was an artist,” she asserted. However, it is worth noting that not all family members share her perspective, with some expressing support for the project.
An Inspirational Vision or Betrayal of Original Spirit?
In defense of the controversial project, Tom Fitzgerald, a senior executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, issued an official statement emphasizing the company’s intent. “We want the show and the story to touch all generations. Even if our younger audience is not well acquainted with Walt Disney, his journey can inspire them: pursue dreams, turn failures into successes, never give up, and offer the best of oneself to the world,” he stated. The mission is to ensure that Walt remains credible and connects with the audience, just as he always did.
Despite these assurances, the hyper-realistic nature of the animatronic figure, which even mimics Walt Disney’s characteristic blinking, has left some family members feeling uneasy. For them, the technological approach fails to capture the essence of the man behind the icon. While the Walt Disney Company aims to pass the founder’s legacy onto a new generation, Joanna Miller sees it as a line crossed, an attempt to artificially recreate a human being, where only emotional memory should reside.
The Technological Tribute: A Table of Perspectives
| Perspective | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Joanna Miller | Opposes animatronic figure; views it as dehumanizing and an impostor of her grandfather. |
| Walt Disney Imagineering | Sees project as a way to inspire new generations and maintain Walt’s credibility and connection with audiences. |
| Other Disney Family Members | Some support the project, recognizing the potential to continue Walt’s legacy in a new form. |
Preserving Legacy in a Digital Age
This dispute over the animatronic tribute highlights a broader conversation about the role of technology in preserving and representing historical figures. As companies like Disney explore new ways to engage audiences, they must balance innovation with respect for the past. For some, like Joanna Miller, the essence of a person cannot be captured by technology, no matter how advanced. Others, however, see such initiatives as a natural evolution of storytelling, one that aligns with Walt Disney’s own pioneering spirit.
As we venture further into the digital age, the challenge remains: how do we honor the legacy of visionaries like Walt Disney without compromising their humanity? And as technology continues to evolve, what role should it play in shaping our collective memory of the past?
Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
Joanna Miller a raison! Les robots, c’est froid et impersonnel 😔
Pourquoi ne pas faire une exposition avec des objets personnels de Walt Disney à la place ?
Je ne comprends pas pourquoi Joanna est si en colère. C’est juste un hommage, non ?
Disney a toujours innové avec la technologie, je trouve ça génial qu’ils continuent! 🤖
Est-ce que Walt aurait aimé cette idée ? C’est la vraie question à se poser.
Merci à Joanna de défendre l’héritage de son grand-père. ❤️
Je pense que l’animatronique pourrait être un bel hommage si c’est fait avec respect.
Ça aurait pu être pire, ils auraient pu faire un hologramme chantant 😂