10 Disney Movies Saved By One Great Casting Decision

April 22, 2024, 2:15 p.m.

Movies

10 Disney Movies Saved By One Great Casting Decision

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Summary Some casting choices improved Disney movies, while others saved them from complete obscurity.

Robin Williams as Genie and Eddie Murphy as Mushu stand out as the most iconic parts of Aladdin and Mulan.

Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Idina Menzel as Elsa were exactly what was needed for certain musical numbers to have the biggest impact.

Disney has made many casting choices that saved or at least improved some of the studio's movies. In some cases, the Disney movie was likely headed for success before a specific actor was brought on board, due to a strong story and a soundtrack destined to become famous. Then, when a future iconic Dinsey voice actor known for other projects was cast, they drew additional attention to the movie with their previous fame and proved to be one of the best parts of the final product.

On the other hand, some average or under-the-radar Disney movies were saved from complete obscurity by one notable casting choice. In both scenarios, the biggest star's character likely stands out as the most interesting part of the movie. While the main characters may be the ones that drive the overall story, it is clear that some supporting Disney characters were written with enjoyability in mind and cast in a certain way to make their specific gimmick work.

Related 15 Best Animated Disney Movie Soundtracks, Ranked As Disney celebrates its 100th anniversary, here's a look back at the best soundtracks that make up their iconic, timeless animated movies.

10 Robin Williams As Genie

Aladdin (1992)

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buy Not available Not available Not available A young noble thief comes into possession of a magic lamp housing a Genie who will grant him three wishes, and he sets out to win the heart of the princess. Director Ron Clements , John Musker Release Date November 25, 1992 Cast Scott Weinger , Robin Williams , Linda Larkin , Jonathan Freeman , Frank Welker , Gilbert Gottfried , Brad Kane , Lea Salonga Runtime 90 Minutes

Robin Williams’ agreement with Disney to play Genie meant that he was able to improvise a lot of the character’s dialogue, which is doubtlessly what makes Genie amazing. While Aladdin and Jasmine are decent young heroes to root for and Jafar is a magnificently evil villain, Genie brings a certain vibrant flavor to Aladdin that none of the other characters have. Genie’s sassy jokes and referential transformations spice up a strong but basic plot. However, Genie is still able to have a strong personal arc of looking for someone who will free him and finding true friends.

Williams’ experience with comedy but versatility allowed him to make Genie a hilarious character, but one who is still unique to Williams’ career. Aladdin is considered one of the best Disney animated classics, at least in part because of Williams' contribution. While the story and music can stand on its own, it is doubtlessly improved by Williams’ personality.

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9 Dwayne Johnson As Maui

Moana (2016)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Disney's Moana takes place in ancient Polynesia, and tells the story of the titular princess. The daughter of a tribe chief in a coastal village, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is drawn to the sea, believing it is her quest to return the Heart of Te Fiti - a mysterious relic - to its rightful home in order to stop the blight threatening her island. Along the way, she meets the trickster demi-god, Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who helps her on her quest. Director Ron Clements , John Musker Release Date November 23, 2016 Cast Dwayne Johnson , Temuera Morrison , Auli'i Cravalho , Rachel House , Nicole Scherzinger , Alan Tudyk , Jemaine Clement Runtime 1h 47m

The audience’s mental image of Johnson throughout Moana also likely helped the vision of Maui come together.

Lin Manuel-Miranda said of Dwayne Johnson’s casting as Maui (via Collider) that “You’re Welcome” is a song that “only Dwayne could pull off and still have you love him and root for him.” Indeed, Maui is so shamelessly self-congratulatory that an actor able to portray the right blend of charisma, comedy, and confidence was necessary for him. The audience’s mental image of Johnson throughout Moana also likely helped the vision of Maui come together.

New star Auli'i Cravalho voices Moana and has a great dynamic with Johnson. Each sings one of the movie’s showstopping musical numbers: “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” respectively. Unfortunately, Moana becomes bland after these songs are over. However, Cravalho and Johnson were perfectly cast, making the movie a hit. Only because Cravalho does not yet have the same status as Johnson can he be credited as the one who “saved” the movie.

8 Emma Thompson As Captain Amelia

Treasure Planet (2002)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Treasure Planet is a 2002 animated adventure and Fantasy film from Walt Disney studios. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, the story follows a young boy named Jim Hawkins as he attempts to find a fabled treasure and mend ways with his father who abandoned him. Director John Musker Release Date November 27, 2002 Cast Emma Thompson Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Martin Short Runtime 95minutes

Treasure Planet has a shockingly accoladed cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Martin Short, Laurie Metcalf, and David Hyde Pierce. Yet one of the most interesting characters is Emma Thompson’s Captain Amelia, the captain of the interstellar ship the R.L.S. Legacy. The character’s gender was changed from the corresponding Treasure Island character, Captain Alexander Smollett, before she was handed over to an award-winning Shakespearean actress.

Thompson plays a strong leader who makes lots of snappy comments and is never fazed. Treasure Planet was Thompson's first voice acting role and led to other collaborations with Disney, such as when she voiced Queen Elinor in Brave. Thompson proved that she is just as talented a voice actress — although it would still be interesting to see her play Captain Amelia in live-action.

7 Johnny Depp As Jack Sparrow

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)

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buy Not available Not available Not available The Curse of the Black Pearl is the film that kickstarted the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, a series of supernatural swashbuckling adventures. In 1720, blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter Elizabeth Swann, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead. Director Gore Verbinski Release Date July 9, 2003 Cast Johnny Depp , Geoffrey Rush , Orlando Bloom , Keira Knightley , Jack Davenport , Jonathan Pryce Runtime 143 Minutes

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl has a simple rescue mission story, straightforward heroes and villains, and plenty of action. What is completely unique to the story is the character of Captain Jack Sparrow. After setting up the rest of the characters to carry the bulk of the plot, Jack is the strange, unattached protagonist at the center of it all, whose only wish is to win his ship back and drink rum. Casting this character perfectly was key — Jim Carrey was even considered to play Jack Sparrow.

However, Johnny Depp was doubtlessly the right way to go. Depp won an Oscar nomination for his strange performance as Jack, a bizarre figure who alternates from seeming like he has no idea what he is doing to witty remarks and brilliant plans. While Depp’s performance is not as good in the later Pirates of the Caribbean movies, in the first installment, his acting is the perfect embellishment to make a classic story new and engaging.

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6 Ertha Kitt As Yzma

The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

The Emperor’s New Groove A spoiled young emperor is turned into a llama by a vengeful former advisor. Director Mark Dindal Release Date December 10, 2000 Cast David Spade , John Goodman , eartha kitt , Patrick Warburton , Wendie Malick Runtime 78 Minutes

The Emperor’s New Groove is one of the most underrated Disney movies ever, with a cast full of hilariously engaging characters, clever trope subversion, and a widely applicable moral. Veteran Disney voice actor John Goodman lends his voice to the character of Pacha, but Ertha Kitt is truly memorable and the cackling villain of the movie. Yzma is Emperor Kuzco’s advisor who sets out to kill him and steal the throne after he dismisses her from her position. Together, Yzma and her henchman Kronk claim some of the funniest scenes in any Disney movie.

Yzma is also responsible for several of the best quotes in The Emperor’s New Groove; her deadpan, morbid perfectly complements Kuzco and Kronk’s distinct comedic styles. Kitt somehow maintained Yzma’s high-pitched, scratchy voice throughout recording, giving Yzma a deranged quality. The Emperor’s New Groove deserves attention regardless, but there is no denying that Yzma crying out, “A llama? He’s supposed to be dead!” is one of the best parts of the movie.

5 Eddie Murphy As Mushu

Mulan (1998)

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buy Not available Not available Not available A young woman disguises herself as a man and takes her father's place in the army to defend China against an invasion. Director Barry Cook , Tony Bancroft Release Date June 19, 1998 Cast Ming-Na Wen , Eddie Murphy , BD Wong , Miguel Ferrer , June Foray , James Hong , Pat Morita , George Takei Runtime 87 Minutes

Like Aladdin, Mulan is also a strong movie on its own, but there is one character who is solely responsible for the movie’s wit and sarcastic humor. Disney once again turned to a well-known comedian to voice the character that would become one of Disney’s best animal sidekicks. Mushu cracks dry jokes throughout the movie, creating the perfect humorous contrast with Mulan just trying to make it in the army.

Like with some of Disney’s other most famous casting choices, the audience’s perception of Mushu is at least partially influenced by Murphy’s reputation as a comedian. Both Joe Pesci and Richard Dreyfuss turned down the role of Mushu before Murphy was cast, but it is now impossible to imagine anyone else playing the character. This casting choice is also likely what led to Murphy being matched with other would-be iconic animated roles, such as Donkey in the Shrek franchise.

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4 Alexis Bledel As Winnie Foster

Tuck Everlasting (2002)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Winnie Foster falls in love with Jesse Tuck, whose entire family is immortal, as people begin looking into the source of the Tucks' immortality.

A couple of years after the start of Gilmore Girls, Alexis Bledel won the lead role of Winifred “Winnie” Foster in Disney’s adaptation of the classic children’s novel Tuck Everlasting. Several major stars joined the movie’s cast: William Hurt, Sissy Spacek, and Ben Kingsley. However, Bledel’s portrayal of a wide-eyed, curious, and rebellious young Winnie who finds herself in the middle of a life-changing conflict ties everything together.

Tuck Everlasting is among the movies that are better than the source material they are based on, with Winnie’s character being aged up so she can have a more mature relationship with Jesse Tuck and the rest of his family. Bledel gives a compelling performance of Winnie’s frustration with her stratified life, falling in love with Jesse, and determination to protect her new friends. Tuck Everlasting mostly flies under the radar, but it is a strong movie with Bledel at the helm.

3 Joan Cusack As Abby Mallard

Chicken Little (2005)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Chicken Little becomes an outcast after mistakenly believing the apocalypse had arrived, but will soon be the only one who can save his world. Release Date November 4, 2005 Cast Zach Braff , Garry Marshall , Don Knotts , Patrick Stewart , Amy Sedaris , Steve Zahn Runtime 80 minutes

Joan Cusack’s performance is wickedly funny, when Abby is, in many ways, the leader of the group.

Another underrated Disney movie depicts a strange town populated by off-beat versions of fable and nursery rhyme characters. The ostracized Chicken Little’s band of misfit friends includes the sassy and worldly Abby Mallard, a.k.a. the Ugly Duckling. Joan Cusack’s performance is wickedly funny, when Abby is, in many ways, the leader of the group.

Abby is the one who encourages Chicken Little to work on his relationship with his dad and oversees his training for baseball season. She always has a magazine at the ready with a piece of relevant advice. Abby has a long-standing crush on Chicken Little, but she is not a typical starry-eyed schoolgirl. Disney likely eyed Cusack for the role after her energetic performance as Jessie in Toy Story 2, and her commanding voice acting is a highlight of Chicken Little.

2 Keith David As Dr. Facilier

The Princess And The Frog (2009)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Based on the classic fairytale, The Princess and the Frog follow Tiana, a hardworking New Orleans waitress in the 1920s who has big dreams of opening her own restaurant. When she becomes involved in a curse set upon a foreign prince by a witch doctor, however, Tiana must figure out a way to help the prince break the curse before time runs out. The film features the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Cody, and John Goodman. Director John Musker Release Date December 10, 2009 Cast Anika Noni Rose , John Musker , Keith David Runtime 97minutes

Despite Tiana being one of the most inspirational and relatable Disney Princesses, The Princess and the Frog is a mid-tier Disney movie. Yet it features one of the most underrated Disney villains. Known as the “Shadow Man,” Dr. Facilier has the dark flamboyance and classic villainy to match the likes of Ursula, Cruella De Vil, and Captain Hook. Facilier’s design is excellent, but what really makes the character work is the casting of Keith David.

The voice behind the best song in Hazbin Hotel delivers “Friends on the Other Side,” Facilier’s jazzy ballad of villainous intentions. Everything the viewer needs to know about Facilier is conveyed during this song, backed up by David’s perfect vocals. The shockingly real princess of The Princess and the Frog is matched with a fascinating villain, whose persona is reinforced by David’s performance.

Related 10 Darkest Disney Villains Of All Time, Ranked Despite being aimed primarily at children, Disney villains have had some of the most compelling, complex, and menacingly dark backstories in cinema.

1 Idina Menzel As Elsa

Frozen (2013)

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buy Not available Not available Not available In this animated Disney musical, the newly crowned Queen Elsa accidentally uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in infinite winter. Her younger sister, Anna, teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a living snowman to change the weather conditions and restore peace. Director Chris Buck , Jennifer Lee Release Date November 27, 2013 Cast Edie McClurg , Kristen Bell , Santino Fontana , Idina Menzel , Robert Pine , Maurice LaMarche , Jonathan Groff , Stephen J. Anderson , Alan Tudyk , Josh Gad , Ciarán Hinds , Chris Williams Runtime 102 minutes

Frozen was set up to be a cultural phenomenon with or without its stellar cast. Due to a strong marketing strategy and word of mouth spreading the news about elements such as the story focusing on the sisters’ relationship rather than a romance, Frozen is a movie people knew was going to be a box office hit. However, the movie might not have reached quite the level of popularity and acclaim it did without a cast of noteworthy stars, several of whom are known for their Broadway roles.

After rewriting Frozen around the song “Let It Go,” it is understandable that Disney would set out to find one of the best voices in the world to perform the power ballad. Luckily, Idina Menzel, the voice of “Defying Gravity,” had already made Enchanted with Disney and the studio was able to cast her as Queen Elsa. With “Let It Go” positioned as a key moment for both story and marketing reasons, Frozen needed Menzel on board to have the biggest impact. Menzel didn’t save Frozen, per se, but her participation made it what it is.

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Source: Collider