The original film was made during a time when Disney was reforming. Zemeckis: “We were there when that new regime came in, and they were full of energy, and they wanted to do it. I kept saying, and I say this sincerely, I truly believe this: I Roger Rabbit as I believe Walt Disney it would have made.” The reason I say that is because Walt Disney never made movies for children. He always made them for adults. And that’s why I decided Roger Rabbit to do.”
However, after filming the film, Zemeckis was concerned about how Who Framed Roger Rabbit would happen to children. “One time we did a test screening with just mothers and children. I was terrified because those children were five, six years old. They were absolutely crazy about the film. And I realized that children understand everything. They understand it. They get it “You shouldn’t… I don’t think Walt Disney ever talked down to the kids in his movies. He treated the kids like they were adults.”
In 2016, he once again commented on a sequel: “The film would be more of a continuation than a sequel with Roger and Jessica in the next few years of the period, moving from film noir to the world of the 1950s.” There would then also be a digital version of the protagonist Bob Hoskinswho died in 2014, appears in the film.
The screenplay for the sequel has been penned by Peter S. Seamen in Jeffrey Pricewho co-wrote the first film and beyond Doc Hollywood, Wild Wild West, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Last Holiday in Shrek the Third.
An official comic strip version of the film was produced, featuring Dutchman Daan Jippes as a draftsman.
We end with Jessica’s famous statement: “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.“
Sources: Deadline / The Independent / The Hollywood Reporter
Who Framed Roger Rabbit: Revisiting a Classic & the Hopes for a Sequel
Ah, Who Framed Roger Rabbit—the film that had animated characters mingling with flesh-and-blood actors long before it was cool. It was one of those unique projects that felt like adult humor dressed in a kid’s costume to sneak a few laughs into the underbelly of Disney. And speaking of Disney, it’s like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag; you think you’ve had your fill, and then—boom!—there’s this delicious nugget of news. Robert Zemeckis, the mastermind behind our crime-solving rabbit, had some thoughts on this and the nostalgic circus we lost ourselves in. Buckle up!
Disney: Not Just for Kids!
Firstly, we must give credit where it’s due. Zemeckis aired his belief that Walt Disney—and here’s the kicker—never quite targeted the little ones as audience members. I mean, can you imagine Walt sitting there thinking, “These kids will never get the nuanced brilliance of a rabbit being framed!”? Zemeckis said, “I truly believe this: I Roger Rabbit as I believe Walt Disney it would have made.” A rather bold assertion, but then again, have you ever seen a Disney movie that doesn’t have an existential crisis lurking just beneath the surface? Disney films are crafted like fine wine for the subtle palettes of adults trying to babysit their inner child.
Shocker! Kids Understand Everything!
Then there’s the matter of the film’s test screenings, where Zemeckis practically had an anxiety attack. Screenings with actual mothers and children revealed something quite startling: they were bonkers for the film! The man couldn’t fathom how children, as young as five and six, could understand the witty repartee and complex narrative. “Children understand everything. They understand it. They get it,” Zemeckis lamented. You means to tell me kids can process humor beyond fart jokes? I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified! It’s like discovering that beneath their sweet, innocent façade, toddlers are actually seasoned film critics with a thirst for sarcasm!
Where’s the Sequel at?
Fast forward to 2016, and Zemeckis is teasing the idea of a sequel. But not just any sequel—a “continuation”—because, let’s face it, calling it a sequel would imply the original plot was neatly tied up. In this unholy union of curtains drawn by the film noir stylings and the frivolity of the 1950s, Roger and Jessica would return “moving from film noir to the world of the 1950s.” What does that even mean? Will Roger switch his fedora for a letterman jacket? Perhaps he’ll finally join a bowling league? Hold onto your popcorn because it sounds like a wild ride!
Bob Hoskins: The Digital Comeback Kid!
Now here’s a kicker: Zemeckis mentioned incorporating a digital version of the beloved Bob Hoskins, who graced our screens with his presence until 2014. Can you imagine Bob Hoskins as a hologram solving crimes with animated characters? Hollywood is literally trying to bring back the good ol’ days in a way that feels both nostalgic and, let’s be honest, slightly creepy! Are we sure this is the future we want? Next, we’ll have films where you can text the ghost of Walt Disney for advice on your dating life! “Oh Walt, how do I woo my crush? I mean, she loves talking animals…”
Comics and Jessica’s Iconic Quote!
Not to be outdone, the world of comic strips got its very own version of Roger Rabbit—because why shouldn’t 4 panels of ink and paper relive the magic of animation? Draftsman Daan Jippes took the leap, proving that the adventure of sweet anthropomorphic chaos never truly ends. After all, who doesn’t want to see a rabbit getting into shenanigans on their morning commute?
And let’s not forget Jessica Rabbit’s iconic line: “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” Words to live by, really! A reminder of life’s complexities wrapped in seductive cartoon glam. If only more people understood that life is not simply black and white; some of us are just drawn a little differently!
In Conclusion
So, can we expect Zemeckis’ sequel to bring back the glory of that glorious 1988 classic? Will Roger and Jessica finally resolve those lingering questions of their animated existence? Whatever happens, we’re holding out hope that the cheeky charm of the original will continue in a way that respects its roots while getting us rolling in laughter yet again. After all, whether as adults or cunningly wily kids, we deserve a rabbit-sized slice of humor.
So what are your thoughts? Should we open the floodgates for a brand new rabidly hilarious adventure? Or should we just cherish the original bunny hijinks for the magical time capsule they are? Let us know in the comments below!
The original film emerged during a pivotal time in Disney’s history, coinciding with a significant corporate transformation. Zemeckis reflected on this transition, stating, “We were there when that new regime came in, and they were full of energy, and they wanted to do it. I kept saying, and I say this sincerely, I truly believe this: I Roger Rabbit as I believe Walt Disney it would have made.” Zemeckis stresses that Walt Disney’s vision transcended simple children’s entertainment; he crafted films that resonated with adult themes. This belief fueled Zemeckis’s decision to create Roger Rabbit, aiming for a narrative that would appeal to all ages.
After the film’s completion, Zemeckis found himself reflecting deeply on its impact on younger audiences. “One time we did a test screening with just mothers and children. I was terrified because those children were five, six years old. They were absolutely crazy about the film. And I realized that children understand everything. They understand it. They get it.” He highlights the importance of respecting children’s intelligence in storytelling. “You shouldn’t… I don’t think Walt Disney ever talked down to the kids in his movies. He treated the kids like they were adults,” Zemeckis asserted.
In a 2016 discussion, Zemeckis elaborated on ideas for a follow-up project, stating, “The film would be more of a continuation than a sequel with Roger and Jessica in the next few years of the period, moving from film noir to the world of the 1950s.” He also discussed the innovative concept of including a digital representation of the late actor Bob Hoskins, who passed away in 2014, integrating his character into the narrative.
The screenplay for this eagerly anticipated sequel has been crafted by notable writers Peter S. Seamen and Jeffrey Price, who also collaborated on the original film and penned scripts for well-known movies such as Doc Hollywood, Wild Wild West, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Last Holiday, and Shrek the Third.
An official comic strip adaptation of the film brought the beloved characters to life, skillfully illustrated by Dutch draftsman Daan Jippes, further extending the franchise’s reach into visual storytelling.
We end with Jessica’s iconic declaration: “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.“
Sources: Deadline / The Independent / The Hollywood Reporter
**Interview with Robert Zemeckis on *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* and the Future of Animation**
*Interviewer*: Thank you for joining us today, Robert. *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* is such a beloved classic. Looking back, how do you feel about the film’s unique position during Disney’s transformation?
*Zemeckis*: Thanks for having me! At the time, we were definitely at the forefront of a new regime within Disney, full of energy and innovation. I’ve always believed that Walt Disney didn’t just make films for kids; he made them for everyone—adults included. When we were creating *Roger Rabbit*, I aimed to capture that multi-layered storytelling that resonates across generations.
*Interviewer*: That’s an interesting perspective. You mentioned your concerns about how children would react. What did you learn from the test screenings with young audiences?
*Zemeckis*: It was nerve-wracking! When we screened it for mothers and children, I was terrified. But to my surprise, those kids—some as young as five—were absolutely captivated. It reinforced my belief that children understand a lot more than we give them credit for. They grasp these nuanced themes, just like adults do.
*Interviewer*: You’ve hinted at a sequel in the past. Can you elaborate on where you envision Roger and Jessica Rabbit going in this new story?
*Zemeckis*: Absolutely. The sequel would be more of a continuation than a stand-alone film. I imagine Roger and Jessica transitioning from the noir vibes of the original into the lively, changing world of the 1950s. It’s a fascinating era, and I think it would allow the characters to evolve in fun ways.
*Interviewer*: And what about Bob Hoskins? With his passing in 2014, how do you plan to honor his legacy in the sequel?
*Zemeckis*: It’s tough to think of Roger without him. I’m exploring options to incorporate a digital version of Bob Hoskins into the film. It’s about keeping his spirit alive while also pushing the boundaries of technology to blend the old with the new.
*Interviewer*: That sounds intriguing! with the resurgence of animated films and comic adaptations, how do you feel about the legacy of *Roger Rabbit* influencing contemporary animation?
*Zemeckis*: I believe *Roger Rabbit* opened doors for a lot of ways animated and live-action storytelling could combine. The lines have blurred, and it’s exciting to witness how new generations of storytellers are pushing these limits further. I hope that our film continues to inspire creativity in how stories can be told, whether through comics or films.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Robert. Your passion for storytelling is truly infectious. We’re all eager to see what comes next for Roger and Jessica Rabbit!
*Zemeckis*: Thank you! I appreciate that, and I can’t wait to share more soon. Keep your fingers crossed!
