Disney has revealed intentions to develop an animatronic figure of its iconic founder, Walt Disney. However, Joanna Miller, the granddaughter of Walt, argues that he wouldn’t have wanted to be represented in such a way, labeling the idea as “dehumanized.”
The animatronic Walt will be featured in a new attraction called “Walt Disney – Magical Life,” showcasing archival films and historical presentations that remind visitors of the legacy of the founder before he fades completely from memory.
Disney points out that as time passes, fewer individuals who personally knew Walt are still around. They aim to present him as a tangible figure rather than a distant memory.
Joanna, who was nearly 11 when her grandfather passed away in December 1966, has expressed strong opposition to the plan. She contends that her grandfather himself wouldn’t have wanted an animatronic version built for his theme park. LA Times.
Joanna states emphatically that Walt belongs to the family, not the corporate entity. “He belongs to us,” she insists. “We’re his family.”
Miller is the daughter of Diane, Walt’s eldest daughter, who passed away in 2013. Diane was also part of the Walt Disney Family Museum’s board. Joanna’s father, Ron, served as Disney’s CEO from 1978 to 1984 and died in 2019.
She expresses that the entire animatronic project “dehumanizes” Walt and she doesn’t want to see “robot grandpa” getting exploited by the Disney Corporation.
“People can’t be replaced. His story deserves to be shared,” Miller argues. She also believes Walt would have never wanted animatronics in his parks under any circumstance.
While she’s often been close to Disney’s public life, Joanna generally avoids the spotlight. Yet, she feels compelled to voice her concerns now.
She reflects, “When I get older,” she sometimes finds herself frustrated, “You get mad, and you get tired of being quiet.” Facebook. It raises some interesting questions. “The fact that it’s being revisited is quite something.”
Years ago, while serving on the board of the Walt Disney Family Museum, there was discussion about creating a Walt animatronic for their facility. Joanna noted her mother was against the idea, voicing that Walt wouldn’t have wanted his family treated that way. Joanna relayed her mother saying, “Grandpa deserves a tribute that utilizes new technology but not a robot,” emphasizing the need to present him as a genuine person.
Since Joanna’s Facebook post, the company has reached out to her, inviting her to a workshop for the animatronic design. While she appreciates the invitation, it hasn’t swayed her opinion. Miller said when she saw the prototype, “I think I started crying. It didn’t look like him, in my eyes.”
Despite her sentiments, the company asserts they are not obligated to heed her concerns. They state there is no concrete evidence showing Walt disapproved of such an animatronic figure. Most individuals who might have witnessed any objection from him have since passed away.
Additionally, the Miller family sold the rights to Walt’s name and likeness in 1981 for $46.2 million as part of a deal with Disney. Ultimately, the remaining family members hold no legal authority over how the company chooses to represent their grandfather.
