Disney fans were treated to a special moment during the airing of “Once Upon a Studio,” a short film released by the Mouse House on ABC to celebrate their 100-year anniversary. The film showcased iconic characters and milestones from Disney’s history, including the beloved character Genie from “Aladdin,” voiced by the late Robin Williams.
In the short clip, the Genie makes a brief but memorable cameo. He pops off a page that Olaf, from “Frozen,” is working on, causing the snowman to crash to the ground. In response to the mishap, the Genie humorously says, “I haven’t seen a fall like that since Rome.” Once Olaf composes himself, Robin’s voice can be heard saying, “Much better.” While it was just a couple of lines, some fans expressed concern that Disney had recreated Robin Williams’ voice using artificial intelligence.
Fortunately, the producers and directors behind “Once Upon a Studio” clarified that this was not the case. According to a statement given to Variety, they obtained official permission to use Robin’s actual vocals. They reached out to Robin’s estate, explaining their plans for the special short film and expressing their desire to involve him. The creative team wanted to honor Robin’s legacy as the beloved Genie, a character that holds a special place in the hearts of many people.
To incorporate Robin’s voice into the film, the team listened to outtakes from his original recordings and carefully selected snippets that fit the scenes. Eric Goldberg, the animator who originally brought the Genie to life, was also involved in the project, adding an extra layer of authenticity. The collaboration between the creative team, Robin’s estate, and Eric resulted in a heartfelt tribute that delighted fans and honored the memory of the late actor.
Related Post
The decision to use Robin’s real voice was a testament to Disney’s commitment to preserving the magic and authenticity of their characters. By accessing the Disney vault and utilizing Robin’s original recordings, the producers and directors ensured that the Genie’s cameo in “Once Upon a Studio” remained true to the character and paid homage to the incredible talent of Robin Williams.
The revival of Robin’s voice as the Genie allowed fans to once again experience the joy and humor he brought to the iconic character. In the original “Aladdin” film, Robin’s portrayal of the Genie was widely praised and is often regarded as one of his most memorable roles. His improvisational skills and energetic performance brought the character to life in a way that was uniquely his own.
Robin Williams’ voice continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us of his immense talent and the joy he brought to so many lives. His portrayal of the Genie in “Aladdin” remains an enduring part of his legacy, and the inclusion of his voice in “Once Upon a Studio” allowed fans to once again hear his iconic performance.
Overall, the decision to use Robin Williams’ real voice in the revival of the Genie for “Once Upon a Studio” was a heartfelt tribute to the actor and to the character that captured the hearts of audiences. By obtaining permission from Robin’s estate and working closely with the original animator, the creative team ensured that the Genie’s cameo remained true to the beloved character. It was a fitting way to honor Robin Williams’ contributions to Disney and celebrate the enduring magic of the Genie.
