Once Upon A Studio: Robin Williams Returns as Genie

The film is meant as a love letter to the fans

by Tom Hartig on June 11, 2023

Disney revealed its film "Once Upon A Studio" at the Animation Festival in Annecy. More than 400 classic Disney characters are expected to make an appearance - including the Genie from "Aladdin", once again voiced by the late Robin Williams.

The short film lasts 9 minutes and has been described by viewers as a sort of "Night at the Museum" with Disney characters. According to director Dan Abraham, the movie is supposed to be a love letter to the long history of Disney Studios and its viewers and was made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the film company.

It combines hand-drawn animation with CGI and real characters. In addition to Peter Pan, Moana, Olaf from "Frozen" or Flash from "Zootopia", many viewers will be particularly touched by the appearance of Genie. The famous speaking part of Robin Williams was realized by using old recordings of him, which were put together to new dialogues.

It is speculated that "Once Upon A Studio" will play in theaters attached to Disney's new film "Wish", which opens in theaters on November 22, 2023.