The capabilities of AI continue to reach new thresholds every day. The advent of computer learning comes just as, this year, Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special animated short, Once Upon a Studio, featuring countless beloved characters, including Genie from Aladdin, famously voiced by Robin Williams.
But the film itself is brand new, released October 15, while Williams, who famously had a turbulent relationship with Disney surrounding the release and marketing of Aladdin, died in 2014. Even so, the Once Upon a Studio team managed to give fans of the film and character a fresh treat – and they did it without using any AI to recreate Williams’ performance at all.
‘Once Upon a Studio’ brings back Robin Williams’ Genie without any AI
Once Upon a Studio celebrates 100 years of Disney magic, from the lesser-known black-and-white animations to modern icons like Moana. From the beginning, directors Dan Abraham and Trent Correy knew that Genie would need to be included, with how enduring Williams’ performance was. But his family has been very vocally against the use of AI to recreate Williams’ voice for anything, let alone ambitious projects like this that could be seen as promotional material.
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So, Correy and Abraham didn’t use AI. Producers Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen approached Williams’ estate explaining the idea. Simonsen outlined, “We tried to take them on the journey with us to say, ‘We’ve got this very special short that we’re doing. Robin as the genie means so much to so many people and we would really love to involve him.'”
Simonsen continued, “So Dan listened to the outtakes from the original recording and he found those little bites that we could use. We went back to the estate and said, ‘This is what we hope to do. Eric, who originally animated the genie is on the show, and he’s going to be part of it.’ And it was wonderful to see that happen.”
The fantastical family photo
Once Upon a Studio takes place at the end of a very special work day at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank. Burny Mattinson, a Disney Legend and veteran of the company for 70 years, leaves, prompting Mickey and Minnie to appear and assemble their friends for a 100th Anniversary photo. Those present include Ariel from The Little Mermaid, the titular Peter Pan straight from Neverland, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and countless more – even the devilish Chernabog.
Three minutes into the thirteen-minute short film, Genie emerges from a sketchbook held by Olaf from Frozen. Naturally, when it comes time for the group photo, Genie places himself right near his friend Aladdin, along with Jasmine and Jafar. Together, the beloved cast sings “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Check out the trailer for this special walk – or flight on a magic carpet – down memory lane in the video below!