Controversy Surrounds New Animatronic of Walt Disney as Granddaughter Speaks Out

Controversy Surrounds New Animatronic of Walt Disney as Granddaughter Speaks Out

In a recent edition of ‘Tech Tuesday’ on KFI & KTLA, tech reporter Rich DeMuro highlighted several significant technological developments, including the launch of Nintendo's Switch 2, Google Wallet discontinuing its PayPal support, and the innovative uses of AI in battling shoplifting.

However, the spotlight recently shifted towards a different kind of technology—the unveiling of a new animatronic version of Walt Disney, which has sparked considerable debate and dissent among his descendants. Initially announced at the D23 Expo in 2024, the animatronic is slated to be part of a new show titled "Walt Disney – A Magical Life" set to debut on July 17, 2025, coinciding with the Disneyland Resort's anniversary.

Disney claims that their Imagineers are pushing the boundaries of Audio-Animatronics to create a figure that closely resembles Walt Disney in both appearance and mannerism. This project is touted to be a result of groundbreaking innovations in animatronic technology, similar to recent attractions like Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Despite the technological advancements, the announcement has met with mixed reactions from the Disney family. While some relatives, such as Walt’s grandson Chris Miller and granddaughter Tamara Miller, have expressed their belief that Walt would have embraced the project, others, notably granddaughter Joanna Miller, have voiced serious concerns.

• Joanna Miller has denounced the animatronic as "an imposter" and described it as "dehumanizing."
• She claims that retired Imagineers have privately opposed the project, feeling that creating a mechanical version of Walt is inappropriate.
• In her remarks to the media, Joanna insists that the project does not honor her grandfather's legacy, stating, "I do speak for my grandfather and my mother."

Joanna Miller further elaborated in recent interviews, claiming she had heard reports indicating that Walt Disney explicitly wished against the creation of an animatronic likeness of himself. She referenced conversations with Imagineer Sam McKim, affirming that Walt made it clear he did not want to be immortalized in a mechanical format.

Disney Imagineers, however, have responded to these claims by stating that their research has produced no evidence of Walt ever expressing such a wish. While the debate continues, the launch of the Walt Disney animatronic remains scheduled for July.

This controversy spotlights the delicate intersection between innovation in theme park entertainment and the preservation of familial legacy. As Disney endeavors to merge technology with affection for its founder, the mixed responses from the Disney family emphasize the complexity surrounding how beloved figures are remembered and represented in modern culture.

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