RUMOR: Lin Manuel Miranda and Weird Al to Redo Hall of Presidents

[21stamps]

So put this one in the rumor category for now because it's not a done deal as of yet. However, with three separate sources reporting the same negotiations to me, I'm certain things are being worked on, whether they come to fruition or not.

What I've been informed of is that Disney is interested in getting away from the polarization inherent in Hall of Presidents as it currently is formatted. They're also interested in not spending large sums each time a new president is elected. Therefore Disney has reached out and is in talks with Lin Manuel Miranda and Weird Al Yankovic to write and direct a new Hall of Presidents theater show that would be non partisan and more timeless. This would not be a direct import of Hamilton, but might feature some influence. I have no info whatsoever about the animatronics or the costumes, but I can't fathom Disney discarding them. I'm told the vision of the show is "historical but witty".

While I've been somewhat displeased with Disney as of late, I have to say this rumor could actually turn out well. If they can thread the needle of being humorous, witty, historical, and interesting, all while not being offensive, I'm all for it. Weird Al potentially being involved took me seriously by surprise, but I could see this working in a zany way.

How is the HoP considered “partisan”?

 

[TeriofTerror]

Yeah, I don’t care for Lin either. Something about him screams out PHONY!!!

Is he literally the one to call to rewrite history? If that’s the case they might as well get rid of the attraction altogether. We’re talking about an opening day attraction with loads of history for the Magic Kingdom Park itself. I don’t want another Hamilton-esque themed show designed to make a mockery of this country. As it is Hamilton itself is facing backlash.

Disney should focus on the projects they already announced instead of shelving them in favor of pandering to crybabies.

Says the person whining about a change to a theme park attraction.

 

[21stamps]

This has been what I've been asking for since they stopped the show. A perfect way to present history in a way that cannot offend too many people.

If history offends you, there’s an issue much worse than viewing or reading about history.

 

[champdisney]

Says the person whining about a change to a theme park attraction.

I’m passionate about these attractions that is why I’m on this particular forum. Why are you on here?

 

[brb1006]

If all we get out of these alleged talks is a Weird Al Disney Polka medley, it will all have been worth it.

I'm surprised Weird Al hasn't done a parody of a Disney song yet. Then again I don't blame him.

 

[brb1006]

He looks like a man that smells his own farts and says "Mmmm that's a good one Lin."

So how do you feel about him being in the Ducktales reboot then?

 

[brb1006]

In the other thread there's a rumor that Splash is taking out 40 something animatronics. But it is based on a report by Jim "the Liar, pants on Fire" Hill. So take that one with a Andre the Giant sized grain of salt.

Jim Hill may be wrong, but there are times where he's correct. I also enjoy his podcast for obscure Disney facts and history with Len Testa.

 

[brb1006]

he's overrated and somehow feels the need to lecture and insult audience members

But he was good in Ducktales.

 

[Touchdown]

Lin is an O away from an EGOT, and also has won a Pulitzer. He’s written two Tony Award winning musicals, you can critize his acting ability but the man knows how to write songs, he’s a lyrical genius I’m not sure how you can call him a phoney.

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

I'm sure this is old news. They are already calling for the cancelation of "Hamilton". Don't see it happening now. https://nypost.com/2020/07/02/the-cancel-crowd-should-be-gunning-for-hamilton/

 

[WDW Pro]

How is the HoP considered “partisan”?

I don't consider it partisan. Some feel it glorifies whatever president is currently in office.

 

[brb1006]

I didn't know he was in Ducktales, luckily I don't watch it. Because it would ruin it, I'd be seeing his condescending face whenever his character came on.

I prefer the animation from the original anyways.

You are seriously missing out on the new DuckTales series. It's been getting a lot of praise from animations fans (especially from people who grew up during the Disney Afternoon era). They already teased on NegaDuck becoming a plot point sometime in Season 3 (there was a special Darkwing Duck episode made in Season 2), and Kit and Molly are set to appear in Season 3. Also the Rescue Rangers made an appearance a few episodes ago.

 

[21stamps]

I don't consider it partisan. Some feel it glorifies whatever president is currently in office.

I can’t wrap my brain around that. Acknowledging the current president is not glorifying, it’s simply facts of this country.

 

[brb1006]

Speaking of Weird Al and Lin Manuel Miranda, Weird Al just posted "The Hamilton Polka" (which uses clips from the Disney+ version).

Did I mention that Miranda is a huge fan of Weird Al?

 

[Tony the Tigger]

This would disrupt my nap time.

 

[champdisney]

Lin is an O away from an EGOT, and also has won a Pulitzer. He’s written two Tony Award winning musicals, you can critize his acting ability but the man knows how to write songs, he’s a lyrical genius I’m not sure how you can call him a phoney.

This is in response to my comment without directly responding to my comment, alrighty then.

Here’s why: I perceive Lin as a phoney by the way he carries himself. The bubbly, happy go-lucky personality never looks authentic to me as I have encountered plenty of people in my life with this kind of persona that I later find out to be the exact opposite in private. I might be wrong, I might be right. Who knows, it’s just an opinion.

As to his achievements, it has nothing to do with that. Many artists win all kinds of prestigious awards for their talents and a lot of them are still unkind when the cameras aren’t rolling. Again, just an opinion.

 

[techgeek]

Lin is an O away from an EGOT, and also has won a Pulitzer. He’s written two Tony Award winning musicals, you can critize his acting ability but the man knows how to write songs, he’s a lyrical genius I’m not sure how you can call him a phoney.

From a show tunes / musical viewpoint, Lin is absolutely the closest thing we have to a modern day Sherman brothers.

 

[mwf5555]

Neither was I. He was also super nice at the stage door... I’m not sure why anyone would dislike him as a person.

inside joke....6 feet apart of course...

 

[mwf5555]

I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.

When I go to a theatre I always look at the programme - ours are far more specific to the show by the way than the Playbills you get on Broadway. And when I took my boys to see anything I would tell them what the story was if they didn’t know it. And does it matter if you don’t get every last detail? Maybe it would inspire people to go find out.

Takes me back to last summer and our visit to DC. We saw the sign to the Mason Memorial. I totally admit I knew nothing about him. But I read the info, I read the inscription and when I got back to the hotel I did a search on him. And when we got home I read more about him.

That’s how people learn, get their attention and inspire them to discover more. hopefully those who liked Hamilton will be inspired to go find out more about him and the story. And possibly those who didn’t like it may be tempted to go do some digging and nitpick the inaccuracies.

most will not follow the need to go beyond what is expected of them and are perfectly content

 

[21stamps]

most will not follow the need to go beyond what is expected of them and are perfectly content , c

For those old enough to remember the Oliver Stone movie “JFK”.. remember when we had a ton of people who literally would quote the movie, thinking that it was historically accurate? No wish to bother with looking beyond the film.

I like Hamilton, I’m a huge musical fan anyway, but I often compare the response as similar to the Oliver Stone scenario.
Maybe I just don’t have enough faith in people