EPCOT Figment, well, to be replaced by Figment

[DoleWhipDrea]

My hopes for this film:
1) Reunite the Dreamfinder and Figment - they're a package deal in terms of storytelling, and keep their personalities the same. Don't re-design Figment, he's perfect as he is!
2) Use fantastic practical effects - I'd like to see Figment mostly as an animatronic puppet ala Grogu (with some CGI to fill in where needed - the Volume would be great, too)
3) Be really imaginative and go BIG
4) Keep Tony Baxter and WDI in the collaboration process for the eventual update to the attraction

This is what I've been hoping for, as further franchising Figment is the only way this current set of higher-ups will greenlight a decent amount of funds for an overhaul of Imagination. Let's hope they do this with care...

 

[Epcot82Guy]

My hopes for this film:
1) Reunite the Dreamfinder and Figment - they're a package deal in terms of storytelling, and keep their personalities the same. Don't re-design Figment, he's perfect as he is!
2) Use fantastic practical effects - I'd like to see Figment mostly as an animatronic puppet ala Grogu (with some CGI to fill in where needed - the Volume would be great, too)
3) Be really imaginative and go BIG
4) Keep Tony Baxter and WDI in the collaboration process for the eventual update to the attraction

This is what I've been hoping for, as further franchising Figment is the only way this current set of higher-ups will greenlight a decent amount of funds for an overhaul of Imagination. Let's hope they do this with care...

Agreed. This could really be a slam dunk for both fan service and a new franchise. Following their current "mini story" obsession for the parks, the original attraction storyline could easily be followed again. Fully update all the effects. Add in Easter eggs from the film (assuming it's done in the way you describe). And, you could easily have a winner on your hands for both film and ride.

 

[ElvisMickey]

Let’s do it, baby!

 

[WondersOfLife]

Something tells me its going to be another one of those boring business guys meeting a CGI character kinda thing... Or anything similar... And the live action character going "whooooaaa! What are YOU!" with a bunch of crraAAAZzyyy shenanigans along the way... You know... All of the "Meh... It's fine..." movies.... For instance...

The same writers... -->

Here is my concept poster. I'll take cash, please.

 

[spectromagic04]

Something tells me its going to be another one of those boring business guys meeting a CGI character kinda thing... Or anything similar... And the live action character going "whooooaaa! What are YOU!" with a bunch of crraAAAZzyyy shenanigans along the way... You know... All of the "Meh... It's fine..." movies.... For instance...

View attachment 670353

The same writers... -->

Here is my concept poster. I'll take cash, please.

View attachment 670358

Sonic, detective pikachu and Casper were great tho.

 

[Mickeynerd17]

I had no idea Rocky and Bullwinkle had a film. Wow.

As someone who grew up with large animatronics of them at my (mostly) local arcade place, that's really cool.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Sonic, detective pikachu and Casper were great tho.

Didn't say they were all bad. Just a tired and worn out concept for a movie.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

A Dreamfinder origin story based on loneliness and, literally, the ultimate imaginary friend - exploring human connection, purpose, etc. in a Pixar-esque way could actually be a pretty compelling storyline which could blend the zany, whimsical and heart felt. But I'll believe it when I see it for the reasons noted above.

I really hope we don't get trite, annoying Figment, the 2 hour version.

 

[brb1006]

Yeah, if not Dave I think Corey Burton would be the best choice.

I could see Ben Diskin making a good Figment too.

My vote goes to Ben Diskin.

 

[brb1006]

A Dreamfinder origin story based on loneliness and, literally, the ultimate imaginary friend - exploring human connection, purpose, etc. in a Pixar-esque way could actually be a pretty compelling storyline which could blend the zany, whimsical and heart felt. But I'll believe it when I see it for the reasons noted above.

I really hope we don't get trite, annoying Figment, the 2 hour version.

I liked Dreamfinder's origin story in the Marvel Figment comics where Dreamfinder (real name "Blarion "Blair" Mercurial") was very fascinated with imagination, science, and cyberpunk as early as a young boy. He created Figment as a kid after using his newly intended goggles/headgear where he made imaginary figures come to life.

 

[MTBaymax]

Yeah, if not Dave I think Corey Burton would be the best choice.

I could see Ben Diskin making a good Figment too.

Bobby Moynihan has been quoted in wanting to voice him too. I co-sign this.

 

[JohnD]

My hopes for this film:
1) Reunite the Dreamfinder and Figment - they're a package deal in terms of storytelling, and keep their personalities the same. Don't re-design Figment, he's perfect as he is!
2) Use fantastic practical effects - I'd like to see Figment mostly as an animatronic puppet ala Grogu (with some CGI to fill in where needed - the Volume would be great, too)
3) Be really imaginative and go BIG
4) Keep Tony Baxter and WDI in the collaboration process for the eventual update to the attraction

This is what I've been hoping for, as further franchising Figment is the only way this current set of higher-ups will greenlight a decent amount of funds for an overhaul of Imagination. Let's hope they do this with care...

I agree. Put Dreamfinder in the movie. They don't need to "redesign" but "dedesign" Figment to return him back to being the whimsical character he was. Not the menace he currently is now. The movie becomes an IP that fits the model of attractions in Disney parks. Not coincidentally Imagination 3.0 gets rethemed back to Imagination 1.0. That's my hope anyway.

 

[Brer Panther]

Bobby Moynihan has been quoted in wanting to voice him too. I co-sign this.

Hmmm.... as much as I like Bobby Moynihan, he doesn't sound all that much like Figment. Can he do a good Figment impression?

 

[JohnD]

Hmmm.... as much as I like Bobby Moynihan, he doesn't sound all that much like Figment. Can he do a good Figment impression?

Why don't they just use Respeacher with Billy Barty's voice? If they can do that with Vader and James Earl Jones they can do that with Figment and Barty.

 

[DoleWhipDrea]

Why don't they just use Respeacher with Billy Barty's voice? If they can do that with Vader and James Earl Jones they can do that with Figment and Barty.

I love Billy Barty's voice, but I think they're going to want to find an actor that's alive that can do press and media for a while to promote the film and any franchising that will come from it. Technology only gets better as time progresses, and I'm sure Disney has some ideas for what they'd like to use James Earl Jones' voice in future projects, but as of this moment I wonder if they have enough to make an entire film with him as a lead based off of prior audio of his voice. They may just have enough in their archives. But with Billy Barty as Figment, I'd be really surprised if Disney had enough audio - and Billy's estate would have to okay it, before anything else.

Thankfully, there are a lot of very talented voice actors out there. I'm confident that they can find someone that sounds just like OG Figment.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I love Billy Barty's voice, but I think they're going to want to find an actor that's alive that can do press and media for a while to promote the film and any franchising that will come from it. Technology only gets better as time progresses, and I'm sure Disney has some ideas for what they'd like to use James Earl Jones' voice in future projects, but as of this moment I wonder if they have enough to make an entire film with him as a lead based off of prior audio of his voice. They may just have enough in their archives. But with Billy Barty as Figment, I'd be really surprised if Disney had enough audio - and Billy's estate would have to okay it, before anything else.

Thankfully, there are a lot of very talented voice actors out there. I'm confident that they can find someone that sounds just like OG Figment.

Perhaps, they could use his sound clips when he played Gwildor in the Masters of the Universe movie..

I'm still curious if Dave has done any other recordings of Figment ever since the 02 version..

 

[chad5871]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been more active with speculation after Chapek was ousted and Iger returned to the reigns as CEO. Especially in light of the recent email sent out by Iger yesterday (quoted below), what do you all think that this change in leadership could mean for the future of Imagination (and Figment/Dreamfinder)?

From Bob Iger:

As we approach the end of 2022, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the biggest Disney fans in the world – all of you.

Disney is fortunate to have the most devoted and enthusiastic fans, and I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I visited Disneyland Resort and attended the Candlelight Processional. It was invigorating to be surrounded by so many guests who make what we do possible. We love your passion for our company and your enthusiasm for what we create, and we will continue to do our best to exceed your highest expectations.

As you know, next year Disney will mark its 100th anniversary. We are immeasurably grateful to the generations of fans all around the globe who have invited our stories and characters into their lives, and we look forward to celebrating the groundbreaking moments, the cherished memories, and the creative visionaries that made Disney the most beloved name in entertainment over the past century.

During the coming year, D23 will launch a slate of exciting events to mark this historic milestone.

Looking at all the opportunities ahead, I can honestly say there has never been a better time to be a Disney fan. It is an extraordinary privilege to lead this remarkable company again, and I am so grateful for your continued passion for Disney. On behalf of all of us at The Walt Disney Company, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been more active with speculation after Chapek was ousted and Iger returned to the reigns as CEO. Especially in light of the recent email sent out by Iger yesterday (quoted below), what do you all think that this change in leadership could mean for the future of Imagination (and Figment/Dreamfinder)?

From Bob Iger:

Did he EVER Talk about it during his first tenure? No.....So, I doubt will hear anything about it...

 

[Tha Realest]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been more active with speculation after Chapek was ousted and Iger returned to the reigns as CEO. Especially in light of the recent email sent out by Iger yesterday (quoted below), what do you all think that this change in leadership could mean for the future of Imagination (and Figment/Dreamfinder)?

From Bob Iger:

There had at least been some movement on the Figment side of things lately pre-Iger. If I had to guess it’s going to wait to see how the new Rogen project looks, and/or how it’s received

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Did he EVER Talk about it during his first tenure? No.....So, I doubt will hear anything about it...

I do think there's going to be some kind of gesture of goodwill to say to the fans "the bad man is gone, I'm going to take care of you now." Iger is extraordinarily savvy when it comes to PR spin and that sort of thing, and he knows that Disney's reputation is in the gutter right now.

But I don't think Imagination is a very likely candidate.