Well... Let's do some CPR on this thread.
The goal has transitioned to photoshop and AI to mix to get stronger interpretations of these. Probably AI to create the simulation of the animatronics, and then photoshopping the sets to keep the Mary Blair and show set realism alive, as well as air brushing the character skins and making the video go.
I know there's some reluctancies to using AI and ChatGPT for coverage, but the thought it to use proper promting and continual establishment of Marc's values of the project to create realistic beings. It's really a longer process, but it will give the most hype realistic ride POV possible. Also - maybe someone watching my chaos may be less chaos and better design for someone else
To demonstrate - I'd like to introduce you to my Guinea pigs.
On the Right - We'll call him "Gunner Gus" - the Left we'll call "Robber Ralph" just to give context when creating these guys.
I won't bore you with prompting chats - But I will show the highlight reel.
Too Hyperealistic.
THAT!
Which for 1970s World of Motion Styling AAs? No. - But - We're getting
really close with Robber Ralph on the last bit. Though not true to the dark eye circles of Marc, the bone in the face as well as the eyes are very Pirates-esque. That face? Spot on. Just need to nail the photo posing and mimic it with Gunner Gus over there. Dark Eyes? I can add makeup later people. I'm focused on the actors.
So Prompting for the Robber Ralph on the left:
Pose & Body Mechanics
- Base Pose: Crouched down behind the safe with revolver in hand, leaning forward with tension in the shoulders.
- Torso Tilt: Slight forward hunch gives him a defensive, “ready-for-action” look.
- Head Angle: Eyes narrowed, chin down, scanning for danger.
- Hand & Prop Integration: One hand on the revolver (resting against the safe), the other bracing the safe for stability.
Facial Styling
- Animatronic Features:
- Exaggerated brows for expressiveness.
- Wide, slightly squinting eyes with strong eyelid mechanics.
- Highly detailed mustache and beard sculpting with visible texture in hair strands.
- Subtle but clear wrinkle lines around forehead, eyes, and mouth for “life-like” expressivity.
- Eyebrows capable of tilting for suspicion or aggression.
- Jaw motion synced to “gritted teeth” or muttered lines.
- Eye darts for scanning the horizon.
- Micro head movements (small shifts) to simulate alertness.
Finish & Aesthetic
- Costume: Keep the purple coat, red kerchief, and cowboy hat from the first image, but weather the fabrics so they look dusty and lived-in (like Pirates of the Caribbean animatronics).
- Semi-translucent skin tones layered for realism.
- Slight sheen on the eyes and lips for “wet” effect.
- Hands painted with subtle dirt/weathering to feel authentic.
Audio & Synchronization
- Voice Track: Gruff outlaw voice, muttering about holding the safe or warning his partner (“Keep yer eyes peeled!”).
- Sound Effects: Subtle creak of boots and safe, revolver clicks when the hand twitches.
- Lip Sync: Mechanical jaw syncs to dialogue, with random idle murmurs when not speaking.
- Idle State: Eyes scanning, light breathing motion, revolver hand twitching occasionally.
- Raises head sharply, eyes dart toward riders.
- Growls or mutters a warning.
- Revolver hand tightens, small recoil animation simulating readiness.
- Returns to tense, watchful idle stance.
- Recreate the bandit animatronic in his crouched/safe-hiding pose.
- Place him into a Western River Expedition–style set with barrels, crates, lanterns, desert backdrop, and ride-style moody lighting.
- Deliver it in the same style as the Pirates of the Caribbean ride photos you attached (wide angle, atmospheric, full animatronic scene).
Now, yes, it has left out Gunner Gus,
but let me focus on Robber Ralph's final touches. Also, let's ignore the landscape design, as that will be changed as well.
Let's give him some breathing room in the image and make the nose and hands look a bit earlier AA like. I've attached some photos of POTC from the auction scene of the Pirates Photo reference book on disneydocs.net for Tokyo.
Yes - but the Bandana's a no. Still needs more a World of Motion goofiness to the character as well.
This is where we're leaving him:
Stay tuned to see me give Gunner Gus a shave, tone his clothing to match the original rendering, and fix his features to mimic World of Motion AAs a bit more.
There’s some info on the runaway train, and very little on the canoes and restaurant.
