The Enduring Appeal of Disney‘s “Chanticleer“: A Lost Animated Classic
For animation enthusiasts, the story of Disney’s abandoned “Chanticleer” project remains a fascinating “what if.” It’s a tale of stunning visual development,creative ambition,and ultimately,a studio decision that steered Disney in a different direction. This article delves into the history of this unrealized masterpiece, exploring its origins, the talent behind it, and the continued hope for its eventual realization.
the source Material: Rostand’s “Chantecler“
The foundation of this potential film lies in Edmond Rostand’s 1910 French play, “Chantecler.” Rostand, also known for “Cyrano de Bergerac,” crafted a whimsical fable about a proud rooster who believes his crowing brings about the sunrise. It’s a story brimming with vibrant characters, poetic language, and themes of vanity, love, and the importance of believing in oneself.
Marc Davis and the Visionary Designs
Disney first explored adapting “Chantecler” in the 1940s. Legendary animator Marc Davis, a key figure in the creation of iconic characters like Maleficent and Cruella de Vil, spearheaded the visual development. Davis’s conceptual work was truly exceptional, bringing Rostand’s characters to life with a unique blend of realism and expressive cartooning.
He envisioned a visually rich world, inspired by medieval France.
His character designs were remarkably dynamic and full of personality.
* Davis’s work focused on conveying emotion through subtle gestures and expressions.
you can see why his designs continue to captivate artists today.
Why “Chanticleer” Was Shelved
despite Davis’s compelling work, the project stalled. Ultimately, the studio opted to pursue “The Sword in the Stone” instead. According to Davis himself, a concern arose that audiences wouldn’t sympathize with a rooster as the central protagonist. This decision, while understandable from a risk-assessment viewpoint, left many within Disney disappointed.
A Later Attempt: “Rock-a-Doodle”
Decades later,Don Bluth attempted to bring a similar story to the screen with 1991’s “Rock-a-Doodle.” It featured an owl attempting to silence a rooster’s crowing, mirroring elements of “Chantecler.” Though, the film failed to resonate with audiences.
Unfortunatly, “Rock-a-Doodle” received poor reviews and performed poorly at the box office. It quickly faded from memory, leaving the dream of a truly faithful ”Chanticleer” adaptation unfulfilled.
Andreas Deja’s Continued Passion
The legacy of Davis’s “Chanticleer” designs lives on through the work of subsequent Disney animators. Andreas Deja, a master animator known for his work on characters like Scar, Jafar, and Hercules, remains a devoted admirer of Davis’s concepts.
Deja has repeatedly expressed his fascination with the project. In a 1995 interview for Charles Solomon’s “The Disney That Never was,” he stated, “Marc designed some of the best looking characters I’ve ever seen – these characters want to be moved and used.”
He further elaborated on his admiration during a 2000 tribute to Marc Davis. deja remarked, ”It’s kind of sad that this movie was never produced; the studio decided to do ‘Sword in the Stone’ rather.” He passionately defended the potential for audience connection, stating, “I don’t think so. I have sympathy for these guys.”
Deja even expressed a desire to create pencil tests of the characters, simply to see them come to life. This enduring enthusiasm speaks volumes about the quality and potential of Davis’s original vision.
The Future of “Chanticleer”
Could we one day see a Disney animated “chanticleer”? It’s a question that continues to linger among animation fans. While the studio’s priorities have shifted over the years, the enduring appeal of Davis’s designs and the continued advocacy of artists like Deja offer a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps a new generation of Disney creatives will recognize the potential of this lost classic and finally bring Rostand’
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