Leslie Iwerks, a filmmaker renowned for her explorations into the magical world of Disney, continues her tradition of revealing the behind-the-scenes artistry and developmental journeys that bring Disney's global parks to life. Her previous works, such as 'The Pixar Story,' 'Disneyland Handcrafted,' and 'The Imagineering Story,' have consistently offered audiences a unique glimpse into the creative processes. Her new documentary, 'Disney Worldbuilders,' is set to premiere on Disney+ on August 20, featuring an impressive lineup of figures including Bob Iger, James Cameron, Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, Jennifer Lee, Pete Docter, Dave Filoni, Jared Bush, and Josh D’Amaro. These individuals share their personal insights into the evolution of iconic worlds like 'Avatar,' 'Star Wars,' the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pixar, 'Frozen,' and 'Zootopia' into immersive Disney theme park experiences.
The Disney heritage runs deep within Leslie Iwerks' family. Her father, Donald Iwerks, dedicated over six decades to projects for The Walt Disney Company and his own production studio, Iwerks Entertainment. He was a pioneer in projection technology, 3D and large-format filmmaking, and the development of immersive attractions that transformed audience engagement with stories. Her grandfather, Ub Iwerks, played a pivotal role in the creation of Mickey Mouse, designing and illustrating the legendary character alongside Walt Disney in 1928, cementing the family's profound connection to the Disney legacy.
A guiding principle for Leslie Iwerks, and a central theme in her documentary, is Walt Disney's timeless statement: "Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world." This philosophy inspired her to highlight the current generation of imaginative creators. She views figures like Cameron, Lee, and Bush as inheritors of the creative torch first lit by Walt Disney. Their narratives in the documentary explore the passion behind their storytelling and character development, and how these creative endeavors are now manifested in theme park lands and attractions, seamlessly extending Disney's imaginative lineage.
One particularly poignant segment in the film captures Iwerks accompanying Jennifer Lee to Disneyland Paris in anticipation of the grand opening of World of Frozen. Lee, celebrated for writing and co-directing 'Frozen' and 'Frozen 2,' recounts her earliest memories of the park, particularly her enchantment with Fantasyland and Cinderella. Iwerks shares the touching moment when Lee, inspired by her close bond with her sister, found the spark for 'Frozen.' Witnessing Lee in the meticulously crafted world of 'Frozen,' reflecting on how her personal experiences shaped a global phenomenon, was profoundly moving, especially as she and her sister experienced the attraction together for the first time, seeing their shared bond brought to life through Elsa and Anna.
The powerful emotional response of Jennifer Lee upon encountering the 'Frozen' attraction for the first time underscores a core tenet of Walt Disney's vision. Iwerks highlights Lee’s deep emotional connection to seeing her written words and imagined worlds materialize into tangible, interactive environments. This realization, that characters conceived in her mind could be experienced live within the park, epitomizes Walt Disney's original aspiration: to create immersive experiences that allow audiences to connect with beloved stories on a deeper, more personal level. It’s a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and imagination, bridging the gap between creation and lived experience.
A crucial thread weaving through the documentary is the creators' profound passion, rooted in their identities as lifelong Disney enthusiasts. Iwerks observes that many of these visionaries grew up frequenting the parks and harbor a deep affection for them. James Cameron, for instance, exhibits a childlike wonder when witnessing the world of Pandora from his 'Avatar' films brought to life. Iwerks remarks on the joy of seeing these accomplished individuals retain a magical spark, a sense of wonder that Disney instills, which remains undiminished by their professional achievements. This enduring passion is what fuels their ability to expand and enrich the Disney universe.
Through 'Disney Worldbuilders,' Leslie Iwerks aims to inspire a new generation of creators, world-builders, artists, and storytellers. She found it particularly insightful to observe the inherent risks involved in each individual’s journey—from Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks to the contemporary figures. Despite continuous struggles and challenges, a relentless passion and an unwavering desire to create joy consistently propelled them forward. This commitment to detail, authenticity, and spreading happiness, initiated by Walt, is a legacy these modern pioneers are actively continuing. It underscores that creative endeavors are always accompanied by risks, but it is the deep-seated passion that ultimately ensures their realization.