File this one under the category, “What? They’re doing what? Are they crazy?”
Word came down in the New York Times Friday that the Walt Disney Company, which pretty much runs the world of entertainment (and Central Florida), is in the process of updating and changing Mickey Mouse.
Yep, Mickey Mouse. The beloved icon of all of our childhoods. According to this story, the company feels that Mickey is not quite cool or hip enough for the young’uns of 2009. So they’re planning on re-engineering Mickey to make him a little more cantankerous and cunning.
What, is he going to start sniping at Minnie that her outfit makes her look fat? Will he begin pummeling Donald Duck for making too much noise?
No. Apparently, because sales of Mickey-related paraphernalia have declined, they just want to tweak Mickey a little, in this video game, Epic Mickey. Give him a little edge.
“I wanted him to be able to be naughty — when you’re playing as Mickey you can misbehave and even be a little selfish,” said Warren Spector, a Disney bigwig.
I’m sorry, but this is a bad, bad idea. Mickey Mouse is who he is. He’s jolly, he’s faithful to his girlfriend, and he’ll always be that way. I don’t want a Mickey Mouse who cuts corners, or who thinks only of himself.
Part of the ultimate joy of Disney World (and believe me, I could write thousands of words about how much I love that place, but I won’t do that here) is the look on children’s faces when they encounter the wholesome image of Mickey and Minnie and all their pals.
You’re going to mess with that formula? Please. Leave Mickey alone, he’s fine the way he is. He’s not supposed to be “edgy.”
What’s next? Goofy goes off his meds and begins beating up people?
Two very different but equally enjoyable YouTubes for this Sunday:
One, I’m stealing from my man Jeff Pearlman’s blog; I thought this was very moving:
And second, since it’s hockey season and I know you need a good “get fired-up” video today, I present the coolest hockey video I know, the Minnesota Wild fight song montage: Sure it’s a little cheesy, but that’s why I love it.
