Disney's upcoming live-action remake of Pinocchio, set to be released on September 8th, is the latest of the live-action remakes of their beloved animated classics. One thing eagle-eyed viewers may be on the lookout for is a sneaky Easter egg or reference to another movie.
Disney has a long history of referencing their movies within each other. They frequently sneak references to character design and other elements into their live-action remakes. It's one of the things that makes Disney so magical and enjoyable to watch. Whether it's fashion inspired by the original, or miniature versions of famous Disney landmarks, there are some things that even the keenest of fans might have missed.
Similar Owners
Cruella
When Horace and Jasper mention in the live-action Cruella that some owners look like their dogs, they then show two characters that look exactly like their pets.
This is a call-back to when Pongo is looking out of the window to see if he can find suitable partners for him and Roger and sees multiple people that look exactly like their dogs. Including little references to the original animation will shine a light on older Disney movies for a newer audience and make sure they aren't forgotten by a new generation. This is a perfect homage to the original 101 Dalmatians movie.
Aurora's Little Mermaid Moment
Maleficent
Fans of the popular Disney movie Sleeping Beauty might have noticed a slight nod to the dance that Aurora and the Prince share in the forest in the original, but they also share a reference to the boat scene in The Little Mermaid.
Ariel and Prince Eric are being serenaded by all her friends under the willow tree, one featured in Maleficent. This is a perfect little detail that the writers included, and shows the beautiful love story between Aurora and the Prince, comparing it to that of Ariel's, a beloved tale of forbidden love.
Belle's Music Box
Beauty And The Beast
During the Beauty and the Beast live-action movie starring Emma Watson, Belle's father can be seen working on a model of his old home in Paris which he shared with Belle's late mother. This scene represents a deleted scene in which Maurice gifts Belle a music box on her 17th birthday.
In the original animated movie, the same music box appears as a mute character, who can be spotted very briefly during the castle fight scene. This is a very intricate detail that pays homage to the original writing process during the animated movie. Whether it was for die-hard Disney fans or just a way to remember the writer's work on the movie, the little detail is a special one.
Original Voice Of Mulan
Mulan
The voice actor for Mulan in the original animated movie, Ming Na Wen, makes a cameo appearance in the live-action remake. She is seen announcing the new Mulan (Liu Yifei) near the end of the movie when she has saved China.
This is a fitting part for her, almost like she is passing on the torch, or the part, to the next generation, further showing a new age of audiences watching Disney movies for the first time. The spark from the original animations is being kept alive through little details like these.
Regent's Park
Cruella
Regent's Park in London has always been a special place in the 101 Dalmatians movies, as it is where Anita and Roger first met. But Cruella has her own attachments to the park, specifically the fountain, as it was where she first met Horace and Jasper. She also frequently goes back to speak with her late mother.
This shows another side to Cruella, showing that an otherwise heartless woman does possess some feelings, and has a heartbreaking past of her own. It also links the characters together through one special location.
Taj Mahal Replica
Beauty And The Beast
During the same scene where Maurice is working on his Parisian home, a replica of the Taj Mahal can be spotted on his table. The Taj Mahal was the inspiration for the Sultan's palace in Aladdin. It is the perfect hidden detail to include since the animated version of Aladdin features a miniature figurine of The Beast.
One possible explanation for this is that the creators of Aladdin added the figure, and the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast had to add something related to Aladdin, as this is how Disney likes to link their movies together with small details only die-hard fans spot.
Aladdin's Magic Carpet
Aladdin
When Aladdin and the Genie are talking about his wishes and the terms of making them, Aladdin's magic carpet is having some fun of its own in the background. While they are talking, the carpet is building a sandcastle, but it is no ordinary castle. It is building the iconic Disney castle logo, and even throws some sand over it to mimic Tinker Bell flying over the top.
Normally, it is the Genie bursting out the popular cultural references so to see the Carpet quietly do something like this is a subtle delight for the eagle-eyed viewers. The castle is iconic and recognizable around the world, and Tinker Bell's pixie dust reference is the icing on the cake.
Aladdin's Map Of Disney
Aladdin
While Prince Ali is looking over a map trying to figure out what kingdom he actually rules, the map he looks at includes a lot of familiar landmarks. All the places featured are famous Disney locations, including Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and one Disney princesses' castle.
This could mean that all the famous locations and their people could exist in the same timeline, which is why all Disney movies seem to religiously include some kind of detail from another movie.
Aurora's Magic Dress
Maleficent
In Maleficent, Aurora is seen wearing a beautiful pink wedding dress to her wedding. But a closer look can see the dress changing color from pink to blue and back again. It is referencing the scene in the original animation when the fairies Flora and Merryweather have a disagreement over what color Aurora's dress should be pink or blue.
This scene is one of the most memorable not just in the movie but perhaps Disney in general. As the live-action Aurora walks down the aisle to get married, the dress looks stunning and reflects the magic of Disney.
Snow White's Portrait
Cinderella
When Cinderella is walking through the foyer of the castle, there is a portrait featuring an all too familiar princess on the wall in the background.
The painting has the same dark hair, blue top, and animal companions as Snow White, whose 1937 debut technically makes her the first Disney princess to be brought to life. This is another detail that reinforces the idea that all the magical stories exist in the same world.