Photo of Joanna Miller speaking at a podium.
Share this @internewscast.com

WALT Disney’s granddaughter has slammed the entertainment giant for turning its late founder into a “robotic grampa”.

Disney is set to introduce an animatronic version of Walt Disney for the 70th anniversary of Disneyland this July, despite ongoing objections from his granddaughter, Joanna Miller.

Photo of Joanna Miller speaking at a podium.
Walt Disney’s granddaughter, Joanna Miller, blasts the company’s re-creation of an animatronic of its founder as ‘disappointing’Credit: Getty
Illustration of Walt Disney presenting a Disneyland model.
Miller says her grandpa – pictured in an illustration presenting a Disneyland model – would have hated being digitally revivedCredit: Disney
Illustration of an animatronic Abraham Lincoln on a stage.
Pictured is an illustration of an animatronic Abraham LincolnCredit: Disney

Joanna Miller expressed to the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that her cherished grandfather, who died in 1966, would not have approved of becoming a talking mechanical replica.

“I think I started crying,” she said, recalling the moment she first saw the figure. “It didn’t look like him to me.”

Miller said she voiced her concerns early on, sending a letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger when the idea was first proposed.

She mentioned that she subsequently met with Iger and the team in charge of the attraction’s creation, telling him: “I strongly believe the last two minutes with the robot will cause much more harm than good to Grandpa’s legacy.”

“They will remember the robot – and not the man.”

Despite Iger being “very kind” and despite his promises to protect her grandfather’s legacy, she said her request that they scrap the animatronic was ultimately ignored.

Miller said it “pains” her to call out the very company he created.

She said she was speaking solely on behalf of her grandfather and mother.

In a Facebook post in November, Miller blasted the company’s “idea of a robotic grampa”, writing that it made her feel “so so sad and disappointed”.

She explained: “The idea of a Robotic Grampa to give the public a feeling of who the living man was just makes no sense.

“It would be an imposter. They are dehumanizing him. People are not replaceable.”

Disney announces brand new theme park

She also argued that her late grandfather had “told Sam McKim that he never wanted to be an animatronic”, claiming that she has been provided with first-hand proof to back this up.

The figure will appear in a new attraction called Walt Disney – A Magical Life, located in the park’s Main Street Opera House.

The proposal to show “what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office” was announced by Disney last year.

The company said it would be “a fitting tribute” to the man who made “significant advances with Audio-Animatronics”.

Walt Disney co-founded The Walt Disney Company (originally called Disney Brothers Studio) in 1923, with his brother Roy O. Disney.

Walt is regarded as a pioneer of Audio-Animatronics, famously bringing Abraham Lincoln to life at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

Josh D’Amaro, chair of Disney Experiences, told people at D23, the company’s annual fan event: “Creating our first Walt figure is an idea that’s been whispered in the hallowed halls of imagineering for years, decades, even.”

He added: “We just had to wait for innovation to catch up with our dreams. And we’re finally ready.”

Disneyland California, which opened on July 17, 1955, will celebrate its 70th anniversary this July.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Disneyland California will celebrate its 70th anniversary this JulyCredit: Getty
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NTSB shares early findings in crash that killed country songwriter Brett James

Breaking: NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Fatal Crash Involving Renowned Country Songwriter Brett James

A preliminary report has surfaced, shedding light on the tragic accident that…
Brandy and Monica Chicago news: Brandy walks off stage during United Center concert for 'The Boy Is Mine' tour

Brandy’s Unexpected Exit at United Center: ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour Takes Dramatic Turn in Chicago

CHICAGO—During a Saturday night performance at the United Center, acclaimed singer Brandy…
The Receipts Have Dropped: Tulsi Gabbard Posts Russiagate Evidence Obama Had Been Fearing

Obama’s Presidential Center Post Sparks Wave of Entertaining Reactions

Have you caught wind of the latest developments regarding Barack Obama’s presidential…
'Brazen' Louvre thieves made targeted heist, treasures could be melted down: expert

Shocking Louvre Heist: Expert Warns Priceless Artifacts at Risk of Destruction

A notorious group of thieves successfully executed a daring heist at the…
Louvre museum closed after robbery, French official says

Shocking Heist Forces Louvre Museum Closure: French Authorities Investigate

In an audacious heist, thieves infiltrated the Louvre museum in Paris, making…
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Sharon Osbourne mourns death of beloved dog Elvis

Sharon Osbourne Heartbroken Over Loss of Cherished Dog Elvis

Sharon Osbourne recently mourned the passing of her beloved 14-year-old dog, Elvis,…
DNA testing shows police found remains connected to Kada Scott: Sources

Breakthrough in Kada Scott Case: DNA Evidence Links Discovered Remains

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — According to law enforcement sources, DNA analysis from the…
Jaguars fans rally at Culhane's despite London loss

Jaguars Fans Unite at Culhane’s After Tough London Match

Jaguars supporters flocked to Culhane’s Irish Pub, hoping for a victory, only…
Israel says Hamas violated ceasefire with 'multiple attacks' leading to IDF response

Israel Accuses Hamas of Breaching Ceasefire with ‘Multiple Attacks,’ Prompting IDF Retaliation

The Israeli military launched airstrikes against Hamas in Gaza, alleging that the…
'Dr. Antifa' fled US after doxxing, but infamous handbook promotes tactic and violence against 'Far Right'

Controversial ‘Dr. Antifa’ Escapes USA Amid Backlash Over Handbook Encouraging Tactics Against Far-Right

Dr. Mark Bray, a Rutgers University professor colloquially known as “Dr. Antifa,”…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declares Oct. 19 'Love Your Lungs Day' as doctors gather at McCormick Place for CHEST conference

Chicago Mayor Proclaims ‘Love Your Lungs Day’ on Oct. 19 Amid Major CHEST Conference at McCormick Place

Thousands of medical professionals have gathered in Chicago this weekend to focus…