Top 10 Cancelled Disney Characters You Never Got to See
#10: Jack Savage
“Zootopia” (2016)
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Meet Savage. Jack Savage. Did you know that before becoming the adorable buddy cop action movie we know and love today, “Zootopia” was almost a spy movie? And its international man of mystery would’ve been a hare called Jack Savage. This version was called “Savage Seas” and saw the protagonist embark on a mission outside Zootopia, where the so-called dangerous animals would have lived. The studio loved the idea of an animal city and decided to feature it more prominently. And so, it became a cop comedy. Although top billing would ultimately go to the cute-as-a-button sharp-as-a-tack Judy Hopps, the conniving, quick-on-his-paws Nick Wilde was also introduced. While we would have liked to see Jack Savage, we think the duo they went with probably made for a better film in the end.
#9: Clarice
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Once upon a time, in a faraway land – well, in a previous version of this story, Belle wasn’t an only child. She had two nasty older sisters who were later replaced by one cruel aunt. She also had a sweet little sister called Clarice. However, little sis and co. were eventually written out to emphasize Belle’s isolation in her small provincial town. Also, imagine if she had to choose between saving her father or returning home to her sister! A cute enchanted Music Box also didn’t make the final cut. Apparently, Chip’s voice actor Bradley Michael Pierce wowed the creators so much that they expanded his character, leaving the Music Box to go silent.
#8: The Unfelt Emotions
“Inside Out” (2015)
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In “Inside Out,” we meet Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust, personified emotions living in 11-year-old Riley’s mind. Sure, these are all recognizable feelings; however, they barely scratch the surface of our wide-spanning complex human emotions. Apparently, the core five were narrowed down from a choice of 27, and Disgust wasn’t even initially included. Some of the rejected options include Hope, Envy, Pride, Greed, Despair, and Love. Apparently, even Ennui and Schadenfreude were considered. Headquarters sure would’ve been crowded! Similarly, “Snow White” creators reportedly shortlisted their Seven Dwarfs from a list of about 50. With names like Burpy, Baldy, and Stuffy in the mix, we feel like the right calls were made.
#7: Huaca
“The Emperor's New Groove” (2000)
In a previous life, this buddy comedy was a musical epic called “Kingdom of the Sun.” During its drastic revamp, we lost several characters, like Huaca, an anthropomorphic talisman voiced by Harvey Fierstein. He was a character who would have been driven to join forces with Yzma after the Emperor repeatedly ignored his advice. We would’ve loved to hear his song “Why Can’t a Human Be More Like a Rock?”, which was intended to be a spoof on “My Fair Lady’s” “Why Can’t a Woman Be More Like A Man?” Yzma was also supposed to have three zombie henchmen: Mick, Bowie, and Lemmy—yes, all named after rock stars. We also never got to meet Nina, the Emperor’s dissatisfied fiancée, or Mata, a dry-humored llama herder and love interest for the protagonist.
#6: “Shakes the Rattle”
“Toy Story” (1995)
If you’re a toy, Sid’s room is a terrifying place to be. In a deleted scene, Woody and Buzz learn about a rattle called Shakes, who was brutally mistreated by the troubled kid. While watching Sid destroy a Combat Carl, Buzz declares that he should be taught a lesson. That’s when a tiger ring toy on the nightstand recounts the rattle’s harrowing tale, and it’s beyond spooky. No wonder they decided to shelve it! Meanwhile, “Toy Story 2” originally featured an antagonist named Señorita Cactus, who, much like the Prospector Stinky Pete, desperately wanted to be part of a museum display. She was ultimately replaced by Jessie, who went on to become an essential part of the gang.
#5: Moana's Brothers
“Moana” (2016)
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Moana’s story is one of self-discovery and finding one’s way. But that wasn’t always the case. In the original concept, Moana’s father shared her desire to return to their voyaging roots. She also had several older brothers. But, despite being the strongest sailor of the bunch, she was frequently left behind because she’s a girl – yep, there’s that tired old story again. Luckily, the creators made a different call. They felt that it would’ve undermined Moana’s narrative as the hero of her own story, and they didn’t want her gender to be a factor or an obstacle at all. So, they had the brothers set sail. Instead, the narrative solely focuses on Moana’s adventure and growth. Still, this deleted scene gives a taste of how sibling rivalries might’ve played out.
#4: Harold the Merman
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
Ursula makes no secret of what she does with merfolk who can’t fulfill the terms of her deals. But Harold the Merman’s story dives deeper into her trickery. She gave him three days to bring her a fresh water lily in exchange for super strength to impress the ladies. Only, she neglected to tell him that the flower wasn’t in season. Unfortunately, Harold’s story was cut for time, much to the disappointment of co-directors Ron Clements and John Musker. A dolphin called Breaker who would’ve been voiced by Robin Williams was also left on the ocean floor. The studio felt there were too many characters, so Ariel’s original companion was replaced by Flounder. Meanwhile, the titular mermaid absorbed much of Breaker’s personality and dialogue.
#3: Aladdin’s Mom, Zena
“Aladdin” (1992)
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When we first meet Aladdin, he’s an unhoused orphan who resorts to theft just to get by. It didn’t always start out that way though. In the early development stages, Aladdin’s mom was still in the picture and, even though she disapproved of his lifestyle, all he wanted to do was make her proud. Relatable. Apparently, studio head honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg demanded a complete story rewrite and reportedly told the directors, “Eighty-six the mother. The mom’s a zero.” Ouch. So, Zena was out. Unfortunately, this meant that Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s song “Proud of Your Boy” was shelved too. However, fans of the Broadway show will recognize the number; only, now, Aladdin sings it to his mother’s memory.
#2: Redfeather
“Pocahontas” (1995)
Meeko and Flit certainly make adorable and hilarious companions. But did you know that there were originally plans for another animal sidekick? Redfeather, a sarcastic turkey serving as the film's comic relief, was reportedly written specifically for comedian John Candy. But sadly, Candy passed away before production was complete. Although some sources suggest he'd already recorded a heap of dialogue, Disney later decided that none of Pocahontas' animal pals would talk. Co-screenwriter Susannah Grant didn't see the point of keeping the character without his witty commentary. So, Redfeather was cut and replaced by Meeko. If you want a taste of what this bird might've brought to the film, check out this early concept art.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Louis, “The Rescuers” (1977)
A Polar Bear Voiced by Jazz Singer Louis Prima; He Was Cut When the Story Got “Too Complicated” (LOO-wee)
Beau, “Tangled” (2010)
From Love Interest to Basset Hound to the Cutting Room Floor, He Was Ultimately Replaced by Maximus & Pascal
Gendarme, “Pinocchio” (1940)
Despite Never Getting Screen Time, His Name Still Strikes Fear in the Movie’s Characters
Xerek, “The Incredibles” (2004)
Syndrome Replaced the OG Villain, But You Can Still Check Him Out in the Comic Series
The Fujitas, “Big Hero 6” (2014)
Henchwomen to Yama, Who Originally Was Meant to Be a More Prominent Villain
#1: Mheetu & Bhati
“The Lion King” (1994)
Simba had Timon and Pumbaa. Likewise, Nala had her own little squad at one point too. This included a bat-eared fox called Bhati and her little brother Mheetu. He would often tag along during her and Simba’s shenanigans, and his name directly references his desire to always be included. Both characters were ultimately written out because the story was becoming too crowded. There was also a subplot where Nala needed to rescue her baby bro from the tyrannical Scar that was deemed too dark. We guess the animators weren’t feeling enough love for these characters to keep them as part of the Pride. So, their “Circle of Life” turned into something that was more like a lifeline.
