Yesterday, Along Main Street published an article on the upcoming animated feature, Light of the World (2025), and how Disney's influence brought it to life. Today, Disney animator Tom Bancroft shares a message for fans of the studio's peak era.
Bancroft, along with his brother Tony Bancroft, were instrumental in crafting the look and designs of many of our favorite Disney features. Known for creating the character of Mushu for Disney's Mulan (1998), he has also had his hand in many other iconic films like Beauty and the Beast (1991) and The Lion King (1994). Now, he's taking that Disney magic and telling a whole new story.
Tom Bancroft's message to fans
Light of the World (2025) is an adaptation of the life of Christ with an undeniably Disney design. In a world that desperately needs more of that classic Disney magic of the '90s, this film might just be an answered prayer (pun totally intended).
I reached out to Tom Bancroft, who leads the film alongside co-director John Schafer, and I asked him what message he wanted Disney fans to take away. His response peeled back the pages of a familiar story, but with a new perspective.
Bancroft stated,
"I often say that in many ways, we are making The Light of the World much like Disney of the '90s would have: rather than make Jesus the star, we have made it a “coming of age” with Jesus life and miracles seen through the eyes of a young John the Apostle. His people- and family- are under Roman rule, and he hears of a mighty king that is called Messiah, that will have the power to destroy their enemies and set them free. He goes on a journey to find him but when he finds Jesus, and eventually fully believes he is the Messiah, he discovers that His way of saving John and his people is different then they were all imagining. But, it’s not a musical! "
This isn't the first time Bancroft has opened up about his faith and how it has shaped his work, and that can clearly be seen in his newest project. Although Jesus and his disciples are known by millions of practicing faiths, Bancroft's adaptation lends a more approachable and accessible way to hear the gospel.
Light of the World hits theaters this summer and should be at the top of any animation buff's watch list. Whether you are a fan of epic-scale films like The Prince of Egypt (1998) or simply miss the days of the Disney Renaissance, this could be what they are looking for.
Along Main Street would like to thank Tom Bancroft for his time, and we can't wait to see the new film on the big screen.