It's no secret that you don't have to be a kid or have kids to enjoy the magic of Disney, that's why we have Disney Adults. However, recent developments have aroused suspicion that Disney needs to, shall we say, expand its artist palette?
After Disney Animation head Jeared Bush announced that Disney Animation would soon be turning back to traditional techniques (i.e., 2D animation). That certainly garnered the attention of a lot of Disney fans, but specifically those of a certain age. If there is indeed an audience, why hasn't Disney done more to capitalize on adult animation?
Should Disney grow up?
When talking about an adult-animated series, we're not saying that Disney needs to have Mickey and pals go the way of Family Guy or Bob's Burgers, but Disney has thrived with adult humor before. Who's to say something Simpsons-adjacent wouldn't work? So long as they don't traumatize the overly sensitive parents out there.
Nostalgia is a big factor in Disney's overall identity, but it's a side dish and not an entree (despite all best efforts). So, what would happen if Disney poured that energy into a small handful of projects?
Similar to how HBO revived classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons in Jellystone!, why shouldn't Disney do something similar? The Rescue Rangers movie starring the Lonely Island was something of an attempt, but a true series with our favorite animated friends would truly be something else.
But why would something meant for adult viewers serve Disney in the long run? Two words, fan service. Disney needs to update its current model, but it also needs to keep things relevant with those paying for movie tickets and Disney+ subscriptions.
Disney's House of Mouse animated series would be an ideal vehicle for this idea, if a revival is at all possible. It doesn't need to be something as vastly complicated as a cartoon conspiracy, but something to bring all their favorite toons together in one place should do the trick.
The point is, Disney needs a place to both experiment and satisfy its need for nostalgia bait without putting its eggs in one basket. If it ends up being a hit, renew the project and invest more. If not, they've still satisfied their niche fanbase for a time. Of all the words of tongue and pen, the saddest are, "it might have been."
Would you watch an animated Disney show for adults?