"100 years of Disney magic comes together."
Once Upon a Studio - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Mickey Mouse
Chris Diamantopoulos
Motivation
Mickey's primary motivation is to honor the studio's 100th anniversary by creating a lasting memento—a group photograph that brings the entire Disney family together. His drive is rooted in a sense of community, history, and appreciation for the legacy he represents.
Character Arc
Mickey's arc in the short is that of a determined and heartfelt leader. He initiates the idea of the group photo and takes on the responsibility of rallying the hundreds of characters. His journey is one of gentle persuasion and perseverance, culminating in a moment of quiet reflection and gratitude towards his creator, Walt Disney, before successfully uniting everyone for the final picture.
Minnie Mouse
Kaitlyn Robrock
Motivation
Minnie is motivated by her partnership with Mickey and a shared desire to celebrate their collective home and family. She works alongside him to ensure the anniversary is properly commemorated.
Character Arc
Minnie acts as Mickey's primary supporter and co-organizer. She is the first to join his cause and enthusiastically helps in gathering the characters. Her role is crucial in transforming Mickey's idea into a collective effort, showcasing her as an equally important part of the studio's foundation.
Goofy
Bill Farmer
Motivation
Goofy's motivation is simple: to help his friends and successfully take the group picture. He is eager to contribute, even if his execution is flawed.
Character Arc
Goofy's arc provides the main comedic conflict. Tasked with setting up the old-fashioned camera, his characteristic clumsiness leads to the camera breaking, creating a moment of despair. However, this failure ultimately leads to a heartwarming moment of unity, as other characters step in to help, and he finally succeeds in taking the photo.
Burny Mattinson
Burny Mattinson (as himself)
Motivation
His motivation within the short is to reflect on the studio's history and legacy, passing on a sense of wonder to a younger intern.
Character Arc
Appearing in a live-action cameo, Burny Mattinson, Disney's longest-serving employee, provides the film's narrative framing. As he leaves the studio, he muses, "If these walls could talk..." which sets the magical events in motion. His presence serves as a poignant, real-world bookend to the animated fantasy, honoring his 70-year career and symbolizing the human element behind the animation. The film is dedicated to his memory.