Latest news with #JimCummings
Screen Geek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Screen Geek
'Winnie The Pooh' Voice Actor Slams R-Rated Horror Movie Adaptation
The classic Winnie the Pooh character is one of the most beloved storybook and animated characters of all-time. However, after slipping into the public domain, the character was reimagined as a horror movie villain in Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey . It started a trend that's led to other public domain characters to become similarly reimagined, and now classic Winnie the Pooh voice actor Jim Cummings has opened up to slam the R-rated adaptation of the character. Cummings went into detail about this new string of R-rated Winnie the Pooh horror movies while speaking in a recent interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. While he admitted to having only seen 'about 10 seconds of it,' Cummings still had strong feelings about the project and the trend it's started. Naturally as someone associated with the classic version, it's not something he believes should have 'much credit.' Here's what Cummings shared while talking to The Direct: 'It's… I don't really have an opinion of it. I saw about 10 seconds of it. And I think somebody always enjoys tearing down and stepping on somebody else's dreams and something that they love. And there's a… You know, it's kind of like the art movement out there. You've seen certain disgusting displays of things that people are calling art. And, I don't know, you know… I don't give it much credence. I don't give it much credit. It's easier to throw rocks than it is to carve out the 'pietà.'' Interestingly, while Cummings might not approve, that hasn't stopped the Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey films from being a success with other audiences. In fact, the films have not only done so well to launch their own film series, but they also prompted the creation of the Twisted Childhood Universe which includes other reimagined public domain stories including Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare and Bambi: The Reckoning . As such, there are still plenty of other projects on the way, so we'll have to see what comes next from this particular series. Whether you like it or have strong criticisms like traditional Winnie the Pooh voice actor Jim Cummings, the Blood and Honey franchise is here to stay. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey horror film series and any other titles from the Twisted Childhood Universe as we have them.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Genuinely Can't Watch "The Lion King" The Same Way After Learning These 21 Facts
Arguably the greatest Disney film ever made, The Lion King is not only a timeless classic but also an unforgettable, bold vision that brings us evergreen themes, reminding us all to remember who we are. Magic doesn't happen by magic. Hard work and great decisions bring masterpieces to life. Here are 21 facts about the animated Disney classic The Lion King: the opening scene wasn't originally intended to be the start of the film. That changed when the filmmakers heard the power of the song "The Circle of Life." This is revealed in the "The Making of the Lion King" featurette. unmistakable and unforgettable choir in "The Circle of Life" is what, according to the filmmakers, "found the 'heart' of the film." The African music and choir elements were organized by composer Lebo M, who had previously worked with lead composer Hans Zimmer on past projects. John Phillips / Getty Images, The Wrightwood Group voice actors for Timon and Pumbaa (Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella) originally auditioned for the roles of the hyenas. Their comedic compatibility was so great that the characters Timon and Pumbaa were actually created to add an extra splash of comic relief to an otherwise dark film. And to think, we almost missed out on Disney's most dynamic (and hilarious) duo. voice actor Jim Cummings provided the voice for the hyena, Ed. Cummings claims that he also voiced Scar for the final verse of "Be Prepared." According to Cummings, Irons was having vocal problems during the recording of the song, so Cummings stepped in and offered his vocal range. Gabe Ginsberg / Getty Images, Walt Disney Feature Animation on who you ask, the creators of The Lion King were viewed as the "B-Team" of the studio, while the "A-team" was assigned with the task of creating Pocahontas. The studio saw Pocahontas as a production with higher hopes. It's safe to say they took it personally and created a masterpiece. song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" almost got the ax. Elton John went through dozens of rewrites of the song, but saved his best for last with a finalized song that's considered one of the best love songs in any Disney animated film. Walt Disney Feature Animation, Rick Diamond / Getty Images 7."Hakuna Matata" also almost didn't get included. Elton John was the one who had to advocate for the song. 8.A production research trip to Africa helped the crew bring the animals featured throughout the movie to life. Director Roger Allers, Artistic Supervisor (Story) Brenda Chapman, and Production Designer Chris Sanders all viewed the wildlife in Africa, which really helped them gain a genuine understanding of how the animals interacted. The Wrightwood Group the CGI wildebeest, it all started with a hand-drawn image. The image trickled into a CGI model, which evolved into an army of terrifying wildebeest. Hans Zimmer created the score for Mufasa's death, and he credits the death of his own father, who passed away when he was six, for helping him capture the emotional impact of the score. The film earned an Oscar for Best Score. Frank Weller made all the lion sounds. The genius of animated sound snarled into a trash can to really make the lion roars come to life. was a song titled "The Lion in the Moon," which was cut from an early draft of the film. It was a lullaby sung by Sarabi to young Simba after their run-in with the hyenas. The scene was replaced by Mufasa teaching Simba about the "Great Kings of the Past," which obviously did more for the plot. inspired by Hamlet, The Lion King is technically the first original animated feature film from Walt Disney Feature Animation. Meaning, it was the first film the studio created that wasn't adapted from a pre-existing book, fairy tale, or historical event. Weird, right? is the first Disney character to let one rip on screen. First to cut the cheese. First to pass gas. First to make a stink. You get the idea. Lion King almost wasn' Lion King. One working title was "King of the Jungle." Assuming the lack of, well, jungle in the story, the title was altered to something a little more sensible. Other titles included: King of the Kalahari and, very simply, Lions. than 600 artists and technicians collaborated on The Lion King to bring the final product to life. That's some legendary teamwork right there for a movie about animated animals. the original finale, Scar wasn't eaten by hyenas. The original death involved Scar believing he killed Simba and then catching fire as he burned to death, laughing in seeming victory. And Simba watched him burn. The ending was too dark, and honestly, the theatrical death of Scar feels more appropriate to his character. there is some VCR renaissance in the future, The Lion King will most likely live on forever as the highest-selling VHS tape ever. The movie earned an estimated $520M in VHS sales. Matthew Broderick, who voiced adult Simba, had his singing cut from the film. He was a Tony Award-winning performer, so the choice seemed odd at the time, but musician Joseph Williams sings the final version. You can't argue with the final product, but you have to feel for Broderick. 20.A Nazi propaganda film inspired the "Be Prepared" song. With the way the hyenas march to Scar's singing, it's not a very subtle nod, either. 1994, a devastating earthquake struck the Los Angeles area, where the film was in its final stages of production. This natural disaster delayed production, which was on track for a fall 1993 release, but was ultimately pushed back to summer 1994. What's your favorite thing about The Lion King now that you're older? Comment below! Watch it on Disney+.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Junior Achievement announces 2025 JA Inspire Career Exploration Experience
Feb. 12—WILKES-BARRE — Jim Cummings, vice president of marketing for Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, said the Junior Achievement Inspire program is NEPA's premier event to help area students learn about career opportunities and the skills they'll need to be successful in those careers. "Mericle and our marketing arm, DiscoverNEPA, are proud to again be the presenting sponsors," Cummings said. "We hope area school districts encourage their students to take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity." Junior Achievement of NEPA this week announced the 2025 JA Inspire Career Exploration Experience to be held on April 1-2 at Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center. This is the third year Junior Achievement of NEPA is hosting this experience, which engages high school students in hands-on, interactive exhibits with local companies and organizations, exposing them to career opportunities, providing career-readiness educational sessions, creating connections and inspiring them toward a pathway for future success. Junior Achievement NEPA president, Susan Magnotta said JA Inspire 2024 was a resounding success with more than 2,300 students from 27 area school representing 21 school districts attending the two-day event. The event brought high school students together with business professionals from 80-plus local businesses, trades, educational institutions, organizations and entrepreneurs. "JA Inspire provided students with the opportunity to learn about careers in a variety of industries and sectors," Magnotta said. "And 97% of students who attended last year's JA Inspire said that their experience helped them determine their future career." Magnotta said Junior Achievement of NEPA thanks the many sponsors who are instrumental in providing this life-changing program to students by making JA Inspire a reality in NEPA. This includes: Presenting Sponsor: Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services & DiscoverNEPA, and Industry Champions: M&T Bank, Geisinger, Building Blocks Learning Center, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Procter & Gamble, UGI Utilities, Jacobi Capital Management LLC, the Times Leader and Cumulus Media. "We are grateful that so many businesses and organizations are coming together once again to bring this hands-on, interactive learning experience to young people in our region," Magnotta said. "JA programs, like Inspire, provide students with an opportunity to discover their interests and passions and get better prepared to make informed decisions about their future upon high school graduation. These young people are the future of our workforce and our community, and we want them to be successful." Magnotta said the career exploration experience will bring students together with local businesses and professionals in 11 industry clusters for a hands-on and immersive experience. In addition, Magnotta said students will benefit from various career readiness programs on topics such as interview skills, resume building, and career assessments. "We're thrilled to be introducing new experiences, technology, and exhibitors for students to explore this year," said Ruth Corcoran, JA Inspire 2025 event chair. "By visiting organizations in our new Non-Profit Sector, students will not only learn about the diversity of jobs available within that industry, but also the important services they provide to our community. An expanded Entrepreneur Lounge will enable students to meet and talk one-on-one with successful small business owners in different fields, including art, marketing, restaurants, fitness, and more." Industry Clusters Represented at the 2025 JA Inspire Live Career Exploration event: —Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Technology & Trades. —Hospitality, Media & Marketing. —Banking & Finance. —Business, Insurance, Sales & Service. —Health Services. —Education & Training. —Energy, Utilities & Environment. —Government & Public Safety. —Manufacturing & Transportation. —Entrepreneurship. —Non-Profit. Schools and businesses interested in participating: For information on attending as a school, becoming a JA exhibitor to engage with the future workforce, or sponsoring this important initiative, visit or contact Alysia Clancy at 570-602-3600. If you are a parent interested in having your child attend, feel free to contact your school and have them contact JA. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
