Ron Clements, who co-directed many beloved Disney animated films such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Moana, is coming out of retirement and returning to the studio. However, those expecting him to make new movies will be disappointed. Instead, he will be acting as a mentor to the next generation.
The Legacy of Ron Clements
Clements worked with his longtime co-director John Musker to direct seven animated movies: The Great Mouse Detective, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Princess and the Frog, and Moana. According to Wdwnt.com, Clements will now be working to mentor the studio’s younger talent. Clements had this to say about returning to Disney:
“I really have been enjoying retirement, but I’m excited about just returning to kind of mentor . . . There aren’t as many old people around as there used to be, and there certainly are so many young people who want to work in animation.”
Disney Under Fire
Many fans have expressed dissatisfaction with Disney in recent years, particularly for their current fixation on making sequels and live-action remakes instead of original films. Since the live-action Lilo and Stitch is currently smashing the box office, that trend will likely continue. However, Ron Clements’ mentoring might help the current generation of animators and directors to remember what it was like during the nineties, when Disney was confident enough to give the public original movies. He could help the studio to find that confidence again, which might even steer them back to their glory days.
How Did Ron Clements Become an Animator?
Ron Clements started animating as a teenager, making amateur films with a Super-8 camera. He worked for Hanna Barbera while studying animation at the Art Center College of Design. He graduated from Disney’s Talent Development Program before beginning his apprenticeship at Disney. His story shows that humble beginnings can lead to great places. The films that he directed with John Musker will live in fans’ hearts forever. Even their less popular films like The Great Mouse Detective and Treasure Planet have developed significant cult followings. Now he can inspire the next generation on their own creative journeys.
