Whoopi Goldberg Wants Disney to Bring Back ‘Song of the South’

Splash Mountain is gone, and with it, the last remaining piece of Disney’s Song of the South (1946) in pop culture.

Amid cries for its removal, many others fought for its survival. The arguments were intense on both sides. Pro-removal advocates argued that the film had racist undertones and should not be celebrated. Pro-Splash Mountain advocates argued the ride itself was not racist, and many disagreed that the film was racist.

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Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is being refurbished to a theme following The Princess and the Frog (2009). The new attraction, called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is scheduled to open summer of 2024.

Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg

Another voice has emerged in the debate: Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg. While she did not give an opinion on the ride, she had plenty to say about the film it was based on.

She believes that the film should be available to view and purchase. “I’m trying to find a way to get people to start having conversations about bringing Song of the South back, so we can talk about what it was and where it came from and why it came out,” she said in an interview.

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The film, which Disney has chosen not to release for sale or streaming, has an important place in film history.

‘Song of the South’ History

James Baskett, who played Uncle Remus, was the first African American male ever to win an Academy Award. Hattie McDaniel, who holds the title of the first-ever African American to receive an Acadamy Award (for her work in Gone With the Wind), was also in Song of the South.

Both Bassett and McDaniel expressed support for the film. Baskett said, “I believe that certain groups are doing my race more harm in seeking to create dissension than can ever possibly come out of the Song of the South.” McDaniel’s sentiments were similar, saying, “If I had for one moment considered any part of the picture degrading or harmful to my people, I would not have appeared therein.”

Related: Watch Disney’s ‘Song of the South’ With This Service

While the film’s stars felt the movie wasn’t racist, that wasn’t Goldberg’s point. She felt that hiding the movie equated to erasing history.

She feels strongly that the film, which is part live-action and part animation, should be seen so that its origins can be discussed (it was initially a written compilation of African American folktales) and also so that there can be a conversation about the times and attitudes during which the film was produced.

Whoopi Goldberg and Disney

But will The Walt Disney Company listen to its very own Disney Legend, Whoopi Goldberg?

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Whoopi Goldberg has had a notable relationship with Disney over the years, primarily through her involvement in various Disney projects, particularly in film and television.

• Sister Act Franchise: One of Goldberg’s most famous roles with Disney is in the Sister Act (1992) franchise, where she portrays the lead character, Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence. The success of these films contributed significantly to Goldberg’s status as a Hollywood icon.
• Voice Acting: Goldberg has also lent her voice to several Disney animated projects. One notable example is her role as Shenzi, the hyena, in Disney’s animated classic The Lion King (1994).
• Disney Park Appearances: Goldberg has appeared at Disney theme parks for various events and promotions. Her presence has helped to reinforce the connection between her and Disney in the public eye.
• Cultural Impact: Goldberg’s association with Disney has not only benefited the company in terms of her contributions to their projects but has also added to her own cultural impact and recognition as a versatile entertainer.

Overall, Whoopi Goldberg’s relationship with Disney has been multifaceted, from her contributions to their projects to her advocacy for changes within the company’s content portfolio.

Is Whoopi right? Should Disney rerelease the film, perhaps on its Disney+ streaming platform? Let us know in the comments. 

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