This Is Why Disney Will Never Make ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2′

Jessica Rabbit, the sultry cartoon icon from Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), has captured imaginations since her debut, becoming a symbol of Hollywood glamour and playful allure—not to mention one of the most popular Halloween costumes around.

However, Disney’s portrayal of her has changed significantly over the years, evolving from her signature red dress to a more subdued look in Disneyland parks.

Credit: Disney

This transformation, including the addition of a yellow trench coat and detective hat, caused plenty of controversy back in 2021 – and the reason behind her change is the exact same reason why Disney will apparently never make Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2.

What’s Up With Disney and Jessica Rabbit?

For years, Jessica Rabbit was a cultural icon, thanks in part to her catchphrase, “I’m not bad; I’m just drawn that way.”

Known for her glamorous red dress and sultry figure, she quickly became a fan favorite and the unforgettable standout in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which remains one of Disney’s most unique films. The live-action and animation hybrid, directed by Robert Zemeckis, received widespread acclaim for its innovative style, grossing $351 million worldwide and winning three Academy Awards.

Credit: Disney

Yet, despite its success, a sequel has yet to materialize—and, according to Zemeckis, likely never will.

The primary reason for the lack of a sequel, as Zemeckis revealed, is Disney’s discomfort with Jessica Rabbit’s look. He noted in a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that although a sequel script exists, Disney “can’t make a movie with Jessica in it” as she is.

Disney’s modern image has evolved to prioritize family-friendly and inclusive content, which means that characters like Jessica are reimagined for today’s audiences.

This shift is evident in Disneyland’s Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin ride, where Jessica Rabbit’s role was updated in 2021. She’s now depicted as a private investigator, sporting a yellow trench coat and fedora in place of her iconic red dress.

The ride storyline was reimagined to have Jessica capturing Toon Patrol Weasels instead of appearing as a damsel in distress tied up in the trunk of a car. Now, Jessica is shown wielding a sledgehammer and taking on villains herself, aligning her more closely with Disney’s focus on empowered, action-oriented female characters.

Disney’s Sensitivity Updates Across Parks

Jessica Rabbit’s redesign aligns with broader changes Disney has made across its parks to foster inclusivity, diversity, and cultural sensitivity. Over the past several years, Disney has undertaken updates to attractions, shifting away from outdated or culturally insensitive portrayals in response to evolving audience expectations.

Credit: Disney

Among these updates, Pirates of the Caribbean saw the removal of its “we wants the redhead” auction scene, in which women were auctioned off to pirates. Instead, the “redhead” character now appears as a fierce pirate in her own right, leading the charge rather than being objectified.

The Jungle Cruise ride was also modified to remove culturally insensitive caricatures, adding a new storyline with a diverse set of explorers. Meanwhile, Splash Mountain, criticized for its connections to Song of the South (1946), was permanently closed and is being rethemed as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on The Princess and the Frog (2009), which celebrates Disney’s first Black princess.

Credit: Disney

These updates reflect Disney’s intent to modernize its attractions, creating engaging experiences for all visitors. This overarching strategy aligns with Jessica Rabbit’s updated portrayal as Disney moves away from hyper-feminized characters in favor of more empowered roles.

Do you think Jessica Rabbit should stop Disney making Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2?