Disney’s Dumbo Almost Scored Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year”

Walt Disney’s animated classics have profoundly impacted many of us. In fact, this truth is what most likely caused your interest in this article. Certain movies and characters have become iconic, etching their way into our hearts for generations. Among these beloved characters is Disney’s adorable flying elephant, Dumbo. Did you know there’s a delightful story about this little pachyderm, which involves him almost gracing the Time magazine cover in 1941?

Dumbo on Time Magazine Cover

Walt Disney Animation Studios rose to fame during a period when the world faced the threat of war. This was also an era when Time magazine was greatly successful. The publishing giant started deeming someone “person of the year” in their magazine as a way to educate readers on the impacts a person can have on the world. While most of these people had a positive influence, the magazine sometimes featured questionable choices as well. In a bid to generate some high spirits during World War II, the company curiously selected Dumbo, the fictional elephant with enormous ears who soared through the sky, as the most influential “person” of 1941.

Dumbo captivated audiences when it was released that year. The heartwarming story of a young circus elephant overcoming adversity resonated deeply with people during those uncertain times. Time magazine saw the film’s impact and reconfigured its “person of the year” to “mammal of the year” to put the character on the cover. The company enlisted Walt Disney Studios to create art for the feature piece. However, fate intervened before the cover’s release. The devastating attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II on December 7, 1941. Time quickly pivoted its decision to reflect the gravity of the situation.

When I See an Elephant Fly

Time’s editors changed their cover subject in the wake of the attack, shifting their focus to the leader who would guide America through the turmoil ahead. Instead of Dumbo, President Franklin D. Roosevelt graced the cover for a third time, representing the strength and resolve of a nation at war.

Don’t feel too bad for the little elephant, however. While Dumbo did not ultimately adorn the cover, his impact was still felt within the pages of Time. A four-page feature article titled “Dumbo: The Flying Elephant” showcased the character’s significance in popular culture. The article delved into the creative process behind Dumbo’s creation, exploring the animation techniques and emotional resonance that endeared the character to audiences worldwide.

So there you have it. The influence of one of Disney’s creations almost beat out everyone else when the world was at war. Next time you take your child on Dumbo The Flying Elephant at one of the Disney Parks, remember that the character has an important history in shaping society.