Rumors of the Removal of ‘Howard’ Documentary from Disney+ Enrage Fans

Disney fans who were on the Twitter-verse this morning would have noted many frustrated Disney Fanatics who were complaining about the removal of one particular documentary from the Disney+ collections. Fans across the board were utterly bemused at the possibility of Disney removing a movie about one of the most important people behind the Disney Renaissance from its collections.

Who was Howard Ashman?

Howard Ashman rose to prominence for his work on Disney animated films during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He played a crucial role in the success of films like The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1991); he penned memorable lyrics for beloved songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Be Our Guest.” Ashman’s talent for crafting poignant and catchy lyrics helped revitalize the Disney animated musical genre and played a significant role in the Disney Renaissance.

Disney+ is removing Howard, the documentary about the man who literally saved that company, as well as their only real acknowledgment of a queer figurehead within the studio, right before Pride month. It's time for Gay Wrath

— José María Luna (@JoseMLuna) May 19, 2023

Howard

The documentary Howard is a biographical film that explores the life and legacy of Howard Ashman, a highly influential lyricist, and playwright. The documentary, directed by Don Hahn, delves into Ashman’s career in the entertainment industry, particularly his collaborations with composer Alan Menken.

 

Fans were sharing this in light of the upcoming theatrical release of The Little Mermaid. One specified, “Days before the remake of #TheLittleMermaid hits cinemas, and only weeks out from the beginning of Pride Month, Don Hahn’s superb documentary on lyricist, playwright, Disney Legend, and LGBTQ+ Icon Howard Ashman, ‘HOWARD,’ will be ripped from Disney Plus.” 

The news was even shared by Variety:

Per Variety, Disney will remove ‘HOWARD,’ along with other 26 titles, from Disney+ and Hulu due to cost-cutting reasons.

The film documents the life of Howard Ashman, the legendary lyricist who worked on ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aladdin.’ pic.twitter.com/5ObsKQxSgw

— Disney Animation Promos (@DisneyAPromos) May 19, 2023

However, whether because this was simply a rumor or because Disney was responding to backlash as some fans believe, it seems Disney is not, in fact, removing the iconic documentary from its collections. According to Vulture,  a Disney rep clarified that it was never meant to be taken off the platform.

Update: Howard is *NOT* being removed from @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/F5iVv0MPFm

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 19, 2023

Fans were incredibly relieved to hear the news and expressed frustration that such a move had even been considered at all.

One shared, “I rewatched it today worried that it was going to be removed! I’m glad it is staying!”

Another chimed in, “the fact that it was on a removal list to begin with says alot about how Disney can cave to bigotry.”

For now, Disney Fanatics can rest easy that the documentary is going nowhere.