‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2’: The Sequel We Deserve

It is perhaps the most beloved film of a generation. It broke records, won awards, and was critically acclaimed.

Distributed by Disney just before the Disney Renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, Who Framed Roger Rabbit still maintains a presence in Disney Parks with Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin at Disneyland Park and appearances by characters such as Judge Doom during last year’s Oogie Boogie Bash.

Once upon a time, Roger Rabbit walked around Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. The movie also had special displays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney MGM Studios).

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Released in 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit was a groundbreaking cinematic achievement. It seamlessly blended live-action and animation in a way that had never been done before.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film combined the elements of film noir, comedy, and animation. The unique result was a movie that captivated audiences and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking.

It is set in a fictional version of 1947 Los Angeles, where animated characters, known as “Toons,” coexist with humans.

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The narrative follows Eddie Valiant, a depressed and down-on-his-luck private detective played by Bob Hoskins. Valiant is hired to investigate a scandal involving the famous Toon actor Roger Rabbit.

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Roger is accused of murder, and the plot thickens as Valiant delves into a complex web of crime, corruption, and a nefarious plot to destroy Toontown.

Movie Details

One of the film’s defining features is its groundbreaking integration of live-action and animation. The technology used to merge these two worlds seamlessly was revolutionary. Characters like Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner) interact flawlessly with human actors.

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The film’s success in this regard opened new doors for the industry, influencing future projects that sought to blend animation with live-action elements.

A New Type of Movie

Beyond its technical achievements, Who Framed Roger Rabbit celebrated the art of animation. The film pays homage to the classic era of animation, featuring beloved characters from various studios, including Disney, Warner Bros., and others. The inclusion of iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse in the same scenes was unprecedented, and a dream come true for animation enthusiasts.

The character of Roger Rabbit himself is a testament to the film’s charm. Voiced with infectious energy by Charles Fleischer, Roger is a lovable, bumbling Toon trying to navigate a world that often misunderstands him. His catchphrase “P-p-p-lease,” lisp, and endearing personality make him an unforgettable and charming character.

The chemistry between Roger and Eddie Valiant forms the heart of the film, creating a buddy dynamic that adds depth to the narrative.

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The film’s narrative structure is reminiscent of classic film noir, with its intricate plot, shady characters, and a hard-boiled detective at the center. Yet, the infusion of humor and the animated elements elevate it beyond a traditional noir, creating a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.

The mix of genres allows the film to appeal to a broad audience, from animation enthusiasts to those who appreciate a good detective story.

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Who Framed Roger Rabbit also explored themes of discrimination and segregation. Throughout the movie, the Toons face prejudice and are treated as second-class citizens. This subtle commentary adds depth to the film, making it an entertaining adventure and a story with relevant social undertones.

Where Is Roger Rabbit 2?

Today, 35 years later, there is no sequel to the classic Oscar-winning film. Even though it was a large box office success at its time, grossing $351 million (still more than The Marvels…and that’s not even adjusting for inflation!)

The idea of a sequel has been a topic of discussion and speculation dating back to 1989. Spielberg approached J.J. Abrams (then a humble writer) about writing a sequel. The Roger Rabbit sequel titled Roger Rabbit 2: The Toon Platoon was actually a prequel.

The plot centered around Roger Rabbit setting off to find his biological parents after his adopted human parents inform him that he’s not a human. It would have also focused on how he met his wife Jessica and her kidnapping by Nazis during WWII.

But after his work on Schindler’s List, Steven Spielberg became uncomfortable with the idea of a cartoon comedy involving Nazis.

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Michael Eisner Wanted It

However, in 1997, then Disney CEO Michael Eisner attempted to revive the film with the Nazi subplot removed. However, budget problems and second-guessing the profitability of a sequel ten years later led to its downfall.

With CGI and animation technology advancements, filmmakers could create even more seamless interactions between animated characters and live-action environments. The possibilities for creative and visually stunning sequences are virtually endless.

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But back in 2018, Robert Zemeckis stated he no longer knows if Roger Rabbit has a place at Disney.

“I don’t know where it fits [into] their universe,” he said. “There’s no princess in it, so I don’t know where that would be. There’s a wonderful script sitting at Disney that is really good, but I don’t think it’s on their radar.”

So, will we ever see a Roger Rabbit sequel (or prequel)? It doesn’t sound too promising. But this writer definitely feels that it’s something we Disney fans (and Disney Adults) deserve. The fact that Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin still exists and Roger Rabbit references, and characters still pop up occasionally signals that Disney knows there is some audience out there.

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And if there’s one thing Disney loves to do, it’s play to Disney nostalgia. Disney attempts to do this every time they make a sequel or a live action remake. But who knows? In today’s world, in Hollywood and modern Disney, anything is possible.

Perhaps a new Roger Rabbit film may be just what the studio needs to inject new life into the box office. We can hope. What do you think?