Netflix's Spellbound Leans Mostly on the Controversial Pixar Connection of John Lasseter
Set to premiere on the streaming platform in November 2024, Netflix's animated picture Spellbound makes a point of stressing the involvement of a contentious Pixar icon in its first teaser. Renowned for his work on some of Pixar's highest-grossing films, John Lasseter left Disney and Pixar in 2018 after claims of sexual misconduct. Notwithstanding this background, Netflix seems not bothered about showcasing Lasseter's creative legacy in their next project.
The Trailer of Spellbound Honors Lasseter's Pixar Legacy
Although Spellbound is not a Pixar film, the teaser captures the studio's trademark look, implying a significant influence from Lasseter, a senior executive of Skydance Animation. The teaser specifically notes Lasseter's participation as a "visionary" behind the Toy Story and Cars franchises as well as A Bug's Life. Though Lasseter left Pixar in controversy, Spellbound's marketing mostly relies on his past success and honors his contributions to these cherished films.
History of Misconduct by John Lasseter
Allegations of sexual harassment and misbehavior throughout Lasseter's tenure at Pixar defined his leaving from the company. He has subsequently apologies for his behavior, yet his past still causes conflict. Though it doesn't specifically name Lasseter, Spellbound's teaser strongly suggests his involvement and emphasizes his Pixar pedigree, implying that Netflix thinks his prior achievements exceed his contentious background.
The comfortable embrace of John Lasseter by Netflix
The emphasis of the Spellbound teaser on Lasseter's accomplishments to Pixar despite his past begs issues regarding Netflix's position on the matter. Though it involves ignoring Lasseter's prior misbehavior, the marketing team of the movie seems more concerned in using his Pixar credentials to draw spectators. This points to Netflix's deliberate choice to give Spellbound's possible box office success top priority over attending to issues about Lasseter's behavior.
Changing Views of John Lasseter
The marketing plan for Spellbound runs counter to the one for Lasseter's last movie, Luck, which will hit theaters in 2022. Luck did it more gently, but acknowledging Lasseter's efforts on Toy Story and Cars. This implies a rising acceptance of Lasseter's participation in animation projects notwithstanding his background. Lasseter's old companies seem to be more at ease hanging around with him as time goes on, depending on his past performance to lure viewers to their initiatives.
