It’s sometimes a strange thing how certain things can cause an association with others, especially when nostalgia comes into play. When DuckTales was in its original heyday, it overlapped with a dark time in my own childhood – but coming home from school and watching DuckTales is something that I remember fondly. The globetrotting adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his great-nephews were epic, and the “magic of Disney” could always be felt throughout. As a kid, I shared a desire with many to one day jump into Scrooge McDuck’s money bin – something that logic would say was impossible – something only real in a hand-drawn cartoon world. Little did I know that some three decades later, DuckTales would return (premiering August 12 on Disney XD), and that Scrooge McDuck’s money bin would be realized in the human world…
At the 2017 D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, the creative team behind Disney XD’s DuckTales were in the house to preview their series ahead of another big event: San Diego Comic-Con. In addition to bringing with them the talent and a brand-new clip (seen above), they also brought the legendary money bin to life as a 180° photo op. Proving that I was far from alone in my desire to take a leap into the pit of coins, the line to take the jump averaged 2.5 hours for much of the weekend (though in the interest of full disclosure, my friends at Disney gave me access before the show opened – no wait).
I would imagine that the experience is akin to being in quicksand. The leap and landing was fantastic, but getting out was difficult – especially for a man of my size. I hit the coins on my knees, so finding footing was challenging. With each move, I felt like I was sinking deeper into Scrooge’s incredible treasure. A helper on the side tried to lend me a hand, and a burlap pillow was thrown in with the idea that pushing on the pillow would help jumpers to rise up. It was difficult, but I did emerge from the bin unscathed and with a (Duck)tale to tell.
Having seen an early preview of the new DuckTales, I can tell you that it captures the spirit of the original, but in a style of both visuals and storytelling that is perhaps even more timeless than the original, crafted with care by genuine fans who were there the first time around, and are now raising children of their own – just like me.
The revamped DuckTales will premiere in a one-hour television movie to be presented for 24 consecutive hours, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 (beginning at midnight EDT/PDT), on Disney XD. Then, the series will debut with two new episodes SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m. EDT/PDT)
Disney XD’s DuckTales features a voice cast that includes David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) as Scrooge McDuck, Danny Pudi (“Community”) as Huey, Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”) as Dewey, Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”) as Louie, Kate Micucci (“Garfunkel and Oates”) as Webby Vanderquack, Beck Bennett (“Saturday Night Live”) as Launchpad McQuack, Toks Olagundoye (“Castle”) as Mrs. Beakley and Tony Anselmo (“Mickey Mouse”) as Donald Duck.
Recurring guest voices include Lin-Manuel Miranda (Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Disney’s “Moana” and “Mary Poppins Returns”) as Duckburg’s favorite hero Gizmoduck (his alias is Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera), Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) as Scrooge’s old flame Goldie O’Gilt, Margo Martindale (“The Americans”) as the ruthless villain Ma Beagle, Paul F. Tompkins (“Bajillion Dollar Propertie$”) as lucky duck Gladstone Gander, Kimiko Glenn (“Orange Is the New Black”) as well-traveled teen Lena, Jim Rash (“Community”) as mad scientist Gyro Gearloose, Josh Brener (“Silicon Valley”) as tech billionaire Mark Beaks, Keith Ferguson (“Gravity Falls”) as Scrooge’s archenemy Flintheart Glomgold, Eric Bauza (Marvel’s “Ultimate Spider-Man”) as Beagle Boys and Corey Burton (“Star Wars Rebels”) as scientist Ludwig Von Drake.
I’ll have more on DuckTales coming in a special feature yet to be revealed, so stay tuned to THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine for more fun in the weeks ahead! Check out Disney XD for clips and more!
