Walt Disney has announced their Mickey Mouse makeover. Are we suprised? With so many people preferring the modernized and digitized look of computer animation, reimagining the symbolic icon was inevitable. As The New York Times puts it, "Keeping cartoon characters trapped in amber is one of the surest routes to irrelevancy."
The first look we’ll get of the iconic cartoon and its new 3D proportions will be in Disney’s new video game called Epic Mickey. Not only does he have a new look, he has a new personality as well—he is both "cantankerous and cunning," as the New York Times describes. I’m not sure if I like this new direction but hey, Disney’s gotta do what they gotta do.
Iconic Cartoon Redesigns
Walt Disney Will Initiate a Mickey Mouse Makeover
Trend Themes
1. 3D Proportions in Character Redesigns - There is a growing trend in redesigning iconic cartoon characters with new 3D proportions, bringing them into the modern era.
2. Digitized Makeovers for Symbolic Icons - Many businesses are recognizing the need to modernize and digitize iconic symbols and characters to stay relevant in a tech-savvy world.
3. Character Personality Transformation - Redesigning cartoon characters not only involves visual changes, but also includes transforming their personalities to appeal to a new and diverse audience.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment and Media - The entertainment and media industry can capitalize on the trend of reimagining iconic cartoon characters through new animation techniques and storytelling approaches.
2. Gaming and Animation - The gaming and animation industry can leverage the demand for new video games and digital experiences featuring redesigned and reimagined characters.
3. Merchandising and Licensing - The merchandising and licensing industry has an opportunity to create new products and collectibles based on the redesigned versions of iconic cartoon characters.