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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor

Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor

with Jim Hill and Drew Taylor

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

366 episodesEN

Show overview

Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor has been publishing since 2018, and across the 8 years since has built a catalogue of 366 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 260 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 38 min and 48 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language TV & Film show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 23 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network.

Episodes
366
Running
2018–2026 · 8y
Median length
43 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Jim and Drew break down the animation world frame by frame, until you get the singular picture. If you love Disney animation, Pixar, and the classics that were hand sketched, or built out of 1's and 0's in a computer, this is the podcast that draws you in.

Latest Episodes

View all 366 episodes

Toy Story 5 Brings Jessie Full Circle (Ep. 361)

Jun 2, 202643 min

Rick & Morty Goes to the Movies While Bluey Takes Over the Parks (Ep. 360)

May 26, 202643 min

Wildwood, Shrek Buckets & the Return of Matt Braly’s Lost Movie (Ep. 359)

May 19, 202646 min

Revisiting Animation’s Renaissance Through Tom Sito’s New Book (Ep. 358)

May 12, 202646 min

The Devil’s in the Box Office: Prada 2 Shocks Hollywood (Ep. 357)

May 5, 202642 min

Why Mixing Animation and Live-Action Is Harder Than Hollywood Thinks (Ep. 356)

Apr 29, 202635 min

MARVEL US DISNEY PREVIEW: Endgame Isn’t Over Yet: How Marvel Is Rewriting Its Own Finale (Ep. 16)

Apr 28, 202644 min

Forgotten Island Buzz, CinemaCon Shakeups, and a Very Strange Wonka Future (Ep. 355)

Apr 21, 202647 min

Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354)

Apr 14, 202644 min

Ep 353Mario’s Massive Opening, AI Animation Backlash, and the Mystery Disney Drone Show (Ep. 353)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s Fine Tooning with a real-life animation-adjacent story involving Bob’s Burgers’ Eugene Mirman, before diving into a huge Easter weekend box office led by Nintendo’s latest animated hit. From Disney+ shorts and Netflix trailers to Broadway updates and AI controversy, this episode covers a wide swath of animation and industry news. Plus, the guys explore a lingering mystery involving Disney’s experimental drone shows. HIGHLIGHTS • Eugene Mirman, the voice of Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, is involved in a serious electric vehicle accident in New Hampshire and shares a humorous recovery update • The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie opens to a massive $372 million worldwide, outperforming expectations despite mixed reviews • Pixar’s Hoppers continues its theatrical run with $332 million globally, while Project Hail Mary climbs to $420 million worldwide • Disney+ debuts “Versa,” a visually ambitious animated short exploring grief and loss, alongside two new Short Circuit entries • Netflix releases the trailer for Swapped, a new animated feature from Tangled co-director Nathan Greno • Disney’s Hercules stage musical sets a closing date in London as speculation continues about a possible U.S. transfer • WildBrain faces backlash for AI-upscaled episodes of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! airing on MeTV Toons • A closer look at Disney’s evolving Short Circuit program and the final Disney work of legendary animator Mark Henn • Updates on Disney theatrical projects including the live-action Tangled and the evolving Hercules film concept • The growing use of AI in animation restoration and the debate over preserving original artistic integrity HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, get expert help securing the best ticket deals with no stress. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning your next theme park adventure. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 202653 min

Ep 352Super Mario Galaxy Fever, KPop Demon Hunters Mania, and a Shifting Disney Villains Land (Ep. 352)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation, from Universal’s massive push behind Super Mario Bros. Galaxy to the continued global surge of KPop Demon Hunters. They also break down the latest box office winners, Pixar’s underappreciated Hoppers, and what’s really going on with Disney’s evolving Villains Land plans. Plus, a look at DreamWorks’ ambitious Forgotten Island and how live-action remakes keep reshaping animation’s future. HIGHLIGHTS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy gears up for a massive $150–$165 million opening, with Universal deploying aggressive cross-promotion across NBC and its theme parks • Project Hail Mary holds strong at No. 1 with $300 million worldwide, blending practical puppetry and VFX for its standout character Rocky • Pixar’s Hoppers nears $300 million globally, continuing the studio’s tradition of dual-form character storytelling • KPop Demon Hunters expands into a full franchise with a sequel planned for 2029, a global live tour in development, and continued music dominance • Streaming windows tighten as films like Goat, Zootopia 2, and Search for SquarePants quickly transition to digital platforms • Disney’s Villains Land plans shift toward a more playful, interactive tone, with concepts like an Ursula spinner and a Villains Funhouse coaster resurging • DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island aims for bold, personal storytelling from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado • Live-action remake strategy evolves with returning voice actors like Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, while Moana continues to expand across film and parks HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket deals with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Start planning your next adventure at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 202650 min

Ep 351Zootopia 2’s Billion-Dollar Run, Firefly’s Animated Comeback & A Trip Through LA’s Art Scene (Ep. 351)

Jim Hill returns from Los Angeles with stories from animation bookstores, gallery visits, and Pixar’s latest hit, while Drew Taylor dives into a packed week of industry news. From “Zootopia 2” nearing another major milestone to surprise revivals like “Firefly,” this episode covers the evolving animation landscape across film, TV, and streaming. Plus, the Oscars shake things up and new theatrical experiments blur the line between TV and cinema. HIGHLIGHTS • “Zootopia 2” continues its global box office dominance, closing in on another billion-dollar milestone as rumors swirl about a possible themed land at Disney California Adventure • Pixar’s “Hoppers” shows strong legs in its third weekend, crossing $240 million worldwide and earning praise as one of the studio’s funniest recent releases • The 98th Academy Awards make history as “KPop Demon Hunters” becomes the first non-Disney or Pixar animated film to win two Oscars • An animated “Firefly” revival is officially in development, potentially arriving in 2027 - over 25 years after the original series debuted • Netflix experiments with theatrical releases for TV animation as “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” gets limited screenings ahead of its streaming launch • Jim shares highlights from his LA trip, including visits to Stuart Ng Books and Gallery Nucleus, plus rare animation art finds and industry collectibles • A closer look at Kickstarter success stories like “Clara & the Below” and what they signal about the future of independent animation funding • New Disney+ series “Maul: Shadow Lord” expands the Star Wars animated universe, raising questions about connections to earlier film versions • Drew discusses moderating a LAIKA-focused panel and reveals details about the upcoming “Art of Wildwood” book HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic - your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, their team can help you save money and plan smarter. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to learn more. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 24, 202650 min

Ep 350Shannon Tindle on Ultraman, Lost Boys, and Animating the World of John Wick (Ep. 350)

Animation writer-director Shannon Tindle joins Drew Taylor for a wide-ranging conversation about breaking into animation, developing new projects, and navigating Hollywood’s ever-changing animation landscape. Shannon reflects on his career from CalArts to DreamWorks and beyond, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Ultraman Rising, Kubo and the Two Strings, and projects that never made it to the screen. He also discusses his upcoming animated John Wick prequel and how animation opens creative possibilities that live action can’t. HIGHLIGHTS • Shannon Tindle discusses how artists today can break into animation from anywhere in the world thanks to digital portfolios, social media, and global collaboration. • The evolution from analog portfolios and paper storyboards to Cintiq tablets and fully digital pipelines - and how that shift changed how animation talent gets discovered. • Shannon shares details about his unproduced Disney animated series inspired by The Haunted Mansion, which would have followed a young girl tracking down escaped ghosts from the attraction’s famous “999 happy haunts.” • A second Disney concept explored a modern take on the Lost Boys from Peter Pan, imagining a diverse group of kids in today’s world and a girl challenging the group’s “no girls allowed” rule. • Behind-the-scenes insights into developing Ultraman Rising, including how the project began as an original concept before becoming an official Ultraman film and how Japanese fans reacted to the finished movie. • Shannon explains how his upcoming animated John Wick project will expand the franchise with stylized action sequences impossible in live action while also exploring the emotional origin story of John and Helen. • The creative challenge of balancing large-scale action with quiet character moments - something Shannon sees as essential to preserving the tone that makes the John Wick films work. • Stories from Shannon’s time at DreamWorks working alongside artists like Nico Marlet, Carlos Grangel, and Tony Siruno, and how collaborative studio environments sharpen artists’ skills. HOSTS • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work GUEST • Shannon Tindle - IG: @shannon_tindle FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17, 20261h 4m

Ep 349Hoppers Leaps to Number One, The Wild Robot gets a Sequel, and Cartoon Lagoon Has New Projects Coming (Ep. 349)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are back together after Drew's birthday escape to Palm Springs, and they've got plenty of animation news to talk about. Pixar has its biggest ever box office for an original film opening, Pete Docter's Wall Street Journal interview takes an odd turn but at least they have a musical on the way, and of course there are the Old Spice marketing tie-ins to the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie that want you to smell like Bowser. HIGHLIGHTS • Disney Legend Floyd Norman's screening and Q&A at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC has been postponed with no rescheduled date available as of yet • Hoppers has the best opening for a Pixar original film yet with an 88 million dollar worldwide gross • The first 40,000 fans through the gates on March 31st at the L.A. Dodgers game against the Cleveland Guardians will get an exclusive Yoshi bobblehead • Drew drops an exclusive story about the upcoming sequel to The Wild Robot • Cartoon Lagoon has a new film, Kindred Spirits, coming in 2028 • Jim and Drew discuss Pete Docter's recent interview with the Wall Street Journal and the reactions to it HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlock MagicPlanning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Unlock Magic helps you secure the very best deals on theme park tickets, with expert support from people who truly know the parks. Visit unlockedmagic.com to start planning your next adventure. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 202650 min

Ep 345Criterion Crowns KPop, Zootopia 2 Climbs Higher & Smiling Friends Signs Off (Ep. 348)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s show a little early to accommodate Drew’s Palm Springs getaway, but that doesn’t slow down the animation news. From Netflix making a rare physical media play with KPop Demon Hunters to Zootopia 2 quietly becoming 2025’s biggest domestic hit, there’s a lot to unpack. They also look at Smiling Friends stepping away at its peak, new anime headed to theaters, and a wave of animation-themed events happening coast to coast. HIGHLIGHTS • KPop Demon Hunters lands a rare Criterion Collection physical media release after sweeping major awards, signaling a big win for Netflix animation. • Zootopia 2 becomes 2025’s top domestic release and sees strong demand for its 4K Steelbook on launch day. • Smiling Friends ends on its own terms, with two final episodes set to air April 12. • Crunchyroll dates the next That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime movie for May 2026 as Season Four arrives this spring. • Hulu’s upcoming animated comedy Swap Meet begins development at 20th Television Animation and Sony Pictures Television. • Don Hahn’s Huz: Drawn to Life spotlights Disney animator Ron Husband and his legacy. • Dana Terrace premieres The Knights of Guinevere pilot and plans a March panel and gallery event in Alhambra. • Drawing Magic: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida opens in Orlando with a March 8 creators panel. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlock MagicPlanning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Unlock Magic helps you secure the very best deals on theme park tickets, with expert support from people who truly know the parks. Visit unlockedmagic.com to start planning your next adventure. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 202643 min

Ep 347KPop Demon Hunters Sweeps the Annies While Toy Story 5 Steps Into the Spotlight (Ep. 347)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed week in animation, from awards-season shakeups to shifting box office math and a first real look at Pixar’s next big sequel. Along the way, they spotlight a streaming acquisition that could become a Halloween favorite, a few strategic release-date moves, and close with a heartfelt remembrance of a behind-the-scenes legend whose work helped shape modern animation. HIGHLIGHTS • KPop Demon Hunters dominates the Annie Awards with 12 wins, including Best Feature, while Zootopia 2 goes home empty-handed despite its box office strength • Corrected Presidents Day numbers boost GOAT’s opening and reshape its rivalry with Wuthering Heights in weekend two • Pixar debuts the first official Toy Story 5 trailer, centering Jessie and introducing a toys-versus-tech conflict • Sony begins development on an animated Venom project with Tom Hardy producing • TMNT: Mutant Mayhem 2 moves its release date up by a month • Netflix acquires I Am Frankelda, Mexico’s first stop-motion animated feature, for a fall debut • A tribute to Jane Baer, whose career included Sleeping Beauty, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, and more HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, their team can help you secure great ticket prices and plan smarter. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 202648 min

Ep 346The Simpsons at 800: No Finale, Just More Springfield (Ep. 346)

As The Simpsons hits its 800th episode, Jim Hill takes a moment to appreciate how this once-scrappy Fox upstart became an animation institution that may never actually end. From the long-lost series finale concept where Homer and Krusty were secretly the same person to the show’s upcoming theatrical sequel and Disney’s long-term park plans, this week’s Fine Tooning looks at how Springfield keeps evolving. Plus, box office updates, Avatar sequel math, Matt Braly’s next move after Sony, and a wild Steven Spielberg phone call that changed animation history. NEWS • The Simpsons celebrates its 800th episode with “Irrational Treasure,” the 14th episode of Season 37, as the series eyes renewal through Season 40 and a second theatrical film set for September 3, 2027. • Disney+ viewers can compare Season 1’s “Santa’s Little Helper” to the new milestone episode to see just how dramatically the show’s animation quality has evolved since 1989. • Sony Pictures Animation’s Goat opens strong over Presidents Day weekend, reportedly close behind Warner Bros.’ Wuthering Heights, with final box office numbers still shifting. • Zootopia 2 crosses $1.83 billion worldwide, becoming the ninth highest-grossing film of all time, though its upcoming March 3 home video release may slow its push toward $2 billion. • Avatar: Fire & Ash reaches $1.46 billion globally, profitable but well below the franchise’s prior installments, raising questions about costs and expectations for Avatar 4 and 5. • Matt Braly and Rebecca Sugar’s previously in-development Sony feature is shelved, but Braly launches a Kickstarter on March 13 for his indie gothic horror pilot Clara and the Below. • The RiffTrax team raises nearly $1.9 million on Kickstarter for The RiffTrax Experiments, offering a hopeful blueprint for creator-driven animation crowdfunding. FEATURE • The behind-the-scenes story of how Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss were hired by Steven Spielberg to write The Land Before Time, following his surprise discovery of Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird. • Spielberg’s now-legendary phone call to Freudberg, initially mistaken for a prank, ultimately led to a creative partnership that bridged Sesame Street and major animated feature filmmaking. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12% off. Unlocked Magic is run by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and save big. Grab your tickets today at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 202630 min

Ep 345Josh D’Amaro Gets the Big Chair, Dana Walden Gets the Creative Keys at Disney (Ep. 345)

Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney’s future leadership comes sharply into focus. NEWS • Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie • A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total • Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis’ long-awaited Animal Farm • GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori • Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling an animated Game of Thrones spin-off, plus a look at Netflix’s Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 FEATURE • Disney announces its next era as Josh D’Amaro is named CEO, effective March 18, 2026 • A deep dive into D’Amaro’s path through Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and why Iger ultimately chose him • Dana Walden promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, with oversight of Disney’s vast entertainment portfolio • What this leadership pairing signals for Disney’s creative direction, corporate culture, and long-term strategy HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10, 202644 min

Ep 344From “Goat” to “Hoppers,” Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be the Year of Animated Animals (Ep. 344)

This week on Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick things off on Groundhog Day weekend by leaning into an appropriately animal-heavy episode. From Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming sports comedy Goat to Pixar’s sci-fi action comedy Hoppers, the guys break down why animated animals are having a moment and how recent box office and streaming successes are shaping what comes next. Along the way, there’s box office chatter, awards-season surprises, toy fair buzz, and a heartfelt remembrance of one of animation’s great voice talents. NEWS • Goat from Sony Pictures Animation lines up its February 13 release with NBA All-Star Weekend, and Drew shares what he learned talking directly with the filmmakers. • Pixar’s Hoppers draws internal debate over its bold comedy, with Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton stepping in to defend Daniel Chong’s vision. • Zootopia 2 continues its strong box office run, reinforcing why studios are doubling down on animal-driven stories. • Streaming and awards updates include KPop Demon Hunters, Grammy nominations, and what dominated viewing charts in 2025. • Big animation-adjacent headlines from the Nuremberg Toy Fair and the return of classic Looney Tunes shorts to Turner Classic Movies. FEATURE • A deeper dive into Goat, including the challenges of animating Roarball, the film’s underdog themes, and its sequel potential. • Pixar’s Hoppers explained - its sci-fi premise, visual style, and how Mabel’s intense personality was shaped into a Pixar-friendly lead. • Remembering Catherine O’Hara and her lasting legacy in animated film and television voice performances. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off - by visiting UnlockedMagic.com. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and lock in serious savings. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3, 202648 min

Ep 343The Last-Minute Fixes That Turned The Lion King into a Classic (Ep. 343)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down a very strange January weekend for animation and the box office. Between a massive snowstorm shutting down hundreds of theaters, surprise Oscar nominations, and some heartfelt remembrances of animation legends, this episode covers a lot of ground. There is industry news, Disney history, and a few thoughtful detours along the way. NEWS • How a nationwide snowstorm shut down more than 400 theaters and dragged the North American box office down to just $58 million for the weekend • Why Mercy managed to knock Avatar: Fire & Ash out of the top spot with a historically soft number one opening • Zootopia 2 crosses $400 million domestically and gets a confirmed digital and physical release timeline • Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short, including why KPop Demon Hunters looks like the current front-runner • A first look teaser for The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie introduces Yoshi ahead of its April release FEATURE • A deep dive into the legacy of Roger Allers and how The Lion King was reshaped in the final weeks before release • Behind-the-scenes stories from Disney Animation’s most turbulent eras, including last-minute fixes that would never fly today • Remembering restoration legend Ron Stark of S/R Laboratories and his quiet but essential impact on animation history For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Plan your 2026 Central Florida trip with confidence at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27, 202649 min
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