Disney is backtracking on its decision to remove the Disney+ documentary Howard after an online outcry. Directed by Don Hahn, Howard is a 2020 biographical documentary about the life of composer Howard Ashman. Ashman was the musical mind behind some of Disney’s most famous songs, a long-time collaborator with fellow composer Alan Menken. Beauty and the Beast, Aladdinand Little mermaid.
After deciding to pull the documentary, Disney reversed its decision Howard from Disney+ according to Submission deadline; termination period. This was announced by Disney earlier Howard It will leave the platform on May 26. Submission deadline; termination period In the previous report, the Mouse decided to keep the house Howard ultimately on the platform.
Why Howard’s initial decision to remove caused so much backlash
Online reviewers were quick to note the timing Howard‘s removal from Disney+ couldn’t have been worse. First, Ashman wrote the music for the original 1989 version Little mermaid. With Little mermaid the live-action film will also be released on May 26Disney’s adoption decision Howard came down from the platform and seemed to slap the fans.
In addition to his burgeoning music career, Ashman was a prominent member of the LGBTQ+ community mentioned in the documentary. falls at the end of May, Howard’s removal also meant pulling one of their several queer-themed films from the platform ahead of Pride Month in June. So Disney is not only pulling off a documentary about the genius behind it Little mermaid point, but their media would be taking a step in the wrong direction in terms of representation at a time when there are so few LGBTQ+ characters.
Fortunately, Disney has listened to this outcry and is moving on Howard on the platform. While their initial decision was certainly disappointing, the shifting focus may allow more people to learn about it. documentary film. In this case, one additional product Howard I’m hoping that the challenge can move in a different direction and give more exposure to the LGBTQ+ Disney icon, like during Pride Month.
Source: Deadline
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