June 21, 1988. A day that lives in rabbit “infamy”!  Quite simply, a few days ago, the most under-appreciated rabbit in animation history turned 25 years old. Well, as far as movie releases go, that is.

Like I explained in my Iron Man post a few weeks ago, one of my fondest memories of our son’s childhood was watching the Iron Man animated show every Saturday morning. Another of my favorite memories was us watching “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” together. “We” even had Roger’s game for the original Nintendo gaming system. We played that game until it wouldn’t work anymore! How could you not love Roger?

In fact, how does a rabbit who pulled in literally dozens of awards and award nominations fade into virtual invisibility? I mean, really! According to Wikipedia, “Roger” is the first (and so far, only) animated/live action film to win four Academy Awards and the first animated film to win multiple Academy Awards since Mary Poppins in 1964. Yet, Roger …

… has, pretty much, disappeared. Poor Roger.

As Roger’s silver anniversary approached, those that can appreciate him the most – fans like us – have paid tribute to the colorful rabbit with podcasts and posts aimed at bringing his brand of nonsensical fun back into view.

So, if you’re a fan of the rabbit, stop by industry legend Lou Mongello’s WDW Radio to hear an hour-long testimony to Roger.  Join Lou, and Disney expert Jim Korkis, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where they celebrate ‘the rabbit’ with a look at the movie’s history, Roger’s presence in the Studios (and elsewhere around the parks), what might have been, and what the future may hold.

How about a “Hollywoodland” featuring Roger Rabbit?  That’s what could have been built in Disneyland.  How about a whole Maroon Studios in WDW’s Hollywood Studios?  Located where Sunset Boulevard is today, it would have, literally, been a “Roger Rabbit Land” and included three major attractions.  Three!

Think about a ‘Toontown Trolley’ – a wild ride through a cartoon Toontown akin to Star Tours.  Or, how about “Baby Herman’s Runaway Baby Buggy”?  Imagine a thrilling run through a hospital in an over-sized baby buggy.  Finally, think about the ‘Benny the Cab’ dark ride that eventually became “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” in both Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.

Most importantly, who “ended” Roger Rabbit?  Well, listen to Lou’s podcast.  You’ll figure it out.

Is all hope lost?  Do Roger fans have any reason to keep the faith?  Well, when it comes to Roger’s future, pay a visit to Jim Hill Media.  It may just be a faint hope … or could it be a fact?  Is a “Roger Rabbit” sequel in the works? I really hope so!

In the meantime, if you want to see Roger “in person”, book a stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. There, you can see him in super-sized fashion!  Long live Roger Rabbit!

Have a great day, folks!!