From Mickey to Yoda
Steamboat Willie, Mickey's first cartoon, was heavily inspired by the animation style of Max Fleischer, whose main character was called Krazy Kat...
In 1954 Max Fleischer's son, Richard Fleischer, directed Walt Disney's 1954 hit film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. When Richard was first approached by Walt Disney, he asked Walt for some extra time to make a decision since he wanted to ask his father about it first. Despite being a longtime competitor of Walt's, Max enthusiastically gave his permission.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea starred Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, who would later star in the first film released under Disney's Touchstone Pictures banner- Tough Guys. (Previously the movies were released by Touchstone Films.)
Tough Guys featured Saturday Night Live alumnus Dana Carvey in one of his first roles. Another Saturday Night Live alumnus Tina Fey would star alongside Miss Piggy in the Disney film Muppets Most Wanted.
Of course, Miss Piggy was originally voiced by Frank Oz, who also provided the voice of Yoda!
