When I say Disney, whats the first thing that pops into your head?
The answer is, obviously,Mickey Mouse.
But thats exactly what io9 was able to do this past week.
We spoke with Mickey Mouse using a blend of animation, motion capture, and voice acting.Disney
Last week at D23, we got to chat with the Mouse himself.
The one Disney CEO Bob Iger bows down to.
MakesMarvel Studios president Kevin Feigeshake in his shoes.
io9 Senior Reporter Germain Lussier and Mickey Mouse – Disney
And the incomparable Minnie Mouse weak at the knees.
Im kidding, unfortunately.
We talked aboutStar Wars, Disneyland, and cosplay.
Mickey interview – Disney
Germain Lussier, io9: How you doing, Mickey?
Mickey Mouse:Well, Im doing swell.
How are you, pal?
Mickey’s Runaway Railroad – Disneyland
io9: Im doing very well.
Mouse:Im glad to hear it.
io9: All right, so I have some questions here.
Mouse:You do?
io9: Youve had such a legendary career.
Were here at D23.
Were celebrating all things Disney.
What can you tell me about your memories about working with Walt?
Mouse:Oh, gosh.
So many good memories working with Walt.
You know, Ive been with Walt since the beginning.Steamboat Willy, Plane Crazy, Fantasia.
Got into a little messy situation there, but he let me off easy.
io9: [Laughs] Yes you did.
Mouse:Its been so great to watch him develop all this magic.
The creation of Disneyland, all the films.
Walt was a dreamer.
io9: Oh I agree.
Mouse:Oh, its great.
I think it just gives us so many more chances to tell so many more stories.
And thats what Walt was all about.
Good story, right?
[chuckles] The magic lies in the stories.
io9: Now, Im wearing aStar Warsshirt.
Im obviously a bigStar Warsfan.
Do you have a favoriteStar Warsmovie or story?
Mouse:Oh, thats a tough one [chuckles].
Its hard to choose just one, huh?
I really loveThe Mandalorianseries lately.
But I love the classics likeA New Hope.
Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi.
Its hard to choose one.
io9: Of course, I completely understand.
What about a favoriteStar Warscharacter?
Anybody that you maybe love watching or love dressing up as?
Mouse:I think Han Solos pretty great.
io9: Thats my guy!
Mouse:Is he?
io9: Yeah, Han Solos my favorite.
Mouse:A scruffy-looking nerf herder, huh?
io9: [Laughs] Exactly.
Obviously over the years youve had a chance to dress up as so many different great Disney characters.
Does anybody stand out that you really love the way that you look dressed up as?
Mouse:Wow, thats a good question.
Speaking ofStar Wars, I did dress up as Luke Skywalker one time.
That was pretty fun.
io9:Is there anybody that you havent been able to dress up as that you would like to?
Mouse:Well, I think Id love to dress up as the Mandalorian.
io9: But then you have to cover your face.
Everybody wants to see your face.
Mouse:Aw, youre just being nice.
io9: No Im not!
Disneyland or Disney World.
I live here, Im a Land guy.
Where do you stand on the debate?
Mouse:Its a really difficult choice.
But I love how unique they all are.
Im going back to World in a couple weeks, Im here this week, and its wonderful.
Mouse:Oh, thats great.
Ill see you there.
io9: [Laughs] Yes, you will.
Mouse:Im doing the same itinerary.
io9: You go back and forth when you’re free to, right?
Mouse:Yeah, when I can.
io9: What was it like to finally get your own ride with the Runaway Railway?
Mouse:Oh, gosh.
That was quite the experience.
It didnt quite go the way we intended it to go.
io9: [Laughs] No.
Mouse:Im not casting any blame.
Both:[pause, then in unison] Goofy.
[Laughs]
io9: Yes, exactly, exactly.
Now, youre famously the logo for Disney Animation.
What is your relationship with Luxo, the logo for Pixar?
Mouse:The Pixar lamp?
Mouse:Well, we love to watch the classics.
Wed start at the beginning withSnow White.
ThenPinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi.Yeah.
Mouse:Oh, hes a good pal of mine.
We get along pretty well.
Hes given me some advice.
Ive given him some.
Its been a great working relationship so far.
io9:Well, thats wonderful.
So nice to meet you and talk to you.
Mouse:It is so great to meet you too.
I hope you enjoy the rest of D23, the ultimate fan event.
io9:I cant wait.
Thank you so much, Mickey.
Mouse:So long, pal.
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