How a Jim Henson Christmas Special Helped Point Pixar Toward Toy Story (Ep. 79)

It’s a Christmas Day edition of I Want That Too, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey wrap up the year with a festive mix of Disney merch news, pop culture crossovers, and a deep dive into Jim Henson’s long love affair with holiday specials. Along the way, the conversation connects some surprising dots between a largely forgotten Henson TV special and the early creative struggles that eventually led Pixar to Toy Story.

NEWS
• The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta closes out its Festive Features exhibit showcasing rare Jim Henson holiday puppets
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens early to handle crowds eager to see Taylor Swift Eras Tour costumes
• A new Disney Store Princess shirt sparks Swiftie speculation thanks to its lyric-inspired design
• Disney Store holiday merchandise drops to 50 percent off before Christmas, shifting end-of-year shopping strategies

FEATURE
• Why Jim Henson repeatedly turned to holiday specials as creative and financial anchors
• How A Christmas Toy reunited the Fraggle Rock team after the series ended
• The long-running fan theory connecting A Christmas Toy, Pixar’s Tin Toy, and Toy Story
• How Pixar’s abandoned holiday special pitch ultimately became a theatrical classic

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

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 UnlockedMagic.com, from the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. If a Disney or Universal trip is anywhere on your wish list, UnlockedMagic offers great ticket deals handled by experts who know Disney travel inside and out. Visit UnlockedMagic.com.

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