From Mr. Magoo to Speedy Gonzales - How Animation History Keeps Repeating Itself (Ep. 342)

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Jan 20, 2026

With awards season in full swing, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of animation history. They discuss box office hits like Avatar and Zootopia 2, and share exciting news about a new Phineas & Ferb movie. A deep look at UPA reveals the rise of Mr. Magoo and the studio's complicated legacy, including sidelined characters like Cholly. Shifting cultural norms are examined, with a highlight on Jorge Gutierrez's upcoming Speedy Gonzales film, which could redefine how legacy characters are portrayed.

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ANECDOTE

Remembering Roger Allers

Roger Allers had a long, varied animation career culminating in co-directing The Lion King and influencing stage adaptations.
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor plan a longer tribute on next week's episode.

INSIGHT

Mr. Magoo's Theatrical Rise

Mr. Magoo began as a 1949 UPA theatrical short and became a recurring character for the studio.
The one-joke premise and Jim Backus's voice made Magoo a major commercial success in the 1950s.

INSIGHT

Magoo Pioneers TV Holiday Specials

UPA expanded Mr. Magoo into heavy theatrical output and then into television by 1960.
Magoo's Christmas Carol became the first animated TV holiday special and set a broadcast precedent.

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Right in the thick of awards season, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill cover a wide swath of animation history and current events - from box office heavyweights and streaming announcements to the complicated legacies of mid-century cartoon characters. Along the way, they connect the dots between past controversies, present-day reappraisals, and how modern creators are recontextualizing classic animated icons.

NEWS
• Why Avatar: Fire & Ash remains unstoppable at the box office, holding the top spot for a fifth straight week
• Zootopia 2 climbs into the global Top 10 all-time, surpassing Inside Out 2 and Disney’s The Lion King remake
• A new Phineas & Ferb movie is officially in the works for Disney+, with a time-bending premise
• What’s next for Pixar’s Hoppers, following Drew’s recent trip to Emeryville
• Updates on How to Train Your Dragon 2, including Cate Blanchett’s return as Valka

FEATURE
• A deep dive into the rise and fall of UPA, from Mr. Magoo’s Oscar wins to the studio’s eventual collapse
• How changing cultural standards sidelined characters like Magoo, Cholly, and UPA’s Dick Tracy supporting cast
• The newly revealed documentary Animation Mavericks: The Forgotten Story of UPA and why it matters now
• Why Jorge Gutierrez developing a Speedy Gonzales movie could signal a long-overdue shift in how legacy characters are handled

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

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 sponsored by Unlocked Magic, where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to let them know Drew and Jim sent you.

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