The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into the world of Disney merch and history with a mix of spooky snacks and fascinating backstories: Why Jim bought Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry cereal he can’t eat—thanks to new Jim Henson puppet designs The launch of Bath & Body Works’ Disney Villains collection, from Maleficent’s plum scents to the Evil Queen’s apple blends Disney cracking down on resellers and what that means for collectors New Muppets merchandise teased for Destination D23, plus the latest on the Muppet redo of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster The untold story of Kay Kamen, the salesman who turned Disney into a merchandising powerhouse - before his career ended tragically From collectible cereal boxes to multi-million-dollar licensing deals, Jim and Lauren explore how Disney’s merchandising magic has shaped everything from your breakfast table to the theme parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill is solo this week and breaks down the end of the 2025 summer movie season and why traditional blockbusters are struggling at the box office. From shocking second-weekend drop-offs to Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” taking the No. 1 spot in theaters, Jim covers the hits and misses of the season. How films like Fantastic Four: First Steps and 28 Years Later stumbled in their second weekends Why streaming habits continue to disrupt box office expectations “KPop Demon Hunters” theater debut and record-breaking soundtrack buzz The English-dubbed release of Ne Zha 2 and its global box office dominance “The Bad Guys 2” performance compared to the original Broadway news: Muppets joining Rob Lake’s magic show, Disney’s Broadway Week deals, and more New York attractions for animation fans, from Nightmare Before Christmas light trails to Black Cauldron’s 40th anniversary screening Plus, Jim shares updates on upcoming animation books, CTNX 2025, Pixar’s Elio, and what fans can expect from Futurama Season 13. Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill welcome award-winning mind reader and performer Chris Cox (BBC and Broadway) for a deep dive into one of Disney’s most fascinating “what could have been” stories. The ambitious plans for David Copperfield’s Magic Underground restaurant How the New York flagship nearly opened before money troubles pulled the plug Michael Eisner’s enthusiasm for magic and themed dining in the 1990s Why Disney-MGM Studios was slated to host Copperfield’s magical dining experience How timing, costs, and the decline of themed restaurants caused the project to vanish From collapsing billboards in Times Square to a restaurant where your table might levitate, this is the story of the Disney dining experience that almost was — and why it disappeared. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast. This week, they cover everything from nostalgic movie anniversaries to Universal’s latest projects, before diving deep into the troubled history of Jaws: The Revenge. Universal’s fall movie lineup, including The Breakfast Club’s 40th anniversary and Casper’s big-screen return The abandoned “Casper” haunted ride concept with interactive bed vehicles A first look at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and early guest reactions Farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and what could be replacing it Team Members now able to use comp tickets for Epic Universe admission The full behind-the-scenes story of Jaws: The Revenge – from rushed production to its infamous reception From shark sequels to theme park closures, Jim and Eric connect Universal history, news, and wild industry trivia in their signature style. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a Halloween-packed episode of I Want That Too, diving into the latest spooky Disney merch and a century of witchy stories from the Mouse House. Haunted Mansion peel-and-stick wallpaper and Guillermo del Toro’s obsession The viral Cutie Ghost collection and why the Minnie Mouse ghost lamp is selling out fast A massive Nightmare Before Christmas collection, including a $160 countdown coffin and an epic Jack Skellington water bottle set Disney’s evolving portrayal of witches, from Snow White’s “old crone” to Witch Hazel and beyond How other studios — and even cereals — are cashing in on the witch trend From Halloween merch mania to deep Disney history, this episode delivers treats, trivia, and plenty of mischief. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed episode of Fine Tooning, highlighted by an interview with legendary voice actor Jim Cummings. From Pooh and Tigger to Darkwing Duck, Jim shares behind-the-scenes stories from a career that shaped generations of animation fans. The shifting release date of Shrek 5 and what it means for DreamWorks Why Disney pulled back marketing on The Rocketeer opening weekend This week’s box office projections — and why Jim calls them “wild guesses” Streaming success of KPop Demon Hunters and Disney’s King of the Hill revival Pixar’s Elio box office performance and upcoming digital release Jim Cummings’ Disney origins with Dumbo’s Circus and Goof Troop Voicing legacy characters like Pooh, Tigger, and Pete — plus his work on Star Wars His hidden singing credits in Hollywood films and dream of a country album From industry news to animation nostalgia, this episode blends updates, history, and an in-depth conversation with one of the most recognizable voices in Disney history. Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into how fans really rate Disney’s nighttime spectaculars — and why those scores decide which shows stay and which ones fade away. Along the way, they cover the latest park news and wrap up the story of how Jack Sparrow sailed into Pirates of the Caribbean. TouringPlans survey data reveals the winners and losers among Disney’s fireworks and nighttime shows Why “average” ratings are the kiss of death for spectaculars like Enchantment New menus and a $65 all-you-can-eat croissant buffet at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival Destination D23 schedule updates, including hints of a Villains Land presentation Construction progress on Disneyland’s new Marvel e-ticket attraction Universal’s permit filing that could mean another Epic Universe hotel How Johnny Depp, Captain Barbossa, and Davy Jones made their way into the Pirates of the Caribbean rides From fan-favorite fireworks to the behind-the-scenes drama of Pirates overlays, this episode blends data, history, and Disney news you won’t hear anywhere else. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, starting with a surprising WWE–Disney streaming deal and ending with a behind-the-scenes look at the wild production of Jaws 3D. From scare zones to SeaWorld, this week’s show has it all. WWE’s $1.625 billion ESPN+ deal and what it means for fans and streaming Newly announced scare zones for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood, including murderous clowns, giant crows, and Latin American witch legends First look at the Five Nights at Freddy’s haunted house and why Jim thinks the animatronics could be terrifying Changes to Universal Orlando’s Stay and Scream early entry for HHN Details on Volcano Bay Nights after-hours events in September and October The 3D movie craze of the early 1980s and how it led to Jaws 3D The SeaWorld connection – and how Universal almost owned it years before opening in Orlando From horror nights hype to theme park “what ifs,” Jim and Eric share history, rumors, and personal takes in their signature mix of trivia and banter. Support our sponsor: https://unlockedmagic.com/ Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimhillmedia X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/jimhillmedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericherseyX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/erichersey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Lauren serve up a feast of Disney news, collectibles, and one unforgettable personal tale. Recap of Disney’s quarterly earnings call, including streaming’s first profitable quarter Details on Hulu’s full integration into Disney+ by 2026 and the shift away from subscriber count reporting Hidden perks for Disney+ subscribers, including a free D23 Gold membership and exclusive sweepstakes A first look at “Single Riders” – a dating app for Disney and theme park fans Disney’s latest collectible craze from Japan: Rupoka-chan Jim shares his career origin story, starting with a phone call about Donald Duck that led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a 40-year career covering the Disney Company From industry insights to adorable merch and a behind-the-scenes career journey, this episode is packed with stories you won’t want to miss. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with another jam-packed episode of Fine Tooning, covering everything from Sirius the Dog Star to the latest in animated film and TV news. This week’s stories span box office winners, Netflix premieres, and the challenges of recasting beloved characters. • The history of the “Dog Days of Summer” and why Sirius is more than just a bright spot in the sky • Genndy Tartakovsky’s Fixed - the long road to Netflix for this R-rated animated comedy • Box office breakdown - how Weapons, Freakier Friday, and The Bad Guys 2 are performing worldwide • Why The Bad Guys franchise may or may not be headed for a third installment • The $2.2 billion success of Ne Zha 2 and what’s ahead for Ne Zha 3 • King of the Hill revival on Hulu - navigating the absence of key characters • KPop Demon Hunters’ Netflix success and upcoming sing-along screenings • New and upcoming animation releases - The Twits, Zootopia 2, Spider-Punk, and Dr. Seuss projects including Cat in the Hat From nostalgic callbacks to forward-looking animation news, Jim and Drew bring their trademark mix of history, humor, and industry insight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices