"Big Hero 6" - The Successful Revival Marvel/Disney Mashup of Superheroes

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

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We've expanded our Squad to Fantastic Six! :)

We're at the same line
without waiting :)

We're gonna be huge
someday :)

Disney and Marvel are pretty much different franchises who's been labeled for their different trademarks. Both used to be different franchises which had little to do with each other (regardless of the similarities they tend to share). However, Disney eventually bought Marvel in 2009  and began to distribute their movies.

Regardless of all the remarks they've received from purists about this mixture, the reality is that this the blending of these two companies has been more relevant than ever. Which has been proven by the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) franchise. No matter how you put it, the Marvel property is now Disney's, no matter how you like it or not (while it has made many people at Disney geeking out about it).

 

 

 

 

 The Origins and Genesis of Big Hero 6

We're The Boy and
His Flying Giant :)

In that regard, it wasn't a huge strecht that Disney would eventually launch a property that happened to a mashup of a Marvel product. Which they've done with the 2014 Blockbuster Hit Big Hero 6. Remarkably enough, they've managed to choose one of Marvel's least well known properties (which during it's years of existence has been given only 13 releases). But the point was to give Disney the licence to shape the project as their own (which Disney were urged to, despite taking the barest bones for the project. And therefore strayed away from the original source material). Director Don Hall deliberately looked for Marvel Properties for the project and randomly found it.

They should've
called me The
Iron Fist :)

And believe it or not, but the idea or merging an Disney and Marvel property thrilled everyone at the studio! Even Marvel Entertainment Chief Joe Quesada was surprised by the interest. The crew was attracted to the original Big Hero 6 because of it's unusual style and emotion. John Lasseter was moved by Hall's Pitch.

And that what makes Big Hero 6 unique in Disney's history; Being an official merging of a Marvel product and Disney. Of course it's something that would make purists cringe, but purism is inescapable, nonetheless (still the blend of Marvel and Disney was a dream come true for Hall. Who dreamed about doing a Marvel Movie for Disney). At least Big Hero 6 makes another step for Disney, for being an actual superhero movie, besides Hercules (and yes, let's not count The Incredibles, since it's a Pixar property after all).

The fire is the red
stripes on this page :)

Hall, who's previously directed 2011's Winnie the Pooh, co-directed this Marvel merging with Chris Williams. Williams was asked to co-direct and produced by Disney veteran Roy Conli (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Treasure Planet, Tangled), who've said that "Don always think about the big picture and wrestle with themes. While Chris is great with nuances of entertainment in every single scene". Writers from the Monsters Inc. franchise, Dan Gerson and Robert Baird, were among the crew. While Henry Jackman (who've already scored Wreck-It-Ralph) was the composer.

 

 

 

 

The Success of Big Hero 6 & It`s Revival Components

I'm glad that you're not too
Heavy for my canoe :)

Now finally having reached it's 10th year Anniversary (despite how this entry was written to synergize with that), Big Hero 6 was released at the heels on a certain little hit called Frozen. Yet it fortunately managed to be quite successful on it's own. Since the Revival era have followed the patterns of the Renaissance period and Frozen became the big Behemoth, Big Hero 6 certainly didn't became the next Pocahontas. In terms of critical and commercial receptcion and continued Disney's winning steak of successful movies (and sure, coming at the heels of Frozen, it's became a mandatory tagline for every following film for Walt Disney Animation Studios, "from the studio that brought you Frozen"). 

I'm too shy, so I'm
flying away :)

However, a staple that both Pixar and Disney has been stuck with in John Lasseter era, is that of being quite homogenous. As in both studios sharing quite similar tropes (which many people have ranted a lot about). To add some fuel to the fire, the same could be said about the marketing. Since Big Hero 6 saw the Pixar approach of having a teaser that was shaped in the same mold as Pixar's teasers.

The Marvel Tropes of Big Hero 6, Spinoff Series & Stan Lee Cameo

Regardless of which Company that Big Hero 6 should be perceived with the most, it certainly overflows with pivotal Marvel tropes; A geeky, but smart hero who joins a Squad who eventually becomes superheroes. And a evil scheme to stop (while the crew wanted the story to seem as Disney first and foremost). 

Such a premise screams franchise/sequels all along. Yet it's remarkable that despite how the studio has given a green light to sequels, Big Hero 6 has just been given a series. Which happened to be a hand drawn property, remarkably enough (which happened to be developed by Kim Possible creators Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley. And released in 2017 and takes place after the events of the film). Unsurprisingly enough, the end credits happens to include a mandatory Stan Lee cameo, which makes it fun and tongue-in-cheek (since he happens to be Fred's father).

The Comparisons to The Incredibles, The Disney Tropes & Sibling Relationship

Of course Big Hero 6 has been compared to the aforementioned The Incredibles, which happened to be released exactly 10 years priorly. The comparison is therefore relevant and fair. But while The Incredibles became an homage to the old superhero/spy movies, Big Hero 6 seemed to be rather purely steeped in modern Marvel. However, regardless of which trademarks dominates the movie, Big Hero 6 has at least two trademarks that truly identifies Disney; An orphaned protagonist and the Death of a relative. 

Tadashi's death is a dominant part of the movie. Which is skilfully executed throught their brotherly dynamic (which was a challenge for both lead actors, Ryan Potter and Daniel Henney. Since they were both only childs). Aforementioned Quesada came up with the brotherly suggestion. While Death has become a mandatory trademark in Disney more than ever, Big Hero 6 manages to incorporate that theme  in a compelling, satisfying, yet minimalist way. Which makes it easy for kids to understand.

We're posing like the
90's kids :)

Siblinghood has been potrayed more regularly in Disney during these last decades. And it was inspired choice to have it (just think about the siblinghoods on two movies that were made in Disney's prior dark era, Lilo & Stitch and Brother Bear). But sure, since it was released at the heels of Frozen, the sibling dynamic was instantly comparable to it's female centered predecessor. While it would be easy to wonder if the male siblinghood was meant to be a contrast to the female one. But just as in the movie of the certain Ice Queen, there was a Brother Summit for the crew. Who talked about all of their own experiences with their Brothers (the brotherly relationship was the reason for why head of animation, Zach Parrish, became involved with the movie. Pulling the memories from his own childhood with his Brother. By the way how Tadashi ruffles Hiro's hair).

At least it's not Mulan's
Garden :)

Both Potter and Henney did their first voice actor job ever with this movie. And Henney was attracted by the innovative parts of the project. However, if we're going to truly scrutinize the story, it may seem unfair for the villain to regain his daughter, whereas Hiro never gets to have his brother back. It's made for nitpicking, but hey, it's allowed in our virtual, scrutinizing time where such things are more common than ever ;)

 

 

The Comparisons to The Iron Giant, Research on Robots & Baymax

Love is in the air :)

The main bond in this film, between Hiro and Baymax, has often been compared to the dynamic of Howard and the Giant from The Iron Giant. The comparison is understandable enough, since both dynamics share similar traits. But as in Brad Bird's brilliant hand drawn Classic, their relationship is pretty much the heart of the film. And manages to pull off the poignant moments quite nicely. Due to his oblivious, yet innocent and heartfelt nature, Baymax (that was originally built by Hiro's father in the original Comics) is really labeled as the star of the film. And a comic relief. Which is understandable enough. But regardless of the criticism of Disney recycling the Revial trope of having a mismatched duo going on to an adventure, at least there's a slight twist on Big Hero 6: It's not a road movie and the main duo are for once the same gender (since the Revival era has been filled with duos  from opposite genders).

Just be relieved that
I'm not tickling you :)

The crew wanted the robots have roots in Science. So they did a lot of research into future technology, robotics and chemistry. They discovered soft robotics in Carniege Mellon, which essentially is an arm with a sub-structure. But covered with inflatable vinyl and who's going to be used in the future in the health-care industry. The Directors wanted to have a unique look to Baymax. So the design for his face came from two Japanese Bells the directors found in Japan (which would consciously limit his expressions). It was important to come up with a endearing, sweet walk. The crew looked for different animals for inspiration, but ultimately came up with toddlers in full diapers-mode.

Never put a glove on a
balloon again :)

Yes, they have
iron in Outer
Space :)

The Fist Bump was made to give our friends a trademark of a mannerism. While Baymax's voice actor, Scott Adsit, came up with a robot interpretation of the Fist bump (the famous "ba-da-la-la-la-la" quote), which was a spontaneous idea. The Flight moment between them was even suggested before there ever was a script (which is one of the best moments in this movie, in my opinion). The mantra that was made for Baymax was "unimate", not animate. By making his movements bvery still and symmertrical, throwing out all the principals of animation (whenever people said that they hadn't animated Baymax yet, they were praised by the animators, for nailing their job). The Directors wanted him to be appealing and huggable.

The Setting, Cultural and Racial Aspects of Big Hero 6

This is what inspires
Christmas light :)

We're saying like the
celebrities says: "No
comment" :)

It's remarkable that Big Hero 6 was Disney's Third Official Entry into Asian territory (yes, we'll have to Count The Jungle Book into this). While of course an instant comparison is Mulan and Raya and The Last Dragon. But it would be easy to not make Big Hero 6 canon, since it's a fictional blend of San Francisco and Japan in the fictional San Fransiokyio. Which is definitively something to make purists whine. But still also something that somewhat makes sense, since both cities are at the opposite ends of the Pacific Ocean (the crew literally took U.S. Geological Survey maps of San Francisco and pulled it together with Tokyo, culturally and visually).

The mixture was also a deliberate choice to give our heroes an Mythical Place (and urged by Lasseter, despite that the original comics are set in Tokyo). The crew wanted to infuse the Japanese style. And the city to feel like a thriving Metropolis. Populating it with a great amound of people, traffic and an art direction that made it feel like it was somewhat of a Future Universe. It was Hall who eventually chose San Francisco. Since Los Angeles didn't felt right and he wanted to move away from New York, who is the epicenter of the Marvel Comics World. Hall was intrigued by the exciting possibilites of the mashup. Saying that San Francisco was a familiar, but not the most obvious choice (still the crew were appealed by the density of Tokyo). The city didn't have to feel very toy-like, to undercut the super hero aspects.

I'm Spiderman without
the web :)

Due to how Japan is very rich in Legacy and influence, it's completely justifiable that Disney would truly made a film that honored it's Legacy. However, the mashup doesn't make Hiro just Japanese, but also Biracial (being the first Biracial lead in Disney's history. At least of what I could think of). Which was a conscious choice, to reflect the multicultural aspects of the film.

The Rest of the Squad & End Credits Single

I'm enjoying my freedom
while I can :)

Just because I have a gum,
doesn't mean that I make Music
that is equivalent of it :)

The rest of the cast is a diverse group of not only archetypes, but different races. By having an African American and an Korean, among the Squad, with Wasabi (voiced by Damon Wayans Jr.) and GoGo (voiced by another Disney veteran, Jamie Chung, while the character was labeled as a female Clint Eastwood by the animators). And two Caucasians in Fred (voiced by T.J. Miller) and Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez). 

I can make Wasabi, thus
it's my name :)

Since how some people truly love to scrutinize Disney, Honey Lemon has been instantly labeled as a skinnier, geekier version of Rapunzel. Wasabi was the character that changed most, cause he was originally going to be more cooler, tranquil and also much larger. The names of the squad were deliberately made short to describe them with one single word. And several of the males in the crew would've liked to be the females in this group, while Daniel Henney likes Fred and Ryan Potter liked the cat the most.

Not surprisingly, Big Hero 6 follows the pattern the non-Princess movies from the the Revival era have followed. As being absent of songs, besides Fall Out Boys Immortal. Which is not only appears in the movie itself as a montage, but also in the end credits. The song has been a huge success as well, selling 25,000 downloads and peaking at No. 9 on the US Billboard Hot Rock Songs (while the song was also included in the band's following American Beauty/American Psycho album, released the following year).

 

 

 

 

 

Big Hero 6`s Trademarks & Behind the Scenes Information

 

Because of the aforementioned reasons, Big Hero 6 was certainly a new step for Disney. And certainly something unique and disctinctive in their official canon. Heroism has been a recurrent theme in Disney movies, but never in the same regard as Big Hero 6. And since Marvel Movies are pretty much Box Office baits at the time, it's certainly safe to place Big Hero 6 among them. Since the Revival era has been the most successful Disney era since the Renaissance and therefore frequently compared, it's notable that the so-called Disney formula (or what people truly assumes to be the Disney formula) has been evident on the Princess movies.

It's going to be messy :)

While the other movies have dared to be more varied, no matter how much purists will deny it. There's been comparisons between Big Hero 6 to Wreck-It-Ralph, despite how both movies have little in common. But most likely because of being simply departures from what Disney has done before. Which makes the comparsion fair (while Meet the Robinsons has also been a fair comparison).

The overall crew was 68 animators, 7 crowd fixers, 5 supervisors, one head of animation and one head of maquette. Hiro's sloppy movements were inspired by animation supervisor Nathan Engelhardt's younger brother. Aunt Cass resembled animation supervisor Michael Franceschi's wife. 

We're posing like The Furious
Five from Kung Fu Panda :)

All of these name
mentions are recipe
for disaster :)

The creators truly wanted to give the film something that had never been seen before (over a 3 year period, they completely reinvented the rendering of their imagery. So Hyperion was a system that allowed very realistic light simulation. Capturing the skies in San Francisco, taking the capture, feeding it into Hyperion and it would just light up. Hyperion was made for lighting). The crew wanted the number of signs and their designs to feel particularly Japanese. They created over 200 signs, but many didn't read properly. Because the Kanji symbols were placed in weird locations or the wording was wrong. So the crew tried to catch those mistakes.

Behind the Scenes Information Part II

I'm inspired by Bond :)

The crew never wanted to give Big Hero 6 a typical anime look, in order to be distinctive. So that`s why Production Designer Paul Felix focused to make the light in San Francisco work, for being it's pretty distinctive and cool. The skies have an unique look to them due to how the atmosphere sits low to the water. They wanted to make San Fransokyo a cool and fun place to visit, yet beautifully and cleverly designed. The logical explanation for the mere existence of the city was made by Art Director, Scott Watanabe, that after the 1906 in San Francisco, Japanese immigrants rebuilt the place using techniques that allow movements and flexibility in a seismic event. 

This is all for Olaf :)

Overall, the city is a blend of the geography and landmark of San Francisco. While the roof shapes and color choices were purely Japanese. The creators wanted the city to be as realistic as any animated movie had made a city before, but still combining it with high-tech gagdets. Aunt Cass cafe has been active since the early 1900's. The San Fransokyo Institute of Technology was inspired by the Presidio of San Francisco. The designs of the houses were originally meant to have a robot theme to them.

In order to draw attention to the "fun" cars Visual Development Artist Kevin Nelson was designing, he had to design cars that were boring, so that even when you look right at them, your eyes can't help but to slide off, and you're not distracted by them. The desire for Baymax was to make him completely original and his design was a struggle to get right. The crew met a professor at the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, Christopher Atkeson, who actually declined the Western conception of evil robots.

At least I'm better than
Sid Phillips :)

Despite making a mending of a Marvel Movie, director Hall said that it "was easy to get lost in the big Marvel comic-book stuff. But that's not what defines Disney Animation, as it was defined by human emotions and that the Hiro-Baymax emotion is the Disney part". The visuals were inspired by anime movies as Tekkonkinkreet, Ghost in the Shell and Akira, but also by One Houndred and One Dalmatians by it's wonky designs. Finding the right balance betweeen caricature and realism was a challenge.

Epilogue

No matter what, Big Hero 6 has been both a critical and commercial success (earning $222,527,828 Domestically and $657,827,828 Worldwide). And a neat and worthy addition to the Revival lineup. While I personally thought it was just okay on my initial viewings, I´ll admit that it has grown on me and I worship it more than previously. At least it manages to have it's moments and is still a respectable addition to Disney's evergrowing catalog of movies. Whether Big Hero 6 will ever receive a true sequel is questionable. But at least we'll have to wish it Happy 10th Anniversary. And may you continue to have many more.

Well, we can be big together :)

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References:
The Art of Big Hero 6 (Jessica Julius).
Big Hero 6 Blu Ray
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Hero_6_(film)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NClKuOTq8og - Big Hero 6: Ryan Potter & Daniel Henney Exclusive Interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMR3cAUUP4 - Big Hero 6: Daniel Henney "Tadashi Hamada" & Ryan Potter "Hiro Hamada" Official Interview
https://www.dvdizzy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25351 (Disney Acquires Marvel Entertainment).
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/aug/31/disney-marvel-buy-out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH1XhoJJT8c - Disney ruined Marvel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGMXjO_yOnk - How Disney Ruined Spider Man Cartoons - Ultimate Spider-Man & Marvel's Spider Man (2017) Review
https://bighero6.fandom.com/wiki/Big_Hero_6_(Marvel_Comics)
http://www.dvdmg.com/bighero6.shtml
https://www.dvdizzy.com/bighero6-film.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortals_(song)#cite_note-19
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6327190/foo-fighters-sonic-highways-top-rock-albums
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2245084/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBigHero6/
https://rottentomatoes.com/m/big_hero_6
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt2245084/?ref_=bo_se_r_1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Hero_6:_The_Series