Mickey Mouse: A Chat with the Mouse That Roared
When I say Disney, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? The answer is, obviously, Mickey Mouse. Mickey has been the symbol of the company for almost 100 years and is one of the most recognizable characters in the world. At that age, with that level of popularity, it’s not easy to get a few minutes with him. But that’s exactly what io9 was able to do this past week at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event.
We got to chat with the Mouse himself – the one Disney CEO Bob Iger bows down to, the one that makes Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige shake in his shoes, and the one that makes the incomparable Minnie Mouse weak at the knees.
Thanks to a blend of motion capture technology, real-time animation, and the official voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan, we were able to have a surprisingly candid conversation with the icon. We talked about Star Wars, Disneyland, cosplay, and even his thoughts on the new generation of Disney fans.
Here’s our interview with Mickey Mouse:
Germain Lussier, io9: How you doing, Mickey?
Mickey Mouse: Well, I’m doing swell. How are you, pal?
io9: I’m doing very well.
Mouse: I’m glad to hear it.
io9: All right, so I have some questions here.
Mouse: You do? Okay.
io9: You’ve had such a legendary career. We’re here at D23. We’re 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, I’ve 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: It’s been so great to watch him develop all this magic. The creation of Disneyland, all the films. Walt was a dreamer. And I hope that we all do our part to keep that dream alive, to keep the magic alive.
io9: Oh I agree. I agree. I think one of the things that Disney’s done to keep the magic alive over the last couple of years is bring so many new members into the family. We’ve got Star Wars, we’ve got Marvel, we’ve got Pixar, Avatar—what is it like expanding the Disney family with these new worlds?
Mouse: Oh, it’s great. I think it just gives us so many more chances to tell so many more stories. And that’s what Walt was all about. Good story, right? [chuckles] The magic lies in the stories.
io9: Now, I’m wearing a Star Wars shirt. I’m obviously a big Star Wars fan. Do you have a favorite Star Wars movie or story?
Mouse: Oh, that’s a tough one [chuckles]. It’s hard to choose just one, huh? I really love The Mandalorian series lately. But I love the classics like A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi. It’s hard to choose one.
io9: Of course, I completely understand. What about a favorite Star Wars character? Anybody that you maybe love watching or love dressing up as?
Mouse: I think Han Solo’s pretty great.
io9: That’s my guy!
Mouse: Is he?
io9: Yeah, Han Solo’s my favorite.
Mouse: A scruffy-looking nerf herder, huh?
io9: [Laughs] Exactly. You got it. Obviously over the years you’ve 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, that’s a good question. Let’s see. Speaking of Star Wars, I did dress up as Luke Skywalker one time. That was pretty fun.
io9: Is there anybody that you haven’t been able to dress up as that you would like to?
Mouse: Well, I think I’d love to dress up as the Mandalorian.
io9: But then you have to cover your face. Everybody wants to see your face.
Mouse: Aw, you’re just being nice.
io9: No I’m not! Now, I don’t know what you can say about this, but a big debate among Disney fans is which they like better. Disneyland or Disney World. I live here, I’m a Land guy. Where do you stand on the debate?
Mouse: It’s a really difficult choice. But if you’re going to force me to choose one, because we’re here in California, because it’s Walt’s original park, I’d have to go with Disneyland. But I love how unique they all are.
io9: Yes. I’m going back to World in a couple weeks, I’m here this week, and it’s wonderful.
Mouse: Oh, that’s great. I’ll see you there.
io9: [Laughs] Yes, you will.
Mouse: I’m doing the same itinerary.
io9: You go back and forth when you can, 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 didn’t quite go the way we intended it to go.
io9: [Laughs] No.
Mouse: I’m not casting any blame.
Both: [pause, then in unison] Goofy. [Laughs]
io9: Yes, exactly, exactly. Now, you’re famously the logo for Disney Animation. What is your relationship with Luxo, the logo for Pixar?
Mouse: The Pixar lamp?
io9: Yeah.
Mouse: Well, he doesn’t have much to say, but it’s always a bright spot in the conversation.
io9: [Laughs] If you and Minnie are home at night, and you put on Disney+, what are you guys going to watch?
Mouse: Well, we love to watch the classics. We’d start at the beginning with Snow White. Then Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi. Yeah.
io9: And my last thing would be, what are your thoughts on this new up-and-coming voice actor, Bret Iwen?
Mouse: Oh, he’s a good pal of mine. We get along pretty well. He’s given me some advice. I’ve given him some. It’s been a great working relationship so far.
io9: Well, that’s 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 can’t wait. Thank you so much, Mickey.
Mouse: So long, pal.
This interview shows us that even though Mickey Mouse is a global icon, he remains grounded and approachable. He appreciates the classics, the newer additions to the Disney family, and even enjoys a good laugh at Goofy’s expense.
Mickey’s enthusiasm for the future of Disney is evident, and his commitment to keeping Walt’s dream alive shines through. He understands that the magic of Disney isn’t just about the characters, but the stories they tell and the memories they create for fans of all ages. As he says, "The magic lies in the stories." And for Mickey Mouse, the story is far from over.
