Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor look at a packed week in animation, from the box office surprises around Disclosure Day and Obsession to the latest honors for Aardman’s founders. They also preview Pixar’s Gatto, salute Floyd Norman’s upcoming Academy Honorary Award, and remember Tinker Bell reference model Margaret Kerry. The main event is Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch 2, with Chris Sanders returning to write and direct a brand-new story for everyone’s favorite blue alien experiment.

NEWS

• Disclosure Day opens big for Universal while Obsession continues its remarkable box office run.

• Jim and Drew talk physical media, Hoppers on Disney+, and Best Buy’s exit from DVDs and Blu-rays.

• Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton receive knighthoods as the studio celebrates with a Royal Mint coin.

• Pixar’s Gatto gets a closer look, including its Venice setting, painterly style, and voice cast.

• Floyd Norman is set for an Academy Honorary Award, while Jim and Drew remember Margaret Kerry’s legacy as Tinker Bell’s live-action reference model.

FEATURE

• Disney moves ahead with live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 for May 2028.

• Chris Sanders returns to write and direct after voicing Stitch in both the original animated classic and the 2025 live-action remake.

• Jim and Drew discuss how Angel, Stitch’s pink counterpart from the animated series, may factor into the sequel.

• The conversation connects Sanders’ busy slate, from The Wild Robot to Lilo & Stitch, with Disney’s long-running affection for Experiment 626.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia

• Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored, Instagram: @drewtailored

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

• YouTube: @jimhillmedia

• TikTok: @jimhillmedia

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, UnlockedMagic.com helps you lock in great ticket prices without the stress. Head to UnlockedMagic.com to grab the best ticket deals and make that future trip just a little more magical.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
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Drew Taylor is back from the Toy Story 5 Premiere and Jim Hill gets all the details! They talk about some highly anticipated projects like The Doomies heading to Disney Plus, some Treehouse of Horror-related theming coming to The Simpsons at Universal, and plenty of other animation they’re looking forward to like Gatto from Pixar (with a teaser dropping pretty much right now!)

NEWS

• Toy Story 5 has it’s premiere, and Drew was there to get the scoop

• Ice Age Boiling Point is on it’s way in February 2027

• Pixar’s Gatto is coming shortly after in March 2027, with a teaser trailer dropping June 11th

• Universal may be losing The Simpsons theme park rights, but they’re planning some spooky changes in the coming years

• Friend of the show Josh Gad karate kicked his way back into Book of Mormon after 14 years at the Tony’s and as it turns out, he’s still amazing

FEATURE

•Toy Story 5 had its premiere and Drew has now seen the film twice, so what’s going on with all of the Buzz Lightyears? Jim and Drew talk about his reaction (without diving into spoilers) and some of the new tech Drew is hoping will make its way into a movie-accurate Buzz toy. 

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @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 - StrongMindedAgency.com

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 theme park vacation is on your radar, their team can help you save money while making the planning process easier.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Jim Hill Media Sponsorship Information
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill dive into one of the busiest weeks in animation and entertainment news, from early reactions to Pixar's Toy Story 5 and its surprisingly Jessie-focused story to major developments involving Rick & Morty, X-Men '97, Jorge Gutierrez, and Netflix animation. Along the way, they unpack box office surprises, discuss the end of Disney Twenty-Three magazine, and explore what the future may hold for some of animation's biggest franchises. This episode also includes Drew's thoughts after seeing the first 45 minutes of Toy Story 5 and a look at why Pixar may have another blockbuster on its hands.

NEWS

• Early box office projections suggest Toy Story 5 could set a new franchise opening weekend record.
• Pixar's Hoppers arrives on home video as the film continues its strong theatrical run.
• Universal launches major Minions & Monsters promotion ahead of the film's July debut.
• D23 members react to the discontinuation of Disney Twenty-Three magazine.
• Rick & Morty's President Curtis is getting his own Adult Swim spin-off series.

FEATURE

• Drew shares impressions after seeing the first 45 minutes of Toy Story 5.
• New details reveal a deeper continuation of Jessie's story from Toy Story 2.
• The film revisits one of the franchise's most emotional storylines in an unexpected way.
• Could Toy Story 5 set the stage for even more adventures beyond the fifth film?

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: @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 - StrongMindedAgency.com

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 theme park vacation is on your radar, their team can help you save money while making the planning process easier.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Jim Hill Media Sponsorship Information
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation and themed entertainment news, from Warner Bros. officially developing a standalone Rick & Morty movie to Disney’s growing Bluey presence in both Anaheim and Orlando. Along the way, the duo discuss Universal Fan Fest’s future, the surprising Memorial Day box office performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Disney is already planning big for Mickey’s centennial celebration in 2028. They also pay tribute to legendary voice actor Tom Kane and share updates on Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and the ever-expanding world of animated features headed to theaters over the next few years.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Warner Bros. officially begins development on a standalone Rick & Morty movie directed by series veteran Jacob Hair
• Disney introduces Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland while Walt Disney World prepares to launch Bluey’s Wild World with a virtual queue system
• Universal may bring Fan Fest to Islands of Adventure as Hollywood’s version wraps up its 2026 run
• The Mandalorian & Grogu overperforms at the Memorial Day box office with projections climbing past $100 million
• Netflix lands Cannes animated feature In Waves while Sony Pictures Classics acquires Iron Boy
• Adventure Time: Side Quests heads to Hulu with Pendleton Ward’s universe continuing to expand
• Disney and licensing insiders preview Frozen 3, Incredibles 3, Gatto, and Star Wars: Starfighter at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas
• Why Warner Bros. believes a Rick & Morty feature film can work as a true theatrical event rather than an extended TV episode
• Drew shares details from Disneyland’s new animation and Bluey-themed experiences, including updates on Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• A look at Universal’s rumored Zelda-themed plans and how Fan Fest could evolve on the East Coast
• Remembering beloved voice actor Tom Kane, from Star Wars and Powerpuff Girls to the voice of the Walt Disney World Monorail

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

UnlockedMagic.com - Save on Disney and Universal theme park tickets with expert planning help and exclusive offers: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly’s cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal’s massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation’s uncertain future, Disney’s latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”

AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer racks up 115 million views in 24 hours as the studio prepares a major theatrical event strategy for the film’s October release.
• Drew previews his upcoming trip to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where “Wildwood” will receive a major presentation.
• Matt Braly’s cancelled Sony animated feature gets new life as Thailand’s MONK Studios acquires the rights to develop “Afterworld.”
• Warner Bros. Pictures Animation hosts an open house amid growing industry concern over the studio’s future during the Paramount acquisition talks.
• Universal begins its full-scale marketing push for “Shrek 5” with anniversary screenings, popcorn buckets, and new theme park expansions.
• A deep dive into DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” legacy as the original film celebrates its 25th anniversary.
• How NBCUniversal is leveraging “Shrek” across theme parks, merchandising, stage productions, and future film spin-offs.
• New details on Disney’s reimagined Animation Courtyard and “Magic of Disney Animation” experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Fresh casting details for “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and discussion of Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”

HOSTS

• Jim Hill
X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia
Instagram: @JimHillMedia
Website: jimhillmedia.com

• Drew Taylor
X/Twitter: @DrewTailored
Instagram: @drewtailored
Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

UnlockedMagic.com - Save on your next Disney or Universal vacation with special ticket deals from https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices