The Extensive Research Behind Disney's Brother Bear: A Reflection 20 Years Later

The Making of Brother Bear

Brother Bear, released in 2003, tells the story of an Indigenous tribesman transformed into a bear and the journey of self-discovery that follows. The movie, featuring an ensemble cast led by Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez, received mixed reviews from critics but was a modest box office success, grossing over $250 million against its $46 million production budget. Just over 20 years after its release, co-director Aaron Blaise reflects on the extensive research that went into creating the movie, including a trip to Alaska to faithfully depict the country's landscapes and wildlife.

The bear in Brother Bear

Blaise and his creative team embarked on a mission to authentically represent Indigenous culture, aiming to move beyond the problematic depictions seen in Disney's prior attempts. The movie's themes also sought to explore domestic turmoil following 9/11 and the racial prejudices that arose after the attacks. In a recent episode of Corridor Crew's Animators React series, Blaise discussed the significance of Brother Bear in Disney's history, highlighting the cultural and thematic exploration that set it apart from other Disney movies of the era.

The Making of Brother Bear

Brother Bear's Importance in Disney's History

Brother Bear marked an important chapter in Disney's 2000s history, standing out amidst other releases of the era. It followed movies like Lilo & Stitch and The Emperor's New Groove, offering a unique depiction of Indigenous culture that was a significant step for the studio. Blaise's efforts to authentically represent the culture, though not without flaws, set the stage for Disney's later acclaimed works that focused on representative storytelling.

The bears are walking together in Brother Bear.

The movie's release came after Disney's box office disappointments with Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet, making Brother Bear's modest success and cultural significance all the more notable. Blaise's reflections on the movie's themes and the studio's evolving approach to cultural representation shed light on the pivotal role Brother Bear played in shaping Disney's storytelling in the years to come.

Rutt and Tuke talking to Kenai in Brother Bear

Legacy and Impact of Brother Bear

More than just a box office success, Brother Bear's unique depiction of Indigenous culture left a lasting impact on Disney's storytelling. Blaise's efforts, while not perfect, set the stage for the studio's later acclaimed works that focused on representative storytelling, such as Moana, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Encanto. The movie's exploration of themes related to post-9/11 domestic turmoil and racial prejudices further solidified its place in Disney's history as a positive effort in representative storytelling.

Legacy and Impact of Brother Bear

The 2003 movie's legacy lives on as it continues to be recognized for its cultural significance and the role it played in Disney's evolving approach to cultural representation. Brother Bear paved the way for a new era of Disney movies that authentically explore diverse cultures and themes, making it a pivotal chapter in the studio's history and a testament to the impact of responsible storytelling.