Jim Cummings Pokes Fun at Marvel and Disney in Latest Short ‘Is Now A Good Time?’

As a filmmaker with a background in visual effects and a deep love for cinema, I have always been intrigued by the intersection of art and commerce. However, my experiences working within the industry have given me a unique perspective that often leaves me feeling disillusioned and critical.

As a cinephile, I’ve been following the buzz surrounding a new film that dives into the Marvel Universe, but it’s not just about Deadpool and Wolverine. This intriguing short film titled “Is Now a Good Time?” premiered on X (formerly Twitter) last Monday, before making its way to YouTube and Vimeo. I was drawn in by the unique premise: Jim Cummings, an ex-Disney Marvel employee, plays the lead role of Kyle, who screens the latest “Captain America 4” for a dying young boy.

I’m relieved to hear that you’re doing well and Marvel’s influence hasn’t reached you just yet. However, I’ve received some concerning news from reliable sources. Some people in the know have mentioned that there are whispers about your work circulating within the offices. In fact, one colleague was even asked in a team meeting if they had seen it, and they had to deny having any knowledge of it.

Do you know people at Marvel or other insiders who helped you with the story?

I have acquaintances and close friends, but prior to writing this, I had numerous discussions with various individuals. This idea was sparked after reading stories on Reddit about deathbed visits and the fulfillment of wishes granted by Marvel Disney through Make-a-Wish. I discovered that they actually send someone equipped with a laptop in a Pelican case for screenings. Having an understanding of how the corporate world operates with its jargon and PR firms, I wanted to explore this concept further.

As a moviegoer, I’ve noticed that your films frequently push boundaries with unconventional scenes that aren’t typically found in mainstream productions. In this particular short film, however, the tragic outcome includes the untimely death of a child.

In actuality, an incident occurred post-production. Following the screening of “Dune II,” an unfortunate fatality ensued. The ensuing controversy arose when the public relations team attempted to spin the situation positively, but the internet swiftly responded with criticisms about the film’s length.

When you wrote it, did you worry that was going too far?

When pondering mortality, we found it most profound to consider this action. It’s an unusual sight to witness scenes from the entertainment world intermingle with life-or-death choices. For instance, a picture of the Ghostbusters relaxing in a cancer ward feels bizarre and dreamlike. I was amused by this man performing his task, unaware until too late that he wasn’t welcome there. It’s inappropriate for a stranger to share corporate jargon at someone’s deathbed. Ultimately, the experience served to awaken Kyle to the realities of being human.

I’ve always held a soft spot for Marvel movies, their larger-than-life characters and thrilling storylines have brought me countless hours of enjoyment. Yet, I can’t deny that I’ve laughed at your playful criticisms. Growing up, I devoured every comic book I could get my hands on, and the movies have only added to that sense of nostalgia. So while I may agree with some of your jabs, I still cherish the Marvel universe for the joy it brings me.

In simpler terms,

You’re clearly familiar with this realm, as evident from the numerous film and mythological allusions.

I’ve seen every single installment of those films not once, but twice. In addition, I’ve engaged in numerous conversations with people and delved deep into related literature. There are some exceptional YouTube analyses that offer valuable insights. However, one challenge I face with these movies is the fear of missing out on intricate details. They seem to be filled with inside jokes and complex themes that can only be fully appreciated by consuming as much content as possible. This strategy is undeniably effective in keeping viewers engaged. Nonetheless, it’s essential to remember that everyone should enjoy what resonates with them most.

There’s a remark about how Marvel Disney is beholden to China, so they don’t allow gay characters – the exception being films with Black actors, since China won’t watch them anyway. Where did that idea come from?

As a movie critic with a background in analyzing films from various cultural backgrounds, I’ve come across quite a few intriguing stories behind the scenes. One that recently caught my attention was about a Disney production featuring ghosts. According to my sources, during the wrap party, a high-ranking executive, after having had one too many drinks, expressed his surprise at the lack of criticism the film had received. Another executive replied, “That’s because the movie has ghosts in it.” I found this statement quite intriguing, given the cultural significance of ghosts in various societies, especially China, where Disney holds a significant market share. This anecdote highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivities, a challenge that many international productions face. It’s a fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of filmmaking and the impact of societal norms on creative decisions.

Was it part of the plan from the start that Kyle would be portrayed as gay in your movie? The scene where he discusses the scarcity of LGBTQ+ characters in Marvel universes adds yet another powerful layer to the storyline.

Yes, I really wanted to talk about the representation in the movies because when I was at ILM it was something they talked about – having a gay superhero someday. And they did it in “The Eternals” with Phastos but they had more creative freedom because it was Brian Tyree Henry in the part. I wanted Kyle to be the ultimate victim of conscience that he works for this government that doesn’t support him or his Taiwanese boyfriend. He has the least to gain by putting on the airs and working in corporate entertainment. That’s how it feels to not be listened to.
We tried to cast a gay actor and did a broad casting search, but the people we wanted were very nervous about doing this. One actor we really love has a show in development at Hulu — a subsidiary of Disney — and his legal team told him he shouldn’t do it. It started to get down to the wire, and I was like, “All right, I already know the lines.” Plus, it felt like asking someone else to take that risk wasn’t fair. We were a week out from shooting when I finally said, “I’ll just do it.”

“It’s occurred to me previously that you frequently include yourself in your own creations due to feeling uncomfortable asking others to perform awkward actions.”

As a movie maker, I often find myself pushing my characters through challenging situations. In “The Beta Test,” I found myself crawling through a crowded parking lot and changing into several suits. The character in “Thunder Road” seems to be an endless source of embarrassment. However, the advantage of being both writer and director is that I have constant access to my lead actor. I believe we’re making progress, and soon people will be eager to collaborate with us. Next time around, we’ll work with someone who truly understands the craft.

2024-07-25 22:19

Jim Cummings Pokes Fun at Marvel and Disney in Latest Short ‘Is Now A Good Time?’

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