Disney Wanted Steve Martin to Play Goofy in ‘A Goofy Movie’

Disney+ presents a new documentary titled “Not Just a Goof“, delving into the production process behind the ’90s hit, “A Goofy Movie“. Remarkably, this animated film has grown to be one of Disney’s most unexpectedly cherished nostalgic hits. The documentary suggests that a significant factor contributing to its enduring popularity is the heartfelt dedication and unique vision of its director, Kevin Lima, who shares extensive insights about the movie in interviews throughout the film.

If you’re a fan of “A Goofy Movie,” this entire documentary is worth checking out, but one particular part truly shines as it joins the esteemed list of timeless tales about preposterous studio executive concepts.

According to Lima’s account, Jeffrey Katzenberg, the former Disney chairman, believed that as “A Goofy Movie” was intended for a theatrical release, it required renowned talent to hold it together and draw in viewers. Hence, he suggested casting Steve Martin.

Yes, as Goofy. I mean, I guess he is a wild and crazy guy … but Goofy???

Lima expresses it as, ‘That’d be fantastic!’ Katzenberg apparently said.

“So that means you want Steve Martin to do the Goofy voice?” Lima replied.

“No no no no no, he’s going to do his own voice, so that we know who he is,” Katzenberg replied.

In the words of a great dog man cartoon creature, gawrsh that sounds like a horrible idea.

You can watch this whole sequence from the documentary below:

As a devoted film enthusiast, I managed to persuade my superior to abandon a questionable concept by demonstrating the potential pitfalls. Instead of the iconic Goofy drawl by Bill Farmer, I presented a test recording of him speaking in his natural voice as the character. This evidence, corroborated in interviews, was crucial in making our case. The objective behind this exercise was clear: “We needed to show Jeffrey that this wasn’t the right move.

In a surprising twist, the strategy paid off. Katzenberg wasn’t fond of how Farmer sounded as Goofy using his natural voice. It’s hard to believe that such an idea was even considered, let alone needed to be rejected. I find it incredible that any plot on Seth Rogen’s new TV show The Studio, which revolves around a gang of inept Hollywood executives, might seem far-fetched. If a highly affluent and influential businessman could attempt to cast Steve Martin as Goofy, there’s no idea too absurd for that series.

You can now watch ‘Goofy, Not Just a Joke’ on Disney+! Also available are ‘A Goofy Movie’ and ‘An Extremely Goofy Movie.’ However, it’s important to note that Steve Martin isn’t playing the role of Goofy in any of these films.

Sign up for Disney+ here.

Great Disney+ Movies You Might Have Missed

The Three Caballeros (1944)

Although not a peak achievement in early Disney animation, “The Three Caballeros” offers an intriguing glimpse into the company’s past. Crafted as a collection of shorts to celebrate Donald Duck’s 10th anniversary, this film boasts stunning hand-drawn visuals, catchy tunes, and one of the earliest examples of animation combined with real-life footage. The trio of characters – Donald, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles – have been around for decades. They continue to be a popular attraction, with their own ride at Epcot, and they recently returned in their own TV series titled “Legend of the Three Caballeros“.

Oklahoma! (1955)

Even though Disney has been around for a long time and acquired the 20th Century Fox film library, there aren’t many older titles available on Disney+ apart from the studio’s beloved animated films and mostly forgettable live-action comedies. However, one exception is “Oklahoma!”, the 1955 movie adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein’s renowned Broadway musical. Apart from its timeless tunes such as “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'” and an exceptional cast, this film also features some of the earliest 70mm widescreen visuals. This gives “Oklahoma!” an epic feel fitting for its frontier backdrop.

Rookie of the Year (1993)

Despite many ’90s classics losing their charm, the comedy film “Rookie of the Year” continues to resonate with children. My kids, who know little about baseball, are captivated by this movie about a 12-year-old boy (Thomas Ian Nicholas) who, after a freak accident that breaks his shoulder, finds he can now throw as fast as a professional ball player. Recruited by his cherished Chicago Cubs, he transforms the team from hapless underdogs into unexpected victors. Although it follows typical sports movie tropes, it does so in a way that’s funny and creatively cast, with an unconventional choice like Gary Busey playing the rugged romantic lead.

George of the Jungle (1997)

If you’re fond of classic slapstick comedy or if your kids are, consider watching “George of the Jungle”. This lively adaptation from the old cartoon series is full of sweet and silly fun. Brendan Fraser, in his most endearing and physically fit portrayal, plays George, a man raised by jungle animals. Fraser was a ’90s star known for his well-defined abs as much as his humor, and “George of the Jungle” cleverly showcases both aspects.

If you or your kids enjoy slapstick comedy, give “George of the Jungle” a watch! It’s a fun adaptation from an old cartoon series. Brendan Fraser plays George, a man raised by jungle animals, and he’s in great shape and funny in this movie.

Sky High (2005)

As a movie enthusiast, I recall an intriguing attempt by Disney at creating their own comic-book universe before they acquired Marvel. This was through the film “Sky High,” which, while not exactly like X-Men or Harry Potter, had elements that hinted at those iconic franchises. The story revolved around a high school for prospective superhumans, where students were categorized into heroes (the jocks) and sidekicks (the nerds).

The film, “Sky High,” cleverly used this setting to mirror real-life high school dynamics. It was not just about the allegory; it had a generous dose of heart and a strong supporting cast of characters, featuring Kurt Russell, Lynda Carter, Cloris Leachman, and Bruce Campbell.

Unfortunately, “Sky High” didn’t bring in enough revenue to warrant a sequel. However, its charm and quality are on par with any of the well-known Marvel movies available on Disney+.

Dan in Real Life (2007)

It’s true that my fondness for this movie might stem from the fact that it takes place in Rhode Island where many of my relatives reside. Yet, there are other reasons why I appreciate it so much. The film offers a compelling storyline about a widower (portrayed by Steve Carell in a subdued manner) who encounters a new possible love interest. However, there’s a twist: She (Juliette Binoche) is dating his brother (Dane Cook). Despite its straightforward plot, the movie shows genuine compassion for its characters and doesn’t overdo emotional manipulation. This film isn’t suitable for all audiences — it’s not explicit, but younger viewers might find it dull — but if you’re looking to make more out of your streaming subscription when the kids aren’t around, I’d recommend giving Dan in Real Life a shot.

Walt & El Grupo (2008)

If you’re curious about the story behind Disney producing films like “The Three Caballeros” and “Saludos Amigos”, I recommend watching the documentary “Walt & El Grupo”. This film follows Walt Disney and his creative team, who were referred to as “El Grupo” in the title, on a goodwill tour sponsored by President Roosevelt and the United States government in the early 1940s. The aim was to foster international friendship and understanding. Whether you’re a fan of Disney or not, their impact on popular culture over the past century is undeniable. “Walt & El Grupo” offers a unique glimpse into how Disney expanded its global influence. The documentary features captivating archival footage from Walt’s trip and reveals the inspiration for “Saludos Amigos” and “The Three Caballeros”.

Jordan Rides the Bus (2010)

In 2009, ESPN produced a series of 30 documentaries titled “30 For 30,” which detailed stories from the network’s first 30 years. This project was so successful that it continued even after ESPN celebrated its 30th anniversary, and today you can find many exceptional sports documentaries from “30 For 30” on Disney+. Among these are “I Hate Christian Laettner,” which focuses on the renowned college basketball player, “Kings Ransom,” about Wayne Gretzky’s move from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings, and “Bad Boys,” which delves into the Detroit Pistons teams of the 1980s and ’90s.

If you’re looking for a good starting point, I recommend “Jordan Rides the Bus,” which tells the story of Michael Jordan’s unconventional attempt to switch from basketball to football. This documentary was directed by Ron Shelton, who is known for iconic sports films such as “Bull Durham” and “White Men Can Jump.” Shelton brings both a filmmaker’s perspective and a sports enthusiast’s insight to this intriguing subject.

Cars 3 (2017)

Skipping over Cars 3 might lead you to believe that the franchise isn’t worth your time, given its disappointing first sequel. However, if you gave it a chance, you would discover what many consider the finest film in the entire series. In this installment, Lightning McQueen, played by Owen Wilson, confronts the twilight of his racing career and grapples with the reality of his own mortality. It may seem peculiar for a car to grapple with aging, but keep in mind that everything in the Cars series is unusual – this film simply delves deeper and offers more innovative insights into its unique universe.

The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)

It seems that people often complain about the shortage of unique blockbusters, yet they tend to overlook them when they are released. For instance, “The Kid Who Would Be King” offered a fresh take on Arthurian mythology, boasting an accomplished cast and a pertinent political commentary – all from the director of the highly influential cult film, “Attack the Block”. Unfortunately, it didn’t draw many viewers to cinemas. (To be honest, I also missed out until I watched it on a flight and became an instant fan.) “The Kid Who Would Be King” is truly a hidden gem that deserves recognition in Disney+’s collection.

2025-04-11 18:55