It’s been nearly 30 years since A Goofy Movie debuted, and it remains one of Disney’s most beloved cult classics. To celebrate its legacy and upcoming anniversary, filmmakers Eric Kimelton and Christopher Ninness unveiled their new documentary, Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny, at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
The packed panel at the Walt Disney Archives Stage featured an all-star lineup of Disney Legends and creative leads, including director Kevin Lima, voice of Goofy Bill Farmer, Disney Legend Don Hahn, head of story Brian Pimental, storyboard artist Steve Moore, and editor Greg Perler. Together, they revisited the heartfelt story of Goofy and Max through rare footage, never-before-heard stories, and emotional reflections.
1. Kevin Lima’s Journey to Directing A Goofy Movie
Lima recalled how a phone call changed his career. “I was in the right place at the right time,” he said. “I wanted to make a movie that felt like a John Hughes film—something about contemporary teenagers.” His pitch transformed the project from a light comedy to an emotional coming-of-age story.
2. The Push for More Heart
Brian Pimental explained that Jeffrey Katzenberg pushed the team to dig deeper into the father-son relationship. Initially envisioned as a fun adventure, the film evolved to explore emotional depth. Lima admitted many contemporaries doubted the decision, but adding heartfelt moments made the story resonate.
3. “Hi Dad Soup” and Childhood Connection
Co-director Christopher Ninness shared his personal connection to the film, especially the “Hi Dad Soup” scene. He recalled watching it repeatedly as a child, struggling to connect with his own father. Seeing behind-the-scenes footage of Kevin Lima directing the moment added even more meaning for him.
4. Bill Farmer’s Favorite Scene—Eventually
Farmer confessed he initially disliked the scene that sounded too much like his real voice. Over time, though, he grew to love it for showcasing Goofy’s emotional depth. “Adding those layers was tough, but it was worth it,” he said, noting the challenge of evolving Goofy from his Saturday morning roots.
5. Editing the Powerline Finale
Editor Greg Perler discussed the challenge of balancing Goofy and Max’s on-stage journey with Powerline’s concert and the televised broadcast. “It was a juggling act,” he said. “Some of the shots were just eight frames long, but we had to keep the story moving and everything connected.”
A Legacy That Lasts
With new footage and heartfelt insights, Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny promises to celebrate the film’s emotional resonance and lasting cultural impact. Keep an eye out for more news as the documentary nears completion—and maybe rewatch A Goofy Movie to relive the magic.
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