Disney Continental Drift

Disney Continental Drift is a computer-animated comedy musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. A spin-off to Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph and a stand-alone sequel to Zootopia, the film stars the voices of Kristen Bell, Sarah Silverman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idina Menzel, Chris Evans, Will Arnett, Brie Larson, Nick Jonas, Antonio Banderas, Kelsey Grammer, and Jeremy Irons. As the 59th animated Disney feature, the plot follows Princess Anna (Kristen Bell), Vanellope Von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), and Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) sent across the ocean to defeat the evil Orca King (Will Arnett). A sequel is in development.

It was a critical and commercial success, and grossed $845, million against a budget of $109, million during its theatrical run. The film was directed by Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins in their directorial debuts, produced by Roy Conli, and executive-produced by Dorothy McKim, Stephen J. Anderson, and Chris Williams. It also has a screenplay by Williams and Don Hall, a story by Briggs and Wellins. Elton John and Tim Rice were originally hired to write new songs for the film, but left due to Elton retiring, and Alan Menken took over, with Glenn Slater writing the lyrics. Alan Silvestri composed the film's score. The film was released on November 3, 2020 at the El Capitan Theater, and November 25, 2020 in theaters worldwide.

The film won an Academy Award for Best Picture, and Best Animated Feature. The film also won the Best Original Score award for Silvestri. It was also named the fourth one of the ten top best feature films of 2020, after Toys To Life, Wonder Woman 1984, and Jungle Cruise.

Plot
On November 2017, Judy Hopps is showing children walking sticks, but the walking sticks leap on her. She tries to get them off, but she is carried away from Zootopia and across the sea until she winds up in Sugar Rush. She tries to find a way out, but suddenly meets Vanellope Von Schweetz. They go to the kart bakery to make an escape boat. When they complete the boat, a shark chases them, destroying the boat and flinging them into the kingdom of Arendelle.

At Arendelle, they meet and befriend the beautiful princess Anna, who shows them around the castle. She introduces them to Elsa, but she refuses to allow them in the kingdom, triggering an heated argument with Anna about them. As Vanellope finds Elsa's warnings ridiculous, a drift takes them out of the kingdom, and Anna tries to get back.

After surviving a wild storm, they find themselves on an abandoned island and encounter Octopus, and his partner Mole, who tell them to defeat Orca King once and for all. But when they encounter his ship, however, they are knocked out and tied up on boards by his crew. Orca King sings a shanty to get them to stay, but Anna refuses, resulting in a battle that sinks the ship.

They rescue Jaguar, who berates them for their foolish actions. The next morning, Jaguar spots a island. They arrive there, only to sense danger and realize that King Orca had set an elk stampede to kill them utterly. Vanellope, Anna, and Judy save themselves, but Orca King betrays Jaguar and sends her to her death. Heartbroken, Anna, Vanellope, and Judy mourn for the loss of their friend, but continue on their journey anyway. They encounter a group of tigers who direct them through a blizzard as the way. They seem to be getting close, but unfortunately, they are attacked by two real orcas and narrowly escape.

Meanwhile, after realizing Anna was right, Elsa sails off to find Anna, Judy, and Vanellope. When they arrive, she apologizes for her selfishness and they team up to end Orca King's plan. As Vanellope and Judy fight off Freaky and Jones, alongside Elsa distracting the army, to no avail, Anna steals King Orca's staff and aims it at him, resulting in his demise, but Vanellope is carried into the sky. Judy, Anna and Elsa tempt to rescue her, and when the balloons pop, Anna rescues Vanellope. After that they return to their own homes and they promise never to forget each other.

In a mid-credits scene, Vanellope, Judy, and Anna, (still back at their own homes) stay in touch with each other through video chats. In a post-credits scene, Octopus and Mole have an conversation about the film, and the film ends.

Cast
Kristen Bell as Anna, the adventurous and fearless princess of Arendelle and Elsa's sister.

Sarah Silverman as Vanellope, a high-spirited racer and president of Sugar Rush.

Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, a bunny who works at the Zootopia Police Department.

Idina Menzel as Elsa, the queen of Arendelle and Anna's sister.

Chris Evans as Octopus, a heroic sea creature and Mole's partner who sends Judy, Vanellope, and Anna to defeat Orca King.

Will Arnett as Orca King, a inconsiderate, mean, horrid orca with human legs and is Octopus's arch-enemy.

Brie Larson as Jaguar, King Orca's pet jaguar who is later killed in a stampede.

Kelsey Grammer as Freaky, a green lizard who works for King Orca.

Jeremy Irons as Bones, a orange lizard who works for King Orca.

Antonio Banderas as Mole, a critter who is Octopus's partner.

Sylvester Stallone as a tiger who knows the way to the Switchback Path.

Alan Tudyk as a big-hearted sweetheart who is Elsa's advisor.

Vince Vaughn as Orca Guard 1#, one of King Orca's guards.

Sebastian Stan as Orca Guard 2# one of King Orca's guards.

Omarion as Orca Guard 3#, one of King Orca's guards.

Richard Ian Cox as Orca Guard 4#, one of King Orca's guards.

Nick Jonas as Knotts, a rat who works for King Orca.

Joe Manganiello as Finn, a battle-ready, but cowardly ringed seal who works for King Orca.

James Earl Jones as Garrett, a big pig who works for King Orca.

Aya Cash as Rita, a wallaby who works for King Orca.

Jake Johnson as Jonah, a grey parrot who works for King Orca.

Jason Schwartzman as Mercedes, a flying fox who works for King Orca.

Screenwriter Jared Bush voices Nick Wilde, while Nicholas Cage voices Chief Bogo, alongside Zootopai children who are voiced by Benjamin Flores Jr., Miranda Cosgrove, Katie Lopez, and E.G. Daily. Also, Vitamin C, Anna Taylor-Joy, and Justin Bieber voice racers Candlehead, Taffyta, and Rancis. Brian T. Delaney also returns as Wreck-It Ralph from video games.

Production
In 2015, it was announced that a 2020 film was a go. On December 28, 2015, Kristen Bell and Sarah Silverman confirmed to reprise their roles as Anna and Vanellope in the film. After "Zootopia" was completed, Ginnifer Goodwin announced her return as Judy Hopps for the film. On August 12, 2016, Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins announced the plot; "Anna, Vanellope and Judy are taken to defeat Orca King." On March 2017, Brie Larson signed in for her role. John Lasseter was acting as executive producer until he left the film between his positions at Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and DisneyToon Studios in June 2018. Dorothy McKim, Stephen J. Anderson and Chris Williams became executive producers. In October 2018, Kelsey Grammer, Jeremy Irons, Sylvester Stallone, and Antonio Banderas were cast. In November 2018, the filmmakers revealed that the film would not continue "Ralph Breaks The Internet" or "Frozen 2", but instead be a stand-alone spin-off taking place in 2017 and continue "Zootopia". Benedict Cumberbatch was originally considered for the role of Octopus, but in October 2018, he dropped out and was replaced by Chris Evans. On March 2020, Alan Tudyk confirmed his return. After the completion of "Toys To Life" in May 30, 2020, Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elsa, alongside Will Arnett voicing King Orca. The first trailer was released on February 27, 2020. A second trailer was released on June 12, 2020. A sneak peek on Disney Channel premiered on August 19, 2020. A final trailer that included the Kane Brown song "Live Forever" was released on September 5, 2020. In July 2020, it was announced that Vince Vaughn, Sebastian Stan, Omarion, Richard Ian Cox, Nick Jonas, Joe Manganiello, James Earl Jones, Ava Cash, Jake Johnson, and Jason Schwartzman had joined the cast.

Home media
Disney Continental Drift was released on DVD on February 6, 2021, alongside its Blu-ray release.

Trivia
Jeremy Irons and James Earl Jones's first Disney animated film together since 1994's The Lion King.

The 4th Disney film for Kelsey Grammer, after Runaway Brain, Toy Story 2, and Teacher's Pet.

The first movie with three characters from Wreck It Ralph, Frozen, and Zootopia.

The 8th Disney animated film for Alan Tudyk, after Wreck It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Ralph Breaks The Internet, and Frozen 2.

Vanellope's first appearance in a film not composed by Henry Jackman or Mark Mothersbaugh.

Brie Larson's 4th PG-rated film, after "Madison", "Sleepover" and "Hoot".

Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas previously worked together on "Assassins", and "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over".

Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins' directorial debut.

The 59th Disney animated feature.

The orca sounds for the two real orcas were provided by Frank Welker who was not credited in the film.

Kristen Bell and Will Arnett had previously worked together on "When In Rome", and "Teen Titans Go!: To The Movies".

Brie Larson's first computer animated film. She usually appears in live-action films.

The 2nd Disney animated film composed by Alan Silvestri, after "Lilo & Stitch".

The film features most actors who voiced characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Music
All music by songwriter Alan Menken, lyricist Glenn Slater, and composer Alan Silvestri.

Soundtrack
"Octopus" - Kristen Bell, Sarah Silverman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Chris Evans, and Antonio Banderas

"Master of the Orcas" - Will Arnett, Brie Larson, Nick Jonas, Kelsey Grammer, Jeremy Irons, Joe Manganiello, James Earl Jones, Ava Cash, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Vince Vaughn, Sebastian Stan, Omarion, and Richard Ian Cox

"True Colors" - Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell

"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" - Kelly Clarkson

"Firework" - Katy Perry

"King Orca vs Octopus" - Alan Silvestri

"Walking Sticks" - Alan Silvestri

"Vanellope Von Schweetz" - Alan Silvestri

"Bake A Boat" - Alan Silvestri

"Shark Attack" - Alan Silvestri

"Taken Out Of Arendelle" - Alan Silvestri

"Storm" - Alan Silvestri

"Encountering King Orca" - Alan Silvestri

"Sinking The Ship" - Alan Silvestri

"Jaguar" - Alan Silvestri

"Elk Stampede" - Alan Silvestri

"Jaguar Dies" - Alan Silvestri

"The Tigers" - Alan Silvestri

"Two Orcas Are Attacking Us!" - Alan Silvestri

"Elsa's Realization" - Alan Sylvestri

"King Orca's Demise" - Alan Sylvestri

"Returning To Our Own Homes" - Alan Silvestri