The animation and gaming industries are in disbelief and mourning the passing away of Roger Allers, the legendary Disney film director and animator, who has gotten into slumber at the age of 76. The cosmic_marvel Twitter account was responsible for the widespread news, which highlighted Allers as the co-director of ‘The Lion King’ and his collaboration on Disney movies as ‘classic’ and ‘timeless’. His death is felt most strongly by the artists from the Golden Age of Disney, who through their creative work brought to life the childhood of numerous gamers and moviegoers all over the world—their children—now adults and in different, often distant, places.
This piece of news is just too heavy. It makes one pause for a moment and absorb the entire situation each time one comes across such a tweet. One simply cannot keep on doing the usual scrolling. Roger Allers. His name is possibly not as well-known as that of a voice actor from your favorite game, but his contributions are recognized by many. You may know about the artists that have been named, the kids from the 90s who have been remastered, or honestly, anytime after whose fingerprints are all over your childhood memories. The Lion King’s, Aladdin’s, Beauty and the Beast’s, The Little Mermaid’s, and others—this is not only a list of films but also a soundtrack of a generation.
The cosmic_marvel tweet was simple and tragic, just laying the facts bare. Still, the replies…the replies write the whole story. Messages like “Rest in peace legend” showed up one after another in a very impressive manner. Just like Delvalyahir, Shelby, and segabysleep, others also shared the same deep emotion. It is so wonderful how one artist can influence many people’s lives in the same way! One user, DarthSpyro_, managed to get across a line that was tough yet at the same time very pertinent: “This man played a bigger role in my childhood than my father.” Ouf! That is the power of storytelling, isn’t it? They fill in the gaps, guide, and become kin.
But it was not only The Lion King that became iconic. The very moment he passed was a great one for all the artists, as they were watching the children’s audience who now fall asleep watching The Lion King. Lyte_House mentioned ‘The Rescuers Down Under’ to give a credit to the movie, calling it “very much underrated.” True! That movie is wonderful! JonygameC brought up something called ‘Kingdom of the Sun’ that was supposedly a project that never saw the light. It makes you wonder what other wonders we lost. But then again there is the other side of the story—the confusion and the shock. JohnSmithzsa simply asked, “Why do people have to die before they reach 100, why?!” Such a question is very sincere and sad at the same time. And ISketchWomen29 just cannot help but yell “DROPPING LIKE FLIES” in all caps. Okay, it is a bit harsh, but the sentiment is there—it feels like we are losing these legends too fast.
There was a hint of… modern commentary, I think? User xDironx90 tweeted, “He must’ve hated modern Disney.” Which, okay, maybe, maybe not. But it tells that the players and fans are linking the legendary past with the current stuff. They see the Disney Renaissance artists as the custodians of a particular type of storytelling magic. When one of them goes, it seems like a chapter is definitely closing.
Going through these reactions is not only about the loss of a director. It is the hardcore gamers and animation fanatics coming to grips with how much of their essential media – the stuff that perhaps opened them up to stories, art, in games that narrate epic tales – was facilitated by this one guy. The “Disney Renaissance king,” as he was referred to by infinitelactose. The late 80s to 90s was not just a good time for cartoons; it was a cultural reset. Roger Allers was right there in the middle of it, directing what is arguably Disney’s crown jewel, The Lion King. And let’s not forget the games! How many of us bravely fought our way through The Lion King games on Sega Genesis or SNES? That legacy is entwined with so many.
So, the internet did what it usually does best. It came together in the virtual world to give its last tributes. The replies varied from merely saying “RIP” to people sharing profound reflections on their childhood, but they all were united by the same view as far as respect for the deceased director is concerned. It is a reminder of the fact that the individuals working behind the scenes – the animators, writers, and directors – their influence outlives them through the most powerful way. It
