“Lilo and Stitch” producer Jonathan Eirich in the development of Disney’s “Space Mountain” film [Exclusive]

Introduction to Space Mountain

The challenge of adapting a Disney classic into a live-action film is not new to Jonathan Eirich. With his previous productions, such as Aladdin and Lilo & Stitch, Eirich has proven himself to be a master of bringing beloved stories to life in new and exciting ways. However, his latest project, Space Mountain, presents a unique challenge. Unlike his previous adaptations, which were based on existing stories and characters, Space Mountain is a theme park attraction that must be transformed into a full-length film.

The Challenge of Adapting a Theme Park Attraction

According to Eirich, the biggest challenge in adapting Space Mountain is finding a way to capture the essence of the theme park attraction and translate it into a cinematic experience. "In both cases of Aladdin and Lilo & Stitch, somehow they had these stories they knew about working in the animation, so tried to find it out: ‘Well, what works in live action and what should change?’ With Haunted Mansion and with Space Mountain, if we make this film, there is no story to follow. So you are commissioned with the challenge: ‘How do you embody the spirit of a trip and what you love, but it’s a very short experience? How do you transform it into an original story?’ So there are two very different things, and everyone has different expectations."

Honoring the Source Material and Fans

Eirich believes that the key to a successful adaptation is to honor the source material and the fans who love it. When adapting Lilo & Stitch, he explained that one of the largest lessons he learned from his previous adaptation, Aladdin, was the importance of honoring the emotional heart of the original while finding a new lens to look through it. "It wants to honor what you love, and in both cases, these were classic animated films and groundbreaking films of my life. We talked a lot about being fans. Any choice you hit must be from a place of a fan."

Bringing Space Mountain to Life

Eirich and his team are working to fill the adrenaline-driven science fiction mystery atmosphere of the Space Mountain ride and expand it into a full cinematic universe. With no built-in story or beloved characters to draw from, the team must rely on the sound, atmosphere, and nostalgia of the audience to bring the film to life. The challenge of adaptation is not new to Eirich, but Space Mountain offers an empty slate, waiting to be filled with a unique and original story.

Conclusion

The adaptation of Space Mountain into a live-action film is a daunting task, but with Eirich at the helm, fans can expect a cinematic experience that honors the spirit of the theme park attraction. By capturing the essence of the ride and translating it into a full-length film, Eirich and his team are sure to delight audiences and bring a new level of excitement to the world of Disney.