It goes without saying that Disney's villains are just as popular, if not more, then their respected heroes. They have their own merchandise, park events, and of course their own fanbase. Even the most lightweight Disney fan has their favorite villain. With such a wide variety of colorful criminals, how can one not?
Many die-hard Disney fans will know all there is to know about their favorite characters, attractions, or films, but on occasion they can't see the forest through the trees. Have a look at these ten things many fans overlook about Disney's classic villains.
Scar’s Claws are Always Exposed
What better way to start the list than with a more obvious entry? The Lion King universe. He's elegant, he's svelte and slender, and he even looks like he's wearing guy-liner with those sunken eyes.
But his evil intent is pretty much apparent from the very start. His black claws are always exposed, foreshadowing his predatory nature very early on in the film.
Captain Hook Was Kept Alive For a Reason
Peter Pan was some part of a ion project that Walt Disney was very much invested in, and special care was put into the creation of the characters. Captain Hook, specifically, was created to be not just a villain but a comic foil.
He's a dastardly buccaneer sure enough, but he was designed to be so likable in fact, Disney changed the ending of the original script to keep Captain Hook from being eaten by the crocodile.
Charles Muntz Looks Like His Actor
From Alice to Scar, Disney has been no stranger to using their actors as inspiration for their animated characters. That step was taken more than a few steps farther with the design of Charles Muntz.
Voiced by the impeccable Christopher Plummer, the lost explorer from Paradise Falls is literally an animated version of his actor, right down to the pencil-thin mustache.
Maleficent, Lady Tremaine, and Madame Leota Share the Same Voice Actress
Speaking of villains and their performers, hardcore Disney fans know the connection between Maleficent, Lady Tremaine, and the Haunted Mansion's Madame Leota. All three of them were voiced by frequent Disney collaborator, Eleanor Audley.
All three characters demand some element of power in their voice, and both Maleficent and Leota command Supernatural forces. Let's face it, Audley's talent was certainly spellbinding.
Shan-Yu’s Eyes are Meant to Look Like His Hawk’s
The most defining feature of the commander of the Huns definitely has to be those piercing yellow eyes. Some viewers might think this was a design Choice made for intimidation, but closer inspection reveals that Shan-Yu literally shares eyes with his Hawk, Hayabusa.
This was confirmed in the deleted scene, but a keen observer could figure that out naturally.
The Evil Queen is the First Character to Speak in a Fully Animated Feature
In its time, Snow White was a pretty big deal for the Disney Company. It was the first fully animated motion picture. By that logic, the Evil Queen is technically the first character in history to speak in a fully animated feature film.
That means that every character from Snow White to Moana owes their debut to a villain. It might not be the most obvious feature, but it's still visibly present.
Pete Technically Predates Mickey Mouse
Though everyone credits either Oswald or Mickey as Disney's first original animated character, that distinction could also go to Peg-Leg Pete. The on-again-off-again nemesis of Mickey his first appearance in one of Walt Disney's Alice Comedies in 1925, a full two years before Oswald and three years before Mickey.
While he was not as developed as he would later become, he made his mark long before either of Walt's "official" characters.
Honest John and Gideon Get Away with Their Crimes
From selling Pinoke to Stromboli to guiding him off to Pleasure Island to be turned into a Donkey, these guys are some seriously bad news. But here's the thing, they are never caught or reprimanded for their crimes.
The last time they are seen is after Pinocchio goes off with the Coachman. For all the viewer knows, Honest John and Gideon have been paid handsomely for their deed and will more than likely do it again. Keeping the coachman in business.
You Can See Skulls in Gaston's Eyes As He falls
A very small detail indeed, but one that adds a touch of macabre humor to an otherwise classic Disney film. As Gaston is cast from the castle rooftops and into a bottomless chasm below, a pair of skulls briefly appear in his eyes for a split second before he plummets into the abyss.
That's some pretty twisted imagery for Disney's ultimate love story, isn't it?
Falling is a Major Cause of Death
Sure, there are villains like Dr. Facilier and Maleficent who go out on grizzly notes, but how many Disney villains meet their wretched ends at the hands of gravity?
Almost every good villain gets cast over some high ledge or otherwise falls to their deaths. Guess Disney has to keep that PG rating somehow.