Disney Pledges Millions To Help Rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral
The animated films released during the Disney Renaissance Era (1989-1999) are perhaps some of the most iconic in the company’s history.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996) may not be high on Time’s “Worst to Best” list for the decade-long era that brought the company out of its “Dark Age,” but it still has its fans.
The recent events surrounding the heartbreaking fire at the iconic cathedral in Paris make us think of the film set in 15th-century Paris that introduced many of us to “The Bells of Notre Dame.”
One climactic scene of the film shows the villain — Frollo — setting fires across Paris, destroying homes and lives and families. And now, a version of that has taken place.
Jason Alexander, who voiced the role of “Hugo” in the film, tweeted his heartfelt condolences after hearing news of the devastation Notre Dame had experienced.
“The light of humanity is forever dimmed today,” he wrote. “People of Paris, people of France — ours are weeping beside you.”
The light of humanity is forever dimmed today. People of Paris, people of France – ours are weeping beside you.
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 15, 2019
We watched with broken hearts and silent tears as flames and smoke rose from Notre Dame on Monday, April 15.
It is thanks to the tireless and devoted work of the responding firefighters that the devastation did not reach as far as it could have, according to The Associated Press.
French citizens have banded together to repair the damage. Millions of dollars — nearing a billion — have been donated by individuals, institutions, and companies, The New York Times reported.
More than $678 million has already been donated to restore Notre Dame Cathedral after several CEOs stepped up with pledges pic.twitter.com/4z4iRUBC87
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) April 17, 2019
In addition to the amazing support the city has received from its own people and country, international support has poured in as well.
The Walt Disney Company has announced a pledge of $5 million to help support Notre Dame’s reconstruction efforts.
The Walt Disney Company today announced it is committing $5 million to aid in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following the devastating fire that severely damaged the historic landmark this week: https://t.co/5Bm3BpDTPV pic.twitter.com/MFXAvUjsjg
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) April 17, 2019
“Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the company, Robert A. Iger, said in a statement.
“The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece,” he continued.
Notre Dame may never be fully restored to its former glory, but it is touching to see so many in France and around the world donate to this cause.
Liftable, a brand of The Western Journal, reached out to The Walt Disney Company for comment regarding how the fire might affect the company’s plans for the live-action reboot of “Hunchback.”
We have not heard back, but if on-location filming plans were in the works, we imagine the recent tragedy will have some effect on the production’s plans.
Our hearts are with all who mourn the great cathedral. We are grateful for the love being shown to the people of Paris in the wake of the tragedy.
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