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Disney fans, get ready for some hilarious, heartwarming fun as Donald Duck returns in “DIY Duck,” a new hand-drawn animated short written and directed by Disney legend Mark Henn. Premiering June 9 on Disney+, Walt Disney Animation Studios' YouTube, Disney Channel and Freeform, the short marks Donald's first solo starring role since the 1961 classic “Dusty Garbage.”
In “DIY Duck,” Donald Duck embarks on a simple home repair project that quickly devolves into a series of comical disasters. What begins as an attempt to change a lightbulb quickly devolves into chaos as Donald's anger and frustration grow. His poor use of tools leads to one disaster after another, culminating in a hilarious ending. The short became an instant classic, perfectly capturing Donald's iconic combination of stubborn determination and short-tempered behavior.
Check out a preview of the new short:
The appeal of “DIY Duck” lies in the exquisite hand-drawn animation expertly crafted by Mark Henn. Recently retired after a stellar 43-year career at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Henn oversaw the animation of beloved characters such as Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, baby Simba, Mulan and Tiana. His expertise is apparent in every frame of “DIY Duck,” which blends the nostalgic feel of classic Disney animation with modern technology. The result is a visually stunning short that will captivate new and longtime fans alike.
Director Mark Henn's direction of “DIY Duck” is a fitting tribute to his illustrious resume. Having previously directed the 2000 short “John Henry,” Henn brings his storytelling chops and deep understanding of Disney heritage to Donald Duck's latest adventure. The short not only showcases his incredible talent, it also cements his status as a Disney Legend, an honor that will see him officially recognized at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August.
A standout feature of “DIY Duck” is the inclusion of dialogue from Donald Duck's original voice actor, Clarence “Ducky” Nash. The use of archival audio recordings brings to life Donald's vocal gestures and iconic witty croaks, adding authenticity and nostalgia. Nash first voiced Donald in the 1934 short “The Wise Hen,” and continued to voice the character for the next 50 years, making his presence in “DIY Duck” a moving tribute to his legacy.
“DIY Duck” is a must-see for Disney fans and animation enthusiasts. This short combines timeless humor, beautiful animation and nostalgia. With Donald Duck's return to the spotlight, Mark Henn's masterful direction and Clarence Nash's iconic voice performance, “DIY Duck” is sure to be a favorite for years to come.
DIY Duck is more than just a short film; it's a timeless celebration of Donald Duck. Tune in when it premieres on June 9 on Disney+, Walt Disney Animation Studios' YouTube, Disney Channel and Freeform. Join Donald as he tackles his latest DIY disaster and experience the magic that only Disney can bring to life.