If there’s one name that has been almost synonymous with Disney magic, it’s Alan Menken. With a storied career that began with the enchanting tunes of “The Little Mermaid” in 1989, Menken’s melodies have shaped some of Disney’s greatest hits, like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tangled”. However, Menken’s journey didn’t start under the Disney marquee. In the 1970s, he was a struggling artist whose big break came through musical theater collaborations, including the wildly successful “Little Shop of Horrors” with lyricist Howard Ashman.

But now, Menken is broadening his horizons by working on “Spellbound”, an animated feature from Skydance Animation set to hit Netflix. This fantasy adventure, starring the likes of Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem, sees a princess on a quest to save her parents who’ve been transformed into mystical beasts. Despite Skydance’s promotional efforts, Menken’s involvement in the project has been surprisingly low-key and hasn’t been a prominent mention in trailers or marketing materials.

This understated promotion stands in stark contrast to Disney’s style, where Menken’s compositions were essential to the marketing strategy. Nonetheless, “Spellbound” boasts contributions from other significant Disney alumni, including writer/producer Linda Woolverton, further cementing the project’s robust creative pedigree.

Though Menken hasn’t completely stepped away from Disney, with recent works on the live-action “The Little Mermaid” and “Disenchanted”, his presence isn’t as pronounced as during the Disney Renaissance. As Disney turns to talents like Lin-Manuel Miranda and the songwriting duo Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, fans are left nostalgic for the days when Menken’s music dominated the airwaves.

Despite this, Menken continues to enchant audiences with his scores. His work on “Spellbound” may not be front and center in Skydance’s marketing, but it’s sure to band together music lovers and fans of classic Disney sounds. What do you think of Alan Menken branching out from Disney to work with Skydance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: Kassie Duke