Director Robert Zemeckis recently reignited nostalgia for the beloved 1988 classic “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and its unforgettable femme fatale, Jessica Rabbit, while delivering some disheartening news to fans hoping for a sequel. Speaking on the Oct. 30 episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Zemeckis, who was instrumental in bringing this live-action/animation hybrid to life, cast doubt on the possibility of a sequel featuring Jessica Rabbit as fans remember her.
With her bold, unforgettable catchphrase, “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way,” Jessica Rabbit became an instant icon, charming both children and adults alike. Zemeckis shared that there’s a solid script for a *Roger Rabbit* sequel sitting on Disney’s shelves, written by the original screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman. However, in today’s Disney landscape, he explained, Jessica Rabbit’s unapologetically sensual character would be unlikely to make it to the big screen as she once did.
“It’s just a different time,” Zemeckis observed, pointing to a 2021 revamp of the Disneyland attraction Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin as a sign of changing sensibilities. In the update, Jessica’s sultry image was swapped for a more “respectable” look—she was outfitted in a trench coat, shifting her role to a private investigator rather than a damsel in distress. The update wasn’t exactly met with open arms by the character’s loyal fanbase. Many fans took to social media to voice their disappointment over the changes, with comments like, “Okay, who the heck complained about THIS?!?” and “Did they get rid of my girl, or is she getting cleaned up and coming back?” summing up the general frustration.
But Zemeckis isn’t the only one with a finger on the pulse of “Roger Rabbit” fans’ attachment to Jessica. He hinted that Disney’s modern standards might not accommodate her “drawn that way” allure, despite the character’s role in the film’s iconic cultural status. “Look what they did to Jessica at the theme park,” Zemeckis remarked, pointing to Disney’s decision to “truss her up in a trench coat.” For Zemeckis, Disney’s cautious approach marks a stark shift from the original spirit of the studio under its founder, Walt Disney.
One of the secrets to “Who Framed Roger Rabbit’s” magic was Disney’s willingness to tackle mature themes, from the seedy underbelly of Hollywood to the grittier realms of noir storytelling, all while appealing to both adults and children. The movie’s mix of humor, suspense, and animation made it a box office phenomenon, grossing over $350 million worldwide and cementing Jessica Rabbit’s place as a pop culture icon. Even Zemeckis confessed he was “terrified” when showing the film to children for the first time. Yet, the director recalled his relief as kids remained captivated rather than bewildered by the film’s tone, affirming his belief that Walt Disney never talked down to his younger audiences.
Voiced by Kathleen Turner, Jessica Rabbit remains a Halloween costume staple and one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in Hollywood. Her impact also stemmed from the efforts of Amy Irving, who, while married to Steven Spielberg during the film’s production, provided Jessica’s enchanting singing voice. But Jessica’s appeal was about more than her voice or appearance; she symbolized a daring, risk-taking era of animation and storytelling that challenged conventions.
In an era of sanitized, re-imagined characters, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and Jessica Rabbit’s original incarnation stand as a reminder of the bold storytelling that once captivated audiences.