The cast of Tomorrowland was at the Press Event in Beverly Hills. In attendance were Brad Bird (co-producer, writer and director), George Clooney (Frank), Britt Robertson (Casey), Tim McGraw (Ed – Casey’s Dad), Raffey Cassidy (Athena), Jeff Jensen (writer), Damon Lindelof (co-produer & writer)
The background information provided us with a quick intro into how Tomorrowland came about. Basically it started as a basic conversation about upcoming movies ideas between Sean Bailey (president of production at WD studios) and Damion Lindelof. Once the idea was set in motion, Damon brought on Jeff Jenson and Brad Bird, who said he was happy to join the group. Tim McGraw’s role was discussed next in that unlike his role in Friday Night Lights, Tim plays a nurturing and supportive father to Casey (Britt Robertson). Tim said he was inspired by his real life interactions with his daughters specifically for a scene in the car where he becomes upset at Casey.
Next up was a question for Britt Robertson and Raffey Cassidy about the relationship between the 2 characters in the movie. Britt shared that although they had a great time and had great chemistry, it was the younger Raffey who played mom to both Britt and George keeping them on track.
George Clooney talked about Disney’s willingness to make a new film which did was not a sequel or based on a comic book. Clooney shared he was a bit put off when he received the screen and read the description of his character as a 55 year old.
Clooney was asked if the gruff and grumpy character he portrays reflect his personal struggles to which George replied, growing up in the Cold War period, gave him a sense that the world would end in nuclear holocaust, yet we still remained hopeful and that the power of one (person) counted and mattered.
Brad Bird and Britt Robertson talked about the significance NASA represented to them – a specific hope in a symbolic way representing the unknown.
Brad Bird shared that although they (Disney parks personnel) are always planning something at this time there is nothing specific planned to tie in to the movie. George Clooney was asked about becoming a father but a definitive yes or no was not given.
The cast was asked what they do to make the world better? Britt is contributing by water conservation, George said everyone tries to contribute anyway they can. Tim said he uses his celebrity status to cast a light back to the issues.
Final question asked was about the influence Walt Disney had in the film. The response which included sharing that a longer version of the movie included a more explicit involvement by Walt Disney. Several points of view were given by Damon Lindelof and Jeff Jenson, about how much Walt’s influence was put into the movie.
Finally Jeff Jensen’s book – Before Tomorrowland was discussed. The book is about the backstory for the film and provides lots of stories within the story. Some of the last things Disney filmed was about the experimental prototype community of Tomorrowland.
Check out Tomorrowland in theatres, May 22, 2015 and let me know which scene was your favorite. Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co bringing you all the news.
