Captain EO, the 3D film starring the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, is returning to Disneyland for a limited time starting in February, Disney announced today.
It’s the first time Disney has confirmed rumors of the films return, rumors that have been flying since shortly after Jackson died in June.
The 17-minute film will return to its original home at the theater inside Tomorrowland, replacing Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,which currently occupies the theater and is expected to close in the next few weeks, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said.
Disney officials call it a limited engagement. Brown said how limited has yet to be decided.
This is an entertainment experience that our guests are excited about and were happy to be bringing it back,Brown said.
The film was a mainstay at the park from 1986 to 1997, finally closing after its popularity faded. Jackson also was facing molestation charges, starting in 1993, which prompted some people to question the appropriateness of the film playing inside the family friendly theme park.
When asked about the criminal allegations and whether that was considered in deciding whether to bring it back, Brown would only say: The decision was made based on our guests feedback and there was much guest nostalgia and demand for Captain EO.
(Jackson wont be the only celeb to make it back to Disneyland. Just today, an updated, robotic Mr. Lincoln again started performing. To learn more, click here.)
A powerhouse team from the entertainment industry created Captain EO,including Star Wars creator George Lucas, who served as executive producer. It was directed by Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola, with music from film composer James Horner and from Jackson.
Press reports said the film cost an estimated $17 million to $30 million to make.
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