Buzz
Children’s movies are typically viewed as simple, cheerful stories with a clear moral. However, like many other forms of media, they often inspire unique interpretations. Here are some of the most astonishing fan theories about kids’ movies circulating online.
Caution: Spoilers ahead.
10. Donkey’s Origins Trace Back to Pleasure Island
Shrek is beloved by many as the iconic ogre, but Donkey also has a dedicated fanbase. When their journey hit theaters in 2001, children were captivated by the unique animation, while adults appreciated the clever, risqué jokes.
Fifteen years after the film’s debut, a fascinating theory about Donkey’s origins has gained traction online, linking him to Pinocchio. In the 1940 classic, misbehaving boys are transformed into donkeys on Pleasure Island. This theory suggests that Donkey was once a boy who suffered the same fate.
Additionally, since Pinocchio appears in Shrek, it’s plausible that a donkey from Pleasure Island could also be part of the story. Donkey’s uniqueness is further highlighted by his lack of a fairytale origin, unlike most other characters in the Shrek universe who are rooted in classic tales or nursery rhymes.
9. Calhoun’s Tragic Loss of Her Fiance
In Wreck-It Ralph, the story takes a dark turn when Calhoun, the Hero’s Duty protagonist, reveals her tragic past. She was set to marry her fiance, but on their wedding day, he was killed and devoured by a cyborg bug.
Calhoun avenges her loss by destroying the cy-bug in the film, but the story doesn’t end there. A fan theory suggests that since the cy-bug absorbs the traits of its prey, it also took on her fiance’s characteristics. This implies that when Calhoun shot the cy-bug in a moment of fury, she unknowingly killed her fiance as well.
8. Riley’s Adoption and the Absence of an Emotion
Released in 2015, Inside Out became a massive hit for Pixar. While Bing Bong became a fan favorite for many, others focused on crafting the most bizarre theories about the film.
One peculiar theory suggests Riley is missing an emotion, represented by the orange color on Bing Bong’s jacket, which she will supposedly gain as a teenager: Lust. Another idea proposes that Riley’s emotions are a mix of male and female traits, indicating she hasn’t yet defined her sexuality, unlike her parents, who have distinctly gendered emotions.
A separate theory claims Riley was adopted, pointing to a scene where her mother is seen standing while speaking to her as a newborn, a scenario unlikely if she had just delivered a baby.
7. Elsa and Rapunzel Are Sisters
Many are familiar with the theory that Ariel and Flounder from The Little Mermaid were seen near Anna and Elsa’s parents’ ship at the start of the film. Another theory, confirmed by the director of Frozen, suggests their parents didn’t perish in the storm but instead landed on a deserted island and had another child—Tarzan.
A new fan theory has emerged, sparking curiosity about its validity. It proposes that Elsa from Frozen and Rapunzel from Tangled are sisters. According to this idea, Elsa and Anna’s parents were traveling to Rapunzel and Flynn’s wedding when they met their tragic fate. Additionally, since Tangled debuted in 2010 with Rapunzel at 18, and Frozen released in 2013 with Elsa at 21, they would have been the same age three years prior. This has led to speculation that they might be twins, given their similar appearances and shared left-handedness.
6. Boo Transforms Into a Witch
A detailed theory suggests that Boo from Monsters Inc grows up to become the witch in Brave. The first hint of her magical abilities is when Sully closes the door on her, only to find her outside again moments later.
The theory also posits that Monsters Inc takes place in the future, and Boo travels back in time to meet Merida. In her lair, she practices carpentry and hints at her past by keeping a carving of Sully in her shop. Her carpentry skills align with the wooden doors in Monsters Inc. Additionally, it’s believed Boo mastered time travel through an excess of magic, transporting her to the era of the will o’ the wisps, the setting of Brave.
5. Big Hero 6 Characters Share Genetic Ties With Frozen Characters
After the Lilo & Stitch Easter egg was discovered in Big Hero 6, numerous fan theories emerged online, linking the movie to other animated films.
One theory suggests Aunt Cass could be a descendant of Princess Anna from Frozen, citing similarities such as their habit of eating when stressed or excited, pushing their hair behind their ears, and other shared behaviors.
Another theory suggests Fred’s father, Stan Lee, bears a striking resemblance to Prince Hans from Frozen. Additionally, a statue resembling Hans can be seen in the garden. To tie Tangled and Big Hero 6 together, some believe Honey Lemon is a descendant of Rapunzel, pointing to their similar emotional expressions and shared blond hair as evidence.
4. Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and The Princess and the Frog Are Connected
In Peter Pan, reaching Neverland requires flying to the second star to the right and continuing straight. In Pinocchio, Gepetto’s wish upon a star transforms it into the Blue Fairy. Similarly, in The Princess and the Frog, Ray becomes a star in the sky after his death, reuniting with his beloved Evangeline.
A fan theory connects these stories by proposing that Evangeline is the true identity of the Blue Fairy. Known also as the Wishing Star or North Star, she is believed to have created Neverland after fulfilling Peter Pan’s wish. This implies the second star to the right is a magical gateway powered by Evangeline. Furthermore, after Ray’s burial, he transformed into the star beside the North Star, fulfilling his wish to reunite with Evangeline.
3. Carl Passed Away at the Start of Up
A poignant fan theory suggests that not only did Ellie die at the beginning of Up, but Carl also passed away in his sleep soon after learning he had to leave their home and move to a retirement facility.
This implies that the entire film depicts Carl’s passage through the afterlife, with Russell serving as his guiding angel. Russell’s role is to help Carl adjust to his new reality, and his appearance as a child is symbolic, reflecting Carl and Ellie’s inability to have children of their own.
Carl’s attachment to their home symbolizes his last connection to the physical world, while Paradise Falls is interpreted as a representation of heaven.
2. Mufasa Ascended to Demi-God Status
The tragic demise of Mufasa in The Lion King led to some vengeful outcomes, according to a fan theory about the film’s weather patterns.
This theory suggests that after Scar killed Mufasa, he ascended to demi-god status, gaining control over the clouds. This is first seen when Mufasa shapes the clouds into his likeness to communicate with Simba. The drought at Pride Rock is also attributed to Mufasa withholding rain to escalate tensions between the lions and Scar’s hyena allies.
Once Simba (with the hyenas’ help) deals with Scar, rain begins to fall on Pride Rock, which is also believed to be Mufasa’s doing.
1. Ice Age Takes Place in the Future
A few months ago, an intriguing fan theory surfaced on Reddit, proposing a unique perspective on the setting of the Ice Age films.
This theory posits that Ice Age is set in a future where humans have revived dinosaurs using recovered DNA. Humans had also begun constructing spaceships, but a nuclear conflict erupted, leaving only a handful of survivors who reverted to a Neanderthal-like existence. The ice age itself is triggered by a nuclear winter.
Supporting evidence includes the absence of humans after the first film, the lack of alignment between human history and the movie’s events, and the possibility that the carnivorous plant encountered by Manny and Diego is a result of wartime genetic experimentation. Additionally, Scrat, the beloved character, may not be the same individual throughout the series but rather a clone created by scientists for entertainment.
