The Forgotten Disney Cinematic Universe: Uncovering the Interconnected World of Flubber, Herbie, and More

In the era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its unprecedented success, it's easy to forget that the concept of a shared cinematic universe is not entirely new. In fact, decades before Nick Fury assembled the Avengers, Disney had quietly created its own interconnected world of beloved characters and franchises, unbeknownst to many moviegoers. This forgotten Disney Cinematic Universe, spanning from the antics of an absent-minded professor to the adventures of a sentient Volkswagen, offers a fascinating glimpse into the studio's rich storytelling legacy.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Absent-Minded Professor Cinematic Universe

Flubber Takes Flight: The Absent-Minded Professor and Its Surprising Sequels

The journey into this Disney Cinematic Universe begins with the 1961 film "The Absent-Minded Professor," starring the iconic Fred MacMurray as a college professor who invents a remarkable substance called Flubber. The movie's success led to a rare Disney sequel, "Son of Flubber," released in 1963. These two films laid the foundation for what would become a sprawling interconnected narrative.Six years after the release of "Son of Flubber," Disney unveiled another film that would tie into this growing universe. "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" introduced audiences to Dexter Riley, a college student played by a young Kurt Russell, who gains a computer-like memory after a freak accident. This connection to the Absent-Minded Professor's Medfield College established the first crossover between the two franchises.

Expanding the Universe: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and Its Sequels

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" would go on to spawn two sequels of its own, further expanding the narrative. In "Now You See Me, Now You Don't," Dexter Riley creates an invisibility formula, while in "The Strongest Man in the World," he develops a breakfast cereal that grants temporary superhuman strength. These interconnected storylines wove a tapestry of shared characters and settings, creating a cohesive Disney Cinematic Universe long before the term became a household name.

Herbie the Love Bug Joins the Fold

The Disney Cinematic Universe's reach extended even further with the introduction of another beloved franchise: Herbie the Love Bug. In 1974, the sequel "Herbie Rides Again" featured a villain character named Alonzo Hawk, played by the same actor, Keenan Wynn, who had appeared in the Absent-Minded Professor films. This cross-pollination of characters solidified the connection between the Herbie franchise and the broader Disney Cinematic Universe.

Uncovering the Full Scope of the AMPCU

With the inclusion of the Herbie films, the Disney Cinematic Universe, now dubbed the "Absent-Minded Professor Cinematic Universe" (AMPCU), grew to encompass a total of at least 11 movies. From the original Absent-Minded Professor and its sequel to the Computer Wore Tennis Shoes trilogy and the Herbie franchise, this interconnected world of characters and settings stood as a testament to Disney's storytelling prowess, even if it remained largely unnoticed by the general public.

The Potential for a Disney+ Revival

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the AMPCU's potential for a resurgence has never been greater. With the rise of Disney+, the studio's vast library of content has become more accessible than ever before. The opportunity to revisit and potentially expand upon these beloved franchises, while embracing the interconnectivity that defined the AMPCU, could captivate a new generation of viewers and reignite the magic of this forgotten cinematic universe.

Embracing the Past, Shaping the Future

The discovery of the Absent-Minded Professor Cinematic Universe serves as a reminder that Disney's storytelling legacy extends far beyond the iconic characters and franchises that have become household names. By unearthing these hidden connections and exploring the rich tapestry of narratives that once existed, Disney has the chance to not only honor its past but also forge a new path forward, where the boundaries between beloved characters and franchises are blurred, and the possibilities for shared experiences are endless.