Before The Thing, Kurt Russell Lent His Voice to This Classic Disney Movie

Before The Thing, Kurt Russell Lent His Voice to This Classic Disney Movie

As a longtime admirer of Kurt Russell’s captivating performances and versatile acting skills, I find it fascinating to delve into his rich and diverse career. From rugged heroes like Snake Plissken and Wyatt Earp, to antiheroes such as R.J. MacReady in The Thing, Kurt has undeniably left an indelible mark on cinema.


Without a shadow of a doubt, Kurt Russell’s career is nothing short of impressive. Spanning several decades, he has taken on an array of unforgettable roles, many of which are accompanied by equally iconic hairstyles. Some of his most memorable performances include Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China, “Stuntman” Mike McKay in Death Proof, and Wyatt Earp in Tombstone. His portrayal of Lt. S.D. Bob “Snake” Plissken in Escape from New York, a disillusioned yet decorated Special Forces soldier turned criminal, served as inspiration for another beloved character, Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid. Regardless of whether he plays a hero, anti-hero, or villain, Russell always delivers his signature charismatic and rugged appeal.

A year following my adventure in “Escape from New York,” I found myself teaming up with John Carpenter again for a chilling masterpiece titled “The Thing.” In this thriller, I took on the role of R.J. MacReady, a hard-drinking helicopter pilot, who finds himself stranded at an Antarctic research station with eleven other men. A terrifying shape-shifting alien is lurking among us, consuming and assimilating its victims. As fear and suspicion rise within the group, MacReady stands firm against this monstrous foe, vowing to fight back no matter the cost.

Initially panned by critics upon its release, “The Thing” has since gained cult status. Unlike his flamboyant roles, Kurt Russell’s performance as Mac in this film is subtler, lending the character a distinct coolness and building suspense as the story unfolds. Many believe it was these roles that helped shape Kurt Russell into the iconic figure he is today. However, before battling an alien invader, Russell played a completely different character on screen.

Kurt Rusell Voiced Copper in the Fox and the Hound

Before The Thing, Kurt Russell Lent His Voice to This Classic Disney Movie

In 1981, Kurt Russell lent his voice to the character of Copper, a grown hound dog who formed an unlikely bond with a fox named Tod during their youth in the film “The Fox and the Hound“. (If you enjoy this friendship dynamic, you might also appreciate “Blanc”, a delightful cooperative-adventure game featuring a wolf cub and a fawn.) As puppies, Copper and Tod made a pact of eternal friendship. However, the next spring, as they reached maturity, Copper transformed into an expert hunting dog. When Tod attempted to revisit his friend, he was pursued by Copper’s owner and his mentor, Chief. In the process, Chief got hurt, and Copper held Tod responsible. Consequently, Copper sought to capture and eliminate Tod in retaliation. The confrontations between them were both heart-wrenching and brutal. Copper finally showed mercy when Tod rescued him from a bear and, subsequently, saved him from his master. In the end, they parted ways, their friendship never fully recovering from the strain. This film is considered one of the most emotionally stirring in Disney’s animated library.

Initially, Russell imbues Copper with a playful, guileless nature. Later, when he informs Mickey Rooney’s character Tod that they can no longer be friends due to him becoming a hunting dog, the message isn’t delivered harshly but rather hesitantly, as if a young man unsure of his own decisions. Even when Copper vows revenge against Tod, there is an element of doubt. This stands in stark contrast to the self-assured Mac from The Thing. However, adult Copper strays from Kurt Russell’s usual acting range, and Copper was not his debut role with Disney.

Kurt Russell is a Former Disney Star

Before The Thing, Kurt Russell Lent His Voice to This Classic Disney Movie

Kurt Russell was a child prodigy at Disney, much like today’s stars Zendaya and Zac Efron. His journey with Disney started in 1966 through the film “Follow Me, Boys!“. Impressed by his talent, Walt Disney even signed him to a ten-year contract. Over this period, Russell appeared in various productions such as “The One, and Only Genuine Family Band” and a trilogy of films featuring the character Dexter Reilley, including “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes“, “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t“, and “The Strongest Man in the World“. Just as many young stars struggle to break free from their initial image, Russell likely faced similar challenges. However, his collaborations with John Carpenter, such as “The Thing“, demonstrated his versatility as an actor, leading him to have a diverse and long-lasting career.

In summary, throughout his career, Kurt Russell has revisited his Disney beginnings on several occasions. His performances as superhero dads, such as the villain Ego in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and Steve Stronghold/The Commander in “Sky High,” are fondly remembered by fans. Additionally, he garnered praise for his portrayal of real-life US Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, who led the team to an Olympic gold medal in 1980. Fans may have their personal favorite Kurt Russell roles, ranging from Mac in “The Thing” to Copper in “The Fox and the Hound.” Some of his films, including “The Thing,” didn’t initially find favor but eventually gained a dedicated fanbase. It is undeniable that Russell is a gifted actor with many exciting roles yet to come.

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2024-08-03 21:03