With films like Doctor Strange And the Multiverse of Madness bringing together famous characters across different oceans of media together, it's no surprise that the Rescue Rangers movie what do the exact same thing. However, Disney arguably has a lot more to play with than the MCU. Case in point, all the characters that appear in Disney+'s latest reboot.
The movie could easily be considered this generation's Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and rightfully so. With so many cameos and ing characters, the film not only brings back Chip and Dale, but a whole host of familiar animated faces as well.
Roger Rabbit
Getting the most obvious point out of the way, Roger Rabbit had to have made a guest appearance in this world where toons and humans live together in the same space. But to say it wasn't nice seeing the goofy guy making a comeback would be untrue, especially since he evoked so much Disney nostalgia.
As displayed in the movie's trailer, Roger is seen doing the dance that bears his namesake in a flashback depicting the Rescue Rangers' heyday. With any luck, the success of this love letter to '90s nostalgia will bring Roger back to the forefront and viewers can see him again.
The Three Little Pigs
Roger Rabbit isn't the only celebrity seen at Chip and Dale's party in the opening scenes, in fact, it's a regular who's-who of stars of the era. However, there are a few guests whose careers go back further than just the '80s or '90s. Getting down on the dance floor are The Three Little Pigs from one of Walt Disney's original Silly Symphonies.
While this certainly isn't the first animated feature the porcine pals have appeared in, it's obvious they're still finding work in an age of more modern characters and animation techniques. They're called classic for a reason, after all.
Baloo
Dale wasn't the only character to get the CGI makeover treatment, as clearly demonstrated by the jungle's most famous bear, Baloo. Although a reference is made to his time on the Disney afternoon in Talespin, he clearly retained the look bestowed upon him by Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book.
His performance in the movie shows that he's not forgotten his fans, even after making the transition to a more modern appearance. He even goes as far as to treat the audience to a rendition of "The Bare Necessities" for good measure. He's definitely a healthy slice of fan service.
Lumiere
For a toon who starred in the only animated feature to be nominated for best picture at the Oscars, it seems like Lumiere would have more than just a rinky-dink table at a comic convention. Even so, it's been a while since many fans have probably seen the original cast of Beauty and the Beast.
Although he might've fallen on hard times, it's good to see that the famous singing candlestick hasn't lost his spark. On the other hand, it's a little strange to think his human form was only temporary. Maybe he was going for a more marketable image.
Flounder
For a film that can be absurdly goofy at times, it's kind of shocking to see just how many toons have been involved with some less than savory activities, i.e. Monterey Jack's cheese addiction. Unfortunately, it seems like the same fate has befallen Ariel's beloved Flounder, as he is one of the first to be kidnapped by the infamous Valley Gang.
While a krill fixation probably isn't the most grievous offense a toon can commit in this world, the idea that the pudgy fish could be involved with a criminal organization is certainly surprising. At least he's not embezzling money like Jack Skellington.
Scrooge McDuck
Fresh from the Ducktales reboot, it's no surprise that a character like Scrooge McDuck would find himself in a Turkish bath, especially in his own private tub full of gold coins. Although he's more of an Easter egg than an actual player in the plot, or if it's still fun to see him in a natural habitat.
He's not the only star of the Disney Afternoon to appear in the film but, other than Chip and Dale, he's probably the most obvious. It's enough to make a fan wonder what happened to characters like Launchpad or Huey, Dewey, and Louie in this universe.
Pumbaa
It might've been a blatant excuse to include more of Seth Rogen's characters as a sly, not-so-subtle wink to the audience, but seeing as how Baloo underwent his CGI treatment, it makes sense that Pumbaa would have gotten the same treatment. That being said, it's a little bit too obvious as to why he was featured.
With all the love for the '80s and '90s, the film clearly has, this could have been a great opportunity to feature the original Timon and Pumbaa somewhere in the mix, acting in a sort of Statler and Waldorf role. Unfortunately, Rogen ends up being the focal point of a lukewarm joke.
Pete
Audience should be aware of two things when they see Pete's cameo in the bootleg studio scene. One, he's the only Disney character not to get horribly mangled by Sweet Pete's alteration machine. Two, he's willingly participating to earn himself a little extra limelight.
It's a great cameo, but it also means that Pete is capable of some pretty scummy things to maintain his villainous status. At least it looks like he's having fun starring in his own ripoff of Aladdin. Kidnapping Minnie Mouse must not pay the bills as much as it used to.
Darkwing Duck
This might be a subtle tease to a possible sequel, but it's still absolutely delightful to see Darkwing Duck amongst the plethora of Disney characters that make an appearance throughout the film. However, it's a bit surprising to see him not have the fan following that he deserves.
With a reboot series teased with the Ducktales reboot, it seems logical that fans would already be flocking to him or he'd already be one of the animated elite. Call it an easter egg, call it a sequel tease, but it's clear that Darkwing's not down yet.
Peter Pan
There's no getting away from it, but the film's most blatant and obvious cameo is Peter Pan, now reinvented as Sweet Pete. While certain circles of Disney fans have known for years that Peter Pan was always the villain, Disney finally went out and said it with this reimagining of The Boy Who Never Grew Up.
Will Arnett's portrayal of an adult Peter Pan can be described as "pleasantly cringey," and his rise and fall from fame and glory makes him a great villainous foil for Chip and Dale to defeat. That being said, it's still a little unsettling to learn that Peter Pan lost it all just for growing up.
