Patrick Stewart Voiced A Stern Disney Character In A Record-Breaking Sequel
by Joe Roberts · /FilmAdd SlashFilm on Google:
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Patrick Stewart passed away at the age of 86 on October 28, 2026, and revisiting his career reveals several overlooked gems. Take his performance in the 2006 direct-to-video "Bambi" sequel "Bambi II," which demonstrated his ability to blend a commanding tone with a compassionate warmth. The film even managed to break a record, though all Disney had to do for that "achievement" was, well, wait.
If you grew up in the 1990s, you'll surely have fond memories of being there for some of Disney's biggest ever releases. "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," and "The Lion King" were just some of the now legendary Mouse House movies to arrive in the '90s and immediately capture the collective imagination of kids worldwide. But the '90s and early 2000s were also the age of the VHS, and rather than simply providing these beloved animated films for home viewing, Disney decided to capitalize on their popularity with a series of much lesser-known sequels overseen by its DisneyToon Studios division. These included follow-ups to the three aforementioned classics, along with sequels to "Cinderella," "Pocahontas," "Lady and the Tramp," "The Little Mermaid," "101 Dalmatians," and "Bambi."
The latter actually holds a record for not only the longest gap between a Disney movie and its sequel but for the longest ever gap between a film and its follow-up. "Bambi II" arrived 63 years and 143 days after the August 13, 1942 release of "Bambi." Little did Walt Disney and his team of animators know back then that their charming and emotionally stirring tale of a lovable deer would one day receive a direct-to-video sequel (one that was actually a "midquel" or "interqual"). At least "Bambi II" benefitted from the prestige that came with Sir Patrick Stewart's involvement.
Patrick Stewart starred as Bambi's dad in Bambi II
"Bambi II" debuted in 2006, well into Disney's DTV sequel phase. The film was directed by Brian Pimental, who had previously worked on "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Goofy Movie," and "Tarzan" before making his directorial debut with the "Bambi" sequel. Rather than picking up where its predecessor had left off, however, "Bambi II" takes place between the death of Bambi's mother and his maturation into a young adult in the original movie. During these lost years, we see how the young fawn (Alexander Gould) is nurtured by his father, The Great Prince of the Forest (Patrick Stewart), and even witness the return of beloved characters from "Bambi" itself, including Thumper the rabbit (Brendon Baerg) and Flower the skunk (Nicky Jones).
At first, Stewart's stag isn't too thrilled at the prospect of having to actually raise his son following Bambi's mother's death — an infamous Disney moment that traumatized generations of children. He even attempts to find a new doe to look after the youngster. But as he and Bambi spend more time together, he steps up to become the mentor his son needs, helping mold the young deer into a worthy successor.
Naturally, Stewart is one of the best things about this little-known sequel, which debuted at an interesting time for the actor. Indeed, "Bambi II" arrived three years after Stewart's personal favorite guest role on the celebrated sitcom "Frasier," which formed part of his post-"Star Trek" attempt to demonstrate his considerable comedic talents in shows such as "Family Guy," "American Dad!," and "Extras." His rendition of The Great Prince of the Forest was, however, a more classic Stewart performance, full of the gravitas and dignity he brought to his renowned stage performances.
Patrick Stewart was the best thing about Bambi II
You'd assume, given his powerful vocal talents, that Patrick Stewart voiced a few Disney characters in his time. But aside from The Great Prince of the Forest, his only major Disney voice role was that of Mr. Woolensworth in 2005's "Chicken Little." Nonetheless, in a making-of featurette, Stewart spoke about being "very excited" by his inclusion in the "Bambi" sequel, and why not? The film might not have lived up to the original, but how could it? What's more, "Bambi II" no doubt brought a lot of joy to kids of the early 2000s — even if some critics were needlessly harsh.
Joe Leydon of Variety, for example, noted how the animated sequel was "conspicuously short on the visual splendor and gentle enchantment that have made the original 1942 animated feature such an enduring classic." He also chided the movie for showcasing "the brightly bland look common to Disney's second-tier vidpic sequels," which makes you wonder what he would make of Disney's more recent live-action remake paroxysm. Still, at least Leydon praised Stewart for being "the most appealing character on view" next to Bambi himself, commending the British actor on an "ace vocal performance." You'd expect nothing less.
Thankfully, this was the last time Disney tried to extend the "Bambi" story. The lovable critter did become a monstrous bipedal deer who stomps on heads in 2025's "Bambi: The Reckoning," but otherwise, he's been left alone since his 2006 sequel. Disney threatened a live action "Bambi" remake in 2020, but that project appears to have been mercifully shelved in the interim.