The self-proclaimed king of pop, Michael Jackson, died in June, but his portrayal of heroic fictional character “Captain EO” is being brought back to life in Anaheim. After months of speculation from the public, and repeated denial by Disney, last month Disneyland’s blog announced the February reintroduction of the 3D attraction to the park.

Disney spokesperson John McClintock said the re-release is a limited-time engagement and gave no closing date for the film.“Our goal is to allow people who have never seen the film the opportunity to experience it for the first time. We also expect a large number of longtime fans who are anxious to see it again,” McClintock said.


Neil Middleton, 24, works in Disneyland’s entertainment department and attends Cal State Fullerton as an entertainment studies major. “I think it will be a great way for the park to bring in old fans and gain new ones. I think his death created a new element for viewership,” Middleton said.


Like many members of younger generations, Middleton himself has only seen the film on YouTube.


“I appreciate his art and his work. It’s exciting for me, now that I’m older, to be able to see it now in its original form in the park that Michael Jackson himself loved so much,” Middleton said.


The 17-minute film ran at Disney’s parks from 1986 to 1997.


When asked if the film’s 13-year hiatus was a result of controversy surrounding Jackson at the time, McClintock said its retirement was due to the need for space for the “Honey I Shrunk the Audience” attraction, which was closed Jan. 4 to make way for its previous and near-future resident, Captain EO.


The film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola of “Godfather” fame and written by Star Wars’ George Lucas. Oscar award-winning actress Angelica Huston portrays the evil witch in the short movie to whom Jackson’s Captain EO must defeat for the sake of the universe.


Two of MJ’s own songs are featured in the galactic dancing sensation, including “Another Part of Me,” from his 1987 album, Bad.


The attraction includes fog, lasers and galactic stars, and with the use of 3D glasses, the audience is pulled into the middle of the adventure.


Kyle Reynolds, 27, a CSUF aluminus and cast member at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland attractions, has seen the film many times over the years it was in residence at the park.


“I remember seeing the lights turn into stars in the theatre and the magic of the entire planet’s transformation at the end. I am absolutely thrilled to see its return,” Reynolds said.
With the opportunity to bring in new fans and remind fans of the 1980s and ’90s of the film, Reynolds believes the older generations of EO lovers can introduce their own children to the film.