Upcoming Pixar, via a French Disney/Pixar site, have posted the first look at the villain Muntz of their upcoming animated film, “Up,” in toy form. Those of us who saw the first 45 minutes of the film at NY Comic Con, only got to glimpse the character (as voiced by Christopher Plummer) as the youthful, monster-chasing adventurer. Apparently, times have changed, and all that unchecked idealism in his heart has curdled into vile treachery.
According to first hand information we received, Muntz’s motivation is something the Pixarians are very concerned about, since he starts the movie as a hero and returns as a villain. They’re working hard to correct this tone problem and flesh out his character before the film’s premiere in May (according to reports at this past weekend’s Wonder Con, they’re about five weeks away from finishing the film). Pixar is pretty good about correcting problems like this, so we’re not too worried. Still, this is cutting it pretty close.
As for the look of Muntz, well, he’s an old man. Design-wise, there’s not much to say. Clicking on the link, however, will let you gander at Muntz’s dogs (one of whom is voiced by Delroy Lindo), who pretty much stole the show in the footage we saw. – Drew Taylor
