Disney Dispels Rumor of Live-Action BIG HERO 6 Characters in Marvel Cinematic Universe
By Movieguide® Staff
Disney’s 2014 family movie BIG HERO 6, about a young inventor named Hiro and his robot Baymax, became an instant staple within Disney’s broader ecosystem of beloved characters. Although Hiro and Baymax—and their team of science-loving heroes—is a story about superheroes, the studio dispelled recent rumors that they would join the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, according to Variety.
Variety reported: “It’s understandable why there would be so much anticipation for ‘Big Hero 6’ to join the MCU. After Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009, the Disney Animation Studios team hit upon the rather obscure Marvel comics series ‘Big Hero 6’ — which first appeared in 1998 — as a title ripe for adaptation.”
However, Disney’s installment of BIG HERO 6 made several changes from Marvel’s original comic. Their creative liberties moved the setting to the fictional city of San Fransokyo instead of Japan. The animated movie creators also changed Baymax, ditching the comic’s version that saw Hiro’s bodyguard transform into a giant green dragon.
While there are no confirmed plans for a live-action BIG HERO 6, Disney has left the possibility open for the future. Moreover, the studio is not neglecting the family-friendly characters and recently concluded an animated spin-off called BIG HERO 6: THE SERIES. Disney also announced a new Disney+ show called BAYMAX!
Movieguide® recognized BIG HERO 6 as one of the Best Movies for Families of 2014.
Movieguide®’s review reads:
BIG HERO 6 is an excellent Disney animated movie set in a fictional metropolis called San Fransokyo. Hiro is a 14-year-old boy with a gift for robotics. His parents are deceased, so Hiro lives with his older brother and their aunt. Hiro’s brother tries to redirect Hiro’s talents into something constructive. He inspires Hiro to join the university’s robotics program, but a mysterious accident kills the brother in a fire. The only surviving remnant of Hiro’s brother is a creation called Baymax, an inflatable robot built as a healthcare companion. Convinced his brother’s death wasn’t an accident, Hiro turns the huggable Baymax into a fighting machine. He also enlists the help of his brother’s four friends.
BIG HERO 6 is a delightful, charming movie. The positive messages are abundant and include helping others, courage and selflessness. They are combined with some heavier themes and plot elements, including death, revenge and even puberty. The overall result is positive, however, and should spark some good conversation, but caution for younger children is warranted. BIG HERO 6 is meticulously well crafted, entertaining and emotionally powerful.
