Drawing Disney Magic | Tom Bancroft (Mulan, Beauty and the Beast)

This week on Toon’d In!, Jim Cummings welcomes the legendary Disney animator, author, and animation educator Tom Bancroft! Best known for helping bring beloved characters to life during Disney’s modern animation era—and for teaching artists how to create characters with real personality—Tom’s influence on animation stretches far beyond the drawing board.

In this creative and insightful episode, Tom takes us behind the pencil to share his journey from art school dreams to animating on iconic films like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and Mulan. He opens up about breaking into Disney Animation, learning from industry legends, and discovering what truly makes a character feel alive on screen.

Jim and Tom dive deep into the craft of animation, storytelling, and performance—exploring how animators think like actors, how personality shapes design, and why collaboration is at the heart of great animated films. From studio stories and mentorship to writing books that inspire the next generation, this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a genuine love for the art form.

🎨 Ever wondered how animated characters find their soul, what Disney animation is really like behind the scenes, or how to turn passion into a lifelong creative career? Then grab your sketchbook and settle in — this episode is a must-listen for animation fans, artists, and storytellers of all ages. Get Toon’d In!

🎟️ Meet Jim and friends in person!

Catch Jim Cummings at these upcoming conventions:

• Nostalgia Con (Salt Lake City, UT) – March 13–14, 2026

Stay Toon'd for more appearances—because these legends are just getting started!

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