Following Disney’s Annual Shareholder Meeting, D23 held a special member preview of Maleficent. The new trailer was presented during the meeting and received a great reaction so I was curious to see what the D23 members had to say.

Disney fans, much like fans of any entertainment property, don’t like it when you mess with the classics. Just look at Star Wars fans and how they reacted to the changes he made to Star Wars. Well let’s just say when it comes to this film, Disney fans seems to be more accommodating.

While Maleficent is obviously inspired by the villain created for Disney’s 1959 Sleeping Beauty it does not take place in the same universe. This gives freedom to the new film to tell a new story without be held to fit within a certain continuity while also allowing the classic to stand on its own.

But back to the event, as attendees walked in they were given Maleficent “ears” and ushered into the main theater. Don Hahn, an executive producer on the film, discussed the development of the film, artistic development, and star Angelina Jolie. He also showed one of the most memorable scenes of Maleficent; the curse. The scene where Maleficent is rather distressed at not receiving an invitation resulting in her cursing young Aurora is amazing. It features imagery, dialogue, and colors that evoke the scene from the animated classic. While familiar, the tension is bumped up a few notches making the scene even more dramatic.

The preview glimpse was very brief but memorable. Guests where then escorted to the upstairs lobby for some dessert. Surrounding the reception where costumes and props from the upcoming movie. Don Hahn was also present to interact with fans and to sign a few Maleficent “ears”.

Don Hahn is a Disney royalty having produced Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King during the second golden age of Disney animation. However he has struggled with his recent work with The Haunted Mansion and Frankenweenie disappointing at the box office. Because of this reason, I hope Maleficent hits. Few can rival the kindness and fan friendliness of Don Hahn. He is one of the good guys. Luckily, the film looks good so this may be the key to launching the second golden age of Don Hahn.