Robert Zemeckis, the acclaimed director of films like “Forrest Gump” and “Here,” has revealed that Disney reportedly no longer utilizes the iconic character Jessica Rabbit in its theme parks or potential film projects. Zemeckis made the comments during a recent appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast while promoting his new film, “Here,” which sees him reuniting with Tom Hanks.

According to Zemeckis, Disney's current stance prevents them from featuring Jessica Rabbit prominently. He specifically cited an incident where they had initially planned to place her in a “trench coach” at Disneyland. This decision, he implied, reflects a broader shift in the company's approach to the character and potentially other similar figures.

Jessica Rabbit, famously featured in Zemeckis' 1989 film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” has long been a beloved figure in popular culture. The character, known for her exaggerated curves and sultry persona, has occasionally appeared in Disney theme parks. However, Zemeckis' comments suggest these appearances have become significantly restricted, potentially due to evolving sensitivities regarding character representation and brand image. The specifics of Disney's internal policy changes regarding Jessica Rabbit were not elaborated on during the podcast interview.

Zemeckis' comments have sparked discussion online about the evolution of Disney’s creative choices and the portrayal of its characters. While the full implications of this reported change remain to be seen, it marks a notable shift in the utilization of a character that has been a staple of Disney's animated legacy for decades.