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Baymax!

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the titular character, see Baymax (Disney).

Baymax!
Genre
Created byDon Hall
Based on
Written byCirocco Dunlap
Voices of
ComposerDominic Lewis
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Roy Conli (1–3)
  • Bradford Simonsen (4–6)
Cinematography
  • Jennifer Yu Farr
  • Scott Beattie
  • Rob Dressel
Editors
  • Sarah K. Reimers
  • Shannon Stein
Running time10-11 minutes
Production companyWalt Disney Animation Studios
Original release
NetworkDisney+
ReleaseJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Related

Baymax! is an American animated superhero science fiction comedy television series created by Don Hall that premiered on Disney+ on June 29, 2022, featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The series is a spin-off of the animated feature film Big Hero 6 (2014), and the second television series set in the film's continuity following Big Hero 6: The Series (2017–2021). The series is the first television series produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Synopsis

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The series follows nurse robot Baymax as he helps people in the city of San Fransokyo.[1]

Voice cast

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Main article: List of Disney's Big Hero 6 characters

Episodes

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All episodes are written by Cirocco Dunlap.[5]

No.TitleDirected by [6]Animation supervised byOriginal release date [6]
1"Cass"Dean WellinsDavid Stodolny and Malerie WaltersJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Aunt Cass sprains her ankle while working at the Lucky Cat Café. Baymax puts her out of commission while he runs the business, but Cass refuses to sit down and tries to help her customers, only for Baymax to continuously stop her. Cass sprains her ankle even worse and admits that she is afraid of losing customers. Baymax comforts her and she learns that the customers made a get well video for her until she recovers.
2"Kiko"Dean WellinsDavid Stodolny and Malerie WaltersJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Retiree Kiko Tanaka is confronted by Baymax after she yelps in pain. He suggests going to the swimming center next door, but she refuses, claiming she has aquaphobia. Baymax tries to "help" her, and she proceeds to follow him to pop him. However, they end up in the swimming center and Kiko admits that she has sad memories of not joining her deceased husband in swimming. Baymax offers to swim with her and she agrees.
3"Sofia"Lissa TreimanDavid Stodolny and Malerie WaltersJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Pre-teen Sofia has her first period just before the talent show. Baymax arrives and offers his help by going out and buying her tampons. Her friend Ali tries to offer support, but to no avail. Sofia admits that she is afraid of growing up and changing, but Baymax tells her that just because her body is changing, does not mean she has to. With newfound confidence Sofia rejoins Ali for the talent show.
4"Mbita"Dan AbrahamHenry Sanchez and Boris MarasJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Mbita runs a food truck that only serves fish soup. On an ordinary day, Mbita is shocked to discover that he has an allergic reaction to fish. He attempts to outrun Baymax who is trying to help him, and he manages to calm down and voices his fear of embracing change. Baymax gives him the confidence he needs to change his menu options and even asks out fellow vendor Yukio on a date.
5"Yachi" (Part 1) Mark KennedyHenry Sanchez and Boris MarasJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
A stray cat named Yachi accidentally swallows a bluetooth earphone. Baymax then proceeds to follow the cat throughout San Fransokyo, while Yachi visibly wishes for a home. Baymax chases her into a condemned warehouse and manages to catch and rub the earphone out of her. However, Baymax begins to suffer from low battery and fails to reach a charger. Yachi steals his lollipop and leaves him behind.
6"Baymax" (Part 2) Dean WellinsHenry Sanchez and Boris MarasJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Hiro realizes that Baymax has not returned home. He recruits Cass, Kiko, Mbita and Sofia, based on where Baymax has been, and they go searching for him. Kiko finds Yachi and she leads them to the warehouse that is about to be demolished. Together, the group make a plan to rescue Baymax and successfully do so. They return him to his charger where he tells them that he is "satisfied with his care".

Production

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Development

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On December 10, 2020, Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jennifer Lee announced during an Investor's Day livestream that a new show entitled Baymax!, based on the 2014 film Big Hero 6 is in development for Disney+.[7][8] Big Hero 6 co-director Don Hall will serve as creator and co-executive producer, the latter alongside Lee, for the series.[1] The idea for a Baymax series was pitched by Hall, who "thought it would be fun to do a Disney+ series with Baymax interacting with normal folks".[9][5] He also wanted the series to center on Baymax due to feeling that its predecessor, Big Hero 6: The Series, "had explored so many great roads" and characters within the franchise's universe.[10] Big Hero 6 producer Roy Conli returns to produce.[5]

It is the first television series to ever be produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios; and is also the first spinoff series to actually be produced by the studio itself, as most television series based on films in the Disney animated features canon - including Big Hero 6: The Series - are mainly done by Disney Television Animation.[1] As such, the production team had to adapt to working in an episodic storytelling format,[11] which Conli described as "a great exercise in storytelling" that gave the studio "the opportunity to tell stories in different ways".[12] The producers also used the episodic format as a way to allow employees within the studio to make their directorial debuts.[9] Several story artists from the film pitched approximately 20 ideas for stories, of which they picked six that followed a "thematic arc". Some of the artists who did pitches were hired to direct episodes based on their ideas.[13]

Writing

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The series centers on Baymax's main programming as a nurse robot, exploring the city of San Fransokyo and finding patients that "don't want to be helped",[14] with series writer Cirocco Dunlap adding that their refusal comes from denial, stating that "[they're] scared, [they] don't want to face reality, [they] can't afford the consequences — the denial runs deep".[12] Hall said that, through the series, Baymax attempts to help people with their physical ailments "and in the process, gets to a deeper, more emotional place" that allows his patients to grow as people.[14] Associate producer Bradford Simonsen said they wanted Baymax to be good-intentioned but näive, and that the stories for every episode developed in unexpected yet heartfelt ways,[12] and Hall described the series as centering on the relationship between Baymax and his patients.[15] Hall's pitch for the series was more comedic in tone, with the more emotional aspects being added by Dunlap after he asked her to write the series. Both Hall and Conli felt Dunlap's contributions made the series closer in tone to the original film.[16]

The producers wanted to depict the topics featured in each episode in a careful manner.[12] For the third episode, they wanted to avoid depicting menstrual periods as shameful, with Dunlap describing its depiction as important to her.[12] Similarly, for the fourth episode, they aimed to depict fish allergy as something alarming while audiences were still able to enjoy the episode.[12] Unlike the film, the series does not feature superhero elements, with Hall instead wanting it to be more reminiscent of the medical procedurals he watched in his childhood.[15]

Casting

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On May 20, 2022, it was confirmed that Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, and Maya Rudolph would reprise their roles as Baymax, Hiro, and Cass, respectively, while it was also announced that Zeno Robinson, Lilimar, Jaboukie Young-White, and Emily Kuroda joined the cast.[17] Lilimar was cast after the producers heard her audition tape, after which they felt she was able to accurately portray the character's intelligence and age.[12]

Animation

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According to visual effects supervisor Mohit Kallianpur, the animators reused assets from Big Hero 6, but the data had to be updated due to changes in technology since the film's release.[12] After converting the data, the animators tested it and treated any errors found.[12] Conli further explained that the animators reused models from the first film when possible, and created new models when required.[11]

For the designs for the new characters, the animators reused models featured in crowds within the original film.[11] According to Simonsen, the process required coordination with the directors; while the directors were developing the story for each episode, the producers would give them a series of background characters they felt would fit the story, after which the directors would pick the model.[11]

Music

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Dominic Lewis, who previously provided additional music for the original film, composed the score for the series by May 2022.[18] The soundtrack for the series was released on June 29, 2022.[19]

Baymax!
Soundtrack album by
Dominic Lewis
ReleasedJune 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)
Recorded2021–2022
GenreSoundtrack
Length30:48
LabelWalt Disney
ProducerDominic Lewis

Track listing

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No.TitleLength
1."Baymax"0:32
2."Water Phobia"0:39
3."Let's Go Kiko"1:33
4."Truth"1:49
5."The Lucky Cat"0:59
6."New Employee"1:14
7."Secret Worker"0:50
8."All Love"1:52
9."Bandages"1:51
10."Choices Choices"0:56
11."Creciendo"2:37
12."Fish Fingers"1:17
13."Ladle of Love"2:24
14."Yachi"2:16
15."Out of B B B Battery"1:17
16."Recruits"1:59
17."Cat-astrophe Avoided"4:40
18."Little Hero 6"1:53
Total length:30:48

Release

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Baymax! was released on June 29, 2022, on Disney+, and consists of six episodes.[6] The first episode premiered on June 17, 2022, during the Annecy Film Festival.[9]

Marketing

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The teaser trailer was released by Walt Disney Animation Studios' YouTube channel on November 12, 2021, which was Disney+ Day.[7] An official trailer was released on May 20, 2022, during the National Streaming Day.[20]

Reception

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Audience viewership

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According to Whip Media's viewership tracking app TV Time, Baymax! was the fifth most anticipated new television series of June 2022.[21]

Critical response

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On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a rating of 100% fresh based on six critics, with an average rating of 8.3/10.[22]

Sam Stone of CBR.com felt creator and Big Hero 6 co-director Don Hall brought "the same attention to detail, effortless charm, and genuine heart" to the series as the original film, praising its emotional depth and short runtime, which Stone felt prevented the series from becoming formulaic.[23] Jeff Ewing of Forbes described the series as "an unsurprisingly gorgeous season", calling the episodes "cute" and able to capture the titular character's charm, highlighting "Sofia" and "Mbita" as the series' "most touching episodes", and praising its animation and voice acting, though he felt the series was not able to properly expand the franchise's universe.[24] Raven Brunner of Game Rant said that the series "embraces the naivety and wholeheartedness of adolescence while further developing the Big Hero 6 world" and that "is a delightful reintroduction" to the Big Hero 6 franchise. She also praised the final episode for allowing the stories from the previous episodes to "eventually [come] together in a way that is deeply reflective of the show's values", as well as the series' racial and LGBTQ+ diversity.[25]

Polly Conway of Common Sense Media rated the series 4 out of 5 stars, praised the depiction of positive messages and role models, citing persistence and empathy, and complimented the diverse representations across the characters.[26] Matt Fowler of IGN rated the first season of the series 8 out of 10, found agreeable the interactions between the characters, and praised the show for its humor and animation, writing, "Baymax! is light, fluffy short-form warmth that humorously fulfills our need to feel taken care of, watched after, and held accountable."[27]

The third episode "Sofia" aroused controversy and criticism due to its depiction of a transgender man wearing a trans pride shirt and discussing his preferred type of tampon. Others praised the depiction.[28][29]

Accolades

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Award Date of Ceremony Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Annie Awards February 5, 2023 Best TV/Media - Limited Series "Sofia" Nominated [30]
Best Direction - TV/Media Lissa Treiman Nominated
Best Writing - TV/Media Cirocco Dunlap Nominated
Children's and Family Emmy Awards December 16–17, 2023 Outstanding Children's or Young Teen Animated Series Baymax Nominated [31]
Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program Cirocco Dunlap Won
Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program Dean Wellins Nominated
Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program Sarah Reimers and Shannon Stein Won
Golden Trailer Awards October 6, 2022 Best Animation/Family for a TV/Streaming Series Baymax Nominated [32][33]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Pearson, Ben (December 10, 2020). "'Baymax!' and 'Zootopia+' Animated TV Shows Coming to Disney+". SlashFilm. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Directo-Meston, Danielle (June 29, 2022). "How to Watch 'Big Hero 6' Sequel Series 'Baymax!' Online". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  3. ^ Dykes, Macy (June 11, 2022). "'Baymax!': Trailer, Release Date, and Everything We Know So Far About the 'Big Hero 6' Series". Collider. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e Gugliersi, Antonella (June 29, 2022). "Baymax Cast Guide: Where You Know The Voices From". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Milligan, Mercedes (May 20, 2022). "Trailer: 'Baymax' Is Back in New 'Big Hero 6' Series on Disney+". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "Shows A-Z - baymax! on disney plus". The Futon Critic. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Massoto, Erick (November 12, 2021). "'Baymax!' Series Trailer Has Everyone's Favorite 'Big Hero 6' Health Care Robot Helping Others". Collider. Archived from the original on November 24, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (December 11, 2020). "'Baymax!', 'Tiana', 'Moana' & 'Zootopia+' Series Set For Disney+". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c Reif, Alex (June 17, 2022). "Annecy 2022 Recap: Walt Disney Animation Studios Gives First Look at "Strange World," "Baymax!," and "Zootopia+"". Laughing Place. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  10. ^ "Baymax! Interview with Don Hall and Roy Conli". Opentapes. June 29, 2022. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d Joseph, Leryl (July 6, 2022). "Walt Disney Animation Studios Shows Another Side of Heroism in Baymax!". Disney News. Disney. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Walt Disney Animation Studios (2021). "Disney Baymax! Production Brief" (PDF) (Press release). Archived (PDF) from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  13. ^ Baymax! and Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | What's Up, Disney+, July 14, 2022, archived from the original on July 14, 2022, retrieved July 14, 2022
  14. ^ a b Martin, Annie (May 20, 2022). "'Baymax!' trailer shows 'Big Hero 6' character try to help others". UPI. Archived from the original on May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  15. ^ a b Carter, Kevin (June 27, 2022). "Baymax! Creators Discuss The Show's Focus On Healthcare Providers As Heroes - The Illuminerdi". The Illuminerdi. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  16. ^ Saunders, Ashley (June 27, 2022). "Don Hall and Roy Conli On The Heart Of The Baymax Series". With Ashley And Company. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  17. ^ Campione, Katie (May 20, 2022). "Baymax Sets Out to Save the City in New Series Trailer". TheWrap. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  18. ^ "Dominic Lewis Scoring Disney+'s 'Baymax!'". Film Music Reporter. May 21, 2022. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  19. ^ "'Baymax!' Soundtrack Album Details". Film Music Reporter. June 28, 2022. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  20. ^ Ridlehoover, John (May 20, 2022). "'Baymax!' Trailer Reveals the Return of 'Big Hero 6's Cuddly Super-Robot". Collider. Archived from the original on June 17, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  21. ^ Prange, Stephanie (May 26, 2022). "Disney+'s 'Ms. Marvel' Top New Show, Netflix's 'The Umbrella Academy' Top Returning Show Anticipated in June". Media Play News. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  22. ^ "BAYMAX!: SEASON 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  23. ^ Stone, Sam (June 29, 2022). "REVIEW: Baymax! Brings the Inflatable Character on Heartfelt Adventures on Disney+". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  24. ^ Ewing, Jeff (June 29, 2022). "Review: Baymax! Is A Charming, Limited, But Still Enjoyable Set of Vignettes". Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022 – via Forbes.com.
  25. ^ Brunner, Raven (June 29, 2022). "Baymax! Review". Game Rant. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  26. ^ Conway, Polly. "Baymax! TV Review". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  27. ^ Fowler, Matt (June 29, 2022). "Baymax! Season 1 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  28. ^ Dodge, John (June 30, 2022). "Baymax! Scene Featuring Trans Man and Period Products Fuels Online Discussion". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  29. ^ ElGenaidi, Deena (June 29, 2022). "Fans Praise Baymax! for Featuring a Transmasculine Character Buying Menstrual Pads". Primetimer. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  30. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (February 26, 2023). "'Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio' Wins Five Trophies Including the Top Prize at the 50th Annie Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  31. ^ "2nd Children's & Family Emmy Awards Announce Nominees". Animation Magazine. November 2, 2023. Archived from the original on November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  32. ^ Davis, Clayton (August 2, 2022). "Golden Trailer Awards: The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick Among Nominees, Disney Leads for Studios (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  33. ^ "Winners of the 22nd Annual Golden Trailer Awards" (PDF). Golden Trailer Awards. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
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