Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
You can’t make a great movie without great props, and the truly great movies have objects that carry as much cultural cache as its actors. Disney+’s new docuseries Prop Culture aims to shine the spotlight on the historical artifacts that have shaped pop culture by tracking down the items—from puppets and costumes to swords and giant ants—that matter the most in our cultural memory.
Hosted by professional movie prop collector Dan Lanigan, Prop Culture is a cross country tour of movie history, touching on some of the most beloved movie titles in the Disney library. Along the way, Lanigan visits with the people that worked behind-the-scenes to make the movie magic happen, including directors, puppeteers, engineers, costume designers, blacksmiths, and composers. And you bet he gets face time with some of the actors too, including legends like Rock Moranis and Christopher Lloyd.
But which movies are featured in Season 1 of Prop Culture? And what props and faces are featured in every episode? Here’s your quick, handy guide to Prop Culture, now streaming on Disney+.
'Mary Poppins'
Get a look at some of the props and costumes from the classic 1964 movie musical, including the iconic snow globe and Mary’s arrival costume. This episode also features interviews with Karen Dotrice (Jane Banks), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and composer Richard Sherman.
'Tron'
Tron himself, Bruce Boxleitner, reunites and his original movie costume in this episode. You’ll also meet the engineers that brought this movie’s distinct look to life, and you’ll see director Steven Lisberger receive a memorable prop from the sci-fi classic.
'Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Composer Danny Elfman pops up in this behind-the-scenes look at the beloved holiday film. Also featured are the puppets (of course) and the puppeteers that brought the film to life, like armature builder Tom St. Amand and miniatures builder Fon Davis.
Stream Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas on Disney+
'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl'
Did you know that one massive prop from 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean still floats today? It does! Additionally, concept designers Jim Byrkit and Crash McCreery detail the work that went into designing this film, and costume designer Penny Rose and swordsmith Tony Swatton reveal how it came to life.
Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Disney+
'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids'
In this episode, you’ll visit with stop motion masters Phil Tippett and David Sosalla, see the biggest props from this family adventure, and watch as one such prop is restored. But the biggest news of all: this episode features an interview with star Rick Moranis!
'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'
Prop master Sir Richard Taylor guides you through a look at the film’s armory, while director Andrew Adamson returns to the original wardrobe. The episode also holds a reunion between the actors that played the Pevensie siblings, which is a moment fans have been waiting for.
Stream The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on Disney+
'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'
This episode gives screen time to the stars of the film, Charles Fleischer (the voice of Roger Rabbit) and Christopher Lloyd (Judge Doom). You’ll also hang out with animator (and legendary Disney visionary) Andreas Deja and get insight from effects supervisor George Gibbs.
'The Muppet Movie'
Revisit the 1979 film by getting a close look at props like Kermit’s banjo and Fozzie’s Studebaker. You’ll also hear from a trio of legends: Gonzo puppeteer Dave Goelz, songwriter Paul Williams, and influential poster artist Drew Struzan.
