Disney’s ‘Soul’ Director Reveals Real Historical Figures Influence The Film

The historical figures help Tina Fey's character says the 'Soul' co-director.

Disney Soul

One of the co-directors behind Disney’s Soul revealed that a number of real-life historical figures influence the souls before they head to Earth.

With Disney’s Soul heading to Disney Plus later this year, fans are excited to see what kind of adventure is in store for Jamie Foxx’s Joe Gardner when he heads to The Great Before. And according to co-director of the film, Kemp Powers, real historical figures have a part to play in the ethereal world as they mentor souls. The other co-director, Pete Docter, noted that Tina Fey’s character, 22, has had an “impressive list of mentors—from Archimedes to Mother Teresa.”

Soul co-director Kemp Powers explained that in The Great Before, historical figures who achieved incredible things or made an extraordinary difference with their lives are called on to mentor the souls before they head to Earth. Although apparently Tina Fey’s 22 is reluctant to leave the safety of The Great Before and has worked with a number of mentors, which is obviously where Jamie Foxx’s character comes in as part of his adventure. Take a look at the director discussing the historical figures in Disney’s Soul below.

“The Counselors at The Great Before call on mentors to help inspire these souls—extraordinary people in history like Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King Jr. And that’s worked for every single soul except 22, who’s a bit like a petulant pre-teen. And she definitely, without a doubt, has no desire to go to Earth.”

Are you excited to see Disney’s Soul when it arrives on the streaming service? What do you want to see from the film? What do you make of the cast? Sound-off in the comments below!

Here is the synopsis for Disney and Pixar’s Soul:

What is it that makes you…YOU? This November, Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Directed by Peter Docter and Kemp Powers, Soul stars Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Questlove, Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs, and Angela Bassett.

Soul will be released December 25 on Disney Plus. Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for all the latest news surrounding Disney’s upcoming slate and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube for exclusive video content.

Eammon Jacobs

Eammon Jacobs

British dork who can be found online raving about how good Tron: Legacy is.