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Photo: First Look at Tom Hanks playing Walt Disney in Disneyland while filming for “Saving Mr. Banks”

in Entertainment, Events, Movies, The Walt Disney Company, Theme Parks

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 16 Comments
A sharply dressed gentleman stands outside with hands clasped, radiating the classic charm of Walt Disney as seen in "Saving Mr. Banks," while park guests stroll by in the lively atmosphere reminiscent of Main Street, U.S.A.

Walt Disney has returned to Disneyland for the first time in decades, as Disney magic meets movie magic. The upcoming film “Saving Mr. Banks” began filming inside Disneyland today, with Tom Hanks portraying the role of Walt himself.

Twitter user Melissa Farley (@MelFarleyActor) managed to snap a first-look photo of Hanks, suited up for the role, as he passed by during production:

A well-dressed man, applauding and holding a cup, stands in an open area at a Disney park with guests strolling behind him—his demeanor and style evoke Tom Hanks as Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks.

For comparison, here’s a vintage photo of Walt, with a few classic characters, in the park decades ago:

Mickey Mouse and beloved Disney characters pose with a guest in front of Disneyland’s iconic castle, capturing the enchanting atmosphere that Walt Disney envisioned and Tom Hanks famously brought to life in Saving Mr. Banks.

According to signs posted around the theme park, select areas of Disneyland that will be affected by the ongoing filming include Main Street, USA, Main Street Vehicles, Carnation Cafe, Plaza Inn, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasyland, and Astro Orbitor.

Retro-dressed extras are also in the park as part of the shoot, as seen in this photo from @MouseWait:

Guests dressed in vintage attire stroll by Disneyland’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle beneath a bright blue sky, capturing the nostalgic magic often seen in classic Disney films like Saving Mr. Banks, where Walt Disney’s legacy comes alive at the heart of the park.

Many of the extras were hired internally from Disneyland’s own Cast Members, having taken part in a casting call a few weeks ago.

UPDATE (11/8/12) – Here’s an excellent collage of photos snapped during filming by @thedisneyresort, including a ’60s style Snow White (portrayed by an actual Disneyland “friend of” the character):

Collage of guests enjoying Disneyland, featuring a figure channeling Walt Disney in a classic suit—evoking Tom Hanks from Saving Mr. Banks—and Snow White greeting visitors by Sleeping Beauty Castle.

(Click to enlarge)

The story told in “Saving Mr. Banks” is that of Disney wooing “Mary Poppins” creator P.L. Travers, played by Emma Thompson. The film began production in September, recently shooting in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, recreating the 1964 premiere of the film.

“Saving Mr. Banks” is scheduled for a holiday release, due to hit theaters on Dec. 20, 2013.

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