Credit: The Salvation Poem Project / DisneyIt sounds like the kind of twist you’d only see in a movie: an animator who helped bring The Lion King (1994), Mulan (1998), and Aladdin (1992) to life suddenly walking away from Disney. For Tom Bancroft, that’s precisely what happened.
Known for his work on Mushu the dragon, young Simba, and even Jafar’s sly sidekick Abu, this famous animator left behind the glitz of Disney to pursue something he says means even more—a hand-drawn animated feature about Jesus.
“I never thought I wanted to do this film,” Bancroft admitted. “It’s kind of a dream project I didn’t know I was dreaming. And it’s something I’m probably prouder of than even The Lion King.”
The Disney Renaissance Era
To understand the weight of Bancroft’s decision, you have to look back at the era he helped shape. Disney’s 1990s “Renaissance” wasn’t just successful; it redefined animation. Films like Beauty and the Beast (1991), Pocahontas (1995), and Brother Bear (2003) gave audiences sweeping musical numbers, bold visuals, and timeless characters.
Bancroft’s fingerprints are on many of these projects. Mushu’s wisecracking humor in Mulan balanced the film’s heavier themes of war and honor. Young Simba carried the emotional arc of The Lion King (1994). These weren’t just cartoons; they were cultural touchstones.
Why He Walked Away
Despite all the acclaim, Bancroft’s convictions started to clash with Disney’s direction. He spent 12 years at the studio, but one moment in 2000 became a turning point. While working on a short story about John Henry that included themes of faith, an executive told him the religious element made them feel “uncomfortable.”
“That really slammed into my face,” Bancroft recalled. “Honestly, six months from then, I left Disney, and it was because of that day.”
He had always defended Disney’s use of cultural and spiritual themes in films like Pocahontas and Mulan. But when Christianity was central to a narrative, it was sidelined. That realization and his personal faith journey convinced him he couldn’t keep walking the same path.
Anchored by Faith
Bancroft has been open about balancing work, family, and faith. He poured himself into animation during Disney’s peak years but admitted that his career became a form of idolatry. “I was worshiping my career, not God,” he reflected in past interviews.
Walking away meant leaving behind the biggest studio in animation. But for Bancroft, it also meant gaining the freedom to create in alignment with his beliefs. That shift eventually led him to co-found TenNapel Bancroft Productions and work with faith-based studios like VeggieTales.
A New Dream: Light of the World
Now, Bancroft has co-directed Light of the World (2025), a 2D animated feature about Jesus’ life as seen through the eyes of the Apostle John. The film explores John’s friendship with Jesus, his heartbreak at the crucifixion, and his eventual understanding of its meaning. It’s designed as a coming-of-age story and spiritual journey, inviting families to experience the Gospel through fresh, timeless animation.
“Honestly, it’s just how Disney would have done it in the ’90s—without the musical,” Bancroft said.
The film intentionally mirrors the golden era of animation with brush-like textures and a hand-drawn style, giving it a nostalgic warmth rarely seen today. It premiered at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., before its September 5 nationwide release, earning early praise for its artistry and heartfelt storytelling.
Audiences Are There for Christian Films
Skeptics may wonder whether a Jesus-focused animated film can draw modern audiences. But recent trends prove there’s an appetite. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever scored an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the animated King of Kings (2025) pulled in $76.8 million at the box office.
Faith-based films are carving out a consistent niche, attracting families hungry for alternatives to mainstream entertainment. Bancroft believes Light of the World fits that space perfectly—an uplifting story with timeless values told in the style parents grew up loving.
A Clash of Values
Bancroft’s journey highlights a larger cultural shift. Disney, long associated with magical storytelling, has faced criticism for its handling of faith and family values. Some fans argue the company has drifted from the ideals that once made its stories resonate across generations.
While the studio continues to evolve with the times, Bancroft represents a creator unwilling to compromise on his beliefs, choosing instead to pursue projects that reflect his convictions.
For him, the choice wasn’t about rejecting Disney’s legacy but aligning with a higher purpose that places faith and authenticity above mainstream success. “This honestly is the film I never thought I wanted to do,” he said, noting that Light of the World might be the work he’s most proud of in his entire career—a statement that underscores how deeply personal this project is to him.
Full Circle
From Mulan and The Lion King to Light of the World, Tom Bancroft’s career shows what happens when an artist puts conviction before comfort. His decision to leave his dream job at Disney wasn’t easy, but it allowed him to create a film that he believed could change lives.
In his words, the kind of project makes him prouder than even the biggest blockbusters he helped animate. And that says everything about where his priorities now lie.