Discover the Hidden Star Trek Connection in Disney’s Flopped Atlantis Movie!

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In a similar vein, not many movies ignited and faded as swiftly as Disney’s did. This pseudo-steampunk adventure film found itself in a challenging position when it was released in 2001, sandwiched between Shrek and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Critics were unkind, and the competition was fierce, causing this one-of-a-kind story to falter, barely recovering its significant production costs. Yet, over time, Atlantis has undergone a refreshing reappraisal. Although the waters haven’t parted significantly, this maritime adventure has garnered a loyal fanbase, becoming a beloved cult classic.

This unique animation production has a significant role in animation history and carries some cultural influence due to its release during studios’ sudden shift towards CGI. Similar to “Treasure Planet,” this movie remains a puzzling pioneer. It showcased some of Disney’s initial significant online marketing strategies, was one of the few traditionally animated films made with . Its visual style was heavily influenced by Mike Mignola of “Hellboy” fame. Interestingly, there is a connection that many fans might not be aware of, and it’s subtly embedded in the film’s fictional Atlantean language.

Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire Marked a Change in the Studio’s Animation

  • Cree Summer considers Kida her favorite role. She also (rightfully) sees her as a Disney princess, although the company has largely ignored the character’s existence.
  • The crew’s dedication to defying Disney’s typical “family musical” narrative style extended to their wardrobes. Animators created and wore tongue-in-cheek shirts reading, “ATLANTIS — Fewer songs, more explosions.”

Similar to numerous Disney animated films from the 2000s, Atlantis deviates from the studio’s usual narrative strategies. Instead of incorporating songs and dance numbers, it emphasizes action, plunging viewers into an underwater world. The plot, set around 1914, centers on a troubled, motley team aboard the submarine Ulysses.

In the storyline, Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke (played by James Garner), who’s a confirmed ex-Marine, appears to be the one in charge of the team. However, it’s Milo Thatch (portrayed by Michael J. Fox), an unusual linguist and mapmaker, who is the true mastermind guiding the mission. Given the movie’s title, it’s not unexpected that Atlantis turns out to be a reality in this fictional world.

Yet, they’ll be astonished by its stunning Meso-American-inspired appearance. The underwater civilization boasts breathtaking landscapes and technology that subtly echoes Hayao Miyazaki’s Laputa concept, though with a noticeably metallic slant. Its inhabitants, including the enchanting Princess, are equally mesmerizing. This realm also shelters a diverse range of advanced technologies, some of which could be catastrophic.

In a present-day setting, it appears that catastrophic weaponry has become commonplace, yet these dangerous tools are securely stored by the now tranquil society. Regrettably, Rourke is doggedly determined to seize these weapons for the U.S. military. This relentless and thoughtless chase for annihilation serves as the core conflict driving the narrative of the film.

The Secret Link Between Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Star Trek

  • Michael J. Fox had to choose between a role in Atlantis: The Lost Empire or Titan A.E. He left the decision to his son, and the rest is cinematic history.
  • Reports from 2002 suggested that Disney would replace the then-closed “Submarine Voyage” ride with an Atlantis tie-in. However, the idea was cancelled in the film’s wake of financial failure.

Beyond the period-appropriate (and later justified) critique of Atlantis, one might say that building its world was a testament to maximalism. The striking visuals demanded countless hours of effort, just like the intricate technological wonders. The film’s team spared no effort, and their relentless pursuit of perfection earned them a name familiar to many Star Trek fans.

Marc Okrand, who designed Klingon, was chosen to develop Atlantean language. The rest of the crew members are equally ordinary. Jebediah Allardyce “Cookie” Farnsworth (Jim Varney), a man who fancies himself as a Wild West prospector, takes up the role of the chef.

Vincenzo “Vinny” Santorini, the demolitions expert portrayed by Don Novello, tends to boast about his abilities excessively. Aubrey Rocio Ramirez, the mechanic played by Jacqueline Obradors, often finds herself close to losing her temper and resorting to violence. However, Doctor Joshua Strongbear Sweet, character played by Phil Morris, consistently offers a calm and rational perspective.

As a follower, I must share that the title itself hints at the reality of Atlantis in this film, but what may truly astonish viewers is its striking Meso-American visual style. The submerged civilization’s panoramic vistas and technology incorporate subtle references to Hayao Miyazaki’s Laputa concept, though with a noticeably metallic flair that sets it apart.

The inhabitants, including the stunning princess herself, possess an equally enchanting allure. This realm also shelters a diverse range of technologies, some capable of massive devastation. Weapons of extinction level seem to be commonplace, yet this tranquil society has wisely kept them under secure guard. However, Rourke is relentlessly determined to seize these weapons for the American military. This single-minded quest for destruction serves as the primary source of conflict in the story.

The Secret Link Between Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Star Trek

  • Michael J. Fox had to choose between a role in Atlantis: The Lost Empire or Titan A.E. He left the decision to his son, and the rest is cinematic history.
  • Reports from 2002 suggested that Disney would replace the then-closed “Submarine Voyage” ride with an Atlantis tie-in. However, the idea was cancelled in the wake of the film’s financial failure.

Beyond the customary (and ultimately justified) critiques of “Atlantis”, its universe showcases extravagance at its finest. The dazzling visuals demanded countless laborious hours, just as did the myriad technological wonders. The film’s creators left no detail unattended, and their relentless pursuit of excellence led them to a name familiar to many “Star Trek” enthusiasts. In essence, they enlisted the services of Marc Okrand, the genius behind Klingon, to devise the Atlantean language.

Okrand, the creator of three textbooks on an imaginary alien language called Atlantean, has devised a comprehensive and unique linguistic system. Unlike a simple one-to-one glyph correspondence, Atlantean is a fully developed language in its own right. Every aspect of it, from its structure to its origins, is the result of thoughtful planning. It draws heavily on early Indo-European systems and incorporates aspects from diverse indigenous cultures, reflecting its role as the “mother tongue” of all modern speech. Its wavy reading pattern is reminiscent of ocean waves.

In his career, Okrand drew upon various experiences, such as his work on Star Trek, to enhance his creation of Atlantean. He devised a system for Romanization that made it easier for voice actors to deliver their lines. This straightforward approach, referred to as the “Reader’s Script,” differed from Okrand’s personal method of transcription.

In the movie, dialogue is consistently employed, and it resurfaces in the less-than-stellar sequel titled “Atlantis: Milo’s Return“. Moreover, written form can be spotted occasionally in “Disney Dreamlight Valley“. Regrettably, due to the film’s limited success, the elaborate Atlantean language has been scarcely utilized since its debut on the big screen back in 2001.

Intriguingly, Okrand devised additional symbols for the Atlantean script. Unlike standard Atlantean dialect, letters such as ‘c’, ‘f’, ‘j’, ‘q’, ‘v’, ‘z’, ‘ch’, and ‘th’ are not required in the language. These sounds don’t have matching glyphs either. However, Okrand inserted extra symbols to represent these “absent” letters. These wavy forms are never seen in the films, but the Atlantis marketing team employed them to develop promotional codes.

The Brilliant Spoiler That’s Hidden Beneath the Surface in Atlantis

  • Behind the first two Homeward Bound films, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is the third Disney film to feature Michael J. Fox as a voice actor.
  • In 2020, Kirk Wise revealed a scrapped plan for a sequel. The second Atlantis film would have united the original cast to battle a new villain in WWI-era clothing.

Indeed, Okrand’s Atlantean and Klingon languages are quite distinct, each tailored for unique fictional universes. The angular forms of Atlantean language align seamlessly with a technologically advanced society like its space-faring one. The symbols are versatile and adapt well to any digital display, such as consoles. Conversely, Atlantean language embodies something raw and primal. As the basis for all languages within its industrial environment, it stands as the ancient forebearer, the masterful blend of its elements reflecting its status as the long-lost ancestor.

The flowing lines mirroring the sea express the community’s appreciation for nature’s elegance. If Klingon emphasizes function over form, then Atlantean prioritizes function in its design. However, there’s more to Okrand’s maritime artistry than just this principle. The initial glyph, representing the letter ‘A’, is, surprisingly, a map. The swirling outer edge, symbolizing treacherous ocean currents and hidden Atlantean caves, leads to a central point, signifying the city’s powerful crystal. The inner design sketches out the long-lost settlement.

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2025-06-01 02:25