Florida and Walt Disney World go hand in hand, but before there was Mickey, there was simply Walt.
Now a local man is getting ready to introduce movie goers to “Walt Before Mickey,” a film that depicts a young Walt Disney and his path to success.
WPBF 25 News’ Stephanie Berzinski sat down with one of the movie’s writers and producers.
“Walt before Mickey is never talked about it’s something that nobody ever really realizes,” said Arthur L. Bernstein, one of the co-writers and executive producers of “Walt Before Mickey.”
It took three years, but Palm Beach Gardens’ resident Arthur L. Bernstein is finally bring a young Walt Disney to a screen near you.
“We kept the cost really low because we did it the way Walt Disney would do it,” Bernstein said.
With a budget of just $568,000, “Walt Before Mickey” was shot near Orlando, in Deland and Sanford in just two months. It stars Thomas Ian Nicholas from “Rookie of the Year” and “American Pie” as an adult Walt. It also features Jodie Sweetin from “Full House” and Jon Heder who many will recognized as none other than “Napoleon Dynamite.” He plays Walt’s brother.
“People are going to be surprised when they see him as Roy Disney. He actually came to this audition twice. He really wanted it,” explained Bernstein.
Bernstein said the rated PG movie is for families with an especially important message for children.
“Never give up on your dreams, never give up, never stop believing in what you want to do,” said Bernstein.
“Walt Before Mickey” opens to South Florida audiences September 4th. You can catch it at Movies of Delray Beach and Lake Worth and Downtown at the Gardens 16 in Palm Beach Gardens as well as theaters in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. For more information about the movie click here.
