The making of ‘The Road to El Dorado’ faced significant production challenges

“The Road to El Dorado,” now a cult classic, faced significant challenges during its production at DreamWorks. Despite its current popularity and status as a home video staple for a certain generation, the movie’s journey to the big screen was fraught with difficulties.

Initially directed by Will Finn, an accomplished animator with an illustrious career, the film took a tumultuous turn. Finn, who later directed box office disappointments like “Home on the Range” and “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return,” shared candidly about his experiences on “The Road to El Dorado.” Reflecting on his time with the film, Finn emphasized the importance of enjoying the material one works on, hinting at potential disagreements or challenges during the production. However, the details of Finn’s experiences remain shrouded in mystery, as the pain associated with “The Road to El Dorado” is still too palpable for him to discuss openly.

The movie, conceived as a homage to classic “Road to…” films starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, was one of DreamWorks Animation’s earliest projects. The concept drew inspiration from the mismatched buddy duos and comedic scrapes found in those classic titles, aligning with DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg’s inclination for distinctive storytelling. Interestingly, Katzenberg recruited Elton John and Tim Rice, known for their work on “The Lion King,” to create a memorable soundtrack for “The Road to El Dorado.”

Originally planned as a PG-13 animated film, a daring move for the early 2000s, the film’s rating was later toned down to PG to cater to a broader family audience. This shift was accompanied by changes in romantic scenes and character designs. As the production headed toward its initial late 1999 release date, chaos ensued. Directors David Silverman and Will Finn left the project in 1998, and Eric “Bibo” Bergeron and Don Paul took over.

The release date, set for the final weekend of March 2000, suggested a lack of confidence in the final product. Animated family movies premiering in March were less common at the time, making it an unconventional choice. Despite Jeffrey Katzenberg’s uncredited role as a director, the film struggled at the box office, earning only $76 million worldwide against a $95 million budget.

The film’s troubled creation echoed in its critical reception, with questions arising about its appropriateness for children. Even after toning down for a PG rating, “The Road to El Dorado” faced scrutiny, prompting discussions about its target audience.

In hindsight, the film’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale about starting a movie without a clear vision. The constant changes in directors, tones, and visual concepts reflected insecurity about the film’s identity. Despite its subsequent cult status, “The Road to El Dorado” stands as a reminder to trust in creativity and artists to avoid the box office challenges it encountered during its production.

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