Jiminy Cricket is one of Disney’s most beloved and famous sidekicks and has recently been given the CGI makeover for the upcoming live-action remake of Pinocchio. He was always there to guide Pinocchio through any trial and tribulation, even though he had to overcome a few obstacles himself along the way.
Like Jiminy, Disney sidekicks have always been there to either help the hero or serve the villain, sometimes providing comic relief or marketable cuteness. Yet there are moments where sidekicks can falter in their actions or in themselves, and sometimes say things that go against their personalities.
Jiminy Cricket
“Leave Me Out Of This!”
Jiminy Cricket shot to fame and became a staple character in the House of Mouse alongside Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell. As Pinocchio’s conscience, Jiminy was always there to try and steer the wooden boy from wrong, even getting his hands dirty when needed.
However, when Pinocchio starts weaving lies to the Blue Fairy and she asks where Jiminy was, the little cricket quickly whispers to Pinocchio “Leave me out of this!” Normally, Jiminy is very much involved in correcting Pinocchio’s wrongdoings but instead, he chooses not to get involved, most likely so he can remain in the Blue Fairy’s good books.
Sir Hiss
“Too Late To Be Known As John The First, He’s Sure To Be Known As John The Worst!”
In Robin Hood, Prince John was fortunate enough to have two sidekicks in the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Hiss. The latter was smarter and more competent than them both yet he was frequently maimed by both the heroes and his master, making him a rather sympathetic Disney villain.
Sir Hiss is often a simpering underhand who would only speak out in annoyance when he was correct yet he would have never have insulted Prince John in any way. For him to gleefully sing anything remotely cruel seems a bit out of character for the sniveling serpent, but he is very quick to change his tune when an angry Prince John walks in.
Dr. Dawson
“Jolly Good! Bravo! Bravo!”
The Great Mouse Detective is an underrated Disney gem from the 1980s, which features Basil of Baker Street stopping a nefarious scheme conducted by his arch-enemy Ratigan. Helping him along the way is Dr. Dawson, a smart yet slightly dithering army veteran.
Dawson is a rather composed individual, remaining polite and well-kept when out in public and only losing his temper with Basil once. However, this all goes out of the window when he is served a drugged alcoholic drink. Dawson forgets himself completely and becomes shamelessly loutish and clumsy, as demonstrated by him loudly applauding the showgirls when he was meant to be on the lookout.
Flounder
“I’m Not A Guppy!”
Flounder is the adorable little yellow fish who is Ariel’s best friend in The Little Mermaid. Loyal and caring, he is always by her side when she explores shipwrecks and looks for “gadgets and gizmos” from the human world.
However, Flounder does not share Ariel’s adventurous spirit and bravery. In fact, he is something of a coward. Ariel teasingly calls him a guppy on one of their adventures, in which he protests “I am not a guppy!” Of course, while Flounder may be yellow-bellied — literally and figuratively — by nature, he does show bravery when it comes to stopping Eric’s sham wedding to a disguised Ursula.
Lumiere
“En Garde, You Overgrown Pocket Watch!”
Lumiere is the suave and hospitable maitre d’ who is turned into a candelabra in Beauty and the Beast. He proves himself to be a charming and welcoming host to Belle, most notably during “Be Our Guest,” one of the best songs in Beauty and the Beast.
However, one mentionable slip of his normally debonair demeanor is at the very end of the movie when he and Cogsworth fight over who told who that Belle would break the spell. The two have bickered frequently, but here, Lumiere uncharacteristically loses his cool and challenges Cogsworth to a duel with a slap of the glove. Though there is no denying that it is a funny moment.
Genie
“After All, You’ve Lied To Everyone Else. Hey, I Was Beginning To Feel Left Out. Now, If You’ll Excuse Me, Master.”
There is absolutely no question that the Genie is a Disney sidekick with huge main character energy. With spectacular character animation and flawlessly funny voicework from Robin Williams, the Genie is not only a comic scene-stealer but later becomes a genuine and loving friend to Aladdin.
However, this warmth and humor understandably disappear when he learns Aladdin has changed his mind and decided not to set him free as promised. Genie is visibly hurt and, in a very rare instance, angry. His very bitterly emphasized “Master” confirms this as a quote that goes against his personality even more because it contradicts Genie’s desire for freedom.
Pumbaa
“Are You Talking To Me?!”
Pumbaa the warthog is half of a renowned Disney sidekick duo with his best friend Timon. Whereas Timon is quick-witted, sassy yet somewhat shorter in temper, Pumbaa is gentle, patient, and good-natured despite not being the smartest character in the movie.
However, in an extremely funny scene in The Lion King, Pumbaa’s softness goes out of the window when one hyena makes the mistake of calling him a pig. While it is arguably one of the movie’s most memorable moments, it is really not like Pumbaa to get aggressive and rage as he does. But at least it rescues Timon and Zazu.
Terk
“I Don’t Care.”
While growing up in the jungle, Tarzan could always rely on his best friend Terk. Feisty and full of life, Terk was always up for an adventure with Tarzan and their other friend, the neurotic elephant Tantor.
However, Terk becomes jealous of Tarzan paying attention to Jane and is even more upset when Tarzan leaves for England. Her extremely sullen “I don’t care” goes against her personality because the delivery lacks the life Terk is normally full of. Furthermore, Terk certainly does care for Tarzan, which is shown whenever she has been close to losing her best friend.
Kronk
“You Know, In My Defense, Your Poisons All Look Alike. You Might Think About Relabelling Some Of Them.”
Kronk is Yzma’s dim-witted yet kind henchman in The Emperor’s New Groove. Although he is a villain’s sidekick, Kronk never seems to have a bad word to say about anyone and is usually jovial to everyone he meets.
There is one moment that not only contradicts Kronk’s cheerfulness and his lack of intelligence but also a scene where a Disney sidekick was smarter than the villain. After Yzma berates him for accidentally mixing up the poison with the llama potion, Kronk bluntly points out how the labels for her vials all look alike. Although against his personality, it fits within the movie’s meta-humor.
Olaf
“Do You Ever Worry About The Notion That Nothing Is Permanent?”
Since making his debut in Frozen, Snowman Olaf has warmed the hearts of many with his optimism, naivety, and warm-hearted personality. It is very little wonder he bagged his own series on Disney+ called Olaf Presents.
One notable fact about Olaf is his desire to see summer despite his evident fate should he choose to. Yet Olaf poses this rather philosophical and thought-provoking question to Anna during their journey in Frozen II. It’s a very deep and somewhat melancholic question for an innocent, simple-minded, and upbeat snowman to ask.
