Former Disney Imagineer Ethan Reed celebrated the anniversary of Duffy’s friend LinaBell with a look back on her original design, including her code name: Samantha.
LinaBell a.k.a. Samantha
September 29 marks 5 years since LinaBell the pink fox debuted at Shanghai Disneyland. Reed posted his original pencil drawings for LinaBell’s hang tag featuring the code name — possibly a reference to Samantha Fox. This was not intended to be the character’s final name but was a red herring to prevent true leaks.
The original hangtag story describes Duffy following a butterfly through the woods and then getting stuck up a tree. LinaBell uses her athleticism to help him down.
Though she would ultimately get more of a detective persona, the athleticism did carry on to the LinaBell we know today. In her final story, she helps Duffy after he gets lost following the butterfly.
Here’s what Reed wrote in the post:
Five years ago today, LinaBell made her debut at Shanghai Disney Resort, and I still remember how excited I was to finally see her meet the fans.
I’m incredibly proud that I had the opportunity to design LinaBell and be part of the amazing team that brought her to life. I’m also grateful to the local merchandise teams around the world who continue to create new looks and styles for her that resonate with fans in so many different ways.
As a special anniversary treat, I’m sharing my original pencil drawings from LinaBell’s hang tag. These were created very early in development, when the project was still code-named “Samantha.” Even in this early version, you can see the athletic personality she would eventually develop. I’m so happy that part of her character made it through, and with her amazing performers, she gets to show that same spunk and energy every day.
But most of all, this celebration is for the fans around the world. Seeing the love and creativity LinaBell has inspired over the past five years has been incredibly special.
Happy 5th anniversary, LinaBell! Enjoy!
Maybe LinaBell is who Olaf was searching for all along.
Read more about LinaBell for her 5th anniversary.
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The post Former Imagineer Reveals LinaBell’s Original Concept Art & ‘Samantha’ Code Name appeared first on WDW News Today.
