Former Disney animator Tom Bancroft had it all when he made it in Hollywood. From his work on The Lion King, Mulan, and more, Bancroft was living his dream.
He is the animator for Simba in The Lion King, created the character “Mushu” in Mulan, and worked as an animator for Tarzan, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear.
However, after many years in the secular industry, Bancroft decided God was calling him to work in Christian animation. He is now known for creating "Larry Boy" in VeggieTales and helped create the hit Bible series, Superbook.
Bancroft is back on the big screen with his latest project, Light of the World, which hits theaters on September 5. Light of the World tells the story of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Saint John.
In an exclusive interview with ChurchPOP editor Jacqueline Burkepile, Bancroft tells his inspiring journey of how he left Hollywood life to pursue Christian animation, including his current project.
He explains the ups and downs of his journey and shares how it has ultimately been his most rewarding work.
Watch the exclusive interview with the former Disney animator below:
In the interview, Bancroft explains how he and his wife ultimately decided to leave Disney to follow a call in Christian media.
"I left Disney in about 2000. Really, it was to follow my heart–my faith. I felt strongly that God was calling me out of Disney," Bancroft explains.
"My wife went for a run, and she prayed about it and she came back and she was crying and she said to me, 'I think we’re supposed to go,'" Bancroft says. "We both kind of didn’t want to go. But honestly... we found out He gave us greater rewards."
"When I was at Disney, I had to kind of keep my faith and my Christianity... I couldn't talk about what I learned at church that last Sunday. You know, those kinds of things — they didn't want that,” he continues.
Now that Bancroft works in Christian media, he feels like he brings his “full self to the job."
"Years later... I would hear stories... how VeggieTales changed their lives or Superbook later on and now, prayerfully, Light of the World..."
Bancroft then explains the importance of seeing Light of the World on the opening weekend, which determines the film's success.
"This is the film, honestly, that everybody has been waiting for. Christians and parents have been asking for this from Hollywood. We made it,” he says. “With that support, we get open doors.”