The Curious Case of Tarzan’s Age in the Disney Movie
The Disney adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel, "Tarzan of the Apes," has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling tale of a feral boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle. One question that has fascinated fans for generations is: How old was Tarzan in the Disney movie? In this article, we’ll delve into the backstory of the Tarzan character, explore the various ages attributed to him, and examine the context surrounding his development.
The Original Novel: A Brief Overview
Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, published in 1912, is the first adaptation of the Tarzan character. In the story, John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, is a British nobleman who is stranded in the African jungle with his pregnant wife, Lady Alice Rutherford-French, after their ship sinks. Alice gives birth to a son, John "Jack" Clayton, in the jungle, and dies shortly after. The infant is found by a massive ape named Kala, who adopts the child as her own and raises him as a feral boy. The novel begins 20 years after Jack’s birth, where he is 19 years old, and the rest of the story follows his journey as he becomes the legendary Tarzan, King of the Jungle.
Disney’s 1999 Animated Film: A Different Approach
In 1999, Disney released its animated film adaptation of Tarzan, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and using digital animation. The movie takes creative liberties with the original story, changing the narrative significantly. In this version, Tarzan’s age is not explicitly stated, but his voice actor, Tony Goldwyn, has mentioned that he was told to play the character as a "12-13-year-old" during production. Given the typical growth rate of humans, this would mean Tarzan’s age in the Disney movie is likely in the range of 11-12 years old. However, some fans argue that Tarzan’s skills, such as his physical strength, archery, and jungle knowledge, suggest he is older, perhaps 15-16 years old.
Physical Development and Maturity
Tarzan’s physical development plays a crucial role in determining his age. In the movie, he is depicted as being strong, agile, and capable of outwitting dangers in the jungle. Despite his feral upbringing, Tarzan’s physical stature is comparable to that of a typical 12-13-year-old human, with a lean build and minimal body fat. This suggests he is likely in the pre-pubertal stage, where his growth is still ongoing.
Cognitive Development and Maturity
In addition to physical appearance, Tarzan’s cognitive abilities and decision-making skills are also important factors in determining his age. In the movie, Tarzan displays surprising levels of intelligence, creativity, and self-awareness, often outsmarting his enemies and making sound judgments in the jungle. While this could be attributed to his extraordinary feral upbringing, it’s possible that he is older and more mature than initially suggested. Nonetheless, his immaturity in certain aspects, such as his relationships with people, implies he is still developing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the age of Tarzan in the Disney movie is a topic of ongoing debate among fans and scholars. While initially thought to be 12-13 years old based on his physical appearance and voice actor’s guidance, the evidence suggests that Tarzan may be older, possibly in the range of 15-16 years old, considering his skills, cognitive abilities, and maturity level. Ultimately, the Disney adaptation of Tarzan is a unique interpretation of the character, blending creative liberties with the original story. As we continue to ponder the mysteries of the "King of the Jungle," one thing is clear: Tarzan’s age remains a fascinating and open topic for discussion.
Additional Resources:
- Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original novel, "Tarzan of the Apes" (1912)
- Disney’s 1999 animated film, "Tarzan"
- Tony Goldwyn’s interview on "The making of Tarzan" (1999)
- Various Tarzan fan forums and online discussions
Table: Comparison of Tarzan’s Age across Adaptations
| Adaptation | Tarzan’s Age |
|---|---|
| Original Novel (1912) | 19 years old (at the beginning of the story) |
| Disney Animated Film (1999) | 12-13 years old (initially suggested) / 15-16 years old (based on physical and cognitive development) |
| Live-Action Films (2006, 2016) | 30-40 years old (adult Tarzan character) |
Please note that the above table summarizes the different ages attributed to Tarzan across various adaptations, not the ages mentioned in the article.