Wreck-It Ralph(franchise)

Wreck-It Ralph,sometimes also referred to simply asRalph,is a Disneymedia franchiseprimarily consisting of an animated comedy film series produced byWalt Disney Animation Studiosand released byWalt Disney Pictures.The series tells the story of the eponymousarcade gamevillainnamed Wreck-It Ralph, who rebels against his "bad guy" role and dreams of becoming a hero. The series has grossed $1 billion worldwide.

Wreck-It Ralph
Created by
Original workWreck-It Ralph(2012)
OwnerThe Walt Disney Company
Print publications
Book(s)Tie-in novels
ComicsDisney Comic Zone comics
Films and television
Film(s)
Games
Video game(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s)
Original music
*Work where this franchise's characters or settings appeared as part of acrossover,or has characters based on those from this franchise.

The series is notable for featuring cameos of characters from licensed properties including video games and various Disney franchises.[1][2]

Premise

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Wreck-It Ralphtakes places within thearcade machinesat Litwak's Arcade. After hours, the various characters in the games are able to socialize in their sharedpower strip.However, these characters know they cannot stray far from their games when the arcade reopens, or else the game will be considered broken and sent off for disposal by Mr. Litwak. This had happened to racing game character Turbo years earlier, affecting both his game and the one he sabotaged. The character Wreck-It Ralph is from a game calledFix-It Felix, Jr.,where Ralph is the antagonist trying to wreck an apartment skyscraper, and the player controls Fix-It Felix, Jr., to keep Ralph from succeeding. Through events in the first film, Ralph makes friends with Vanellope von Schweetz, a character from the gameSugar Rush,while Felix becomes romantically attached to Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun, from the gameHero's Duty.

Films

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Wreck-It Ralph(2012)

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Ralph, desiring to be the hero, sneaks intoHero's Dutyto steal the hero medal there, but inadvertently fires himself off in an escape ship when attacked by a Cy-Bug, one of the game's enemies, through the power strip, and intoSugar Rush,where he meets Vanellope for the first time. Vanellope is aglitchwithin the game who wants to become a playable character, and Ralph helps her along, forming a bond between them. Felix and Calhoun team up to find Ralph beforeFix-It Felix, Jr.is to be unplugged, and before the Cy-Bug can reproduce inSugar Rushand destroy the game. Ralph discovers that the population ofSugar Rushhas been suppressed by King Candy, who is really Turbo; not only had he managed to escape intoSugar Rush,but also rewrote part of Vanellope's code, displacing her as the game's main character. Ralph, Vanellope, Felix, and Calhoun work together and defeat Turbo and the Cy-Bugs, saving bothSugar Rushand the arcade and later sparingFix-It Felix, Jr.from being unplugged. Ralph is finally recognized as a hero, and happily returns to his duties in his game, while Vanellope enjoys her new popularity among the arcade players.

Ralph Breaks the Internet(2018)

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Six years after the events of the first film,Sugar Rush's racing wheel is damaged, and due to the company that producedSugar Rushgoing defunct years earlier, Mr. Litwak plans to take the game away for spare parts. Ralph and Vanellope learn of a replacement wheel fromeBay,and use a new Internet router in the arcade to travel to the Internet to get it, while the recently married Felix and Calhoun stay to make sure theSugar Rushcharacters have a temporary home. Ralph and Vanellope successfully win the auction but do not have the funds to get it, and look for job opportunities. When Ralph finds a way to earn all the funds by becoming a viral video star with the help of Yesss, he discovers that Vanellope may want to stay in the gritty racing gameSlaughter Raceand not return to the arcade thanks to Shank, a character from that game. This prompts Ralph to use adark webvirus to shut down the game and save Vanellope, only for thevirusto turn on Ralph's own insecure feelings and start propagating through the Internet and destroying it. Ralph, Vanellope, and their newfound allies are able to stop the virus in time thanks to the power of Ralph and Vanellope's rekindled friendship. The two say their goodbyes and Ralph returns to the arcade just asSugar Rushis plugged back in. The two keep in contact, however, and Vanellope promises that she will eventually return to live in the arcade once Shank has taught her every trick she can use inSugar Rush.

Future

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Third film

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John C. Reilly says that he has an idea if a third film was to be made, he would consider seeing Ralph and Vanellope "beaming themselves right out into space", Fix-It Felix Jr. saved them and reunited.[3]

Untitled spin-off film

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DirectorsRich MooreandPhil Johnstonsaid that aRalph Breaks the Internetspin-off film focusing on theDisney Princessescould be made depending on the audience's response and "if there's a good story to be told".[4]

Video games

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Wreck-It Ralph(2012, Nintendo)

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In 2012, a video game of the same name was released alongside the first film for theDS,Wii,and3DS.Most of the principal cast from the film reprised their roles with the exception ofJohn C. Reillyas Wreck-it-Ralph who was replaced byBrian T. Delaney.

Taking place after the events of the film, the game follows Ralph and Felix as they traverse through Fix-It Felix Jr., Hero's Duty, and Sugar Rush in an attempt to stop a new army of Cy-Bugs that hatched during one of Vanellope's races.

Wreck-It Ralph(2012, Mobile)

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The mobile version of the same name, is centred around playable versions of the games featured in the film as minigames, like Fix it Felix Jr, Hero's Duty, and Sugar Rush.

Wreck-It Ralph: Ralph Breaks VR(2018)

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A VR video game experience calledWreck-It Ralph: Ralph Breaks VRopened atThe Voidlocations in 2018, along withthe second film.[5]

Other titles

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Disney Universe

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The travellers can acquire a costume based on Wreck-It Ralph.[6]

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

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Wreck-It Ralph appears as a playable character in the 2012 video gameSonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

Disney Infinityseries

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Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope feature in the 2013toys-to-lifevideo gameDisney Infinity.The characters are playable via toys available in both single packs and a "Toy Box" pack that adds locations and elements from the original film to the game's "Toy Box" mode. The toys are also compatible with the game's sequels, 2014'sDisney Infinity 2.0and 2015'sDisney Infinity 3.0.

Disney Magic Kingdoms

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Content ofWreck-It Ralphwas included in theworld buildervideo gameDisney Magic Kingdoms,in a limited time Event focused onRalph Breaks the Internet,with Ralph, Vanellope, Felix, Caulhoun, Yesss, Shank and Spamley as playable characters, along with some attractions based on locations of the film. KnowsMore also appears a non-player character within The Internet attraction.[7]Gord was also included as a playable character in a later update of the game.[8]The game also includes costumes for theDisney Princessesbased on their comfy clothes fromRalph Breaks the Internet.In the game the characters are involved in new storylines that serve as a continuation of the events ofRalph Breaks the Internet.

Kingdom Heartsseries

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Wreck-It Ralph appears in the 2019 video gameKingdom Hearts IIIas a Link. When summoned, he will place explosive blocks and destroy them, causing damage to nearby enemies.[9]A world based onWreck-It Ralphwas added to the 2017 mobile gameKingdom Hearts Union χas part of an update in April 2019. The world adapts the events of the original film.[10]

Disney Dreamlight Valley

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Ralph and Vanellope appear as one of the villagers at the titular valley ofDisney Dreamlight Valley.The game also features clothes for the player and decorations based onWreck-It Ralph.[11]

Theme Parks and attractions

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Wreck-It Ralph attraction

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On April 26, 2024, it was announced thatBuzz Lightyear Astro Blasterwill be permanently closed on October 31, 2024 to make way for an all-new unnamedWreck-It Ralphattraction, which will be open in 2026 in Tomorrowland atTokyo Disneyland.[12]

Cast

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List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in in the franchise.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  • Uindicates an uncredited appearance.
Characters Films Video games
Wreck-It Ralph Ralph Breaks the Internet Wreck-It Ralph Ralph Breaks VR Disney Dreamlight Valley Disney Speedstorm
Wreck-It Ralph John C. Reilly Brian T. Delaney John C. Reilly Ross Marquand
Vanellope von Schweetz Sarah Silverman Laura Silverman
Fix-It Felix Jr. Jack McBrayer Silent role
Sergeant Tamora Calhoun Jane Lynch Jane Lynch
Surge Protector Phil Johnston
Mr. Litwak Ed O'Neill
Sour Bill Rich Moore
Taffyta Muttonfudge Mindy Kaling Melissa Villaseñor Silent cameo Photograph
Mayor Gene Raymond S. Persi
Duncan Horatio Sanz
Turbo / King Candy Alan Tudyk Silent cameo Silent role
Moppet Girl Stefanie Scott Silent role
Mary Edie McClurg Silent role
Winchell Adam Carolla Uncredited actor
Markowski Joe Lo Truglio
Shank Gal Gadot Photograph
Yesss Taraji P. Henson
J.P. Spamley Bill HaderU
KnowsMore Alan Tudyk
Arthur John DiMaggio
John C. Reilly[a]
Double Dan Alfred Molina
B.E.V. Pamela Ribon

Crew

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Year Film(s) Director(s) Producer Screenwriter(s) Story Executive Producer(s) Composer Editor Cinematographer(s)
2012 Wreck-It Ralph Rich Moore Clark Spencer Jennifer Lee&Phil Johnston Rich Moore, Jim Reardon & Phil Johnston John Lasseter Henry Jackman Tim Mertens Rob Dressel
2018 Ralph Breaks the Internet Rich Moore & Phil Johnston Pamela Ribon& Phil Johnston Rich Moore, Jim Reardon, Pamela Ribon, Phil Johnston & Josie Trinidad John Lasseter, Jennifer Lee & Chris Williams Jeremy Milton Brian Leach & Nathan Warner

Reception

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Box office

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Film Release date Box office gross Box office ranking Budget Ref(s)
North
America
Other
territories
Worldwide All time
North America
All time
worldwide
Wreck-It Ralph November 2, 2012 $189,422,889 $281,800,000 $471,222,889 #216 #216 $165 million [13]
Ralph Breaks the Internet November 21, 2018 $201,091,711 $328,109,742 $529,201,453 #201 #189 $175 million [14]
Total $390,514,600 $609,909,742 $1,000,424,342 $340,000,000
List indicator(s)
  • A dark grey cell indicates the information is not available for the film.
  • (A)indicates the adjusted totals based on current ticket prices (calculated by Box Office Mojo).

Critical and public response

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Film Critical Public
Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore[15]
Wreck-It Ralph 87% (193 reviews)[16] 72 (38 reviews)[17] A
Ralph Breaks the Internet 88% (276 reviews)[18] 71 (43 reviews)[19] A-

Accolades

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Both films were nominated for theAcademy Award for Best Animated Feature,but the first film lost toBrave,while the second film lost toSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.[20][21]The first film won theCritics' Choice Movie Award for Best Animated Feature,[22]and the second film was nominated.[23]Both films were nominated for theGolden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film.[24][25]

Music

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The soundtrack toWreck-It Ralphwas released on October 30, 2012.

The soundtrack toRalph Breaks the Internetwas released on November 16, 2018.

Notes

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  1. ^Reilly provided the voice of "Ralphzilla", a monstrous version of Arthur that possesses Ralph's insecurities.

References

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  1. ^Anderton, Ethan (July 14, 2017)."'Wreck-It Ralph 2' Brings Disney Princesses Together with Marvel & Star Wars (D23 Expo 2017) "./Film.Archivedfrom the original on July 16, 2017.RetrievedJuly 21,2017.
  2. ^Johnson, Zach (June 4, 2018)."Disney Princesses Meet Vanellope von Schweetz inWreck It Ralph 2Trailer ".E! News.Archivedfrom the original on July 10, 2018.RetrievedAugust 10,2018.
  3. ^Daniell, Mark (November 20, 2018)."John C. Reilly On 'Wreck-It Ralph 3': Ralph and Vanellope Should Go Into Space".Torontosun.Archivedfrom the original on November 21, 2018.RetrievedNovember 20,2018.
  4. ^Eisenberg, Eric (November 5, 2018)."Could The Disney Princesses Carry Their Own Film Together? Ralph Breaks The Internet's Directors Weigh In".CinemaBlend.Archivedfrom the original on November 12, 2018.RetrievedNovember 25,2018.
  5. ^"Ralph Breaks VR".The VOID.Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2018.RetrievedDecember 26,2018.
  6. ^Disney Universe DLC UnveiledArchivedJune 5, 2012, at theWayback Machine
  7. ^"Update 25: Wreck-It Ralph | Livestream".YouTube.November 16, 2018.
  8. ^"Update 43: The Emperor's New Groove | Livestream".YouTube.August 21, 2020.
  9. ^McWhertor, Michael (18 May 2018)."Kingdom Hearts 3 is a whimsical spectacle full of Disney cheer".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on 18 May 2018.Retrieved14 November2018.
  10. ^"Wreck-It Ralph World Coming to Kingdom Hearts Union X".April 13, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on April 15, 2019.RetrievedApril 15,2019.
  11. ^"Vanellope races into the Valley!".disneydreamlightvalley.com. July 20, 2023.
  12. ^"Buzz Lightyear Ride Closing Forever at Tokyo Disneyland, Wreck-It Ralph Attraction Coming to New Tomorrowland - WDW News Today".wdwnt.com.April 26, 2024.RetrievedOctober 10,2024.
  13. ^"Wreck-It Ralph (2012)".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on November 22, 2018.RetrievedNovember 21,2018.
  14. ^"Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on November 5, 2018.RetrievedMarch 19,2019.
  15. ^"CinemaScore".CinemaScore.Archivedfrom the original on April 13, 2022.RetrievedApril 14,2022.
  16. ^"Wreck-It Ralph (2012)".Rotten Tomatoes.November 16, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on May 11, 2023.RetrievedJuly 12,2023.
  17. ^"Wreck-It Ralph".Metacritic.November 16, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on November 25, 2018.RetrievedNovember 16,2018.
  18. ^"Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)".Rotten Tomatoes.November 20, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on March 9, 2023.RetrievedJuly 12,2023.
  19. ^"Ralph Breaks the Internet".Metacritic.November 20, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on November 20, 2018.RetrievedNovember 26,2018.
  20. ^Collis, Clark (February 24, 2013)."2013 Oscar Winners -- 85th Annual Academy Awards".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on June 23, 2021.RetrievedJuly 16,2022.
  21. ^Maglio, Tony (February 24, 2019)."Oscars 2019: The Complete Winners List".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on June 5, 2022.RetrievedJuly 16,2022.
  22. ^Knegt, Peter (January 11, 2013)."'Argo' Leads 2013 Critics Choice Award Winners ".IndieWire.Archivedfrom the original on August 11, 2016.RetrievedJuly 16,2022.
  23. ^Crist, Allison (January 13, 2019)."Critics' Choice Awards: 'Roma,' 'Americans,' 'Mrs. Maisel' Top Winners".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on May 17, 2022.RetrievedJuly 16,2022.
  24. ^"70th Golden Globe Awards Nominations".Deadline Hollywood.December 13, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2022.RetrievedJuly 16,2022.
  25. ^Snlerson, Dan (January 6, 2019)."Golden Globes 2019: See the full winners list".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on January 7, 2019.RetrievedJuly 16,2022.