It’s no surprise that Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is packed full of Twilight Zone references. I would assume you would have to be fairly familiar with the TV show to notice most of these.
As such, the casual observer and tourist probably misses a majority of these references. Which is why I’m here to point one out!
Who is Anthony Fremont?
A casual glance at this poster would cause one to believe that Anthony Fremont was simply a music artist from the golden age that you’ve never heard of. But this is Disney, and details are never accidental.
Anthony Fremont was the main character in the Twilight Zone episode “It’s A Good Life” (1961). Anthony was born with mental power that allowed him to hear other people’s thoughts. As such, if he heard thoughts that upset him, he could transform people into objects, or banish them to a place he referred to as “The Cornfield”.
Eventually, the residents of Peaksville Ohio tip-toed around Anthony and altered their behaviors so as to not upset him in any way, out of fear of the powers he possessed. He eventually isolated the entire town from the rest of the world.
In a follow-up episode, “It’s Still A Good Life” (2002), we catch up with Anthony, who now has a daughter, Audrey. His daughter possesses the same abilities Anthony does, and the two banish everyone in Peaksville. Afterwards, they realize they’re now lonely and Audrey summons the town residents back. The episode ends with Audrey leaving to explore New York City.
Actor Bill Mumy plays the role of Anthony in both episodes of The Twilight Zone. His real-life daughter plays the role of Audrey in the 2002 episode.
Knowing the story of Anthony Fremont, it’s kind of scary to wonder if his orchestra is an actual orchestra, or a collection of his transformed creations of people who upset him. Or perhaps it’s both.
Maybe it’s better not to think about it.
Disney Rover 