Thumper

This is a test that I did at the tender age of 20 in 1987 while working as an assistant on Roger Rabbit and wanting to become an animator.

[ThePillent]

I'd say that you already were an animator, and an amazing one at that.

[Soooooooooooonicable]

It's so great to see such a legendary animator step out from behind the curtain like this. Thank you for sharing all these special little test animations, and giving people a proper place to gush about your achievements. The hunchback of notre dame is my all time favorite animated movie. Your animation in that movie is timeless. Definitely up there with Akira.

[jellydarling]

He is soooo cute! That little head wiggle at the end is to die for.

[alyssabullock]

Man, you seriously deserve tons of credit. I learned recently about you animating for the Steven Universe special and that you actually have done some amazing Disney animated moments!
This is adorable 💖

[brickfire]

I'm here after "Chel comfy chair" to purify my soul

[smoage]

Oh wow thank you for sharing this! Over the years from the Animation Podcast and interviews I've heard of "The Thumper test" and it's so amazing to see! Absolutely fantastic.

[kagitsune]

New animator at 20 working under Chuck Jones.... Thief and the Cobbler still give me chills.

[Starryeyeddreamer]

That's the cutest freakin thing Ive ever seen in my entire life


*arrow fires

[LucarioShirona]

At 20... 20?!! Oh my Arceus! That's incredible!

[CasperSpencer]

WHO EVEN DARES TO DISLIKE THIS BEAUTY?!

[sterry]

Thumper has always got my heart he’s so adorable 😫

[oof-rrnf]

This is so good. Your description is so sweet. 😭😭😭

You're my hero now.

[thesaltiestspoon]

You animated this at 20?!

You truly are a god

[kirbybie]

I have a bunny and this is just such a lovely animation of thumper and wow i just love it sm

[MSGTheEpic]

i wonder if this is the earliest thing that james is able to share

[nyaanimationstudio]

Tu eres mi ejemplo a seguir, te aprecio, por todas estas cosas que hicistes y estas por hacer ❤❤

[demigodguarde]

I'm already 19 and still a beginner. how can I improve like this?

[fusetunes]

i’m 20 and my tests still look extremely stiff. i really admire your talent 😭

[saph]

Well do I have a long way to go and I'm 19, though I admire his genius and hope to figure out some way to tap into the knowledge of those animations to learn more.

[BlackDiamond]

To be honest, I thought he would thump. That is his Disney magic at work.