The Talking Pets of Pocahontas: Meeko and Flit

In the classic 1995 animated film Pocahontas from Walt Disney Pictures, Pocahontas, the young and spirited Native American girl, is not alone in her adventures. She has two animal sidekicks, both of whom have a significant role in the story. These sidekicks are not merely helpers; they bring humor, companionship, and deeper insight into the story's themes. Pocahontas has a raccoon named Meeko and a hummingbird named Flit. However, despite their presence in the narrative, they do not have speaking parts in the film. Let's delve into their roles and the interesting history behind their creation.

Meeko: The Playful Raccoon

Meeko is a raccoon with a mischievous and playful personality. He is perfectly suited to be Pocahontas' sidekick, as he often accompanies her on her adventures. Meeko provides comic relief and a source of lightheartedness throughout the film. His interactions with Pocahontas showcase the strong bond they share and the playful side of their relationship.

Flit: The Perpetual Hummingbird

Flit, the hummingbird, is another one of Pocahontas' animal companions. While Meeko is a member of the raccoon family and is more relatable to Pocahontas, Flit brings a different kind of charm to the story. As a hummingbird, Flit has a life cycle of only a few days, reflecting the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment. Unfortunately, neither Meeko nor Flit have speaking parts in the film. This decision was made by upper-level Disney executives who aimed for a more serious, Oscar-worthy read, ensuring that the film could compete for the prestigious Best Picture nomination.

The Extinct Turkey Sidekick

It's worth noting that early in the film's development, there was a third potential animal sidekick for Pocahontas—a turkey voiced by the legendary Canadian actor, John Candy. The idea was scrapped as the production team realized that adding a third sidekick would be too many for the central characters. John Candy, known for his warmth and humor, would have brought a unique dimension to the film had he been included. However, the decision to cut the turkey was made to keep the focus on the stronger central characters and the more serious themes of the film.

Conclusion

While Pocahontas has two animal sidekicks, Meeko and Flit, who are essential to the film's narrative and emotional journey, they do not have speaking parts. This was a strategic decision by the filmmakers to maintain the film's gravitas and to set it apart as a more serious, Oscar-worthy project. The absence of speaking voices for the animals adds an element of subtlety and nuanced character development to the story. Additionally, the idea of the extant turkey sidekick provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind the film's development.

Keywords: Pocahontas, Meeko, Flit