Donald Iwerks, Innovator Behind Disney’s Circle-Vision and Large-Format Films, Dies at 96

Donald Iwerks, the Disney camera technician and cinematic innovator whose work defined immersive storytelling from Mary Poppins to EPCOT, died the evening of July 9 at age 96, Disney confirmed to multiple outlets. Born on July 24, 1929, he was the son of Mickey Mouse co-creator and Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, and over a career spanning more than six decades, he carried on a family tradition of technological breakthroughs, according to Variety and MickeyBlog.

2 sources

VarietyDonald Iwerks, Disney Camera Technician and Iwerks Entertainment Co-Founder, Dies at 96DisneyDisney Legend Don Iwerks, Disney Camera Pioneer and Ub Iwerks’ Son, Dies at 96

"Don carried on his father's legacy of innovation and problem-solving in the entertainment industry."

That legacy included pioneering advancements in projection technology, large-format and 3D cinema, and immersive attractions that "transformed how audiences experience stories," as Variety reported. As a former Disney executive and co-founder of Iwerks Entertainment, Iwerks was instrumental in developing Circle-Vision films and the 3D camera system for Captain EO, according to The Main Street Mouse and Disney.

"Don Iwerks, the camera and projection innovator whose work shaped everything from Mary Poppins to EPCOT, died the evening of July 9 at age 96."

Iwerks’s technical contributions touched nearly every corner of Disney storytelling, from the underwater world of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to the large-format films that became staples of Disney theme parks, Disney noted. His innovations in large-format and 3D projection, as well as special effects, helped define the look and feel of classic Disney films and attractions, Deadline added.

Iwerks’s passing marks the end of an era for a family that helped build the Disney empire. His father, Ub Iwerks, was the animator who brought Mickey Mouse to life, and Don Iwerks ensured that the Iwerks name remained synonymous with cinematic innovation, from the silver screen to the theme park, The Main Street Mouse wrote.