The Walt Disney Company has unveiled The Last Verse, a heartfelt short film celebrating the legendary songwriting duo Richard and Robert Sherman and their enduring contribution to Disney’s magic. The three-minute and 30-second film introduces a new verse to the iconic song It’s A Small World, penned by Richard Sherman as a parting gift before his passing in May 2024.
Working with adam&eveDDB, this new verse was shared by Sherman with Disney CEO Bob Iger in the summer of 2023, offering one final tribute to the studio that he cherished so deeply. The Last Verse debuted during The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20, a two-hour ABC News Studios documentary marking the 60th anniversary of Mary Poppins (1964), for which the Sherman Brothers won Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
“As the legendary creators of some of the most cherished music of the past century, the Sherman Brothers will be remembered for their profound impact on our global culture,” said Iger. “Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to It’s A Small World before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever. This beautiful short film is our tribute to their immeasurable musical contributions, their memory, and to the countless memories they helped create for generations of people around the world.”
The Sherman Brothers, whose timeless work includes Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book (1967), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and the original It’s A Small World theme for Disneyland’s iconic attraction, left an indelible mark on Disney’s legacy.
Originally written for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair in support of UNICEF, It’s A Small World became an instant classic. Overseen by Walt Disney himself, the attraction and its accompanying song symbolized hope and unity, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
After its success at the fair, the attraction was installed at Disneyland Park in 1966, with additional versions now delighting visitors at Disney Parks in Florida, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong.
Directed by Henry Alex Rubin, known for his award-winning documentary Murderball, and created in partnership with adam&eveDDB, The Last Verse takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through six decades of the song’s influence. With archival footage, emotional storytelling, and a global perspective, the short film underscores the power of music to unite and inspire.
Richard Brim, Global Chief Creative Officer for adam&eveDDB, reflected on the film’s emotional depth: “It’s hard to truly capture the influence and impact that Disney has had on our lives over the past century. With this film, we wanted to tap into those feelings of nostalgia that are so often associated with the iconic brand, whilst paying homage to the legends that are the Sherman brothers.”
As The Last Verse reminds us, the Sherman Brothers’ music is more than entertainment—it’s a universal language that has connected generations. Richard Sherman’s final addition to It’s A Small World is a fitting testament to their legacy, a gift that ensures their work will continue to bring joy and unity to Disney fans for years to come.
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