The Walt Disney Company recently unveiled a heartfelt short film introducing a newly written verse for the beloved song “It’s a Small World.” This new addition, created by legendary composer Richard Sherman before his passing in May 2024, serves as a touching farewell from a musical icon. Sherman, who originally co-wrote the 1964 classic with his late brother Robert, presented the verse to Disney CEO Bob Iger in the summer of 2023 as a final gift to the company he cherished.
The film, titled The Last Verse, is three minutes and 30 seconds long and made its debut during a special ABC News Studios documentary, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20. This two-hour event celebrated the 60th anniversary of Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964), a film that earned the Sherman Brothers Academy Awards® for both Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
A new tribute to timeless music
Bob Iger described the film as a tribute to the lasting legacy of the Sherman Brothers, whose music has profoundly shaped global culture. “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,” Iger said. “This beautiful short film honors their immeasurable contributions to music and the cherished memories they created for generations.”
The short film underscores the Sherman Brothers’ extraordinary impact during their decades-long partnership with Disney. From Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book (1976) to Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), their music continues to resonate across generations, solidifying their place in Disney’s legacy.
A global anthem for unity
“It’s a Small World” was originally composed for the attraction of the same name, which debuted at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Under Walt Disney’s personal supervision, the ride supported UNICEF’s mission and quickly became a worldwide sensation. After its success at the fair, the attraction found a permanent home at Disneyland in 1966 and has since been replicated in four other Disney parks globally, symbolizing unity and hope.
The film, The Last Verse, traces the song’s six-decade journey, illustrating its cultural significance and its enduring message of harmony.
Nostalgia meets modern storytelling
Directed by Henry Alex Rubin, an acclaimed filmmaker known for Murderball, and developed in partnership with creative agency adam&eveDDB, the short film captures the emotional resonance of Disney’s iconic music. Richard Brim, the agency’s Global Chief Creative Officer, emphasized the challenge and importance of honoring the Sherman Brothers’ legacy. “With this film, we aimed to evoke the deep sense of nostalgia Disney inspires, while paying tribute to the legends who created such timeless works.”
The Last Verse is more than a celebration of a song; it is a poignant reminder of how music can unite people across the globe.
Check out the song and the video here:
What’s your favorite memory tied to the song It’s a Small World?