 This film was pitched to Disney by John Musker (qv) and  Ron Clements (qv) several times: (1) In 1985, during production on  _Black Cauldron, The (1985)_ (qv), but they ended up assigned to  direct _Great Mouse Detective, The (1986)_ (qv). (2) After directing  _Little Mermaid, The (1989)_ (qv), but they ended up assigned to  direct _Aladdin (1992)_ (qv). (3) After directing  _Aladdin (1992)_ (qv), but the studio wanted them to direct  _Hercules (1997)_ (qv). Musker and Clements agreed to direct that  film only if they were allowed to make Treasure Planet right after  it.