Ferdinand the Bull Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Ferdinand the Bull.
Ferdinand the Bull Ending Explained: This Oscar-winning short tells of a bull who preferred to sit under trees and smell flowers to clashing horns with his fellow animals. Directed by Dick Rickard, this 1938 animation film stars Milt Kahl (Ferdinand (voice)), alongside Don Wilson as Narrator (voice), Walt Disney as Ferdinand's Mother (voice). With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Ferdinand the Bull?
This Oscar-winning short tells of a bull who preferred to sit under trees and smell flowers to clashing horns with his fellow animals. As luck would have it, an untimely bee reveals Ferdinand's ferocious side via pained howls and wild stomping. This lands him in the bull-fighting arena amidst characters based on Walt's animators with a matador reportedly modeled after Walt himself.
Dick Rickard's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Milt Kahl (Ferdinand (voice))'s journey. As luck would have it, an untimely bee reveals Ferdinand's ferocious side via pained howls and wild stomping.
How Does Milt Kahl (Ferdinand (voice))'s Story End?
- Milt Kahl: Milt Kahl's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Don Wilson (Narrator (voice)): Don Wilson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Walt Disney (Ferdinand's Mother (voice)): Walt Disney's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Ferdinand the Bull Based on a True Story?
Yes — Ferdinand the Bull draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Dick Rickard has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Ferdinand the Bull Mean?
Ferdinand the Bull's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Milt Kahl may feel rushed. Dick Rickard's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.