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The Backson
Background information
Feature films Winnie the Pooh
Television programs
Video games
Park attractions
Actor
Actress
Animators Eric Goldberg
Voice Huell Howser (film)
James Adomian (spin-offs)
David W. Collins (currently)
Performance model
Designer
Inspiration The Backson from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories by A.A. Mline
Awards
Character information
Other names
Personality According to Owl: Evil, mean, cruel, destructive, mischievous, chaotic, devilish, monstrous, fearsome, sadistic

Actually: Friendly, kind, gentle, polite, thoughtful, sweet, generous, folksy, humble, easy-going, fun-loving, curious, enthusiastic, somewhat dim-witted

Appearance Gigantic purple creature, tail, surly ugly mug face, sharp horns atop his head in between a red mop hair that covers his eyes, black toes, blue fur, shaggy rug-like hide, gold ring on his nose
Occupation
Affiliations Good (Owl was thinking he is bad, but this is not true)
Goal Cause complete chaos (according to Owl)

Return the items left out for him (actual) Make friends

Home
Friends
Enemies
Minions
Likes According to Owl: Chaos, mischief, destroying things, thefts

Actually: Finding things in the woods, helping to return lost things, discovering new things

Dislikes Be prisoned in a deep hole
Powers and abilities Incredible strength
Weapons
Fate Gets trapped in an enormous pit
Quote "Oh my gosh... is this is a pit? I think I'm in a pit! Hello? Anybody up there? Oh well. I sure hope that fellow will be back soon."

The Backson is the false main antagonist of Winnie the Pooh. He was believed to be an evil creature when in truth, he was a friendly creature.

Background[]

The Backson was first introduced in The House at Pooh Corner. In the original story "In Which Rabbit has a Busy Day and We Learn What Christopher Robin Does in the Mornings," Rabbit finds a note from Christopher Robin similar to what Pooh finds in the film and asks the others if they have seen a Spotted or Herbaceous Backson until another note from Christopher Robin is found with better spelling. In the film, the others decide to catch the Backson in a large pit, inspired by "In which Piglet Meets a Heffalump."

The Backson was animated by Eric Goldberg for the film, with the song going for a simplistic chalk drawing form.

Personality[]

According to Owl, the Backson is described as a mean, vicious creature that tries to catch Pooh and his friends in Owl's thoughts and thrives in messiness and chaos, being responsible for all of their misfortunes.

Despite this, the real Backson does not show any vicious personality as he is not seen throughout the film until the post-credits scene where he is getting the bait supposed to lure him to his trap. He is shown in a kind, folksy personality that thrives in generosity and discovery.

Though never stated, it is possible that the Backson desires to make friends and has never experienced friendship and love.

Physical appearance[]

The Backson is a large purple bull-like monster with red stripes, a blue furry coat, and red hair covering his eyes.

Appearances[]

Winnie the Pooh[]

One day, Pooh finds a note from Christopher Robin, but he cannot tell what it says. He asks Owl to read it, and Owl comes to the conclusion that Christopher Robin has been kidnapped by a creature called the Backson. Owl says the Backson is a ferocious creature that enjoys torturing others and creating misfortune (scribbling in books, putting holes in socks, messing up houses, etc.) Pooh and his friends decide that they need to save Christopher Robin before it is too late.

Rabbit comes up with a plan to get rid of the Backson: gather materials that the Backson enjoys destroying and use them to lure him into an enormous pit. While Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, and Roo gather the material and set the trap, Tigger and Eeyore train to battle the Backson if necessary.

Soon enough, Pooh and his friends get trapped in the pit. After getting out, they reunite with Christopher Robin and tell him about the Backson. However, he explains that it was just a misunderstanding: he actually wrote that he had meant to be "back soon."

After the credits finish rolling, there is a short clip that reveals the Backson actually does exist, but he is actually quite friendly. Upon seeing the things that were left out for him, he decides to pick them up and return them to their rightful owner. However, he ends up falling into the pit as originally planned. The Backson calls out for help, but decides to just wait until morning. He quips, "I sure hope that fellow will be back soon."

Trivia[]

  • Despite Owl's thoughts on the Backson, it can be implied that Owl spotted him before and assumed he was a villain, even though he was not for real.
  • Even though Rabbit often had somewhat antagonistic roles, the Backson is the first main solo yet fake villain in the franchise, despite the post-credits scene revealing his true harmless colors. Heffalumps and Woozles and bees are villains in a group and they are really villains, not Backson.
  • The Backson may not know what he looks like. This is evident by his comment on the chalkboard of his image that it is a "scary lookin' fella." The reason for this is probably because he does not own a mirror in the woods to see his reflection.
  • The Backson's phrases and mannerisms are based on his original voice actor Huell Howser.
  • He was mentioned in Disney Magic Kingdoms.
  • The Backson was Howser's first and only film role before his death in 2013.
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