The project Bolt was originally titled 'American Dog', and was originally to be written and directed by Chris Sanders (director of Lilo & Stitch).
Chris Sander had his own creative idea about the film:
(Click on a picture to enlarge it.)
But Chris Sander's vison of the animated movie, with a one-eyed cat and an oversized, radioactive rabbit, was a little too bold.
Disney wants indeed something more mainstream that could position as the family film of the holidays: Disney wants Bolt to be every kid's best friend and the ultimate action hero.
That's why Chris Sanders has since left the project and been replaced by Chris Williams and Byron Howard. As a result the movie is now titled
Bolt. (More about this controversy
here.)
Bolt is more politically correct. But one should not over criticize Disney for its choice. The goal of the company isn't art for art's sake after all: CALPERS and other shareholders rightfully wait for their dividends.
Nevertheless I wish
Adam Chris Sanders to find some generous sponsor to finance his own project one day, for art's sake.
:)