John Smith

John Smith

John Smith is the deuteragonist in Pocahontas and a supporting character in its sequel. He was based on the actual historical figure John Smith. In his first appearance, he is voiced by Mel Gibson, but is voiced by Donal Gibson, Mel Gibson's younger brother, in the sequel.

Background

John Smith's a handsome young English explorer who is shown to already be a legend when he first appears, as Thomas mentions that there are "amazing stories about him." He is well known for his exploits as an explorer, not to mention his success at fighting savages. At the beginning of the film, he initially assumes that the voyage to the New World will be the same as the other voyages he has taken. By the end of the film, though, many of his views about the natives have changed.

At the beginning of the film, John is shown to have some prejudiced views regarding Native Americans, as he believes them to be savages. Despite these views, he is regarded for his courage and heroism. An encounter with Pocahontas changes his opinions, and he comes to believe that the natives can help his people. He is shown to be selfless, as he is willing to take the blame for Thoms, when Thomas kills Kocoum.

Appearances

Pocahontas

In 1607, the Virginia Company finances a voyage to the New World, so that settlers may found a colony in the new world. Due to his extraordinary reputation in dealing with natives, John Smith is chosen to be the captain. Governor Ratcliffe, who is to be the leader of the new colony, notes that he is depending on John to deal with the natives. During the voyage, one young man, named Thomas, falls overboard. In response, John, with some assistance from Ben and Lon, mounts a risky but successful rescue mission, earning him Ratcliffe's praise. Thomas tells John his plans for the New World, but John notes that he has seen hundreds of new worlds, and that there could be little that would be different about this one.

When they reach the new world, work begins on a colony, which is named Jamestown, Virginia. Upon landing, John is sent out with a crew so that they can tie the ship off. While there, John meets Meeko, but is prevented from seeing a hidden Pocahontas by Flit. Ratcliffe then tasks John with exploring the surrounding area, to scout for natives.

While exploring, John is impressed by the land, deeming it wild and challenging. Meanwhile, he is secretly being followed by Pocahontas. John stops to wash his face at a river, but notices a reflection. Hiding behind a rock, he readies his gun, but when he jumps upon the person, he discovers a beautiful woman. The woman runs from him, and he quickly follows her. John tries to explain that he won't hurt her, but she doesn't understand him at first. However, when he asks her name, she tells him that her name is Pocahontas. The two talk for some time, telling each other their different names for things. John unintentionally insults her, though, by talking about how his people have improved the lives of savages everywhere, with things like decent roads and houses. He tries to apologize, and Pocahontas responds by showing him the beauty of nature. However, their time together is cut short when Pocahontas hears the sound of drums and runs off.

A few days later, John sneaks away from camp to find Pocahontas. During their talk, John tells Pocahontas about the reason the settlers are there: to look for gold. Pocahontas has never heard of Gold, and after hearing a description, holds up an ear of corn. John corrects her by showing her a gold piece, which Pocahontas has never seen. John remarks that they came a long way for nothing, and notes that some of the settlers might leave. Pocahontas asks of he would leave, but John notes he has nothing to go back to, as he has never belonged anywhere. Pocahontas chooses to introduce John to Grandmother Willow. The experience shocks him at first, but he grows to like her, especially after she compliments his looks. They are interrupted by Ben and Lon, who have come looking for John. John and Pocahontas hide, and Grandmother Willow spooks the two men away. John decides to go back before they send more people looking for him, but first agrees to meet Pocahontas that night at Grandmother Willow's glade.

When John returns to camp, he is nearly shot at by Thomas. John coaches Thomas on how to aim properly, and is then questioned by Ratcliffe as to where he had been. John uses the excuse that he was scouting. Ratcliffe approves, as the information will be useful for the upcoming battle. John learns that Ratcliffe plans to attack the Indians, in order to get the gold Ratcliffe believes them to be hiding. John protests, much to the surprise of Ratcliffe and the settlers. John relates what he has learned from Pocahontas, though he doesn't reveal her identity, saying only that he met an Indian. John notes the advantages of working with the natives, and also says that there is no gold. The settlers begin to wonder about the lack of gold, but Ratcliffe dismisses the tale as lies. Ratcliffe then proclaims that anyone who looks at an Indian without shooting will be hung.

Despite Ratcliffe's ruling, John sneaks out of camp that night. However, he is unknowingly spotted by Thomas. Ratcliffe orders Thomas to follow John, as well as to shoot any Indians he sees. Meanwhile, John meets with Pocahontas, and tells her of the impending attack. Pocahontas reveals that her people are also preparing for war, and that if they are to stop this, John must come talk to her father, Chief Powhatan. John initially refuses, citing the matter to be impossible, but eventually acquiesces, after Grandmother Willow compares the situation to ripples, which must be started by someone. John and Pocahontas impulsively share a kiss, which is witnessed by both Thomas and Kocoum, who had followed Pocahontas. Kocoum attacks John in a rage, and Thomas kills Kocoum to save John. Kocoum's death makes Pocahontas angry, and John orders Thomas to leave. As soon as he does, warriors from Pocahontas's tribe appear, and capture John, believing him to have killed Kocoum. Meanwhile, Thomas reports John's capture. A plan is set up to rescue him, though Ratcliffe intends to take advantage of the situation and kill the Indians to get their gold.

At the village, Powhatan sentences John to death at sunrise, as the first casualty in the upcoming war. That night, Pocahontas comes and apologizes for getting him in trouble. John refuses to accept, stating that he was a better person for having met her, and that he would be with her forever. Pocahontas leaves, and soon John is forcefully taken to a cliff, near where the battle is to take place. Just then the English settlers arrive for the battle, Powhatan prepares to execute John. Before he can do so, Pocahontas intervenes, throwing her body over John's, with a proclamation that Powhatan will have to kill her along with John. Pocahontas proclaims her love for John, and rebukes everyone for following the path of hatred. Powhatan, seeing the truth, chooses to release John, and calls off his warriors. The settlers are content to let the fight go, as John has been released. Ratcliffe tries to shoot Powhatan, but John takes the shot.

John initially survives, but is forced to return to England for medical treatment, otherwise he would die. Pocahontas arrives, bringing food, and says goodbye to John. John invites her to come with him, but Pocahontas refuses. John wants to stay, but Pocahontas tells him to go, because she would be with him forever. Powhatan comes, and thanks John for his earlier act, stating that he is always welcome among their people. John is soon loaded onto the ship, and he is able to wave goodbye to Pocahontas as the ship sails out to sea.

Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World

In beginning of the second film, John, still in England and having recovered from his injury, is attacked by guards, who attempt to arrest him for treason in Jamestown. Ratcliffe arrives, revealing that he has framed John, and attacks John. John is forced onto the roof of a house, and falls off into the river below. He is presumed dead by Ratcliffe, who informs the king. Soon, word reaches Pocahontas in Virginia and she chooses to move on with her life.

Near the end of the film, a hooded figure overhears a sailor talk about the upcoming execution of Pocahontas. Pocahontas had been sent to England as an emissary for her tribe, but had offended the king after witnessing a bear-baiting. The man is shown to be disturbed and he rides off. The man meets with John Rolfe, and together they plan to free Pocahontas. The plan is pulled off, and in the safety of a secluded cabin, the mysterious man reveals himself to be John Smith. John had disguised himself to avoid being arrested for treason.

John Smith obviously wants to resume his romantic relationship with Pocahontas. But all Pocahontas can think of is the threatened attack on her tribe. Smith, knowing that her people need to live, wants her to stay hidden to prevent her from being hanged, but Rolfe wants Pocahontas to listen to her heart. The two men start to argue. Upset by her friends' fighting, Pocahontas runs off. Then Smith realizes Rolfe also is smitten with Pocahontas.

The group decides to confront the king. Pocahontas is able to convince the queen to halt the attack, but the king is a friend of Ratcliffe's. John chooses to reveal himself, which proves Ratcliffe to be a liar. The king now agrees to stop the attack, but learns that the Armada has set sail. Smith, Rolfe, and Pocahontas race to stop the armada. John engages in battle with Ratcliffe, which results in the governor being thrown overboard.

The next day, John reveals that he has been awarded his own ship, and invites Pocahontas to travel the world with him. Pocahontas refuses, citing that they now have their own paths to follow. John accepts her refusal, but wishes her happiness in the future.

House of Mouse

John Smith made a couple of rare cameo appearances in this series. His most notable cameo occurs in the episode House of Turkey, where he is seen walking through the club's lobby alongside Pocahontas as Donald Duck greets them. The colors of the wind also blow past Donald. Daisy Duck, at her desk, checks the guest list and says "Pocahontas, John Smith and the Colors of the Wind. Check."

Gallery

"It’s perfect, Governor. The water’s deep enough, we can pull right up to shore."

"Already done, sir. I’ve got a crew assembled and they’re ready to go."

"Well, if they’re anything like the savages I’ve fought before, it’s nothing I can’t handle."

"Getting a better look."-Smith climbing up a tree.

Smith up in a tree, unaware a Native American woman is watching him.

Smith amazed by the view of the New World up in the tree.

Smith pulling out his knife when something hits his feet.

"Well...you're a strange looking fellow."-Smith meets Meeko.

Smith offering Meeko a biscuit.

Smith noticing Meeko waving at a bush, realizing he must have a friend back there.

Smith having jumped onto a cliff.

Smith walking towards the bush.

Smith being attacked by Flit.

Smith swatting at Flit, causing his portion of biscuits to fall to the ground.

Smith being called away by Thomas who informs him Governor Ratcliffe is coming ashore.

Smith and Governor Ratcliffe conversing about the land.

"If there are any Indians out there, I'll find them."

"All of my life, I have searched for a land like this one."

"A wilder, more challenging country I couldn't design."

"Hundreds of dangers await and I don't plan to miss one."

Smith about to cross a waterfall.

"In a land I can claim, a land I can tame."

"The greatest adventure is mine!"

"This land we behold..."

"No! Wait! Please!"

"You don't understand a word I'm saying. Do you?"

John bonding with Pocahontas.

John about to notice Meeko in his satchel.

"Is this bottomless pit a friend of yours?"

"Well, how do you do, Meeko."

"No, no. I need your hand first."

John teaching Pocahontas how to greet with a handshake.

John learning how the Indians say hello.

John and Pocahontas touching their hands together.

"Yeah, I remember you."

"Stubborn little fella, isn't he?"

John and Pocahontas see Meeko steal his compass from his satchel.

"Don't worry he can't hurt it."

"No, it's alright. He can keep it. Call it a gift."

John telling Pocahontas what a compass is.

When mentioning London, John describes and tells Pocahontas all about it.

John telling Pocahontas how he and the other settlers build houses and roads in the New World.

"Yes. We'll build roads and decent houses..."

John unintentionally offending Pocahontas.

John being chirped angrily by Flit for offending Pocahontas's race.

John stopping Pocahontas from leaving in her canoe.

"Not that you're a savage."

(Pocahontas: "Let go!") "No. I'm not letting you leave."

Smith having witnessed Pocahontas jump into a tree.

John watching Pocahontas climb up the tree.

John following Pocahontas up the tree as he tries to explain what he means when he calls someone a savage.

"Well, when I say uncivilized, what I mean is..."

John after falling down and off the tree.

John being told by Pocahontas what he means by savages are people not like him.

John listening to Pocahontas say she cannot see herself as someone different from him.

John hearing Pocahontas say he doesn't know what the Native Americans are actually like.

John watching Pocahontas pretend to be a settler claiming the land for his own.

John about to shoot a bear.

John being stopped by Pocahontas from shooting the bear.

John being taught by Pocahontas to walk in a stranger's footsteps as she shows him the bear is a mother to cubs.

John looking up into the sky as Pocahontas asks if he can sing with the voices of the mountain.

John and Pocahontas during "Colors of the Wind".

John and Pocahontas with silhouettes of deer in the sky.

John and Pocahontas jumping down a waterfall.

John and Pocahontas running through the forest.

John running past the trees.

John and Pocahontas in a sunflower meadow.

John and Pocahontas swimming together.

John and Pocahontas lying down on an island.

John and Pocahontas with two hawks.

John and Pocahontas watching the hawks fly up to a tall sycamore tree.

John and Pocahontas standing together.

John and Pocahontas on the edge of a cliff.

John with the silhouette of a bird.

John surrounded by leaves, wind, and magic.

John being taught to respect Native Americans and nature.

John and Pocahontas staring into each other's eyes.

John and Pocahontas hearing other Indians beat drums.

John and Pocahontas holding each other before Pocahontas leaves to go back to her village.

John watching Pocahontas run off.

John watching Pocahontas leave to return to her village.

A few days later, John works to help build walls around the settler's camping ground while Thomas notices he has been very quiet lately.

Smith smiling when Thomas attempts to cheer him up.

Smith emerging from a cornfield after having left the settlers' camping grounds.

John finding Pocahontas in the cornfield.

John stops Flit from attacking him with a biscuit.

(Pocahontas: "What are you doing here?") "I had to see you again."

John holding Pocahontas's hand as they leave together.

At a willow tree, John explains to Pocahontas and Meeko what gold is after he reveals why the settlers came to the New World.

After Pocahontas mistakes an earl of corn as gold, John goes to show what gold actually looks like.

When Pocahontas reveals she has not seen any gold in her land, John chuckles and realizes his people came to the New World for nothing.

"Those boys are in for a big surprise."

When Pocahontas asks if the settlers would leave, John says some might leave while others might stay.

John revealing to Pocahontas he never felt he'd belonged anywhere.

John suddenly hears some singing.

John shocked to see a glimpse of Grandmother Willow.

John being told by Pocahontas to look closer.

John shocked and amazed to see Grandmother Willow.

"What do you say to a tree?"

John in utter shock as Grandmother Willow speaks to him.

"Oh, I like her."

"We can't let them see us."-John seeing Ben and Lon looking for him.

John shielding Pocahontas as Ben and Lon get closer to their hiding spot.

"I'm glad you're on our side."-John after Grandmother Willow scares Ben and Lon away.

Deciding to head back to his camp, John tells Pocahontas to meet him here again tonight.

John allowing Meeko to sit on his shoulder.

"Easy, Thomas, it's me."

Smith giving Thomas advice on to shoot a gun properly.

When confronted by Ratcliffe on where he was, John lies, saying he was scouting the terrain.

John Smith protests against Ratcliffe for wanting to attack the natives.

John telling his people that they don't have to fight the Indians and he has met one of them.

John trying to convince the other settlers that the Indians can help as they know the country and know all the waterways.

"And look it's food."

When Ratcliffe claims the Indians have gold, John says there is no gold.

(Ratcliffe: "And I suppose your little Indian friend told you this?") "Yes."

"But this is their land."

John angry when Ratcliffe refuses to make peace with the settlers and threatens to charge anyone with treason and hang them if they do not kill an Indian.

John glaring at Ratcliffe.

Later that night, John puts out the fire in a lamp.

John and Meeko sneaking out of his tent.

John Smith tries to sneak out so the guards don't notice him.

John leaving the settlement so he can warn Pocahontas about the coming war.

Meeting up with Pocahontas, John warns her of the settlers' plans to attack her people.

John and Pocahontas suddenly hear a loud, spooky bark.

"Percy?"-John Smith holds Percy.

John and Pocahontas seeing Percy and Meeko getting into a fight.

"See what I mean? Once two sides want to fight, nothing can stop them."

"Bad! Bad dog! Sit!"

After Grandmother Willow stops the fight between Meeko and Percy, John watches her demonstrate how a war can start through a pond's water ripples.

"They're not going to listen to us."

John sliding down Grandmother Willow's roots.

John and Pocahontas look at each other as Grandmother Willow says they can only be together if they do something to stop the fighting.

John embraced by Pocahontas after he agrees to talk to her father on forming peace between their peoples.

John and Pocahontas share their first kiss.

John and Pocahontas embracing and sharing a kiss.

John embracing Pocahontas as he kisses her.

After kissing, John and Pocahontas are surprised when an Indian warrior named Kocoum reveals himself.

John being attacked by an angry and jealous Kocoum.

John about to kick Kocoum off of him.

Recovering, John sees Kocoum approaching him with a knife.

John defending himself from Kocoum.

John pinned down as an angry Kocoum attempts to kill him.

John having seen Thomas had shot Kocoum to save him from being killed.

John stopping Pocahontas from angrily attacking Thomas, knowing Thomas did not mean to kill Kocoum.

Hearing Indians approaching, John orders Thomas to flee.

John being apprehended by Indian warriors.

John getting captured by the Indians.

John being brought to the the Indian village.

John restrained by the Indians as they accuse him of murdering Kocoum.

John having a spear pointed at his throat.

John about to be imprisoned in a tent.

John imprisoned in a tent with his arms tied to a wooden beam.

John being approached by Pocahontas.

"Pocahontas?"

John being hugged by Pocahontas.

"I've been in worse scraps before."

"I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years not knowing you."

"No matter what happens to me, I'll always be with you."

John feeling Pocahontas's hand one last time.

John looking at Pocahontas's shadow as she leaves the tent.

John watching the Indians prepare for war.

John hearing the Indians plan to execute him in the morning.

The next morning, John Smith is forcibly dragged outside by his captors.

John being restrained and dragged by the Indians.

John pressed down against a rock.

John seeing Powhatan getting ready to execute him.

John about to be executed.

John watching Chief Powhatan accepting Pocahontas's advice to let go to war with the settlers.

John looking at Pocahontas after she managed to prevent their people from going to war with each other.

John having been released by the Indians.

Pocahontas and Smith embrace.

John having noticed Ratcliffe going to shoot Chief Powhatan.

John saving Chief Powhatan.

John injured as he took a bullet for Chief Powhatan.

John being tended to by Pocahontas and Powhatan.

When being prepared to return to England, John Smith wants to wait for Pocahontas to come.

John seeing Pocahontas and her people arrive.

John and Thomas being approached by Pocahontas.

John being gifted some of Grandmother Willow's bark by Pocahontas.

John being thanked by Powhatan for saving his life.

John happy to see Flit now likes him.

John watching Pocahontas put on her newly restored necklace.

John asking Pocahontas to come with him to England.

(Pocahontas: "I'm needed here.") "Then, I'll stay with you."

John hearing Pocahontas insist he must go back to England to get treated.

John being assured by Pocahontas that she'll always be with him no matter what.

John and Pocahontas sharing one last kiss.

John being put on a rowboat as Thomas and Lon say goodbye to him.

John looking back at Pocahontas and the Indians as Ben rows to the ship.

John on board the ship as it sails back to England.

John noticing Pocahontas watching him on top of a cliff.

John waving goodbye to Pocahontas.

Trivia

• John Smith is the only Disney Prince so far who did not end up with his princess. However, he is the first prince to not end up with his love interest at the end of the first film. The second being Quasimodo as Esmeralda ended up with Phoebus at the end of their film.
• He is the first Disney Prince who physically resembles Phoebus, the second being Kristoff.
• He is also the first Disney Prince to have blonde hair, the second being Kristoff from Frozen.
• John Smith is the third Disney hero to wield a weapon.
• The real John Smith met Pocahontas for the first time when she rescued him in 1607.
• He is also the first Disney prince to not be of the same nationality as his princess.
• Smith is the second Disney prince to be wounded by the villain.
• The real John Smith returned to Virginia in September 1609 after his accident. Unlike the movie, Pocahontas later married Kocoum.
• He is the second after Prince Eric to sail by boat, with Prince Naveen being the third.
• John Smith is the second Disney prince to share dialogue with the villain.
• He is the third Disney prince to be featured ascending a high rocky point, but is the second to climb up a natural rocky cliff after Prince Phillip.
• Smith is also the second non-royal born Disney prince, with the first being Aladdin, the third being John Role, the fourth being Captain Li Shang and the fifth being Flynn Rider.
• His uniform appeared as all blue in the original film and it's sequel but in the Disney franchise his long-sleeved shirt is white, his breastplate is silver, his pants are blue and his shoes are black.
• He wears an armor and helmet which looks like a Spanish conquistador.
• The real John Smith had a mustache and beard. His was not blond.
• Historically, John Smith was actually much older than Pocahontas when they first met, so the romance they had in the movie was quite inaccurate.