What you may not realize, though, is that we've also already met the Cowardly Lion (Bert ... transport in "The Wizard of Oz" — and set him free in the woods, ensuring his safety before returning ...

However, the unexpected inspiration came from the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz." Anderson had a photo of the film's main characters, Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Lion in his workshop.