The President 2016

Drama

Runtime

119 min

Made by

Corinth Films

Test your knowledge of The President with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The President (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

This animated series brings together four former American Presidents alive in 1997 — Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush — all voiced by Jim Morris. They unite as a superhero team, a concept that first premiered on January 11, 1997, and spanned nine episodes from 1997 to 2004. The extraordinary metamorphosis of these leaders into superheroes occurs during a thunderous lightning strike at a celebrity golf tournament. The title cleverly plays on their status as ex-Presidents while also nodding to the renowned Marvel Comics series, X-Men. Even though Bill Clinton lacks superpowers, he occasionally provides support to the group.

In the memorable episode titled “Nixon,” the notorious Richard Nixon along with his faithful dog Checkers, makes a surprising comeback to assist the team. Another engaging storyline appears in “The Hunt for Osama,” featuring Bob Dole, notable for his roles as the Republican presidential candidate in 1996 and as the vice-presidential candidate in 1976. In this episode, he serves as the butler at the team’s headquarters and expresses his desire to join the mission to track down Osama bin Laden. Ronald Reagan humorously responds, “Dole, just be glad we let you be butler.”

Another noteworthy episode, “Propaganda,” showcases Tom Kenny reprising his iconic role as SpongeBob SquarePants, who is recruited by the group to create a pro-Iraq War cartoon. However, he soon becomes disillusioned due to the offensive and inappropriate content. This episode also features George W. Bush at the beginning and end, alongside a cameo by Dick Cheney.

Each episode concludes with the X-Presidents performing a song that encapsulates the message of the episode, bringing a melodic resolution to their humorous escapades. A special guest appearance by The Ambiguously Gay Duo, another segment crafted by Robert Smigel and J. J. Sedelmaier, occurs in “The Hunt for Osama.” The series effectively parodies the beloved cartoons of Hanna-Barbera and Filmation from the 1970s, serving both as a tribute and a comedy piece.

In a 2006 interview, Smigel revealed plans for a feature film based on X-Presidents, written with Adam McKay, hinting at the enduring appeal and potential expansion of this whimsical satire.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The President (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Superhero Origin

In 1997, four former U.S. Presidents—Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush—gain superpowers after being struck by lightning during a celebrity golf tournament. This unexpected event marks the beginning of their adventures as a superhero team known as the X-Presidents.

1997 Celebrity Golf Tournament

Official Debut

The X-Presidents make their official television debut on January 11, 1997. This sketch introduces audiences to the humorous premise of Presidents turned superheroes, contrasting their former roles with their new identities.

January 11, 1997

Introducing Bill Clinton

Despite not having superpowers, former President Bill Clinton frequently joins the X-Presidents on their missions. His role adds a dynamic element to the group, showcasing teamwork among different political figures.

The X-First Ladies

The wives of the X-Presidents form their own group called The X-First Ladies. This team showcases their unique powers and flair, providing comedic balance to the superhero exploits of their husbands.

Resurrection of Richard Nixon

In the episode titled 'Nixon', Richard Nixon is brought back to life along with his dog Checkers to assist the X-Presidents. This resurrection plays into the comedic absurdity of the series and adds an iconic figure to the superhero roster.

The Hunt for Osama

In 'The Hunt for Osama', former Republican candidate Bob Dole is portrayed as the butler at the group's headquarters. He expresses his eagerness to join the hunt for terrorist Osama bin Laden, prompting Reagan's humorous response.

Propaganda Episode

In the 'Propaganda' episode, the X-Presidents recruit Tom Kenny, who voices SpongeBob SquarePants, to create a pro-Iraq War cartoon. However, the disturbing content leads Kenny's character to abandon the project, highlighting the absurdity of wartime propaganda.

Cameos from Political Figures

Throughout the series, various political figures such as George W. Bush and Dick Cheney make cameo appearances. These cameos serve to poke fun at real-life political scenarios and add layers to the comedy.

Musical Conclusions

Each episode concludes with the X-Presidents singing a comical song that encapsulates the episode's message. This playful ending reinforces the show's lighthearted tone and engages the audience musically.

A Special Guest Appearance

The Ambiguously Gay Duo, another famous animated series, makes a special guest appearance in the episode 'The Hunt for Osama'. This crossover adds a meta-humor layer and ties together different comedic universes.

Humor with a Historical Twist

The series broadly parodies classic Hanna-Barbera and Filmation cartoons from the 1970s. This nostalgic approach appeals to older audiences while providing relatable humor through geopolitical satire.

Film Adaptation Plans

In 2006, creator Robert Smigel announced that he had written a script for a potential X-Presidents film directed by Adam McKay. This proposed adaptation shows the continued popularity and potential of the series beyond its original run.

2006

Characters

Explore all characters from The President (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford is portrayed as a heroic figure who embodies the ideals of cooperation and leadership among the former Presidents. His character often balances humor with the wisdom gained from his years in the political arena. Ford serves as a team player who encourages unity amongst the unlikely superhero ensemble.

👔 Leadership 🇺🇸 Historical Figure

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan is depicted as a charming and charismatic leader whose reputation precedes him. His character often employs a blend of humor and nostalgia, reflecting on his time in office while tackling modern issues. Reagan's portrayal highlights his optimistic outlook, making him a key player in the group's antics.

🎤 Charisma 🇺🇸 Historical Figure

George H.W. Bush

George H.W. Bush is characterized as practical and experienced, often grounding the group in a sense of reality. His portrayal highlights his commitment to service and diplomacy, making him an essential voice in the team's decisions. Bush's persona adds depth to the humor as he navigates the challenges presented in the episodes.

🌍 Diplomacy 🇺🇸 Historical Figure

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter is depicted as the moral compass of the group, often advocating for humanitarian efforts and ethical considerations. His character illustrates the importance of compassion and public service, contrasting with the more flamboyant personalities of his peers. Carter’s principled stance often leads to deeper discussions in the group's adventures.

❤️ Humanitarian 🇺🇸 Historical Figure

Setting

Learn where and when The President (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1990s - 2000s

The events of the movie unfold in the late 1990s to early 2000s, a time marked by significant political events and cultural shifts in the United States. This period saw the end of the Cold War era and the onset of global terrorism, which becomes a central issue in some of the cartoon's plots. It was also a time when satire and political cartoons flourished in television.

Location

United States

The movie primarily takes place in the United States, a country known for its political influence and cultural diversity. This setting allows for the blending of various historical figures into a comedic framework, highlighting their legacy and public personas in a unique manner. Various iconic American locations serve as backdrops for the adventures of the former Presidents.

🇺🇸 USA 🎡 Entertainment

Themes

Discover the main themes in The President (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🦸‍♂️

Superhero Satire

The movie employs a unique superhero satire theme, blending real-life former Presidents with superhero tropes. This theme allows for comedic explorations of politics and their impact on society, juxtaposing the image of powerful leaders with the fantastical elements of superhero culture. The absurdity of former leaders acting as superheroes provides both humor and critique of political figures.

🔄

Legacy and Memory

Another significant theme is the legacy and memory of past political leaders. Through the humorous lens of this cartoon, audiences are invited to reflect on the impact these individuals had on American history. The resurrection of historical figures underscores how their legacies continue to resonate, sometimes in ironic or exaggerated ways.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.