In light of the recent underperformance of Snow White at the box office, Disney has the opportunity to explore a variety of remakes. However, not all potential projects carry the same weight. The myriad controversies surrounding Snow White’s casting not only diverted attention away from the film’s strong points but also generated a considerable amount of debate before the trailer aired. Consequently, this film’s journey has been fraught with challenges.
Nevertheless, it is common for remakes to introduce new elements into well-known narratives. A remake that merely rehashes existing content holds little value. With this perspective, several films seem ripe for a modern reimagining. Some of these options are beloved classics, while others are lesser-known gems that could greatly benefit from a fresh approach.
10 Tangled (2010)
The Biggest 3-D Animated Classic
While Disney previously considered a remake of Tangled, plans have become uncertain following the backlash from Snow White’s reception. Nonetheless, the case for moving forward with this project remains strong. For one, the story and casting of Tangled are less likely to provoke controversy, unlike Snow White. Furthermore, the film’s rich narrative structure lends itself beautifully to a live-action interpretation.
Additionally, fan theories suggesting a connection between Gothel and Snow White’s Evil Queen add a layer of intrigue to the project. Notably, Tangled can easily accommodate Oscar-worthy songs and an extended storyline, allowing for a seamless transition into live-action without sacrificing any essential elements. A Tangled remake has high expectations for success.
9 Bolt (2008)
Everyone Loves A Good Dog Story
The prospect of a live-action Bolt encounter some challenges in execution, particularly when considering the narrative style. The titular Bolt stands out as one of cinema’s most cherished dogs, and his owner’s emotional journey as he searches for Bolt would resonate powerfully on screen. The primary challenge lies in choosing between a traditional “live-action” approach or utilizing real animals, which could significantly impact the tone.
Interestingly, Miley Cyrus had garnered much attention for her role in the original film, leading to possibilities for her cameo in a remake. Although she may no longer fit into the role of Bolt’s owner, casting her as an antagonist could inject new energy into the story, especially considering her public struggles with fame and the entertainment industry—elements that the film touches on subtly.
8 The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
An Unexpected Yet Plausible Hit
With recent strides toward better Latin representation in films, now is an opportune time for Disney to consider a remake of The Emperor’s New Groove. Notably, the original film lacked authentic Latin representation, despite its setting during the Incan Empire. David Spade, John Goodman, and Patrick Warburton’s contributions were celebrated, yet did not reflect the culture accurately.
A live-action remake could delve deeper into pre-Columbian culture and be inclusive in its casting. This approach aligns with calls for more authentic representation in media—a benefit that could draw disparate audiences to the film. Although the absence of the original cast’s charm may be noted, an opportunity for new talent to shine exists.
7 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
Only Controversial Because Of One Word
Discussion surrounding a live-action adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame has persisted, yet no definitive plans have emerged. The complexity of language and cultural sensitivity has introduced awkwardness regarding Esmeralda’s portrayal, as the term “gypsy”has fell out of favor and requires careful handling with respect to historical context.
Nevertheless, the narrative holds significant potential for exploration in live-action, especially given intriguing fan theories regarding Quasimodo’s character. Such insights can add layers not typically present in animated adaptations, elevating the story to resonate more profoundly with a contemporary audience.
6 Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Fans Have Wanted To See This For A While
One of the criticisms of recent Disney adaptations is the limited scope of their settings, rendering many visuals uninteresting over time. In contrast, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is widely regarded for its adventurous narrative and immersive world-building. A live-action version could provide a thrilling cinematic experience.
Incorporating elements from the unreleased sequel could offer additional content to enrich the storyline. The original film has already proven popular enough to warrant a video game adaptation, and capitalizing on this interest could yield a remake that resonates with both nostalgia and modern audiences.
5 Treasure Planet (2002)
It’s Almost Impossible To Do This One Wrong
Although Atlantis and Treasure Planet vary significantly in theme, both have loyal fanbases among Disney’s niche offerings. Treasure Planet presents a captivating reinterpretation of a classic story, and its scenes transition smoothly to a live-action format. Such a remake would attract fans eager to revisit the harrowing adventures of Jim Hawkins and his crew.
Despite ongoing rumors regarding a potential live-action adaptation, Disney has yet to comment on this possibility. With a track record of more significant misses centered around princess films, a space-faring adventure like Treasure Planet might just be the refreshing turn the studio needs.
4 The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Silence Disney’s Haters For Once And Forever
For quite some time, discourse surrounding The Princess and the Frog has mainly revolved around unfortunate criticisms directed at Disney’s casting choices. Given the film’s complexity regarding race and cultural themes, changing the characters’ races would dilute the powerful messages embedded in the story. The nuances of the film’s original context make a live-action retelling a unique challenge for Disney.
Beyond tackling critics, there’s a direct need for Disney to invest in Tiana’s character. After the cancellation of her sequel series on Disney+, she stands as one of the least represented Disney princesses. Retelling her story in live action could reaffirm her significance and address the need for more diverse storytelling within the Disney canon.
3 Meet The Robinsons (2007)
A Great Family Film With Some Excellent Sci-Fi
The demand for a sequel to Meet the Robinsons has swelled over the years, yet a live-action remake might be equally enticing. In fact, retaining original cast members such as Laurie Metcalf, Nicole Sullivan, and Tom Selleck could create a nostalgic connection for audiences. Such a remake would allow for a fun exploration of the film’s themes in a new format.
Engaging a blend of familiar and fresh talent could yield a delightful family film, especially since Meet the Robinsons is filled with hidden Easter eggs that could be further developed in a live-action setting. This adaptation could transform it from a wonderful story into a beloved cinematic event.
2 Hercules (1997)
It Can Succeed Where Mulan Failed
The failure of Mulan highlighted the precarious balancing act required for successful adaptations. However, Hercules is an exceptional candidate for a live-action remake, as it offers multiple narratives and rich mythology. Drawing from both the original myth and the less familiar Disney sequel, a live-action Hercules could integrate a wealth of content to create an engaging storyline, including his time as an Argonaut.
Moreover, casting for Hercules can present exciting challenges, especially considering the character’s iconic status. Decisions surrounding Meg’s representation could also stimulate conversations about historical accuracy versus character fidelity. Given recent criticisms surrounding Disney remakes feeling superficial, Hercules would need careful attention to detail to revolutionize its storytelling.
1 The Black Cauldron (1985)
Disney Might Benefit From A Bit Of Darkness
The Black Cauldron stands out in Disney’s catalog as a lesser-known installment that has fostered a cult following due to its unique narrative. Despite its initial failure covering production costs, it also features compelling storylines and one of Disney’s most notable villains. With a darker theme, pursuing a remade version of The Black Cauldron presents an undeniable intrigue, bringing depth that has been lacking in recent animated adaptations.
Today’s audience may appreciate a fresh take on this classic tale, particularly if thrust into a more contemporary context. The aspiring Kathryn Newton could beautifully embody Eilonwy, further solidifying a new generation of Disney princesses. Overall, revisiting orphaned stories like The Black Cauldron may present opportunities for growth and allow for exploration of themes in today’s societal context.