The recent Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is an economic disaster. The latest live-action adaptation of Disney's animated classics, Snow White, has grossed only $168 million at the box office. Marc Webb's film has found itself at the center of numerous controversies. Snow White is such an industrial disaster that Disney has decided to cancel the next live-action adaptation of Tangled. With Moana also getting a live-action adaptation, and just weeks away from the release of Lilo & Stitch, we ask ourselves a simple question: Which Disney animated films could revive the machine of live-action adaptations of Disney animated classics? Which films could revive the taste for live-action adaptations of animated films among audiences? Here are 8 suggestions:
8) Kuzco, the New Groove Emperor
Released in 2001, Kuzco is an often underestimated Disney film. Yet, it is a true iconic comic gem. Hilarious on every level, Kuzco is an irreverent and particularly endearing Disney film. There's something very personal about Kuzco's character. A sort of anti-hero, a magnificent loser, Kuzco could be a pleasant reinterpretation of a Jack Sparrow in search of a form of redemption. The only drawback is the CGI recreation of the llama. This would be the only real limitation to a live-action adaptation of Kuzco. But the story, the irreverent tone, and the protagonist are three elements that are perfectly suited to a live-action retelling.
7) Pocahontas, an Indian legend
After all, the retelling of Mulan is generally a success. Marred by the COVID-19 crisis, the remake of Mulan has somewhat fallen by the wayside. Too bad, because it's an interesting hybrid homage between an American blockbuster, faithfulness to the animated classic, and a reference to the Wu Xia Pian genre. Pocahontas would be another good way to mix genres, to offer exciting cultural and intellectual collisions. And then, Pocahontas is an extremely modern work in its themes and a high-end entertainment.
6) The Hunchback of Notre Dame
With The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney has the opportunity to offer a film that breaks the usual constraints of the genre. With a story like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the studio with the big ears could take the risk of offering a darker, more mature, more dramatic work than usual. With a little courage, Disney could even look towards a markdown that would flirt with horror. At a time when Notre-Dame is under reconstruction, it would also be a way to offer a beautiful tribute to our French monument, by giving, why not, the direction of this live-action remake to a French director.
5) Raya and the Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon is a much more recent work. Released directly on Disney+, Raya and the Last Dragon is a superb adventure film that would have deserved a theatrical release. In live action, Raya and the Last Dragon could offer an impressive, visually stunning entertainment, capable of stirring up crowds and fans of heroic fantasy.
4) The Enchanter
We had The Sorcerer's Apprentice with Nicolas Cage. Even if the film is clearly not a success in every way, it allows us to give a glimpse of what a live-action adaptation of The Enchanter could be. An old-school magic film, somewhere between The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Harry Potter? Honestly, we wouldn't say no!
3) Hercules
This is one of the most anticipated adaptations by fans. Proposing a live-action retelling of the 1997 classic seems to have become a must. Fans keep citing Hercules as a live-action adaptation. It must be said that, at the same time, Greek mythology is a perfect medium for the production of American blockbusters, iconic action films, and timeless entertainment. Moreover, the American landscape lacks great classics of the genre. Whether it's Percy Jackson, Clash of the Titans, or Immortals, Hollywood lacks a great, timeless, and iconic action film based on Greek mythology. Even the Hercules films are largely disappointing. Does anyone actually remember the Arnold Schwarzenegger version? Or the more recent ones with Dwayne Johnson or Kellan Lutz? No, not really. What if Hercules was the perfect medium to achieve this feat? To offer fans a true adaptation of the legend of Hercules while offering an exciting reinterpretation of the Disney animated classic. A daring bet, but clearly not insurmountable.
2) Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Why doesn't Disney consider tackling Atlantis: The Lost Empire? Here too, this 2001 classic has the potential to offer a truly entertaining film. A little aesthetic gem, epic tale, sumptuous settings, monsters and creatures of all kinds, suspense and intrigue with all the trimmings, it's hard to resist the pleasure of watching Atlantis: The Lost Empire. And frankly, it's the kind of film and setting that make for an ambitious blockbuster. How can we not conclude this top with the iconic Treasure Planet? Released in 2002, it's a classic of the 1990s generation. A cult film for an entire generation, which mixes old school adventure and contemporary science fiction with a lot of mischief. Somewhere between Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars there is frankly material to offer an iconic, effective live-action adaptation, without downtime or aesthetic deviation. It's pop, cool, in tune with the times, timeless and incredibly effective. The characters are extremely well written and we have with Treasure Planet a universe still barely explored!
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