Disney’s Live-Action Remake Fix: Stick to the Original Magic

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So Disney is taking a break from live-action remakes, and I have to say I’m not too surprised.

I was a girl who thrived on Disney shows, making them feel like essential oxygen for me. Turning on the Disney Channel felt like activating my personal supply of fresh air. It’s likely that my parents, at one point or another, knew all the theme songs from every show by heart, or had memorized every soundtrack, unwillingly.

As a dedicated Disney enthusiast, I couldn’t help but harbor a sense of apprehension when the live-action remakes began to unfurl. I felt they might either flop spectacularly or excel remarkably. So far, it’s been quite an assortment, with approximately 60% of them not living up to expectations. Consistently, I’ve shared my thoughts on this platform about the hits and misses of these adaptations.

In fact, I’d like to share some thoughts about the change Disney is implementing – thoughts I believe many people will find agreeable. If they proceed with their plan, there’s a straightforward solution for improving these live-action films, so let’s dive into it!

I Haven’t Always Been A Supporter Of Disney Live-Action Remakes

To start off, let me share my honest opinion before I present my arguments – I’ve never been a fan of live-action movies, in fact, I recently penned an article expressing my disdain for them. Even though I believe that Lilo and Stitch could be the exception, generally speaking, they no longer amuse me.

Back in the day when the first films started coming out, they were a delight due to their novelty and thrill. Now, hearing that Disney will transform its top-tier animated movies into live-action, featuring popular actors and stunning visual effects, certainly seems intriguing!

In essence, these films started off as promising adaptations, but unfortunately, they often evolved into watered-down versions that attempted to innovate when the original concept remained untouched. Initially, I found them delightful. However, as time went on, their quality seemed to wane significantly, leaving us with a production that felt more like a rehash of Snow White… Although Rachel Zegler undeniably possesses an ethereal voice fit for the role, the overall movie fell short of expectations.

Actually, I’ve given this matter some serious thought, and I have an idea for Disney’s future live-action films. To put it simply, here’s the plan:

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But If You Just Pay Attention To The Source Material, People Will Enjoy It

Literally.

It’s. That. Easy. Just go to the source material.

Are you curious as to why so many of the original live-action films have been successful? It’s because they didn’t attempt to create something entirely new. Instead, they stayed true to stories that are universally familiar, like those from Disney, which are tales that we grew up hearing and watching. These are the bedtime stories our parents told us, and the movies we went to see at the theater as kids. Why would anyone want to change these classic narratives?

To be clear, I’m not just referring to the Disney interpretations. I’m discussing the original stories that serve as the foundation for these films. I find that in many cases, the adaptations have attempted to incorporate various elements of popular culture and contemporary political viewpoints, among other things, which has resulted in a dilution of the enchantment that these narratives originally possessed.

Is it necessary to make adjustments in these old tales? Absolutely. Time has made some aspects less relevant, but the core of these stories remains timeless and cherished. After all, their appeal endures for good reason. Why tamper with perfection?

If You’re Going To Redo The Movie, Recreate What You Know Fans Love

The crucial point is this – when remaking the movie, focus on preserving what fans adore about it. Replicate the settings, costumes, and underlying themes that resonate with us all, as we don’t wish for any unfamiliar messages to be forced upon us if they weren’t part of the original storyline.

It’s worth pondering why we need to produce these live-action adaptations, but I don’t see it as particularly unethical to remake the movie. In fact, given the incredible capabilities of animation in filmmaking, it seems quite natural for creators to want to explore the possibilities of a live-action version, especially to showcase technology’s potential.

If Disney intends to follow this path, why not stay true to the familiar tale? Of course, if you wish to tweak some details, that’s acceptable – that’s essentially what the 2015 Disney version of Cinderella is all about. The 2015 film is not a direct remake of the original; rather, it’s another interpretation of the original story. However, it retains many of the key elements found in the animated film.

Some notable alterations distinguish this movie from others, ranging from the initial encounter between Cinderella and the prince to the events post-ball. These modifications enrich the narrative with depth and emotion without compromising its fundamental themes. This is how I perceive many other Disney live-action adaptations have been handled.

I believe that Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid are the only two live-action remakes that have managed to maintain their original theme and storyline quite effectively, possibly due to their enduring popularity. However, it seems like other adaptations have veered too far from the originals – or in the case of The Lion King, not enough, offering us some of the most uninspired “live-action” CGI characters ever created.

Yeah, that film should have just stayed animated.

Don’t Try Too Hard To Make Additions

In my opinion, my final key point could be that although minor adjustments to the narrative to accommodate more elements are acceptable, it’s not necessary to force extra details. These additions should ideally be included only when they logically fit and enhance the story.

In my opinion, I find myself genuinely appreciating the enchanting “Evermore” from the timeless classic, “Beauty and the Beast.” This additional number does an exceptional job in further humanizing the Beast’s character, making the overall narrative even more profound. However, it’s essential to note that the film itself remains a familiar tale, much like its original counterpart. There were no revolutionary themes introduced or drastic changes; instead, “Beauty and the Beast” was simply enhanced with an extra musical number.

That is how it’s supposed to be, and what other live-action Disney remakes need to take from this.

It’s possible that my defense of Disney may seem excessive, but I truly believe there’s a hidden recipe for their film success. I strongly feel that they achieve this by paying close attention to fan preferences and crafting films based on familiar tales that resonate with us.

Today, it seems like everyone is attempting to peddle something to you, be it tangible, emotional or otherwise. With so many voices clamoring to share their thoughts endlessly, the last thing we desire is for this overbearing preaching to intrude upon a movie that we all cherish. If we’re going to immerse ourselves in a film that we hold dear and adore, let’s ensure it remains true to its original essence.

If you’d like to introduce modifications, feel free to do so subtly. However, if you plan to overhaul the entire plot, it’s best not to label it as an adaptation of the film, as this is likely to alienate fans repeatedly.

Alright, that’s all from me on this topic. I guess it’s time to unwind by watching some classic Disney films again, maybe even have a whole day of them. Sounds like fun!

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2025-05-14 00:05