5 Disney Movies That Deserve A Live-Action Remake ASAP, And 4 That Shouldn't Ever Happen

From my lips to Disney's ears (hopefully).

There have been quite a few Disney live-action films over the last few years. From Cinderella to The Lion King to The Little Mermaid, Disney is really committing to taking its animated films and converting them into photorealistic epics.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

I think it's also fair to say that these films have been a little hit-or-miss. Sometimes, they've SLAPPED (The Little Mermaid)... And sometimes they've left much to be desired (looking at you, The Lion King).

The next Disney live-action film is set to be Snow White, releasing on 22 March 2024. There are a few more reportedly in the works, but who can ever be sure with Disney!

RKO Radio Pictures/Dave J. Hogan/Stephane Cardinale/Corbis / Via Getty Images

I think a re-versioning of Snow White is a good idea, and Rachel Zegler is an excellent casting as Snow. There are obviously some changes that need to be made regarding issues around consent and ablelism, but with Greta Gerwig at the helm screenplay-wise, I've got high (ho) hypes for this one.

The question is, do all Disney movies deserve the live-action treatment? Well, here are 5 animated Disney films I believe should be made into live-actions pronto, and 4 that should STAY animated.

1. Hercules – YES

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

This is allegedly in the works at Disney HQ, and thank goodness, because I think we can all agree a Hercules live-action would be fabulous. The Russo Brothers have been attached to direct the movie, but no cast has been confirmed yet. There have been a lot of films and series over the years that have featured the mythological character of Hercules, but I ~need~ this specific story – with its brilliant humour, characters, and songs – to be brought to life!

Thankfully, Joe Russo has confirmed that the remake will indeed be a musical, and the one and only Danny DeVito has even said he would be keen to reprise his role from the animated movie!! What more could you want?!

2. Pocahontas – NO

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

First things first, Pocahontas is a fantastic movie, which was a box office smash back when it was released in 1995. Many Disney fans adore Pocahontas for her strength and critical thinking, but the original film has also been heavily criticised for whitewashing a pretty horrific time in history. Indeed, one critic of the animated film writes that it "completely ignores the grim wheel of history in favor of a fuzzy, feel-good narrative that viewers never have to really ponder afterwards."

Disney legend Alan Menken, whose music has featured in the likes of The Little Mermaid (1989), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and, of course, Pocahontas, has expressed that he feels a live-action is unlikely. "I think that story is going to be difficult. With modern sensibilities, it'd be hard – you're going to offend somebody", he said at a promotional event. Ultimately, as this article suggests, the film (and any ensuing live-action version) may actually do more harm than good.

3. The Emperor's New Groove – YES

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The Emperor's New Groove is really in a league of its own when it comes to funny Disney movies, but despite its frankly iconic script, cast, and story, there's been little-to-no talk about adapting this 2000 film into a live-action movie. That's possibly because the film bombed at the box office when it came out. However, I can't help but feel that with the right cast and filmmakers at the helm, a live-action interpretation of this cult-classic would just be fantastic.

4. Brother Bear – NO

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

I think we can all agree that despite being one of Disney's most underrated slam dunks, Brother Bear would NOT work as a live-action. Criticism of the recent The Lion King – "[it] has broadened the definition of 'Uncanny Valley' to include animals" – serves as a fair warning to filmmakers that audiences don't really like seeing their animated furry friends turned into photorealistic creatures. Brother Bear is a wonderful story with a beautiful score and message, but that doesn't mean it needs a live-action, thnx!

5. Frozen – YES

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Undoubtedly, Frozen is one of Disney's biggest movies in the last 10 years. The film, which was released in 2013 and received a sequel in 2019, is probably too recent to merit a live-action any time soon. But when the time comes, oh man, you can bet I'll be lining up to see it! From the costuming to the wintry location to the makeup and hair, you can imagine all the intricate ways this stunning animation would be brought to life using real sets and human actors. I just hope I'm still alive to see it lol.

6. Zootopia – NO

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

This movie is also a fairly recent entry into the Disney canon, but that's not the only reason why it shouldn't receive a live-action adaptation. Much like Brother Bear, this movie is all the more successful due to its cherubic, expressive animated characters. Sub those out, and what do you have... A government level whodunnit set in a photorealistic animal-led metropolis? No, thank you.

Interestingly, Disney is apparently planning to remake its 1973 film Robin Hood – which also takes place in a world populated by talking animals – for release on Disney+ some time in the future. Allegedly, Chris Evans wants to play Robin Hood, which could work given how everyone fancies that animated fox! Nevertheless, I stand by my assertion that these anthropomorphic animal animations don't belong in the CGI world.

7. Tangled – YES

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

What does belong in the live-action world is Tangled. Released in 2010, the movie was a smash-hit, but is probably still too recent to require a remake. Even so, I'd absolutely love to see this magical world come to life using human actors and IRL sets. I guess it would kind of be like Stardust or Ella Enchanted or The Princess Bride. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has expressed interest in playing Rapunzel several times (which I am 100% here for!!), but they are gonna have a ~tough~ time casting Flynn Rider, because honestly, THAT MAN! Ooof.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas – NO

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Yes, it's a Disney film, but let's be honest, a live-action version of this would either be SENSATIONAL or a total ABOMINATION. And, given how perfect the 1993 original is, it's more likely to be the latter. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion masterpiece that, according to film critic Roger Ebert, was as revolutionary as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari or Star Wars. So, to quote that timeless adage – if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

9. Anastasia – YES, YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES

20th Century Fox

Now that Disney owns 20th Century Fox, I guess we can count Anastasia as an honorary Disney movie (sorry Don Bluth!). I, for one, would DIE if they made a live-action version... Can you imagine it?! I feel like it could be done similarly to the recent Murder on the Orient Express film, with its rich visuals, splendid costumes, and amazing cast. Plus, can you imagine Anastasia's dresses come to life??? Ugh!

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with my takes? Let us know in the comments below!