5 Live Action Disney Remakes That Could Actually Work

Disney has become known to remake many of its classic animated movies. This trend has seen its ups and downs, as well as a few critics. But when they are successful, they hit big. Movies like The Lion King and Beauty & The Beast grossed over $1 billion apiece, while The Jungle Book came close to that figure and earned rave reviews with groundbreaking technology. Recently, it was announced that Hercules is being remade, and many more remakes are on the way.

Of course, as long as these movies make money, we’re going to get more and more of them. But that doesn’t mean all of them are good ideas. Below, we list five Disney movies that could actually work in a live action remake.

Tarzan

Tarzan has been adapted into countless movies and television shows. However, few are as iconic as Disney’s 1999 adaptation. The film boasts incredible animation, memorable voice acting, and Phil Collins’ beloved soundtrack. So, it’s inevitable that a live action remake will be announced at some point. Since Tarzan focuses on real people, it should be an easier transition to live action, while an updated Phil Collins soundtrack would be amazing. Also, with how beloved the original film, a live action movie could easily hit the coveted billion-dollar mark.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

With Disney having remade most of its classics, the studio will eventually resort to revisiting lesser-known animated titles. One of these should be Atlantis: The Lost Empire, which follows Milo Thatch and a group of mercenaries in search of the long-lost city. While the film underperformed financially, the story is ripe for a live action retelling. The visuals would be amazing, while its science fiction setting would set it apart from other Disney remakes. Plus, after the success of DC’s Aquaman, audiences may be ready for more underwater blockbusters.

Treasure Planet

Another lesser-known Disney title, Treasure Planet is a sci-fi reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Despite positive reviews, the film was a box office flop. Still, the potential is there for a live action remake. Its obscurity would help it stand out from other remakes, which are often critiqued as inferior to their predecessors. Also, its focus on real people and stunning visuals would help the transition to live action.

Brother Bear

Brother Bear follows an Inuit boy named Kenai, who seeks revenge on a bear after the death of his brother. The twist? The “Spirits” punish Kenai for killing the bear by turning him into a bear. It’s a pretty solid story, and one that could make for an interesting live action remake. It would have a decent balance of both human characters and CGI animals, while the themes of learning brotherhood are still very relevant.

The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride

Few of Disney’s direct-to-video sequels are actually memorable, but this is an exception. The Lion King II focuses on Simba’s daughter, Kira, as she becomes involved in a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance. Most of Disney’s live action remakes haven’t gotten a sequel, but The Lion King would be a fine exception. The film was a massive box office success, and a sequel could improve upon the flaws of its predecessor. So, this is one that doesn’t seem too far fetched.