In the past few years, there has been an abundance of live-action remakes hitting the theaters. The trend started with Tim Burton’s 2010 remake of “Alice in Wonderland,” but it has been quickly followed by “The Jungle Book” (2016), “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), “The Lion King” (2019), “Cruella” (2021), “Pinocchio” (2022), “The Little Mermaid” (2023)—among others. While the aforementioned movies fall under Disney, other labels are picking up on the trend as well. Sonic the Hedgehog has already had three movies in a live-action format, and classic anime such as “One Piece” and “Cowboy Bebop” have also been portrayed with real-life counterparts.
Why has the movie industry turned to remaking classic films as live-action adaptations? Several factors contribute to this trend, with financial considerations standing out as a key motivator. First and foremost, these remakes tap into the nostalgia of audiences who grew up watching the original animated versions. This built-in emotional connection often leads to stronger box office turnout, making them a safer bet compared to launching entirely new films. A prime example of this is Disney’s “The Lion King” remake, which earned a staggering $200 million during its opening weekend alone, underscoring the significant revenue potential of live-action remakes. Consider this: would you rather spend your money to watch “The Amazing Spider-Man 4” or “The Fabulous Cricket Dude”? Most would probably say the former—given they enjoyed the first three Spider-Man movies (and the majority of people did.)
Additionally, another factor deals with the movie industry wanting to push the boundaries of movie-making technology. As CGI, visual effects and virtual production continue to evolve, filmmakers are increasingly tempted to experiment with these tools. Live-action remakes provide the perfect outlet for this desire, allowing filmmakers to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance storytelling and create more immersive experiences. For example, the integration of virtual sets and digital landscapes in films like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” enables filmmakers to craft environments that would have been impossible to achieve with traditional methods.
However, the reason we think plays the biggest factor is the lack of both time and creativity. With the rapid pace of the entertainment world and the pressure to constantly produce content that appeals to people worldwide, there is often little room for original, groundbreaking ideas. Many of the industry’s most influential and creative figures, including Stan Lee, have also left the scene, leaving a noticeable gap in the creative vision that once defined the industry. The gap left behind these big-name creatives has made it harder for new artists to push the creative boundary. They face the struggle between mimicking classic creative styles that have worked in the past and reestablishing a new style that will potentially carry them into the future.
It is more than just the masterminds behind the screens that are leaving; actors, both visual and vocal, are also nearing or pushing retirement age. Following the lines of Stan Lee’s departure, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is entering a new era. Iron Man’s death, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr, occurred in “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) which marked the beginning of the original Avengers’s dissolution. Without these household names, creatives are given even less to work with.
Many fans often end up disappointed by the remakes, and there is a lack of heart in the execution of these pieces. Soon, companies may exhaust the appeal of these classics, and profits will drop dramatically. Though, it is this money-making view that fuels this never-ending chain of remakes. While it is unrealistic to ask companies to lessen their focus on finances, we ask them to remember their roots. Walt Disney became a big-name creative because he broke off from his previous place of employment, the Kansas City Film Ad Company, as they were not willing to try using cel animation. It was his determination to move to the future that resulted in the dozens upon dozens of beloved cartoons that both children and adults enjoy today.
Rather than recreating classics, we believe that entertainment companies should focus on producing original content. If artists are given the time and resources they need to create original work, they will be able to do so. It is up to the executives—the people wielding the cash, instead of the pen—to allow this change to occur. It is time for the entertainment industry to embrace the risk of new productions. As Stan Lee once said, “Keep moving forward, and if it’s time to go, it’s time. Nothing lasts forever.”
