Disney has created a variety of movies with many great characters, from Simba to the Little Mermaid. Although these animated characters generate millions in revenue for Disney, the company doesn’t stop at animation as they bring them to life through live-action adaptations. While this allows Disney to expand its market and achieve new revenue heights, it raises the question of when it will end.
For example, bringing characters like The Little Mermaid to life has been a major success. In fact, the live-action adaptation made over $500 million worldwide in 2023. However, as profitable as it was, the film also sparked lots of controversy. There was a new aspect of diversity added to the film, leaving fans divided on how they felt about the film as they were pointing out the inaccuracy of how the film was made.
Having grown up watching the Disney franchise evolve, it’s only fair to want to see these films brought back to life in a way that honors the original animations. Accuracy is crucial when creating live-action versions of animated classics, as fans tend to notice even the smallest changes in detail. If Disney chooses to pursue live-action adaptations, I believe they should only do so if they can precisely recreate the original or improve upon it. A prime example of a successful adaptation is Beauty and the Beast, which captured the beauty of the animated classic with great attention to detail, effortlessly engaging the audience.
Furthermore, not all live-action adaptations are necessary or effective, particularly when they rely heavily on CGI and green-screen technology. For example, the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch, set to release in 2025, has faced criticism based on teasers showing a very unconvincing version of Stitch. When characters are strictly fictional, like Stitch, it often feels unnecessary to attempt a live-action adaptation. Unless they are able to bring to life a fictional character and make it appear real, it is a waste of time and money to recreate.
Overall, live action films can be a good or bad thing based on the quality of the adaptation. There will be some that may come out to be great, while others may not be so great and that is something for one to decide for themselves. However, I believe live-action adaptations should only be done if they can capture the heart and detail of the original animated film, leaving the audience moved and entertained throughout the entirety of the movie.
