Director Leaves Disney Classic Remake Amid Studio Changes
Disney's classic remake faces uncertainty as the director exits amidst major studio shakeups. Change is in the air at the magical world of Disney.
Disney's live-action Bambi remake is currently in doubt after its director has left the project. The original Bambi movie, released in 1942, is a beloved animated classic that follows the journey of a young deer coping with the loss of her mother. Disney has been remaking its classic animated films, and director Sarah Polley was set to bring Bambi to life in a live-action adaptation.
However, a recent report from The Wrap reveals that Polley has exited the Bambi remake. This departure has cast uncertainty on the future of the project, leaving it unclear if another director will take over. This news comes as Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios and a key figure behind the live-action remakes, announces his departure from the company after 15 years.
Is Disney's Live-Action Remake Hot Streak Over?
Disney Has Had Some Misses In Recent Years
Pinocchio and Gepetto (Tom Hanks) in the live-action Disney remake - Disney Has Had Some Misses In Recent Years - Is Disney's Live-Action Remake Hot Streak Over?
Disney's live-action remakes have been hugely successful in the past. Movies like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Jungle Book have all made over $900 million at the box office. However, it seems like Disney's winning streak in this genre may be slowing down.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Box Office |
|---|---|---|
Dumbo | 46% | $353.3 million |
Aladdin | 57% | $1.054 billion |
The Lion King | 52% | $1.663 billion |
Lady and the Tramp | 67% | Disney Plus Release |
Mulan | 72% | $70 million |
Cruella | 75% | $233.5 million |
Pinocchio | 28% | Disney Plus Release |
Peter Pan & Wendy | 64% | Disney Plus Release |
The Little Mermaid | 67% | $569.6 million |
The pandemic affected the success of certain movies in different ways. In 2021, Cruella received good reviews but only made $233.5 million. On the other hand, 2022's Pinocchio and Peter Pan & Wendy, both released on Disney Plus, didn't impress critics or audiences. The Little Mermaid got positive reviews but didn't do as well at the box office.
Despite recent struggles, Disney continues to work on new live-action remakes. "Mufasa: The Lion King" is set to release this year, followed by "Snow White" in 2025. These upcoming films will test if audiences still have a strong interest in remakes. However, it remains uncertain if "Bambi" will be included in Disney's future remake plans.
Editor's P/S:
The departure of Sarah Polley as director of the live-action Bambi remake has raised concerns about the future of the project. Disney's recent struggles with live-action remakes, such as the disappointing box office performances of Cruella, Pinocchio, and Peter Pan & Wendy, have cast doubt on the studio's ability to continue its successful streak in this genre.
The upcoming releases of "Mufasa: The Lion King" and "Snow White" will be crucial tests of audience interest in Disney's live-action remakes. However, the fate of "Bambi" remains uncertain. If the studio decides to proceed with the project, it will need to find a new director and navigate the challenges of bringing a beloved animated classic to life in a live-action format while also addressing the concerns raised by Polley's departure.
