Unleashing the Magic: How a Live-Action Gargoyles Series on Disney Plus Can Triumph

Highlights

Disney confirms that Gary Dauberman and James Wan are adapting cult classic Gargoyles for a live-action remake, a welcomed adaptation by fans.

The live-action adaptation of Gargoyles should retain the original voice cast, as they have become inseparable from their characters, and mirror the high-quality cast of the original series.

The live-action version of Gargoyles should evoke fear, presenting the supernatural creatures with demonic aesthetics, and create an atmosphere reminiscent of Game of Thrones, with complex characters and a gritty world. The show must also preserve its Shakespearean influence, which brought added richness to the original series.

Since its launch, Disney Plus has been inundated with requests from fans for a live-action remake of the beloved '90s animated series, Gargoyles. The good news is that their wish is about to come true, as Disney has recently confirmed that Gary Dauberman and James Wan will be helming the adaptation of this cult classic. While some viewers have expressed concerns about the abundance of live-action remakes, this particular project has been met with open arms by fans. Originally airing from 1994 to 1997, Gargoyles captivated audiences with its captivating storyline and memorable characters across a total of 78 episodes.

The storyline of Gargoyles revolves around a clan of gargoyles, who were trapped in stone for centuries and miraculously awaken in present-day New York City. Determined to protect humanity and navigate their way in this unfamiliar world, they form alliances with both fellow gargoyles and humans, cautiously building trust after enduring multiple betrayals. The original series found success by delving into deep, mature themes, which was quite unusual for a children's cartoon. In order for the live-action adaptation to resonate with viewers, it will need to uphold these complex characterizations and compelling narratives, while also incorporating a fresh perspective.

Keep the Original Voice Cast

The animated series thrived due to its outstanding cast of voice actors. Jonathan Frakes and Keith David delivered exceptional performances as Xanatos and Goliath, respectively, and their voices have become synonymous with their characters. Their portrayals were so influential that it's challenging for any Gargoyles fan to envision these roles played by other actors. Unfortunately, not all actors can make a return, as the talented Edward Asner sadly passed away in 2021.

To ensure a strong start for the live-action show, securing Frakes, David, and the core group of gargoyles would be beneficial. However, it would be even better if they managed to convince Clancy Brown as Hakon, John Rhys-Davies as MacBeth, and Marina Sirtis as Demona to reprise their roles. These characters played a pivotal role in the series and each actor brought a sense of dignity and importance to their performances that set Gargoyles apart from other animated shows of its time. With its remarkable ensemble cast, the live-action adaptation of Gargoyles would be wise to follow suit.

Make the Gargoyles Reboot Scary

The animated series Gargoyles depicted supernatural creatures navigating the modern world and forming new alliances to survive. These creatures were formidable, standing between six and seven feet tall with wingspans twice their height and glowing eyes. Their appearance could be described as demonic, emphasizing the need for eerie and menacing live-action designs. Although the gargoyles must maintain a certain appeal for the audience as protagonists, they should still instill fear in unacquainted humans.

Additionally, the gargoyles had to exercise caution and protect their rookeries to avoid being vulnerable to potential adversaries. If the gargoyles failed, enemies could easily infiltrate and destroy them while they were in their stone form. In essence, the gargoyles should be as wary of humans as humans are of them. Notably, the gargoyles faced numerous opponents, including Xanatos, MacBeth, and Demona. With Gary Dauberman, known for his work on horror films such as It (2017) and Annabelle Comes Home, leading the remake, a touch of horror is expected to permeate the narrative.

Gargoyles Should Have an Atmosphere Similar to Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones possessed superb quality in various aspects, including its set and costume design as well as its portrayal of complex characters. While the development of these characters stemmed from George R.R. Martin's source material, the overall excellence of the series captivated and deeply engaged its audience. Gargoyles, too, should strive to achieve the same level of impact. The characters in Gargoyles were not mere embodiments of evil; rather, they were imbued with depth and intricate motivations, making them relatable and multi-dimensional for viewers. Certain characters were driven to wrongdoing by circumstances that left them feeling as though they had no alternative. Just like in Game of Thrones, the original Gargoyles animated series also featured a significant amount of political maneuvering and behind-the-scenes deals. Moreover, it is essential for the costumes and CGI in Gargoyles to be meticulously executed. The attire worn by the gargoyles ought to appear worn and weathered, befitting creatures from a long-forgotten era who undergo petrification on a daily basis. Despite being a Disney project, Gargoyles should present a gritty and merciless world, grounded in a similar manner as the epic works of George R.R. Martin.

Keep the Rich Shakespearean Influence

Gargoyles drew inspiration from various literary sources, including the bible (David Xanatos and Goliath). However, its most significant influence stemmed from the works of William Shakespeare, which is not surprising considering that the show's creator, Greg Weisman, used to be an English composition and writing teacher. English academics tend to take pride in showcasing their knowledge of the greatest works in history. Nevertheless, the Shakespearean references played a much more substantial role than merely connecting characters like MacBeth to his renowned play. They brought depth to the story.

Just like Shakespeare, Gargoyles delved into impactful themes that enhanced the narratives of its episodes. The show explored themes such as forbidden love, the conflict between appearance and reality, and the intricate relationship between power, ambition, and corruption. None of these references and themes were employed in vain. Instead, they elevated both the story and the characters, setting Gargoyles apart from the unimaginative portrayal of good versus evil that was commonplace in '90s cartoons. In many ways, Gargoyles was ahead of its time.