Are Disney's Live-Action Remakes Finally Losing Steam?

For over a decade, Disney's live-action remakes have been a cornerstone of its cinematic strategy, reimagining animated classics for new audiences. While early entries like The Jungle Book (2016) and Beauty and the Beast (2017) achieved significant box office success, recent adaptations have faced diminishing returns and growing skepticism. The latest example, Snow White (2025), underscores the challenges Disney faces in this arena, and signals a turning point in the studio's approach.

The Rise and Plateau of Live-Action Remakes

Disney's venture into live-action adaptations began with Alice in Wonderland (2010), directed by Tim Burton. The film, which offered a gothic twist on Lewis Carroll's whimsical tale, struck a chord with audiences and earned over $1 billion at the global box office. This commercial success paved the way for a systematic rollout of remakes, including Cinderella (2015), The Jungle Book (2016), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and Aladdin (2019).

These films were designed to do more than just evoke nostalgia; they promised modern reinterpretations of beloved classics, with new music, updated character arcs, and live-action spectacle. In the case of Beauty and the Beast, the film leaned into its Broadway musical roots and added backstory to Belle and the Beast. Aladdin introduced a more empowered Jasmine and a reimagined Genie played by Will Smith.

But the formula began to wear thin. Despite continuing box office earnings, critics started to point out that many of the remakes felt unnecessary or emotionally hollow. Dumbo (2019), though visually striking, was criticized for being joyless. The Lion King (2019), while a technological marvel, was widely panned for lacking the emotional expressiveness of its animated counterpart due to the hyper-realistic rendering of the animals.

Controversy and Consumer Indifference

Among the latest to be released, Snow White (2025) may well become the tipping point. The film starred Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. With a mission to modernize the 1937 original—Disney's first full-length animated feature—the studio promoted the remake as a progressive update.

Zegler's casting sparked debate, with some lauding the inclusive choice, while others argued it strayed too far from the "skin as white as snow" description in the original fairytale. Zegler herself became a focal point of controversy after interviews surfaced in which she criticized elements of the original film, calling the Prince "a guy who literally stalks her" and stating that the new Snow White "won't be saved by the prince."

Further complicating matters was the portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has achondroplasia, criticized the decision to remake the film at all, labeling it regressive. In response, Disney opted to portray the dwarfs as a diverse group of "magical creatures" using CGI, which drew further criticism from the dwarfism community, who saw this as a missed opportunity for representation.

On the commercial front, Snow White underperformed. Opening to $43 million domestically and just $87 million globally, the film failed to meet box office expectations—a far cry from the billion-dollar days of earlier remakes. Analysts chalked it up to mixed critical reception, audience fatigue, and controversy that dampened enthusiasm. The magic, it seemed, was no longer automatic.

The Uncertain Future of the Remake Machine

Following Snow White's lukewarm reception, reports began surfacing that Disney had paused development on other planned live-action projects—most notably, a remake of Tangled. Rumored to star Florence Pugh as Rapunzel, the film was never officially announced, but industry insiders suggest it has now been shelved indefinitely.

This move appears to be part of a broader reassessment of Disney's live-action strategy. After years of riding the remake wave, the studio may be waking up to the reality that audiences are no longer guaranteed to turn out for familiar stories in slightly shinier packaging. Where once the brand was enough to ensure a hit, today’s viewers expect more: originality, authenticity, and emotional depth.

The Broader Cultural Shift

The underwhelming performance of Snow White and the reported halt of Tangled reflects a wider cultural shift. For a time, the live-action remakes were seen as an exciting way to revisit childhood favorites. But in a media landscape increasingly dominated by streaming platforms, audiences have become more selective. They no longer feel the need to watch every big studio release, especially if it feels recycled.

Moreover, cultural attitudes have shifted. Viewers are more discerning about representation, authenticity, and storytelling integrity. Superficial updates or checkbox diversity aren't enough. The audience wants substance, not just spectacle. This is especially true of Gen Z viewers, many of whom grew up on the original films and now approach remakes with a mix of nostalgia and critical scrutiny.

A Creative Crossroads

Disney now stands at a crossroads. The company must decide whether to double down on its remake formula or evolve. The past few years have shown that relying solely on nostalgia is no longer a viable long-term strategy. While there may still be space for occasional remakes—especially of lesser-known or older properties—the company cannot afford to base its future on past successes alone.

Instead, the studio might look inward and return to what made it a global powerhouse in the first place: bold storytelling, original characters, and emotional resonance. Animated films like Encanto and Turning Red, though not massive blockbusters, have found lasting cultural footprints due to their originality and relatability. These are the kinds of stories that build loyalty for a new generation.

The live-action remake era isn’t necessarily over, but it is clearly entering a new phase. One in which audiences demand more than a one-to-one recreation of scenes they already know by heart. Whether Disney will adapt or retreat remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the spell isn’t working quite the way it used to—and no amount of fairy dust can disguise that forever.