Success of Disney’s Live-Action Films in Question Amid Major Box Office Shakeup

One of Disney’s most divisive live-action remakes has been outclassed.

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As the debate continues regarding whether or not Disney should turn its classic animated fairytales into modern-day, live-action stories, one remake remained at the top of the pack. Disney’s 2019 The Lion King remake proved that there was indeed a massive audience for live-action remakes, with the film essentially printing money at the box office.

The Lion King hit theaters on July 19, 2019, and went on to gross over $1.5 billion. With an estimated budget of $260 million, the film was incredibly expensive to produce. However, Disney’s investment paid off, with The Lion King becoming one of the world’s highest-grossing movies of all time, as well as the world’s highest-grossing animated film.

However, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 broke this record, seemingly confirming that there is still a lot of love for traditionally animated adventures.

Inside Out 2’s Emotion-Filled Success

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Considering the popularity of the original Inside Out in 2015, it was expected that the sequel would enjoy the same level of success, both critically and commercially. Pixar’s Inside Out managed to scoop up over $850 million, an incredible number, though noticeably still far away from that coveted billion-dollar mark.

Officially confirmed in September of 2022, Inside Out 2 was a surefire hit in the making, though it would be hard to imagine just how successful the film would go on to be. Excitement for Inside Out 2 was palpable, with hype and anticipation growing with each passing month.

Inside Out 2 was officially released on June 14, 2024, and has grossed over $1.6 billion at the box office, nearly doubling what the original film made. As a result, Inside Out 2 has knocked Disney’s live-action Lion King from its spot as the ninth highest-grossing film of all time, also becoming the highest-grossing animated film in the world.

Inside Out 2 follows the first film’s events, seeing the emotion-filled Riley becoming a teenager. New emotions are thrown into the mix as Riley grows up, making Inside Out 2 much more of a coming-of-age film.

Fans can still see Pixar’s typical silliness and clever gags in the film, but director Kelsey Mann has stated that at its core, Inside Out 2 tackles something every fan has felt in their lifetime.

“The film is all about acceptance,” she said. It is about learning to love who you are despite your flaws. You don’t need to be perfect to be loved. That is the foundation of the film.”

What’s Next for Disney’s Live-Action Department?

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While Disney’s live-action remakes continue to dominate the box office, there have certainly been diminishing returns, with excitement waning among some moviegoers. Disney’s Aladdin remake grossed over a billion at the box office in 2019. Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid managed to make a little under $600 million.

Disney’s next live-action project is a sequel/prequel to The Lion King centered around Mufasa, a film that has seen significant controversy and backlash. After this comes next year’s Snow White remake.

Releasing in March of 2025, Disney’s live-action Snow White has already become one of the company’s most divisive and controversial releases of all time, with many pushing back on the film. The movie has been embroiled in controversy due to comments made by the film’s star, Rachel Zegler, though some simply aren’t thrilled by the idea of a photorealistic Snow White film in the first place.

The trailer for Snow White has received thousands of dislikes on YouTube.

With fans starting to sour on the idea of live-action remakes, it’s uncertain how successful 2024’s Mufasa or 2025’s Snow White will be.

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A lot of the charm and magic of Disney’s 2D animated films are a direct result of the medium itself, which is just not possible to capture (yet) in live-action form.

This difference in style is most noticeable in films like Disney’s The Lion King remake, which many have felt looked too real and lifeless.

Twitter/X user HollywoodHandle shared an update confirming that Inside Out 2 had taken over The Lion King, and fans commented on the two films.

“Who would’ve thought Inside Out 2 is gonna be more successful than emotionless lions on screen,” said newhotlava436.

Who would’ve though Inside Out 2 is gonna be more successful than emotionless lions on screen 🙋‍♂️

— Gabriel (@newhotlava436) September 1, 2024

‘INSIDE OUT 2′ crossed 1.66B at the worldwide Box Office. The film has now officially surpassed ‘THE LION KING’ and has become the 9th highest grossing movie of all time.

‘INSIDE OUT 2’ crossed 1.66B at the worldwide Box Office.

The film has now officially surpassed ‘THE LION KING’ and has become the 9th highest grossing movie of all time. pic.twitter.com/VtLvTfMYnG

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) September 1, 2024

Inside Out 2‘s total goss is likely to increase as the year goes on, with the film set to hit digital and physical retailers in the coming months.

Inside Out 2 will eventually be available on Disney+, as will Disney’s other record-breaking summer release, Deadpool & Wolverine. 

Did you watch Inside Out 2? Do you like live-action remakes?