For years, Disney’s live-action films were a license to print money. Audiences flocked to see realistic versions of their favorite animated classics, from The Lion King (2019) to Aladdin (2019). But the magic started to fade when The Little Mermaid (2023) and Snow White (2025) failed to deliver.
Both were expensive to make, sparked controversy, and disappointed financially. Now, Disney has shelved nearly all of its live-action plans, signaling a dramatic change in direction.
Why Snow White Broke the Spell
Hopes were sky-high for Snow White. Instead, it became a case study in what not to do. The film faced backlash for changes to the beloved story and endured negative press after Rachel Zegler’s pre-release comments. Pair those issues with a ballooning budget; the result was one of Disney’s most embarrassing flops.
Following The Little Mermaid’s lackluster box office, the failure convinced Disney that audiences were done with flashy remakes that strayed too far from the originals.
Projects Pulled From the Slate
The fallout has been swift. The Aristocats, once in development with Questlove directing, is officially canceled. Despite his enthusiasm, repeated executive shakeups and development troubles doomed the project.
Progress also halted on Tangled. With Florence Pugh rumored for the lead and Michael Gracey set to direct, fans were excited. But momentum vanished after Snow White, and the film is now uncertain.
Plans for The Hunchback of Notre Dame have met an even more decisive end. Josh Gad was lined up to star and produce, and Alan Menken was eager to revisit the music. Ultimately, Disney concluded that the story’s darker themes were too heavy for the remake formula.
Sequels That Won’t Happen
Not even billion-dollar successes guaranteed sequels. Aladdin 2, once seen as a golden opportunity, has been shelved indefinitely. Likewise, The Jungle Book 2 never gained traction despite Jon Favreau’s involvement, and its chances have evaporated with Neel Sethi now grown.
Meanwhile, Maleficent 3 is also off the table. Angelina Jolie’s run as the reimagined villain appears to have ended, with Disney uninterested in extending the series further.
Can Disney Rebuild the Magic?
The slate isn’t empty, but the focus is shifting. Live-action Moana is set for 2026, and a Hercules remake is still on track. The key difference? Budgets will be lower, and the scripts are expected to stay more faithful to the source material.
The standout success so far is Lilo & Stitch. Released in 2025, the film became a runaway hit, earning over $1 billion worldwide on a relatively small budget. That kind of model—modest spending with huge returns—could define Disney’s live-action future.
The Future of Remakes
For now, the golden age of live-action adaptations appears to be over. While fans of Tangled and Aladdin may be disappointed, Disney’s decision to step back could prevent more costly misfires.
The studio now has an opportunity to rethink what makes these films special. If Disney can balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling and keep production costs in check, live-action movies might still have a future. But after Snow White, the company is approaching with far more caution.
