Why Disney Continues to Remake Everything

The decision-making process behind why Disney frequently remakes popular content rather than creating new ideas is multifaceted and rooted in the company's business model and market strategies.

Financial Incentives and Business Strategy

Disney's primary goal is to make a profit, and this often leads them to prioritize content that has proven to be successful in the past. The safe choice in filmmaking often involves rehashing old stories or characters that the audience already knows and loves. This approach provides a guaranteed form of attrition, ensuring that any financial investment paid off by the success of previous installments.

For instance, movies like The Force Awakens may lack depth, with superficial world-building and little in the way of profound narrative content. Yet, they capitalize on the immense marketing potential of well-known franchises. A film titled simply 'A New Sci-Fi Origin Story' would struggle to attract the same level of audience interest and profitability. The name 'Star Wars' in 2023 carries an extraordinary amount of marketing muscle, as evidenced by its status as the fifth-highest grossing film of all time at the time of release.

Historical Context and Trends

The reliance on remakes is not a new phenomenon. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, faced a similar challenge. In 1893, he temporarily retired his beloved detective, only to reintroduce him with the equally successful The Hound of the Baskervilles. Doyle had numerous original stories he was eager to share, but the fan demand for Sherlock Holmes was too compelling to ignore.

A similar trend can be observed within Disney. Their writers and creators possess a wealth of original ideas. However, the corporate structure at Disney often favors proven successes over risky new ventures. As a result, sequels, prequels, and spin-offs are more likely to be greenlit, giving them a significant head start in the marketing battle. An original project faces higher risks and, consequently, higher costs, all for a potentially lower return on investment.

The Risk-averse Nature of the Film Industry

The film industry is inherently high-risk. Budgets for blockbuster productions can stretch into the hundreds of millions, and the stakes are exceptionally high. A failure in the box office means more than just a wasted film; it also results in lost revenue, time, and creative potential. Therefore, it is more prudent for studios like Disney to lean towards franchises that have already demonstrated market success.

Looking at the 20 highest grossing films of all time, we can see a stark divide. Titles like Avatar, Titanic (and its sequels), and The Lion King (the live action adaptation) have found lucrative markets. By contrast, many other original works fall short, forgoing the guaranteed fanbase and marketing power that established franchises provide.

Conclusion

Disney’s strategy of remaking content is a reflection of its business model and the realities of the film industry. While original stories and creative risks are not entirely absent, the emphasis on proven successes ensures continued profitability. As such, it is not merely a recent trend but a deeply ingrained part of Disney’s approach to content creation and marketing in the entertainment landscape.