Why is Disney Remaking Their Animated Movies: The Disney Revival Era
Introduction
Over the past few years, Disney has made a significant push to remake its beloved animated classics, but why are they doing this? The primary reasonmdash;?as with many business decisionsmdash;?is money. However, there are other underlying factors, including the push to make their films more inclusive and the dynamic changes in the film industry.
Money and Business Strategy
The primary motivation behind Disney’s animated remakes is clear: money. Disney already owns the rights to these properties, which allows them to re-release them in new formats, such as live-action films. This not only extends the life of a franchise but also introduces new audiences to the classic stories. Moreover, by remaking these films, Disney can shift to more contemporary themes, making them more appealing to modern viewers. This is particularly true in the context of representation and inclusivity.
Inclusivity and Representation
Another key reason behind these remakes is to correct past wrongs by making their characters more diverse and inclusive. Disney has faced criticism over the years for not being inclusive enough in their animated films. By remaking these classics, Disney can revisit these stories and ensure that they reflect the diverse world we live in today. This includes recasting characters with people of color and incorporating more LGBTQ themes, which were absent from previous versions.
Historical Context and Industry Trends
The idea of remaking animated classics is not new. For many years, Disney would re-release its popular animated films every seven years or so, anticipating a new generation of viewers. In the past, they also used the Vault strategy to drive last-minute sales when films were re-released. Now, with the advent of streaming, this tactic is less overt but still in practice.
The remake trend has been ongoing since the early 2000s. It can be argued that the lack of original ideas in Hollywood has contributed to this trend. However, the sensitivity of the current generation plays a significant role. Fans of Disney’s past animated revivals might not appreciate a whole new take on their favorites. Instead, the remakes are often aimed at a younger, more contemporary audience that may not have experienced the original films.
Conclusion
While the Disney Revival era may be partly responsible for the recent trend of remaking animated movies, it is not the only reason. Other factors, such as the push for inclusivity and changing industry dynamics, also play a role. As Disney continues to explore new ways to engage with its audience, remaking animated classics remains a smart business move that benefits both the company and the viewers.