Which Animated Disney Movie Would Be the Best to Adapt to Live Action?

Movies are a product of their time and culture, and adapting an animated Disney property to live-action requires careful consideration of both the original story and its potential adaptation. Historically, Disney has released remakes to capitalize on new audiences and stay relevant. However, which animated property would make the most compelling live-action adaptation?

Historical Context and Adaptations

Before the advent of home video, Disney could rerelease its animated films once every seven years, ensuring a fresh audience for each iteration. With the rise of DVD and digital media, Disney has shifted to live-action adaptations to stay relevant. Nevertheless, the decision to adapt has a deeper impact on how a story is perceived and experienced.

Proposed Live-Action Adaptations

If I were to suggest a live-action adaptation, I would choose Basil of Baker Street or The Great Mouse Detective from an Edwardian film noir perspective. These stories offer a rich backdrop of 1920s London and an exciting adventure, both of which could be beautifully brought to life on the big screen.

Basil of Baker Street is a direct inspiration for The Hounds of Baskerville but with its own unique flair. The film noir style would enhance the mystery and intrigue, making Basil a compelling protagonist. Additionally, since Disney already has recordings of Vincent Price as the villain, it would be possible to use these recordings for the villainous Ratigan, potentially saving on voice actors and production costs.

The Great Mouse Detective with its adventurous plot and the dynamic character of Basil Fennell Ticklists, would be another perfect choice for a live-action adaptation. The feature combines elements of mystery, adventure, and humor, which could resonate with a modern audience.

Other Considerations: Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet

While Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet offer unique opportunities for live-action adaptations, they may not have the same depth or emotional resonance as the stories listed above. Both films are adventures set in fantastical worlds, but they lack the human connection and cultural context that the suggested adaptations bring.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire has impressive world-building and action sequences, which could be spectacular in a live-action adaptation. However, the dense mythology and the weight of its space between worlds may be more challenging to translate into a live-action format.

Treasure Planet, a mix of sci-fi and pirate adventure, offers a fresh take on the classic treasure hunt. However, the existence of a computer-generated starship and space travel might be less relatable to a live-action audience. The adaptation would require significant changes in tone and setting to make it feel more grounded and realistic.

Conclusion

While it's impossible to predict which live-action adaptation will resonate most with audiences, an Edwardian film noir rendition of Basil of Baker Street or The Great Mouse Detective would bring a unique and engaging perspective to these classic Disney properties. The rich historical context, depth of character, and potential for powerful storytelling make these adaptations worth considering.

Ultimately, the best live-action adaptation would be one that not only honors the original story but also brings something new and exciting to the screen, reinvigorating the protagonist and the world they inhabit.