Disney's live-action adaptation of 'Snow White' is facing a significant financial setback, with projections estimating losses as high as $115 million. This disappointing performance has sparked discussions about the future of Disney's live-action adaptations, prompting the studio to reevaluate which animated classics will receive the live-action treatment next.
Following the underwhelming reception of 'Snow White', reports indicate that the development of a live-action 'Rapunzel' film has been paused. Despite this setback, Disney remains committed to its live-action adaptations, which continue to be a vital commercial pillar alongside franchises like Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
Excitingly, a live-action adaptation of 'Lilo & Stitch' is currently in development, and the film adaptation of 'Vaiana', featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, has already been completed and is expected to perform well at the box office.
Meanwhile, Disney is also capitalizing on the success of its existing franchises. The recent prequel 'Mufasa: The Lion King' has demonstrated that audiences are eager for new stories featuring beloved characters, with discussions already underway for a third 'Lion King' film.
Another franchise set to continue is 'Maleficent', which has seen Angelina Jolie return to her iconic role. The first 'Maleficent' film, released in 2014, grossed over $750 million worldwide, while its sequel, 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil', earned approximately $492 million. Despite the second film's lower earnings, the franchise remains popular enough to warrant a third installment.
In December 2023, Jolie confirmed that 'Maleficent 3' would be one of her upcoming projects. Furthermore, Deadline reported that Linda Woolverton, the writer of the first two films, is currently penning the script for the third installment.
While no official announcement has been made by Disney regarding 'Maleficent 3', anticipation is high among fans. The first film's success was marked by its unique perspective on the classic tale of 'Sleeping Beauty', told from the viewpoint of the villainous Maleficent.
In the original film, Maleficent, portrayed by Jolie, curses King Stefan's daughter, Aurora (played by Elle Fanning), to fall into an eternal sleep on her 16th birthday. This darker interpretation of the beloved fairy tale has resonated with audiences, and the film's themes of betrayal and revenge have sparked discussions about its deeper meanings.
A particularly controversial scene involves King Stefan drugging Maleficent and removing her wings, which has been interpreted as a metaphor for sexual abuse. Jolie herself addressed this interpretation in a 2014 interview, stating, "The question was: What can make a woman so dark that she loses all sense of her motherhood, her femininity, and her gentleness?" She further explained that the scene was meant to represent abuse and the journey of overcoming such trauma.
As 'Maleficent – Die dunkle Fee' aired on the Disney Channel on April 17, 2025, viewers were reminded of the film's complex themes and Jolie's compelling performance. The film is also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon and is included in Disney+ subscriptions.
With the ongoing evolution of Disney's storytelling approach, the studio is likely to continue exploring new narratives while remaining mindful of audience expectations. As fans eagerly await updates on 'Maleficent 3' and other projects, Disney's commitment to its animated classics and their live-action adaptations remains strong.
In light of the mixed results from recent releases, Disney will need to strike a balance between innovation and nostalgia, ensuring that future adaptations resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
As the entertainment landscape continues to shift, Disney's strategies will be closely watched, particularly as it navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by its iconic catalog of stories.
Ultimately, the future of Disney's live-action adaptations will depend on their ability to connect with audiences in meaningful ways, whether through beloved classics or fresh interpretations that offer new perspectives on familiar tales.
