There is nothing new under the sun, but there are new ways of seeing the same thing. The same is true of Disney's recreation of their beloved classic films into "live-action" versions filled with simmering energy and beautiful actors. As time has progressed, these remakes have become more creative in the way they honor the beloved characters.
The most specific example is the way 2018's Christopher Robin picks up with an adult version of the titular character struggling from adulthood and returning to childhood. It's charming proof the mold doesn't have to be an exact retelling, and other unique, more recent properties could also get the same treatment. Here are five reasons why The Princess and the Frog could be the best live-action Disney remake, and five why it could very well be the hilarious The Emperor's New Groove.
The Princess and the Frog: A Distinct New Orleans Unique in Disney Filmography
The landscapes of Disney's classic are rich, from the forests of Robin Hood to The Jungle Book and frightening stone castles in Sleeping Beauty. 2009's The Princess and the Frog is the best animated film to be set in New Orleans, even trumping Lady and the Tramp. The vibrant, colorful, and lovely depiction of the city will make you want to visit it, and, with a host of human characters, the film could truly take advantage of every shop on Bourbon Street.
The Emperor's New Groove: The Opportunity To Cast The Funniest Current Actors
It has some of the best jokes and executed jokes of any comedy, period. The Emperor's New Groove, if translated to live-action, could leverage one of the greatest comedic casts of all time if properly assembled. One such dream pairing of Prince Kuzco and Pacha is Griffin Newman and Kristofer Hivju (Tormund in Game of Thrones).
Rounded out with Michelle Pfieffer as the maniacal and beloved villain Yzma, The Emperor's New Groove could feature one of the greatest Disney casts ever.
The Princess and the Frog: A Score and Soundtrack That Could Be A Hit
The entirety of The Princess and the Frog feels as if it was boiled in a pot of gumbo, it's so true to the cajun feel. The music might be the best aspect of the movie, wonderfully balancing scenes of dialogue and exposition while furthering the story inside the melodies. Some are love songs ("Ma Belle Evangeline") and some are odes to the villain ("Friends on the Other Side"), but all are excellently produced and truly make the movie unique.
The Emperor's New Groove: Re-Hashing and Expanding The Absurdly Funny Jokes
There is an entire generation of millennials who quote incessantly in the most absurd times, "A llama?? He's supposed to be dead!" The jokes in The Emperor's New Groove are timeless, slapstick, goofy, and almost Chaplin-esque. Translating these jokes to the screen and adding new gags could set apart this movie from the catalog of Disney's mostly serious live-action remakes.
The Princess and the Frog: The Voodoo and Villain Could Be Truly Frightening
Keith David's Doctor Facilier in The Princess and the Frog is an underrated Disney villain. Having made a literal deal with the devil, Facilier utilizes voodoo, potions, and other dark magic to exact his evil purposes.
Although it might prove to be too spiritual for some, translating Facilier and his magic to the screen could result in one of the best Disney villains. Just considering what the Shadow Man's lair would look like on the big screen is exciting, with all his nefarious tools and dolls and spirits.
The Emperor's New Groove: It Could Be Written For Fans Of The Cartoon Who Are Grown Up
Similar to Christopher Robin, The Emperor's New Groove could take a similar direction and aim the film at fans who grew up with the antics of Yzma and Kuzco. If the film were a spiritual sequel, there is plenty of material to explore. Kuzco could be focusing on how to be a good father and hone his own style as he learns from Pacha. Yzma could return as a villain or anti-hero similar to Hannibal Lecter whom Pacha and Kuzco must consult for advice when they have no other option.
The Princess and the Frog: It Would Add Much-Needed Diversity To Disney's Catalog of Live-Action Remakes
Their track record is improving with last year's Aladdin, but Disney needs to step up its diversity game when it comes to live-action remakes. The Princess and the Frog is one fo the only Disney cartoons featuring primarily African-American characters, making it a prime candidate. Moreover, at its heart, the film is about learning to accept differences in others, no matter how frustrating it can be. It's a lesson that needs to be repeated in every household around the world.
The Emperor's New Groove: The Opportunity For Interesting Production Design
Watching The Emperor's New Groove today feels like a hyper-positive cartoon cross between Wes Anderson and Tim Burton. Characters emerge from realistically-tall buildings set on foundations that would instantly crumble in real life.
A live-action remake recreating the vivid world of The Emperor's New Groove in all its absurd architecture, absurdly hilly landscapes, and sheer waterfalls would make it a truly unique Disney movie.
The Princess and the Frog: It Could Focus On Womanhood In A Meaningful Way
Before her marriage to her Frog Prince, Princess Tiana was just a normal young woman with a big dream, working two jobs to save up for her very own restaurant. Her desire for success was proud but humble, confident in her abilities, and patiently grinding the nine-to-five waiting tables until she had what she needed to buy her dream location.
It's a simple and effective tale of modern womanhood, and Tiana even outright rejects the idea of love simply because she doesn't want her love for a man to define her. It's a timeless tale of womanhood that needs to be retold, maybe even as a streaming series on Disney+.
The Emperor's New Groove: It Has Today's Key Ingredient For Success: Animals
The Emperor's New Groove sees the spoiled Prince Kuzco turned into a llama, and, later on, in an ironically comedic turn of events, the villain Yzma is turned into a cute, grumpy purple cat. Many of the castle guards are also turned into an assortment of animals.
Disney hasn't forgotten the family-friendly appeal of animals in movies, capitalizing on Lady and the Tramp as the first big original release on Disney+, and, more recently, with the dog in Call of the Wild. Since Kuzco is a llama for most of the story, the design must be humorous and lovable, as with the Yzma's cat-form.