Disney's Live-Action Remakes Considered Money Grab By Many

To make it big at the box office these days, many studios are betting on franchise films or those based on existing IP. With their built-in audiences and established brand recognition, these types of projects are increasingly seen as a safer investment with lower financial risk than those with novel narratives and characters. Additionally, the familiarity of these stories makes them more appealing to broader audiences, ensuring box-office success. 

Disney has harnessed this strategy, and not just for sequels or franchise installments, but with its live-action remakes of classic animated films from decades past, such as The Lion King, Aladdin and most recently, Snow White. But an MX8 Labs survey reveals that viewers aren’t totally on board, with many feeling like these remakes are just a way to make money. Specifically: 

• A majority (57%) of people agree or mostly agree with the statement “Disney’s live-action remakes are just a way to make money.”
• 55% agree or mostly agree that they “are not as good as the originals” — but 52% agree/mostly agree that they “bring the stories to a new audience”
• 48% of men agree/mostly agree that Disney live-action remakes “are unnecessary and inspired" (vs. 38% overall).