Disney’s creative direction is once again under the microscope after a viral post claimed the company is developing a new film titled “Aurora.” The project is reportedly “a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, but set in Mexico.”
The rumor came from industry insider @DanielRPK and was shared by popular entertainment page @Cosmic_Marvel on X (formerly Twitter), which posted:
“Disney is reportedly developing a new film titled ‘AURORA’
Described as a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, but set in Mexico.
(via @DanielRPK)”
Disney is reportedly developing a new film titled ‘AURORA’
Described as a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, but set in Mexico.
(via @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/8ONyZMN8Qj
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) November 4, 2025
That short statement was enough to ignite a massive discussion online. The post quickly filled with replies from Disney fans—and critics—debating whether the idea represents innovation or another sign of what many are calling Disney’s “creative drought.”
Fans Question the Concept
As with most things Disney touches lately, the internet had opinions. The majority of early reactions questioned why Disney continues to reimagine existing properties rather than create entirely new stories and characters.
One user wrote:
“Why not come up with a new Disney princess that’s from Mexico?”
Another chimed in with a sharper critique:
“They already made an original Latina princess from one of their shows, I feel like a repackaged princess wouldn’t be original and is just a half assed idea.”
That comment references Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first Latina princess, who starred in her own animated series on Disney Channel beginning in 2016. The show was praised for its world-building and integration of Latin American influences—something many fans feel Disney should build upon instead of repurposing a European fairytale like Sleeping Beauty.
Still, not everyone was opposed to Aurora’s rumored direction. Some users argued that moving the story to Mexico could at least give it a stronger creative identity than Disney’s previous one-to-one remakes.
“At least the whole movie is set there than just a lazy gender change and doing nothing else. I feel ‘What if this fairytale was set in [blank]?’ is how they should’ve done these live action movies instead of just a watered down remake of the tale Disney already told.”
Another fan added that authenticity would make or break the project:
“I think this sounds fun. So long as they actually integrate Mexican culture into the film instead of just making the characters Mexican.”
That sentiment captures a larger issue many viewers have had with Disney’s live-action strategy—accusations that the studio adds surface-level diversity or cosmetic changes without truly investing in cultural depth or storytelling quality.
Of course, some replies were blunter about their frustration. One viral comment said:
“They are so creatively bankrupt, a New Mexican Disney princess would be so much cooler.”
That last remark highlights the fatigue some fans feel toward Disney’s modern output. Despite billions spent on remakes, sequels, and reboots, audiences are increasingly calling for originality over nostalgia.
Snow White’s Shadow Looms Over “Aurora”
The online debate around Aurora immediately drew comparisons to Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, which has been mired in controversy for over a year.
Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White, the project became a lightning rod for discussion when the young actress’s interviews began circulating online. In several clips, Zegler described the 1937 original as “extremely dated” and emphasized that her version of Snow White “isn’t dreaming about true love” but “dreams of being a leader.”
While many viewers appreciated the effort to modernize the character, others criticized Disney for distancing itself too much from its own legacy. The debate deepened when set photos revealed that the seven dwarfs had been replaced with a racially and gender-diverse group of “magical beings.”
The backlash became intense enough that Disney delayed the film’s release and quietly reworked parts of its marketing campaign. Some now see Aurora as a test of whether Disney has learned anything from Snow White’s reception—or if it’s doubling down on its current strategy of rewriting classic stories through contemporary and cultural filters.
The fear among longtime fans is that Disney’s habit of revisiting its animated past has begun to feel less like creative reimagining and more like corporate recycling.
What Could a Mexican “Sleeping Beauty” Look Like?
Even though Disney has not confirmed the existence of Aurora, the concept of a Sleeping Beauty retelling set in Mexico opens a wide range of creative possibilities.
If the film truly intends to recontextualize the classic story, it could weave in elements of Mexican folklore, art, and mythology—imagery from Aztec legends, vibrant colonial-era influences, or mystical elements reminiscent of Coco’s depiction of Día de los Muertos.
For example, Aurora’s long sleep could draw inspiration from regional tales about enchanted princesses or curses connected to ancient spirits. Maleficent, the sorceress from the original story, might be reinvented as a figure rooted in indigenous mythology—a protector turned villain or a misunderstood spirit figure.
However, whether Disney will take such creative risks remains an open question. Fans are quick to point out that Disney’s recent track record often prioritizes brand familiarity over bold storytelling. If Aurora simply places the same story in a new setting without embracing the depth of Mexican storytelling traditions, audiences may see it as another missed opportunity.
A Company Searching for Its Next Hit
Behind the rumor of Aurora lies a bigger issue for Disney: the company’s current struggle to find its footing with audiences. Over the past few years, several of its live-action and animated projects have underperformed at the box office.
From Strange World and Wish to The Little Mermaid’s lukewarm financial results, Disney’s creative formula has shown signs of wear. Meanwhile, original hits like Encanto and Pixar’s Coco proved that audiences still crave new, culturally rich stories—but those successes have been the exception, not the rule.
For many, the news of Aurora feels like another indication that Disney is playing it safe. The studio’s reliance on nostalgia-driven reimaginings has sparked criticism from even its most loyal fans, who argue that the “magic” of Disney came from taking creative risks—not revisiting the same tales over and over.
Until Disney makes an official announcement, Aurora remains a rumor—but one that clearly struck a chord. The reaction online shows that fans are increasingly wary of how Disney handles its legacy.
If Aurora is indeed in development, Disney will have to walk a fine line: crafting a story that celebrates Mexican culture without turning it into a superficial backdrop, and honoring the emotional spirit of Sleeping Beauty while still offering something new.
As one fan put it best under the viral post:
“I think this sounds fun. So long as they actually integrate Mexican culture into the film instead of just making the characters Mexican.”
That might be the key takeaway for Disney. Audiences are open to new ideas, new cultures, and new settings—but only if the magic behind them feels genuine.
