For a while, Disney’s live-action remakes looked unstoppable. The Lion King (2019) and Aladdin (2019) became billion-dollar hits, convincing executives that the formula worked. But then came The Little Mermaid (2023) and Snow White (2025).
Both cost enormous amounts to produce, and both stumbled at the box office. Instead of guaranteed gold, the remakes had become risky bets.
After Snow White fizzled with controversy and lackluster reviews, Disney had no choice but to slam the brakes. The studio has now shelved or canceled nearly all of its upcoming live-action projects, signaling that the remake era may be winding down.
Snow White’s Costly Misstep
This remake wasn’t just another film—it was meant to be Disney’s crown jewel. Instead, Snow White became the ultimate warning sign. Fans and critics alike called it unfaithful to the original, while heated debates over casting and comments from Rachel Zegler only made matters worse. When the dust settled, Disney was left with an expensive flop.
The failure and The Little Mermaid’s underperformance proved that audiences were growing weary of lavish updates that failed to honor their animated roots.
Aristocats Abandoned
Among the projects scrapped is The Aristocats. Directed by Questlove, the remake was supposed to blend music and nostalgia into a modern retelling. But after constant leadership shakeups and endless re-pitching, the project finally fell apart. Even Questlove himself admitted the timing wasn’t right.
Tangled Put on Pause
A Tangled remake once looked like a safe bet, with Florence Pugh rumored to lead and Michael Gracey set to direct. Yet after Snow White flopped, Disney hit pause. Development has stalled, leaving Rapunzel and her tower untouched for now.
Hunchback Left Behind
Plans for a live-action Hunchback of Notre Dame go back years. Josh Gad was attached, Alan Menken was on board, and a musical adaptation was teased. However, the story’s heavy themes raised red flags for Disney, and the remake was eventually canceled altogether.
Aladdin 2 Fizzles Out
A sequel seemed inevitable after Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin crossed the billion-dollar mark. Fans wanted more Genie magic, and Will Smith was expected to return. Instead, the follow-up has been shelved indefinitely, leaving Agrabah without its next adventure.
Jungle Book 2 and Maleficent 3 Vanish
Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book once promised a continuation, but years passed without progress. The project is in limbo with Neel Sethi, who is now too old to play Mowgli. Meanwhile, Maleficent 3 has also been clipped, with Angelina Jolie unlikely to reprise her role anytime soon.
Searching for Redemption
Disney hasn’t abandoned live-action entirely. Moana (2026) and Hercules are still moving ahead, with tighter budgets and scripts designed to echo the originals more faithfully.
The most significant sign of hope is Lilo & Stitch, which shocked everyone in 2025 by earning over $1 billion worldwide on a $100 million budget. That kind of lower-risk, high-reward model could be Disney’s path forward.
A Turning Point
This reset may frustrate fans who are eager for more remakes, but it could save Disney in the long run. By cutting losses now, the studio can rebuild smarter and with renewed respect for its classic stories. After Snow White, one thing is certain—Disney won’t rush into remakes without thinking twice.
