Credit: DisneyDisney has not asked an actor to reprise for a potential remake.
Related: Marvel Is Ignoring “Superhero Fatigue” With Record-Breaking 2024 Slate
The Walt Disney Company has faced quite a few challenges at the box office lately, with several films coming in well below original expectations and predictions. Films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) and Haunted Mansion (2023) have been disasters for Disney financially.
Last year’s Lightyear also spelled trouble for Disney, losing the company millions. However, not all of Disney’s recent films have been bombs, with Pixar’s Elemental (2023) bringing in half a billion in its global box office run.
Disney also found success with its live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid, which brought in almost $600 million worldwide. This leaves Disney with a choice that they’ve seemingly already made: more live-action.
It’s been reported that Disney’s trend of live-action remakes will continue with a very popular franchise. As we reported earlier this week here at ITM, Disney will be producing a live-action retelling of the iconic 2009 film, The Princess and the Frog.
The official status of The Princess and the Frog live-action remake is in flux, especially with ongoing strikes. Yet, even with the budget cuts, if Princess Tiana taught anything, it’s that dreams are possible with hard work. And time and again, a live-action Disney movie has proven massively successful.
However, one crucial part of the original film has seemingly been left out of the discussion, with an actor not yet called to reprise the role.
Related: Disneyland Cast Member Scolds Guest For “Harassing” Line Jumpers
The Princess and the Frog would be nothing without its incredible villain Dr. Facilier. Facilier is an evil witch doctor who plans to rule New Orleans with help from his iconic “friends on the other side.” The character has one of the greatest songs in all of Walt Disney Animation as well as a wickedly-cool character design.
Keith David provided his voice to this character, creating one of Disney’s most iconic characters of all time. However, the actor, who has starred in television shows like Community, Rick & Morty as well as films like Nope (2022), claims Disney has yet to give him the call to reprise the role:
I’m not sure if this is true, but I do know that @Disney has not asked me to reprise the role of Dr. Facilier!🤷🏿♂️ https://t.co/VkCHeJYqro
— KeithDavid (@ImKeithDavid) August 7, 2023
Only time will tell if Disney reaches out for its upcoming remake, but we cannot imagine Dr. Favilier without Keith David’s legendary voice behind him.
A live-action remake of The Princess and the Frog would make sense, especially when considering the franchise is making its way to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World with a brand new attraction called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Stay tuned here for updates on this story!
Would you watch a live-action The Princess and the Frog? What’s your favorite Disney live-action remake?