Credit: Disney / edited by Inside the MagicDisney’s live-action department has been on a rollercoaster. For every The Lion King (2019) or Aladdin (2019) that raked in billions, there’s been a The Little Mermaid (2023) or Snow White (2025) that left executives staring at disappointing box office returns.
These weren’t just mild setbacks—they were costly failures, weighed down by production budgets that soared well past $200 million.
With Snow White collapsing under the weight of controversy and lukewarm reception, Disney has been forced to make the tough call: shelving nearly all of its upcoming live-action projects. What once felt like the studio’s biggest cash cow has become a risky gamble, and the House of Mouse is clearly rethinking its strategy.
The Fall of Snow White
The live-action Snow White was supposed to be a cornerstone of Disney’s remake slate, but instead, it became a cautionary tale. Critics slammed the film for its lack of faithfulness to the animated original, while fans rejected changes they felt were unnecessary.
Add to that Rachel Zegler’s controversial pre-release comments and a sky-high budget that never paid off, and Disney found itself staring at one of its most high-profile flops in years.
With The Little Mermaid underperforming the year before, Snow White’s stumble wasn’t an isolated incident—it was confirmation that audiences were tiring of remakes that strayed too far from the classics while demanding blockbuster-level investments.
The Aristocats—Questlove’s Passion Project Shelved
One of the most surprising cancellations is The Aristocats. Directed by musician and filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, this remake was set to bring the 1970 animated tale of Duchess and her kittens to life with a mix of music and style.
But after repeated leadership changes at Disney and constant re-pitching of the project, Questlove admitted the stars weren’t aligning. The film has been officially scrapped, marking one of the most painful cuts to the slate.
Tangled—Rapunzel Left Hanging
A Tangled remake seemed like a sure thing. With Florence Pugh and Kathryn Hahn reportedly eyed for roles and The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey attached as director, excitement was building.
But after Snow White’s flop in early 2025, Disney quietly pressed pause. Production had been moving forward with momentum, but its future is now uncertain. Rapunzel’s tower, it seems, will remain untouched for the foreseeable future.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame—A Story Too Heavy
Back in 2019, Disney had plans to revisit The Hunchback of Notre Dame as a complete musical adaptation. Frozen’s Josh Gad was lined up to produce and potentially star as Quasimodo. Composer Alan Menken even teased involvement.
Yet over the years, concerns about the story’s darker and heavier themes began to overshadow progress. By 2025, the project was officially declared canceled. As Menken put it, some stories might simply be “too profound” for Disney’s current direction.
Aladdin 2—Genie Back in the Lamp
Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin was one of Disney’s most profitable live-action remakes, crossing the billion-dollar mark. A sequel was greenlit shortly after, with promises of original storytelling rather than a direct retelling of the animated sequels.
Fans hoped Will Smith would return as the Genie in a new adventure. But according to reports, the sequel has been shelved indefinitely. What was once a golden franchise opportunity has been snuffed out.
The Jungle Book 2—Mowgli Grows Up Without a Sequel
Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book was a critical and financial success, making a follow-up seem inevitable. Plans for The Jungle Book 2 were set with writer Justin Marks and Favreau back on board.
However, as the years dragged on, the sequel never materialized, and by now, original star Neel Sethi has aged out of the role. Disney has kept the project indefinitely, leaving Mowgli’s next chapter untold.
Maleficent 3—Sleeping Beauty’s Villain Stays Asleep
Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent series offered a unique spin on a classic villain, with two films fleshing out her backstory. A third installment was rumored, but it now appears to be shelved.
Jolie’s schedule and Disney’s shift away from big-budget live-action sequels have left the project in limbo. For now, Maleficent’s wings are clipped.
Can Disney Redeem Live-Action Movies?
Disney hasn’t killed live-action altogether. Projects like Moana (set for 2026) and Hercules are still moving forward, but the studio takes a different approach. Budgets are expected to shrink, scripts will likely stick closer to their animated roots, and Disney will be more selective about which classics warrant a remake.
One major success story offers hope: Lilo & Stitch. Released in 2025, the film shocked Hollywood by crossing $1 billion worldwide with a relatively modest $100 million budget. Disney will aim for that kind of return: lower risk, higher reward, and a stronger focus on cultural resonance.
What This Means for the Future
The age of endless live-action remakes may end, at least for now. After Snow White’s high-profile collapse, Disney has hit the brakes and reevaluated nearly every upcoming project. While fans of Tangled or Aladdin might be disappointed, this course correction could save Disney from more box office disasters.
By cutting losses now, Disney can rebuild its live-action brand with smarter budgets, better scripts, and a renewed respect for what made the originals beloved. Whether the magic can be recaptured remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: after Snow White, Disney won’t be rushing headfirst into remakes anytime soon.