Credit: Inside The MagicDisney has made billions by turning its theme park attractions into popular movie franchises, but those same attractions have also produced some of Disney’s biggest movie flops. So, when it comes to turning an attraction into a feature film, Disney has to tread lightly.
Disney has made billions turning Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise into blockbuster gold. It’s been so lucrative for both sides that there are even rumors of the two reconciling and making another film together.
On the opposite end of that spectrum are Disney’s adaptations of The Haunted Mansion, which have turned out disastrous for the company. With rumors about future attractions being turned into films, Disney has to be very careful how it decides to make these films.
Disney is supposedly working on turning the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tower of Terror, and Space Mountain into new films. That’s on top of a sequel to The Jungle Cruise and hopefully, another Pirates of the Caribbean.
With Disney looking around for new attractions to turn into blockbuster films, a few are missing that would bring audiences to the theaters and breathe new life into these rides.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
For years, rumors have circulated that Disney was planning to make a Figment movie. There was even a rumor that Seth Rogen was going to produce and possibly write the film.
However, Disney CEO Bob Iger put an end to that, saying that perhaps Disney would make some short films featuring Figment or even a Disney+ show. Rogen has seemingly moved on, as he has been linked to the revival of The Muppets Show.
Despite the death of the idea, this isn’t something Disney should abandon so lightly. Fans love Figment, and his movie would drive people to the box office. Not all of Bob Chapek’s ideas have to be thrown out just yet.
Soarin’
Disney recently made the point that it was trying to win back young, male audiences with its theatrical releases. What better way to do that than with an action/adventure movie set hundreds of feet in the air on a hang glider?
The ride can use an update to make it just slightly more adventurous. Think of what Disney did with Pirates of the Caribbean after the film was released by adding Captain Jack Sparrow.
The new Soarin’ ride and movie could be a hit for Disney.
The Barnstormer
People love Goofy. A Goofy Movie was surprisingly touching and lighthearted at the same time.
Now, imagine an animated sequel to that film based around The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom. It could bring back Max and Goofy for more adventures and learning to tolerate each other.
This wouldn’t be the blockbuster that Disney is looking for, but it would be a great family film for a company that, recently, has been struggling to connect with families. It would also be a sequel, which we know Disney loves.
Which Disney ride/attraction would you like to see turned into a feature film? Let us know in the comments.