Let's be honest, some Disney movies just belong locked in Walt's vault.
Whether you're a member of Mickey Mouse's progressive clubhouse or a strict traditionalist to the classics, chances are you have something to say about Disney tapping into the well-oiled, money-making machine that is the art of the live-action remake.
The Lion King is the latest project in a string of animated flicks to undergo a full-blown makeover for 21st century moviegoers. The Walt Disney Company announced Wednesday it will join forces with Jon Favreau for a reimagining of its 1994 blockbuster that's now on the "fast track to production."
There have been plenty of remakes and live-action adaptations released over the years, from The Jungle Book to Maleficent, Cinderella and Emma Watson's forthcoming Beauty and the Beast, but we've rounded up six Disney films (for one reason or another) that will never, ever get a second chance on the big screen:
Pocahontas:
This 1995 musical has all the vital ingredients for a successful live-action remake, but there's one glaring issue: its alarmingly inaccurate portrayal of England's historically violent descent into Native American territory. Movie buffs have long critiqued Pocahontas for its offensive undertones, and if ever poised for a reboot, filmmakers would have to go back to the drawing board to create a less sugar-coated depiction of the events.
Song of the South:
Like we said, some flicks have earned their spot in the darkest, most shrouded corners of the Disney vault. Song of the South is one of these, known far and wide for Disney's blatantly racist portrayal of a character named Uncle Remus, a former slave still living on the plantation he worked on. Sure, we got Splash Mountain's keynote tune "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" out of it, but Disney never released Song of the South on VHS or DVD, and that pretty much sums it up.
The Aristocats:
One thing Hollywood hasn't nailed? Animatronic cats. They're downright creepy, and a feature film starring nothing but said animatronic cats spells out a feline disaster in the making. Leave the piano-playing, jazz-loving kitties alone and maybe (just maybe) we'll be less upset about Disney remaking Simba and Nala's timeless love story.
The Black Cauldron:
A run-of-the-mill Disney fan might not necessarily recall the dark fantasy, but Hollywood history junkies understand The Black Cauldron's less-than flattering impact on the Disney brand. At the time of its 1985 release, the film's $44 million price tag clocked in as the most expensive animated movie ever made. A rarity for the production powerhouse, The Black Cauldron went on to gross only $21 million. Ouch. Chalk this one up to a mistake Disney doesn't want to risk making again.
Lilo & Stitch:
The Hawaiian roller coaster ride that is this beloved 2002 flick is simply too wonderful for a live-action reboot. Plus, Stich reimagined in CGI form? It'd be tough to tread the fine line between cuddly alien and terrifying creature from outer space. As the old adage goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Home On the Range:
Talk about a farmhouse flop. Following a group of ragtag farm animals hell bent on saving their family farm, 2004's Home On the Range wasn't up to snuff in comparison to its blockbuster predecessors. Ask any Disney diehard and we'd venture to wager this animated western wouldn't breach a single top 10 list of favorite films. 'Nuff said.
Can't stand the thought of any other Disney classics being remade? Sound off in the comments!