The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be one of the latest in a long line of Disney live-action remakes, and it could fix some of the studio's biggest criticisms. Disney's live-action adaptions of its classic movies have been steadily releasing for the past few years, and while they've been financial successes, they haven't all received the best reviews. Hunchback of Notre Dame, despite being fairly under-appreciated in Disney's huge filmography, could turn the criticisms around.
Even Netflix wants to remake Hunchback of Notre Dame, but Disney's version of the tale is probably the best-known adaption of Victor Hugo's mammoth novel, with the animated version even retaining the book's bigger and more adult themes. It follows the story of Quasimodo, who is kept as a servant by Judge Frollo as penance for killing his mother. Quasimodo longs to live among the people of Paris but is hidden away from everyone. Quasimodo remains isolated until he meets the strong-willed Esmeralda, who Frollo labels as "the gypsy girl." Though different from other Disney Renaissance films, and distinctly lacking an official princess, a live-action version of the film could help Disney.
The live-action Disney films have generated a fair amount of criticism that they are merely stale, cookie-cutter versions of the original animated films, leading to the belief they're merely empty cash grabs. But Hunchback of Notre Dame could fix that due to its immaculately strong concept and relevancy. It is innately dark because of its source material, and it's not an easy adaption to pull off. It certainly doesn't easily group in with Disney's other animated films released in the same time period, such as its follow-up Hercules. Its unique, decidedly non-Disney tone could help to address criticisms of the repetitive live-action remakes and their creative bankruptcy as it would raise the caliber of the studio's live-action projects, rather than copying the same fairytale formula.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is already a risky live-action venture for Disney, as it doesn't have the same mainstream audience appeal as, say, Beauty and the Beast or the upcoming The Little Mermaid, but this means Disney has a chance to capitalize on underestimation. It is free of bigger expectations, and also has a lot more substance to it than the typical Disney princess live-action movie formula. It tackles prejudice, fanatical religion, and injustice, themes that are rarely handled in Disney films, and its villain, Frollo, is quietly one of the most terrifying Disney villains due to his zealotry. This would make it stand out from other live-action adaptions by the studio, and it could even excel in a format that isn't traditional animation. Though the original animated movie was a financial success, its darker and more serious themes were a point of contention at the time, and it wasn't kid-friendly in the way that audiences were used to from Disney. Yet, making a live-action Hunchback of Notre Dame now, when modern audiences are well used to darker and more complex stories, could arguably lead to more appreciation for the movie's themes and commentary.
There is a real opportunity to fix the ongoing and valid criticisms of Disney's live-action remakes. With The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it can break the mold of Disney making stale carbon copies of its original animated masterpieces, and further deliver on the story's dark concept. As long as its subject matter and themes are handled sensitively and respectfully, it could very well be a game-changer for the studio.
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