Why Disney Remakes NEED to be Different from the Original

With the live-action Lilo and Stitch movie coming out this past weekend, the debate about whether Disney should make live-action remakes has returned.

On one hand, some fans want Disney to leave the originals untouched. These are beloved films for a reason—they shaped childhoods, created iconic characters, and defined generations. To many, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when the original was already perfect.

But other fans see the remakes as an opportunity to bring Disney magic to a new generation. These updated versions often tweak the original stories to reflect modern values, introduce fresh perspectives, and appeal to today’s kids—while giving parents a dose of nostalgia along the way.

Why Fans Are Pushing Back

One of the biggest complaints about live-action remakes is that they aren’t scene-for-scene replicas of the animated films. Fans often fall in love with very specific moments—whether it’s a sweeping musical number, a heartwarming line, or a powerful emotional beat. When those scenes are changed, shortened, or left out entirely, it can feel like a piece of the magic is missing.

While I understand the desire for a direct adaptation, it’s important to realize that a word-for-word remake wouldn’t satisfy everyone either. If Disney handed actors the exact same script and storyboard as the animated version, it would come off as lazy and uninspired. The magic of storytelling lies in evolution, not replication.

Disney Would Seem Even More ‘Unoriginal’

One reason people roll their eyes at Disney’s remake train is the sense that the company is out of ideas. With each reboot, remake, and reimagining, it can feel like originality is taking a back seat.

But here’s the truth: while some remakes might seem repetitive on the surface, many of them include clever updates that reflect thoughtful storytelling. These changes show that Disney isn’t just copying and pasting—it’s evolving.

That being said, not every remake lands. In some instances, the changes have gone too far—or missed the mark entirely. The live-action version of Snow White did horrible, from a mix of bad press and the directors trying to change the story too much.

But remakes can do good. The live-action Lilo and Stitch, which has only been released for 1 weekend, has done amazingly so far. This proves that the remakes can do great, as long as it keeps the original intact while having something new.

We Can See More of Our Favorite Characters

One of the best parts of the remakes is that it gives us a chance to see more out of the characters we already have fallen in love with. People don’t just connect with Disney characters because they’re fun—they connect because they see themselves in them. When Disney gives these characters more backstory, personality, and depth, it helps audiences form a stronger emotional bond.

Here are some examples of Disney adding more backstory to the live-action version!

Beauty and the Beast

In the original animated version, Belle’s father, Maurice, is portrayed as a quirky, eccentric inventor. The live-action film, however, gives us a more emotional glimpse into their relationship. We learn that Maurice left Paris with Belle after the death of her mother, and Belle’s longing for adventure is tinged with grief and a desire for something more meaningful. This backstory adds emotional weight to Belle’s actions and makes her more than just a bookworm in a small town.

The Beast also benefits from this added depth. The live-action version spends more time showing how his arrogance and cruelty stemmed from a troubled childhood. He isn’t just cursed for being rude—he’s a product of his environment, and that complexity makes his redemption arc far more satisfying!

Cinderella

While the animated Cinderella is charming, it barely scratches the surface of her emotional strength. In the 2015 live-action remake, Disney gives her a motto—“Have courage and be kind”—that echoes throughout the story. This simple phrase becomes a guiding principle for Cinderella as she endures heartbreak, cruelty, and uncertainty. The film doesn’t just show her cleaning floors and talking to mice—it shows her actively choosing kindness in the face of adversity.

We also see more of her relationship with her parents, making her loss feel more impactful. This version of Cinderella isn’t just waiting for a prince—she’s trying to survive, while finding romance on the way.

Aladdin

In the animated Aladdin, we know Jasmine wants to lead, but we never see what she’s doing to prepare for that responsibility. Her frustration with palace life is mostly portrayed as not wanting to be married off.

The live-action remake gives Jasmine much more power. She explores the market not just to escape, but to learn about her people. From the movie’s beginning, we can see she is actively trying to improve the lives of her people.

She even gets a new solo song—“Speechless”—that serves as her defining moment of empowerment. It transforms her from a supporting character into a central force in the story.

Just before the “A Whole New World” scene, we learn that Jasmine has been educating herself, meeting with advisors, and dreaming of how she could lead her kingdom into a better future. Her arc in the remake makes her not only a princess but a future ruler worthy of respect.

In the animated Aladdin, the audience knows that Jasmine wants to lead, but it’s left unsaid how she’s preparing herself to lead Agrabah. On its own, the message wanting to lead something you’re passionate about is strong, but it could be better.

Why Remakes Are a Good Idea

The debate over Disney’s live-action remakes isn’t going away any time soon. Some will always prefer the nostalgia of animation, while others welcome a fresh take on beloved stories. But if Disney continues to add meaningful layers, deepen characters, and reflect modern values, these remakes can be more than cash grabs—they can be a new kind of classic.

So instead of asking, “Why remake it?” maybe we should be asking, “What new story are they trying to tell?” After all, Walt Disney himself once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” The same can be said for Disney stories. As long as there’s imagination—and heart—there’s room for both the classics and the reimaginings to exist side by side.

Let the originals live on, and let the remakes find their place in the hearts of a new generation. Maybe then, we’ll stop comparing—and start appreciating.