Live-Action Disney Spinoffs We’d Actually Like to See
Earlier this week, Disney announced it’s developing a live-action Cinderella spinoff, focusing on the midnight princess’s wicked stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. At first, I was like “What?!” Then I saw that The Naked Gun and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping director Akiva Schaffer is attached to direct the project, and that got me thinking: What other Disney characters deserve a live-action spinoff from out of left field? So, I got to brainstorming: Who could get their own live-action movie, and what would it look like? Do we go a more traditional route? Like, a character study. Or, do we get weird with it, and inject some otherworldly elements into something that could run the risk of feeling all too familiar? Before we get started, understand that I know these are all wild swings and would likely lose Disney a ton of money. Still, they’re going to keep making spinoffs, so I might as well throw my hat into the ring and hope they don’t steal my ideas. Then again, Disney, if anything here sounds good. Call me. We’ll do lunch.
Captain Hook: A Peter Pan Spinoff
While villain-centric stories are nothing new, with movies like Cruella and Maleficent serving up attitude and aplomb on the silver screen, the concept presents Disney with a unique opportunity to add more context to its scenery-chewing baddies. One of the studio’s more sympathetic antagonists, who could benefit from more context, is Captain James Bartholomew Hook, whose mustache-twirling antics have been the stuff of legend since 1953’s Peter Pan. Hook is a proud pirate with vengeance in his heart, who, in one of his earlier confrontations with the flying elf-like leader of the Lost Boys, saw Pan cut off his hand and feed it to a crocodile. Since that time, Peter has flaunted his ability to think happy thoughts and foil any of Hook’s plans to rule over Neverland from the Captain’s Quarters of his ship, the Jolly Roger.
What if Disney explored Hook’s earlier excursions as an optimistic pirate? Was James an ambitious seafarer searching for buried treasure before he conflicted with Pan? Was he always as dastardly as the 1953 film presents, or did losing his hand push him over the ragged edge? What about Tick-Tock the crocodile? How did the toothy, green menace’s constant pursuit of Hook contribute to the captain’s descent into madness? Imagine hearing the incessant tick and tock of a clock every time you look toward the water, the massive serpent’s scales poking out from the water as it circles your every step. I would be game for a film that explores the evolution and creeping dread of Captain Hook, ending with his grisly demise at the jaws of Tick-Tock. While this might be a tad grim for Disney, there’s a way to make it work.
Merlin: A Sword in the Stone Spinoff
There’s no way I’m making this list without including my favorite classic Disney animated character. Regarded as the world’s most powerful wizard, Merlin is a seemingly unstoppable force of nature and science. Still, how did he become the OP magic user we know and love? An early look at Merlin’s ascent from neophyte to grand wizard would make for a fantastic series on Disney+. The show could explore Merlin’s first encounter with magic, and follow his journey along its winding path of dungeons, dragons, and time-travel. Each episode could feature Merlin traveling to different times and places around the globe, his eager mind absorbing information, learning forbidden arcana, and choosing to embrace white magic rather than black.
With Archimedes, the highly educated owl at his side, the adventure could eventually lead to Merlin’s first meeting with Madam Mim, another apprentice of otherworldly arts. Instead of joining Merlin in his pursuit of the world’s wonders, Mim ventures down a darker path. Perhaps Merlin and Mim were lovers, and Mim’s exploration of dark magic drove them apart. The show could lead to Merlin’s first meeting with Arthur, setting the stage for events seen in The Sword in the Stone.
Dr. Facilier: A Princess and the Frog Spinoff
Commonly referred to as the Shadow Man, Dr. Facilier is one of Disney’s best villains of the past two decades. He’s a malevolent, smooth-talking witch doctor trickster with fire and magic coursing through his veins. Facilier comes from the streets of New Orleans, having grown up poor and with daggers in his eyes for Eli “Big Daddy” La Bouff, the sugar baron whose wealth and influence are something a young Facilier craves. I hesitate to leave this project in Disney’s hands without careful oversight, given the studio’s clear history of misrepresenting characters of color. When you add the use of voodoo and possession to the mix, things could get dicey. I urge Disney to hire the right creators and showrunners and do everything in their power to research New Orleans and its rich history of festive celebrations, hauntings, and elaborate culture.
Still, Dr. Facilier is a character who deserves more love and attention than he’s ever received, with The Princess and the Frog being an enchanting film that borders on offensive if you connect too many dots. That’s not to say Dr. Facilier cannot be explored and expanded upon. The New Orleans setting makes for a playground of creativity, and the visuals for this project would be spectacular. Complete with a few hypnotic musical sequences and twisty acts of possession, Dr. Facilier could ride to new heights with the right people in his dark corner.
Yzma: An Emperor’s New Groove Spinoff
Can we please title this one How Yzma Got Her Groove Back? As another of my all-time favorite Disney villains, Yzma is a brilliant evil sorceress and scientist who could lead her own dark comedy with pith and vigor. I’d be the first to tune in for a Yzma-centric spinoff focusing on the character’s many, many, many, many years of studying the dark arts, rising through the ranks of Emperor Kuzco’s empire, and going through hunky boyfriends like they’re going out of style.
Beyond power, what drives Yzma? Hatred? Jealousy? All of the above? Imagine an agin Yzma who plots against those who keep her from reaching her full potential, each dying mysteriously, with the kingdom’s subjects none the wiser. Think of the frustration she must encounter while trying desperately to ascend to the throne, her efforts thwarted by one circumstance or another, her companions weighing her down with their dim-witted and ineffectual efforts to aid her dark desires. What pushed Yzma to the brink when her plan to kill Kuzco finally came together, only to be transformed into an adorable cat and forced to learn the language of chipmunks. As I said, this project is a comedy, first and foremost. A mixture of dry wit, slapstick, and seething animosity would go a long way to give Yzma more screen time and entertain droves of Emperor’s New Groove fans in the process.
Mushu: A Mulan Spinoff
Casting villains aside, what if Disney developed a movie featuring Mushu of the 1998 Disney animated classic Mulan? Targeted mostly toward children, Mushu could be about the fast-talking Chinese dragon learning to accept himself despite his size and potential to become overbearing. Lots of kids are self-conscious about their over-the-top personalities or inability to mature as quickly as others. Mushu could become a great mascot for patience, adventure, and acceptance. You could pair him with multiple animal friends (perhaps other representations of the Chinese zodiac), and a human companion or two. He could accept an epic quest that he believes he’s too small and ineffectual to conquer. Still, in the end, he rises to the occasion while accepting his larger-than-life personality and seemingly problematic stature. Disney often teaches kids that they’re stronger than they think, and Mushu could be a great teacher of tolerance, understanding, and hope.
Do any of these ideas strike a chord with you? Am I barking up the wrong tree? I know the wheels at Disney are constantly turning, and I’d like to see them think outside the box for whatever’s coming down the pipe. Some of these ideas may help. Who would you like to see get their own Disney spinoff? Let us know in the comments section below.
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