Remake *These* Movies, Disney. – LaughingPlace.com

In the never-ending age of sequels, prequels, midquels, reboots, revamps, and remakes [sits down from getting dizzy], you’d think Disney would tackle some of their forgotten stories in the hopes to revive without “encroaching on the perfection of the original”, which tends to be a fan-favorite phrase when they are annoyed with a remake. (Once again, I urge everyone to calm down.)

On a recent deep dive on Letterboxd and Disney+, I came across numerous stories that could be brought back into Disney’s zeitgeist. These tales remain known, but are less so than their recent counterparts (The Lion King, Moana, The Little Mermaid, etc.) which allows the ability to utilize a large set of fresh eyes, whether that comes from the team working on the project or the larger audience itself.

The Love Bug – While Herbie did become fully loaded back in 2025 alongside Lindsay Lohan, the iconic VW Beetle hasn’t been the star of a film or series since. The Love Bug, released back in 1969, was such a hit, it spawned three theatrical sequels, a short-lived CBS television series, an ABC made-for-television adaptation, and the aforementioned 2025 reboot. The story is simple: a sentient car and the world of racing. There are hijinks to be had and races to be one, but all in all, it’s a great family comedy concept that has stood the test of time. Herbie remains a known entity, with the number 53 plastered on numerous white beetles to this day. There’s an argument to be made about reviving this franchise, especially if it can remain a 1960s period piece. Psychedelic, man…I mean, bug!

The Rescuers – I have been a staunch Rescuers apologist for most of my life. The sweet tale of heroism has also been a comfort movie. The watercolor backgrounds and lilting 1970s pop songs add to the original incarnation’s charm, but the knowledge that Bernard and Bianca can go on any number of adventures (Down Under, even!) has always made me wonder why these delightful mice have been ignored. Either a new film (honestly, of any Disney property to receive the live-action treatment, this is the one) or an animated procedural are basically begging to exist. The crime-solving members of the Rescue Aid Society need to be back in the culture! Most definitely!

The Three Caballeros – The trio’s self titled film remains my favorite of the Disney Animated package films for its cultural beauty and absolute bonkers choices. (Cock fighting? Singing lady flowers? Birds’ faces on female legs?!) The iconic grouping of Jose, Panchito, and Donald remain fan favorites, even eighty years since the film’s release. So, why haven’t they been seen back on screens? Legend of The Three Caballeros was a strong idea, but the animated series received next to no promotion and created a supernatural plotline that didn’t serve the characters. To simplify their potential, why not help use them to help teach children bilingual and trilingual skills through a Disney Jr. series? Portuguese, Spanish, and English words can all be introduced to youngin’s, alongside the cultures of Latin America. As Disney Jr. is known to use existing properties for their new series, this is a great option.

Newsies – Now, hear me out, I am well aware what I’m about to write will sound redundant. Yet, there’s reason to believe, with the right director, a Newsies remake would do quite well. The original 90s film was a known flop that turned into a cult classic and a beyond successful Broadway musical. It remains one of the most produced musicals across the country. While a pro shot was filmed of the stage production (and for that, I am grateful), a proper movie utilizing the new story from the stage version would be a welcome live-action musical from Walt Disney Studios. Grab an inventive director, an up-and-coming cast, and keep the budget low, and you’ve got yourself a hit!

Babes in Toyland – This is a complete left-field pick, but perhaps there is something there. Weirdly enough, this forgotten (albeit not well received) picture has left its mark on the culture with the toy soldiers that walk through the Disney Parks during the holidays are from this feature film. Yet, no one remembers this technicolor wonder of nursery rhymes and musical numbers. With Wicked being a hit and it (hopefully) leading towards another resurgence of colorful musicals back on the big screen, maybe it’s best to take a film no one remembers or cares for and spruce it up. (See also: Atlantis)