Not everything got frozen
Despite chatter that Disney is dialing back on live-action remakes of its animated catalog, a live-action take on “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” remains in active development, The New York Times reported Sunday. Executives told the paper that the project has survived recent restructuring because it fits a newer studio mandate: adventure-forward, ensemble-led, effects-heavy but slightly off the princess formula. Internal notes describe “Atlantis” as an “expedition film,” closer in tone to a team heist crossed with pulp archaeology, rather than a musical built around one lead. The Times says Disney sees it as a way to aim older teens and twenty-somethings who grew up on streaming, not VHS, and who want fantasy world-building without fairy-tale softness. Casting is still fluid and no formal greenlight has been announced, but one executive called it “a priority concept, not a nostalgia exercise.”
Why this matters for Disney
Disney has taken public hits for relying on safe, familiar IP, and even diehard fans have complained about fatigue. But pulling the plug on remakes entirely would mean walking away from reliable box office and merchandise channels at a moment when the company is under investor pressure to steady streaming losses. “Atlantis” is the compromise. It lets Disney say, “We’re doing something different,” while still mining its library. The Times notes that, internally, the pitch leans on ensemble chemistry and world lore instead of classic romance beats. That gives Disney flexibility on casting — they can emphasize diversity, chemistry reads and physicality over finding a single marquee “princess.” It also lets the studio chase action-adventure money that usually goes to superhero titles. If “Atlantis” lands, insiders say, expect a wave of deep-cut animated titles to come off the bench, especially ones with squads, gadgets and vehicles that can sell as collectibles.