Disney’s planned Prince Charming movie may be a new low in live-action IP

Disney's planned Prince Charming movie may be a new low in live-action IP

As a long-time Disney enthusiast who has seen more Disney movies than I can count (and probably should), I must admit that the idea of yet another prequel is leaving me feeling a little charm-ed out! Don’t get me wrong, exploring Prince Charming’s backstory could potentially be intriguing, but it seems like we might be reaching the limits of what even our beloved Disney can offer.

Have we reached peak Disney prequels? The news of a Prince Charming movie may be a bit much!

There has been much discussion among Disney enthusiasts about the live-action remakes of their classic animations. While some appreciate them and they have indeed been financial successes at the box office, a large number believe that they lack the enchantment of the original animated versions. Some critics even argue that certain adaptations like “The Lion King” fall short when trying to present these stories as realistic.

Disney is expanding its offerings with the upcoming “Mufasa” prequel, set before the 2019 “Lion King,” delving into the questionable origins of the future king character. This would have been challenging enough for an animated film, but even more so for a live-action one, as fans expressed disappointment over the movie’s “photo-realistic” treatment of the property.

In a fresh twist, Deadline reveals that writer/director Paul King is set to direct a new film focused on Prince Charming, co-written with Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker. As of now, plot details are scarce, but it appears this take on the character will resemble the one from the story of Cinderella.

Are we absolutely required to watch this film, or might it just be one too many Disney spinoffs that pushes things over the edge?

Why a Prince Charming film could work

Before delving into the potential drawbacks, let’s discuss why this story could be compelling: The concept of delving deeper into Prince Charming, a character often shrouded in mystery in films, is intriguing. Unlike many classic Disney tales where the prince is primarily a foil for the heroine, an object of affection, or a occasional savior (like Philip in Sleeping Beauty), this story could focus more on him as a central figure.

In various interpretations of tales such as “Cinderella,” it’s suggested that the Prince seeks personal freedom and an independent spirit. This is why he finds himself captivated by Cinderella, who differs from the conventional noblewomen he encounters. A film focusing on this dynamic, where Charming undergoes a transformation, could make for an engaging watch.

There’s potential in Charming appearing less than endearing at times. He might be more of a mischievous, fun-loving prince, living the high life before an adventure brings him down to earth. This could draw upon the lyrics from the musical “Into the Woods” where he was brought up to be charming rather than sincere, and his journey to discovering self-reliance.

There’s optimism too, considering who’s involved. Paul King rose to prominence with the initial two Paddington films, which were massive successes both critically and commercially, brimming with charm and warmth. His upcoming Wonka, a musical prequel centered around the Willy Wonka character, initially seemed questionable but has since proven to be delightful. Working with Disney now seems like a good move for King. If he manages to put his touch on a beloved Disney musical character, it could lead to a truly wonderful experience.

Why this movie may be a mistake

Although these favorable aspects exist, they are counterbalanced by unfavorable ones. Crafting a prequel for a beloved fairy tale presents challenges since we already know the Prince ultimately ends up with his princess, making it difficult to invest emotions in any woman he encounters en route. Unlike Willy Wonka, who had the advantage of an established history, Cinderella’s prince lacks that same rich background.

People are growing weary of the current live-action adaptations, and although “The Little Mermaid” wasn’t a failure, it didn’t bring in the billion-dollar box office that Disney anticipated. The upcoming “Snow White” seems risky, and spinoffs from classic tales like “Maleficent” are receiving mediocre responses. There’s uncertainty among the audience as girls may not be as captivated by Charming, while boys might hesitate to watch a Disney production. A fresh take on the stories by King is possible but still feels somewhat unconventional.

It seems that Disney has mined deeply enough into the princess stories, and now they are exploring spinoffs featuring supporting characters instead. Could we possibly see films about Kuzco’s bodyguard Gronk from “The Emperor’s New Groove” or the animals from “Tarzan”? It’s hard to envision these movies resonating with mainstream audiences in the same way as traditional Disney princess tales.

A point of contention that has been arising recently is Disney’s tendency to lean on intellectual properties from older films and sequels, instead of creating something new. While other studios are also engaging in similar practices, it appears questionable that the allure of Prince Charming can draw audiences when Marvel and Star Wars struggle to do so. It seems wiser to captivate people with an original tale rather than relying on these established characters.

It’s possible this could turn out to be a delightful surprise since King has successfully pulled off such surprises in the past. There’s a chance it might transform into an enjoyable musical journey and become a triumph. However, considering Disney is already heavily relying on intellectual properties, this seems like reaching for ideas at the bottom rather than a charming concept that could be a blockbuster success.

2024-10-21 18:57