As a huge film fan, I was really impressed with how well Puss in Boots: The Last Wish did – it made over $636 million globally! It’s DreamWorks’ first attempt at turning one of their animated movies into a live-action film, something Disney’s been doing a lot lately. It seems like DreamWorks is now hoping to compete by carefully adapting more of their animated classics for a live-action audience.
While a sequel to How to Train Your Dragon is planned for 2027, DreamWorks has many other options for future movies. One strong contender is a 2000 animated musical adventure film. Though it wasn’t initially a huge hit with audiences or critics, it’s gained a dedicated following over the years.
DreamWorks’ The Road to El Dorado Deserves a Live-Action Reboot
Released in 2000, The Road to El Dorado is a vibrant and visually appealing animated film from DreamWorks. The story centers around two charming swindlers, Miguel and Tulio, who find themselves unexpectedly swept away on an adventure. Set in 16th-century Spain, as the Spanish Empire begins exploring the Americas, the pair accidentally stows away on a ship belonging to the conquistador Hernán Cortés, who is sailing to South America. They had just pulled off a scam that went wrong, forcing them to quickly escape.
After arriving in the New World, Miguel and Tulio quickly find themselves in a string of chaotic situations. Their troubles begin when they anger the powerful Cortés by stealing his prized horse, Altivo. Driven by the desire for adventure (and riches!), Miguel and Tulio unexpectedly discover the legendary city of El Dorado, the fabled lost city of gold.
Okay, so ‘The Road to El Dorado’ throws a really fun curveball at Miguel and Tulio. They stumble into this city, and the locals immediately decide they’re actually gods – twin gods, no less! It’s hilarious and completely unexpected. Suddenly, these two con artists are living the high life, showered with riches and basically running the place. Talk about a lucky break – or a divine misunderstanding!
What’s truly remarkable is how Miguel and Tulio gradually become fond of the people of El Dorado, who are far more welcoming and kind than anyone they knew back home. Maintaining their fake identities gets harder and harder, making them question their own values. When Cortés arrives to conquer El Dorado, Miguel, Tulio, and their newfound friends must fight together to protect the city.
The Road to El Dorado Features an Impressive Cast
Though the film has some serious moments, it’s also energized by a fantastic soundtrack from music legend Elton John. John previously created the hugely popular soundtrack for The Lion King. The voice cast includes big names like Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh, who play the characters Tulio and Miguel.
One of my favorite parts of The Road to El Dorado is the character of Chel, a really clever woman Miguel and Tulio meet in the city, and the only one who sees right through their schemes. The voice acting is fantastic too – Jim Cummings as Cortés and Frank Welker as Altivo are perfect. It’s also fun to hear Tobin Bell, who’s famous for Saw, as Zaragoza, a sailor they run into early on in the movie. It’s a great cast all around!
Featuring lively characters, an exciting adventure around the world, and a fantastic but often overlooked soundtrack, The Road to El Dorado deserves a fresh look.
The DreamWorks Movie Is a Certified Cult Classic
Similar to other animated films from the early 2000s that weren’t initially big hits, The Road to El Dorado has become more popular over time. Many people who watched it as children now consider it a favorite.
DreamWorks has created many beloved animated films, and The Road to El Dorado is definitely one of them. Though it was made some time ago, the movie’s humor and heartwarming story still resonate with audiences today, making it a great candidate for a potential DreamWorks revival.
With so many reboots and remakes happening now, audiences often get weary of seeing the same stories retold. If DreamWorks continues to make live-action versions of its animated movies, it could stand out by focusing on films that didn’t get the attention they deserved. Instead of revisiting popular titles like Kung Fu Panda, DreamWorks could breathe new life into its less successful, but beloved, films, starting with The Road to El Dorado.
Despite being overlooked when it was released in 2000, The Road to El Dorado could find a new audience in the 2020s. Its vibrant animation, heartwarming story, and catchy songs make it a strong contender for a modern revival. Hopefully, this time around, El Dorado will finally achieve the success it deserves.
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2026-02-10 00:10