By: Kloe Adams

Games Creator 

Live–action productions of previously animated films and modern versions of nostalgic classics dominate Hollywood, with the industry prioritizing safe profits over creative risk. When remakes are well-produced, they are invaluable additions to a film franchise; however, film studios’ overreliance on old ideas for guaranteed financial gains results in underdeveloped, low-quality movies. Studios must create remakes with intention and creativity rather than for safe profits.

Moviegoers do not want to waste their night out on an obscure original that could be bad; instead, they prioritize recognizable titles. As a result, the ecosystem of competition crushes the launches of original films. The original Pixar film, Elio, which debuted in theaters on Jun. 20, made 154.2 million dollars at the box office despite its budget exceeding 200 million dollars. Conversely, A Minecraft Movie debuted in theaters on Apr. 4, making 957.9 million dollars in box office revenue, greatly surpassing its budget of 150 million dollars. Objectively, critics rated Elio 83% rotten tomatoes while A Minecraft Movie received 47%, suggesting the films’ quality did not equate to their profits. Other examples of originals performing subpar at the box office include Everything Everywhere All At Once, Sinners, and Materialists, with Everything Everywhere All At Once even earning seven Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture. It is clear why studios prioritize remakes because they are safer from a profit standpoint and have a larger appeal to audiences; however, when studios rely on remakes for a large payday, the production quality declines. 

Remakes can be good when they are not forced into creation. Disney, in particular, constantly releases live–action versions of previously animated films that did not need a revamp. For example, the live-action remake of Snow White earned an underwhelming 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. Subpar direction and production produced a rushed result that failed to live up to fans’ high expectations. Additionally, Lilo & Stitch and Mufasa, although performing better critically, were overall unoriginal and did not add anything to their original plots. On the other hand, when producers use remakes as a tool rather than an exploit, they produce high-quality and enjoyable results. For instance, Guillermo Del Toro’s remake of Pinocchio adapted the storyline with a unique take, elevating the original plot and offering a new perspective for watchers. 

When done right, a remake can boost an original’s plot or even reintroduce a niche movie to a larger audience. But when used for the purpose of safe profit, they lack passion and depth. With this in mind, movie studios must adapt original scores with intention and care.

(Sources: Supercuts Delight, Wikipedia)