Disney’s Secret Formula EXPOSED: Can DreamWorks Steal the Live-Action Throne with Dragon?

It appears that “How to Train Your Dragon” could spark a thrilling wave of live-action adaptations for DreamWorks, much like Disney’s live-action movies have done. Adapting animated films into live-action versions is a task that often encounters deep skepticism, given the unique nature of animation as a visual storytelling medium. However, Disney has shown that it can breathe fresh life into well-known animated tales with successful live-action versions such as “The Jungle Book,” “Pete’s Dragon,” and “Cruella,” among others.

DreamWorks Studio is venturing into the realm where “How to Train Your Dragon” takes life as a live-action film, potentially paving the way for an exciting trend. It remains uncertain if this live-action extension of the animated series will boost the studio, but it seems “How to Train Your Dragon” could signal the birth of something remarkable for DreamWorks. The success of the live-action movie hinges on various elements, yet it’s intriguing to consider how it might open doors for the studio to delve into fresh narrative possibilities.

How To Train Your Dragon Looks To Be A Hit In The Making

Its Positive Early Reviews Are Setting It Up For Success

Generally, like many movies based on animation, How to Train Your Dragon initially faced questions and uncertainty among viewers. Some were unsure if converting the original animated films into live-action ones was wise due to their imaginative and visually unique nature. However, the live-action film has demonstrated enough positive aspects that have made audiences more optimistic about its premiere. The team working on the movie has shown a strong dedication to the adaptation, which is always promising.

From the previews and initial glimpses, it appears that How to Train Your Dragon is shaping up to be just as magnificent and engaging as the original animated films. The movie’s casting choices seem spot-on, and the CGI appears to have been crafted with meticulous care and an eye for detail. Moreover, early reactions to How To Train Your Dragon have been overwhelmingly positive, which will undoubtedly entice many viewers to catch it when it hits theaters. Given all these favorable factors, the film seems poised to make a strong impact both critically and financially.

The three animated “How to Train Your Dragon” movies have done exceptionally well at international box offices. With a collective production cost of approximately $439 million, these films have generated over $1.6 billion worldwide. If the live-action adaptation fares well, it might capitalize on its source material’s success and replicate its triumphs.

Most DreamWorks Movies Wouldn’t Work In Live-Action

They Are A Little Too Fairytale-Esque

It’s been straightforward to imagine “How to Train Your Dragon” as a live-action movie due to its blend of fantastical creatures and human characters. On the other hand, movies like “Shrek”, “Kung Fu Panda”, “Madagascar”, and “Chicken Run”, which are also from DreamWorks Animation, mainly focus on anthropomorphic animals and have fewer human characters. These films are more akin to fairy tales, with their heavy use of cartoonish humor, fantastical settings, and stylized animation that might not translate well into live-action.

It’s becoming more feasible with technological progress in CGI to transform any and every piece of content into the live-action format. Yet, some animated intellectual properties (IPs) might not benefit from such a transition due to the potential disaster that could ensue if they lose the unique aspects that initially made them successful. Nonetheless, while live-action remakes of many DreamWorks animated films may never surpass their original counterparts, there are a handful of others that could be considered for a live-action adaptation, assuming that “How to Train Your Dragon” is successful.

Which DreamWorks Movies Should Get Live-Action Remakes?

A Few Movies Can Still Work Well As Live-Action Flicks

A list of DreamWorks’ animated films should be kept as is. On the other hand, some titles such as “Road to El Dorado”, “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas”, “Megamind”, “The Croods”, and “Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken” might work well for live-action adaptations. Specifically, “Road to El Dorado” could be reimagined as a human swindlers’ live-action adventure, but given its mixed reviews, it seems doubtful that a live-action version will ever come to fruition.

Because both Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas and Ruby Gillman share similar characteristics that make them unsuitable for a live-action remake, it’s unlikely the studio will ever consider such an adaptation. Conversely, The Croods and Megamind possess a robust narrative base and visually adaptable worlds, making them potential candidates for successful live-action transformations.

The real-life version of “The Croods” might create an enjoyable, family-oriented drama that could broaden the range of viewers for the original film series. On the other hand, the live-action adaptation of “Megamind” could capitalize on the escalating popularity of the superhero genre and offer a fresh take by flipping the traditional good versus evil storylines.

What DreamWorks’ Live-Action Movies Need To Learn From Disney

Disney Has Set The Blueprint With Many Critical & Commercial Hits

Disney frequently employs live-action adaptations not only to capitalize on the success and market value of their animated films, but also to correct mistakes from the original versions. For example, while the original Aladdin was widely praised, it contained numerous stereotypes that have become less acceptable over time. The 2019 live-action version, in contrast, made conscious efforts to modernize its storyline to promote cultural sensitivity.

The 2017 version of “Beauty and the Beast” expanded upon its source material’s story by moving beyond a typical romance and focusing more on themes of inclusivity and empowerment. To make an impact in the realm of live-action remakes, DreamWorks should follow a similar approach. Rather than just trying to replicate the enchantment of the original animated films, the studio needs to aim for improvement, which fortunately appears to be their intention with “How to Train Your Dragon”.

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2025-04-23 06:29