Lilo & Stitch’s Success Proves It’s Time to Remake Treasure Planet

by

Following the disappointing performance of the live-action Snow White, Disney’s efforts in live-action remakes appeared to be ending. However, Lilo & Stitch is unexpectedly bringing the project back to life, though reactions are divided. While critics and fans of the original 2002 animated movie have given the new film mixed reviews, it has proven successful at the box office, even against strong competition from big hits like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Superman.

The recent live-action version of Lilo & Stitch has opened the door for Disney to continue making live-action remakes of its animated classics. Currently, a live-action Moana is planned for release in 2026. After the release of Snow White, there were reports that Disney might stop making these remakes, but Lilo & Stitch changed that decision. A sequel to the live-action Lilo & Stitch is already being developed, and Disney will likely announce another remake soon. While Disney could always remake a popular animated film, it might be more exciting to revisit a movie that didn’t do well in theaters but had promise. One animated film released the same year as the original Lilo & Stitch could be a great candidate for Disney’s next reboot.

Treasure Planet Deserves to Be Disney’s Next Live-Action Remake

This film is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island. Joseph Gordon-Levitt voices Jim Hawkins, a fifteen-year-old boy from the planet Montressor who longs to travel the galaxy. When Jim discovers an old map pointing to the hidden treasure of the famous pirate Captain Flint, he and his friend, Dr. Delbert Doppler, set off on an incredible adventure.

When Flint and Doppler charter a ship to find the legendary Treasure Planet, their journey takes a dangerous turn as they’re attacked by pirates. Now, they’re in a desperate race against the pirates to locate the treasure. Along the way, Jim and Doppler encounter a quirky cast of characters, including the cat-like Captain Amelia and the clumsy robot B.E.N. But the most captivating figure is the enigmatic cyborg pirate John Silver, who develops a complex relationship with Jim, the true nature of which remains uncertain.

Despite having exciting action, beautiful visuals, and well-developed characters, Treasure Planet didn’t become the blockbuster Disney expected when it was released. While critics generally liked the film, it couldn’t compete with huge hits like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Die Another Day at the box office. It didn’t earn back its expensive production costs and was considered a failure. However, over the past twenty-three years, Treasure Planet has gained a dedicated following and become a beloved cult classic.

Though it wasn’t a big hit in theaters, Treasure Planet became a beloved classic for a whole generation of Disney fans. Many consider it one of Disney’s most overlooked animated films, and it’s ripe for a revival. While there have been live-action versions of the original story, no one has yet reimagined the unique sci-fi take Disney created. Given Disney’s current focus on remakes, it would be smarter to revisit films like Treasure Planet – movies with great potential that never quite found their audience. After twenty years, Treasure Planet deserves another chance to shine alongside Disney’s biggest hits.

Disney Could Revive Its Cancelled Plans for a Treasure Planet Franchise

Disney originally intended to build a whole series of stories around the world of Treasure Planet. Like many of their films from the early 2000s, they planned a TV show continuing Jim Hawkins’ adventures, and even started working on a sequel. This sequel would have introduced a frightening new villain named Ironbeard, and rumors suggest Willem Dafoe was considered for the role. Although the sequel was canceled, storyboards and concept art still exist online, giving fans a glimpse of what might have been if the movie had been more successful. Now, a live-action remake could potentially bring those ideas back to life.

A live-action version of Treasure Planet could be a hit, especially given the current popularity of sci-fi franchises like Star Wars and Dune. The film’s unique steampunk-inspired world and compelling story about space pirates are ripe for exploration, and a successful remake could open the door to sequels and spinoffs that were previously planned. There’s clear audience interest in revisiting the 2002 movie, giving Disney a strong reason to move forward with the project – and some reports suggest they already are.

Is a Treasure Planet Movie in the Works?

For years, people have been speculating about a live-action remake of Treasure Planet. Disney hasn’t officially confirmed or denied these rumors, but with the studio making so many live-action remakes recently, it’s likely the idea of a Treasure Planet reboot has at least been considered.

Disney appears open to the idea of remaking all of its classic animated films, though not every movie will necessarily be made. We’ve already seen this with films like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was initially planned but is now on hold. While it would be smart for Disney to consider a live-action version of Treasure Planet, there’s no promise it will actually happen.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I’ve seen a lot of their live-action remakes, and honestly, many feel unnecessary – like they’re just stretching out stories that didn’t need retelling. But sometimes, a reboot can genuinely add something new, and I think Disney needs to take more chances like that. They’re starting to run out of their biggest classics to redo, so it’s the perfect time to revisit some underappreciated gems. I’ve always loved Treasure Planet, and I truly believe it would thrive as a live-action film with today’s technology. It feels like a project that could really build on the original, rather than just retreading old ground.

Despite being overlooked when it first came out, Treasure Planet has a dedicated fanbase. Now, more than two decades later, Disney is considering a reboot of the story, reimagining Jim Hawkins’ adventures as a live-action film.

5 Questions
Treasure Planet’s Stellar Second Chance?
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-03-28 21:37