LISTEN: Why ‘Moana’ Marks a Disney Misstep; ‘Young Washington’ Director Jon Erwin on Making Indie Films Work at the Multiplexes
On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our weekly Box Office segment, Variety‘s Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong with Disney’s “Moana” live-action remake. And Jon Erwin, the filmmaker behind “Young Washington,” explains how his Wonder Project banner is making indi
The latest episode of the Daily Variety podcast sheds light on Disney's live-action remake of Moana, which has been deemed a misstep by the film industry. This analysis is significant because it highlights the challenges of remaking beloved animated classics, and the importance of getting it right. Moana is a modern Disney classic that has resonated with audiences worldwide, and any live-action remake would need to meet incredibly high standards to be successful. The fact that Disney's attempt has been met with criticism suggests that the studio may have misjudged what fans loved about the original.
The discussion around Moana's live-action remake also raises questions about the current state of Disney's live-action remake strategy. In recent years, the studio has seen success with remakes like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, but has also faced criticism for its handling of other properties. The failure of Moana's live-action remake may prompt Disney to reevaluate its approach to remakes and consider what fans really want from these films. This could have implications for the studio's future slate of live-action remakes, and may lead to a shift in focus towards more original storytelling.
The podcast episode also features an interview with Jon Erwin, the director of Young Washington, who discusses his approach to making indie films work at the multiplexes. This is an interesting contrast to the discussion around Moana, as it highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by independent filmmakers in the current market. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be worth watching how studios like Disney balance their pursuit of blockbuster franchises with the need to nurture original storytelling and support independent filmmakers. The success of films like Young Washington will be an important indicator of the health of the indie film scene, and may pave the way for more innovative and risk-taking storytelling in the years to come.
Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.