First it was Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Next were Maleficent and Cinderella. On the way are live-action remakes and new versions of The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, and many others in development. Just last week came news of Disney intending to translate the “Night on Bald Mountain” sequence from Fantasia into its own film, along with perhaps a remake of Sister Act.

New ideas are not dead, per se, but rather relying on staples from the company’s history can keep these legacies alive. This inspired some thinking. Which movies actually deserve remakes? I have identified seven of them – most from the past three decades – as films that lend themselves to reinterpretation.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

The box office dud that sank instead of swam signaled a turn for Disney feature animation at the time of its 2001 release. So long, Broadway-style musicals. Hello, focusing on sci-fi and “unique families” (i.e. Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear). Atlantis, for whatever reasons, did not hit it off with many audience members, though it has gained minor cult status. However, this amazing adventure with diverse, eclectic characters, intense mythology, and great action scenes always experienced much replay in my household. Why not translate Atlantis into a major live-action summer blockbuster? It could rely less on the sci-fi – not necessarily Disney’s strong suit as of late – and center on the epic journey and exploration elements.

Who I would cast: Ryan Gosling as ambitious Milo Thatch, Zoe Saldana as mystical Kida, and Scott Bakula as brute Commander Rourke

Here is a trailer of the 2001 film, from YouTube channel DisneyMoviesOnDemand:

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

The 1989 summer hit for the company inspired two sequels, a television series, and even several attractions at Disney theme parks. Hasn’t the time come to revive the brand, now fading, and engage a new generation of kids to see the possibilities of shrinking to a very minute scale? I say yes. Technology has vastly improved since the late ’80s. Imagine the neat special effects that could be in store for a reimagining of Honey. The story, though, is quintessential goofy Disney that works well and engages viewers of all sizes and ages.

Who I would cast: Rainn Wilson as inventor Wayne Szalinski, and Monica Potter as his loyal wife Diane Szalinski

Swiss Family Robinson

Digging through the Disney vault are innumerable epic stories of survival and perseverance. A new take of the 1960 masterpiece, which compelled Disney to make a 1998 television film, seems like a natural sensation. The company had been in the works to bring a new take on the fantastic family, yet it never advanced too far. At one time Lindsay Lohan had been rumored to play an enchanting island girl, whereas more recently Will Smith and his family were to depict the titular clan. I urge the Mouse House to give Swiss Family Robinson another shot, containing the same seriousness and inspiration as the classic. Just ensure that the stranded family cannot use any modern electronics, as one of the kids tweeting “#Iamstranded” would cause the whole project to nosedive.

Who I would cast: Julianne Moore and Clive Owen as the capable parental figures

Below is a scene from the 1960 movie, from YouTube channel DisneyMoviesOnDemand:

Splash

This literal fish-out-of-water story is forever caught in our collective memories. The unforgettable scenes from the 1984 comedy range from Madison crazily eating seafood at a New York City restaurant to she and boyfriend Allen swimming underwater, set to a love theme. Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah were becoming A-list stars in Hollywood, and Splash certainly shaped their careers for the better. This Disney movie, the first released under the Touchstone Pictures banner, has charm and laughs all around. A new version could pay tribute to the original while giving it a more contemporary edge.

Who I would cast: Birdman star Emma Stone as mermaid Madison, About a Boy lead David Walton as businessman Allen Bauer, Get Him to the Greek‘s Russell Brand as Allen’s silly brother Freddie, and Captain America: The First Avenger actor Neal McDonough as scientist Dr. Walter Kornbluth.

Dead Poets Society

Another film from Disney’s Touchstone catalog would be worthy of a remake. The late Robin Williams earned an Academy Award nomination for portraying a profound English teacher in a male boarding school. It was a powerful performance that had a huge impact on many viewers, myself among them. He embodied the unorthodox instructor who compelled his students to enjoy loving language and take stances on important issues. Though the film was set in the ’60s, a new version need not be limited to that decade. As long as the themes remain, a remake could prove mightily effective.

Who I would cast: Idris Elba as John Keating, The Fault in Our Stars‘ Ansel Elgort as Neil Perry, Prisoners‘ Dylan Minnette as Todd Anderson, and Everybody Hates Chris‘s Tyler James Williams as Knox Overstreet.

Below is a scene from the 1989 film, from YouTube channel TouchstoneonDemand:

Newsies

To its benefit, Disney has a few ways of reinterpreting Newsies. It could either revert back to following the course of the 1992 film (involving an older male reporter tracking the newsboys’ effort) or the recent Broadway production (adding a love interest for protagonist Jack, who fills the spot of the reporter, too). I think the latter option would be more effective in serving as a remake, in addition to accounting for the female perspective. Newsies‘ fanbase is growing larger every year. Disney should capitalize on this and transform the brilliant stage show back to the screen.

Who I would cast: In fact, I think the performers from the Broadway show (such as Jeremy Jordan and John Dossett) would be ideal to once again play their signature stage roles.

Mighty Joe Young

This one might cause you to scratch your head. Mighty Joe Young, a 1998 adventure drama based on the 1949 movie of the same name, may not have been a massive success, but it helped catapult Charlize Theron‘s career and showcased some cool special effects. Even more, it possessed a touching story of the relationship between an orphaned girl and gorilla. Theron and co-star Bill Paxton were wonderful in this forgotten flick. Much like Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, the visuals back then garnered much positive attention. Think of how cool Mighty Joe Young might be now, when we can see the possibilities of CGI apes in the vein of Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Who I would cast: Brie Larson as Jill Young and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Gregg O’Hara

Here is the film’s original trailer, from YouTube channel DisneyMoviesOnDemand:

Which of these films would you most want to see as a remake? Any other Disney films that come to mind as deserving reboots? Share your thoughts!

This is Brett Nachman, signing off. Follow me on Twitter for alerts of new editions of Disney In Depth, Thursdays on Geeks of Doom.