Below you will find my current To-Be Disney Daydreams. Of course, as a 2D enthusiast, I imagine these in the fluid and gorgeous animation of The Disney Renaissance.
The Firebird
Igor Stravinsky-Ballet Version
Slavic Folklore
There
are many versions of this Russian folktale, but my favorite is the
story told in the famous Igor Stravinsky ballet. The story centers around Prince Ivan, a
hunting enthusiast who spares the life of the enchanted firebird. This
triggers a series of events leading to an magical castle, a lost
princess, and an evil sorcerer-great elements for a Disney feature. I
think this fairytale would be a great addition to the Disney films, and
would provide an opportunity to explore Russia as a setting. Fun Fact:
The Firebird Suite from the ballet is actually used in Disney's Fantasia
2000, but the music was set to a very different story (featuring the
beautifully designed Nature Sprite). I would love to see the fairy tale
version as a classic Disney feature, with the addition of a Russian
Disney Princess.
Noah's Ark
The Holy Bible
The Holy Bible
Speaking of Fantasia 2000, this story was also featured in the animated collection. The Fantasia version was cute (featuring Donald Duck as Noah), but I would love to see this story tackled with the same seriousness, respect, and stunning visuals that made Dreamworks' The Prince of Egypt so memorable. Biblical stories have movie potential, but they can be tough to translate to film. The Prince of Egypt found ways to keep the story of Moses fresh and exciting without pop-culture jokes or kiddie humor. The excellent soundtrack, stunning animation, respect of the source material, and the decision to focus on the brotherly dynamic of Moses/Pharaoh made for a fantastic film. I would love to see an animated version of Noah's Ark that treats the story with the same integrity. I think Disney could come up with incredible flood visuals, unique animal characters/designs, and of course, a musical score. Perhaps the story could be told through the eyes of Noah's dove or raven.
Jorinde and Joringel
Grimm
Grimm
My
love of this fairytale stems from this quirky anime fairytale show I used to watch on Nickelodeon once upon a time in Nostalgialand. The show introduced anime before it
became "a thing" and also introduced many lesser known fairytales I've
come to love. One of my favorite episodes was "Jorinde and Joringel"
which is based on a German fairytale. The story follows a couple
(Jorinde/Jorinda and Joringel) who are to be married. Their wedding plans are
cut short when a shape-shifting witch turns Jorinde into a bird and takes
her to an enchanted castle. Joringel must then fight his way to the
his love, fending off the spells of the witch who has turned many
townspeople into animals. I used to imagine this one taking place in
Scotland instead, but since Brave took its place in the Disney movie spectrum, I have reimagined it as an
Irish fairytale involving the fantastic fae legends of Ireland. Why not
add some leprechaun and pooka sidekicks?
The Goose Girl
Grimm
The Goose Girl is a European fairytale reminiscent of the Price and the Pauper...but with a twist. A princess and her evil handmaiden (who resembles her royal counterpart) are sent on a journey, and that's when the adventure begins. The servant is a villainous and greedy character who forces the princess to switch roles when the two women are sent to meet the handsome prince the real princess is to marry. This plot makes for a lot of interesting misunderstandings, as the prince (who is a kind man) finds the "princess" a heartless and cruel woman. Of course, he falls in love with the handmaiden who is actually the real princess. I think there is a lot Disney could do with this story. In my "Disney" version, the story would take place in India. We've seen a little bit of India in "The Jungle Book" but I would like to see more of the people and legends in this vibrant country.
Lady of the Lake
Arthurian Legend
Based on Arthurian legend, this would actually be a sequel if to Sword in the Stone. The Lady of the Lake is a magical being in the tales of King Arthur. In my version, the story is told from the Lady of the Lake's point of view, as she describes what really happened to King Arthur, Queen Gwenevere, and Sir Lancelot. I enjoyed the unique take on Sword in the Stone (with Arthur being more of the supporting character). I think that the Arturian tales of the king's later years would have plenty for Disney to work with. Like Sword in the Stone that was more of "Merlin's story", Lady in the Lake would be told from the mysterious deity's point of view.
The Odyssey
Homer
Homer's
Greek legend has it all...a seafaring adventure, mythological monsters,
and a loving family at the heart of the story. I would hope to see
"The Odyssey" in its pure form...with an adult father as the main
character. Newsflash: Everyone does not have to be a teen! Look at the
success of Avengers and Marvel heroes for assurance! I feel like an
animated reinterpretation today would probably involve a teen
Odysseus-but I'd love to see the story as it was intended to be; the
tale of an adult father finding his way home to his family and reclaiming
his kingdom. While I did enjoy Disney's experimental Hercules, I always
hoped to see Disney take on a feature-length Greek legend in its
classic form (similar to Pastoral Suite in Fantasia). I would love to
see the clever hero take on the cyclops, sirens, witches, and gods in
this timeless tale.
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare
Shakespeare
Okay, so maybe without the tragedy...and the excessive love scenes...and the suicide...and the murder... Hear me out. I think they could make it work...if the famous Shakespeare family rivals were cast as cats and dogs! I always imagined this one in the same animated style and storytelling as Robin Hood; anthromorphic characters in another time. This version would differ vastly from the original, but I think Disney could have some fun coming up with designs for mutt Mercutio and tomcat Tybalt. And the star-crossed lovers *probably* wouldn't die tragically. Would they go for another single-word title (Brave, Tangled, Frozen) to trick kids into thinking it wasn't just a yucky romance? (Rivals? Starcrossed?)
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
Selma Lagerlöf
Selma Lagerlöf
You probably haven't heard of this childhood favorite. However, the memory of a dim lamp, sitting on my mom's lap, and a great book are fresh in my mind after all these years. I'm sure children of all ages would look forward to an animated feature based on the same story if they knew about this great book. Nils is a Swedish story that centers around a rascally little boy who likes to tease the animals on his family farm. He captures a gnome/sprite/fae who shrinks him but gives him the ability to speak to animals. Nils manages to forge a friendship with one of the domestic geese on the farm. When the farm goose makes an impromptu decision to join a flock of wild geese, Nils finds himself on an accidental adventure soaring over Sweden. Both Nils (who learns to become a man and to treat all creatures with respect) and the goose (who learns the ways of the brave, wild geese) grow together as they encounter many new friends and foes. This story is my mother's first choice for "hypothetical Disney movies", and it's easy to see why. Nils Holgersson would give Disney a fun new hero and a chance to utilize Sweden as a setting.
Bamboo Princess
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter-Japanese Folklore
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter-Japanese Folklore
Speaking of shrunken people adventures (a favorite subgenre of mine...more on that later ;)), Disney needs to look no further than "Bamboo Princess" for another strong heroine. Think Thumbelina in Japan. I know I would love to see a peapod-sized princess taking on Japanese insects. I thought of this idea many years ago, before new Studio Ghibli movies were available. Currently this lovely Japanese fairytale does exist within the Disneyverse (in a way)distributed in the form of the great Miyazaki's Princess Kayuga. I would still like to see a Disney musical version of this story. (In the original tale, the princess is found in a bamboo shoot (similar to how Thumbelina is found in a flower). In the story, she is courted by princes whom she rejects. My husband came up with a cute idea of how she falls for one of the prince's servants. However, if you wish to see a version that is a little more authentic and true to the source material, add Princess Kayuga to your watch list!
By John Steptoe
I was obsessed with this book in third grade. I loved the illustrations and the themes and I remember trying to copy and draw the style on the back of my worksheets. This African fairytale follows two sisters; kindhearted Nyasha and cruel Manyara.
(Spoilers Ahead....!)
In the story, the good prince is seeking a bride and both girls go on a journey to meet him to see who he will marry. Along the way, the sisters encounter different people and a talking snake who serves as a "fairy godmother" role. Nyasha treats all of the people (a sick boy, old woman etc.) with kindness and helpfulness no matter their station in life, but selfish and arrogant Manyara is cruel to all she encounters, including the snake. In a surprising twist, the snake (and the other people) turn out to be prince in disguise. Having befriended Nyasha and seeing her kindness, she is chosen to be his bride, and both their fairytale dreams come true. I think this Cinderella-story African fairytale would be a great fit in Disney's worldwide collection, and I would especially love to see Manyara as a Disney villain.
And the #1 story that should be a Disney animated feature is...
A Midsummer's Night's Dream
Shakespeare
Shakespeare
This
story was Disney before Disney existed. Ever since I "starred"* in
this Shakespeare play in high school, I could not help but wonder...WHY
is this not a Disney animated feature? It has everything Disney could
ask for...public domain material ;), romantic misunderstandings,
fairies, comedic relief (a bumbling acting troupe), mischievous sprites,
and a dude with a donkey's head on his shoulders. A Disney "Puck"
could have the same claim to fame as Jiminy Cricket if they got it
right. There is room for memorable musical numbers, exciting character
design, and an opportunity to get the kids interested in Shakespeare.
In my version, Oberon (King of the fairies) would be the villain, but
much of the original would remain the same. I mean, wouldn't you love to
meet Titania at Disneyworld or buy a Hermia doll? There isn't much
Disney needs to change with this one. It already has all of the elements
that would make for a great animated feature. Just add music!
Bonus #12...The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Grimm
Grimm
Because
why would Disney not want to have 12 more princess to sell in the toy
stores?! In the original story, the princesses are "defiant" daughters
who just want to go out dancing with their princes in a secret world. A
soldier is hired to find out what is happening, and reveals the truth
to the king when he brings back proof of the hidden realm. Then... he
gets to marry one of the princesses.
Well, there are
plenty of reasons why Disney wouldn't go with *that* version, but most
fairytale origins tend to be too macabre or downright strange
for today's audiences.
I have two ideas for this one. Idea #1 involves a reunion of all the Disney princesses. Imagine seeing Rapunzel, Jasmine, Belle, etc. dancing under one roof and fighting evil together. (Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Rapunzel, Anna, Merida, Jasmine, Belle, Pocahontas, Moana, and Ariel).
My version involves twelve original princesses who are named after the months in the year. The story follows enthusiastic-yet-socially-awkward Princess September, who is better at inventing than dancing (and is known for her atrocious footwork). She desperately wants to dance and wishes to fit in with the other princesses, who have gathered at Princess January's castle to celebrate a royal event. Despite being complete opposites, elegant and popular Princess January is Princess September's loyal best friend. However, when she is lost to a secret and enchanted monster world, Princess September sets out on a quest to find where the princesses were going-and venture into the unknown world to save the others....
I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and your own Disney Dreams in the comment section below! Which ideas or illustrations do you like, and which unused/forgotten fairy tales or stories would YOU like to see as the next Disney animated feature?
P.S. I am planning a book and a blog post with my story of The Twelve Dancing Princess...coming soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment