A live-action remake of one of Disney’s most popular movies, Frozen, could easily outgross the live-action adaptation of The Lion King—and given Frozen‘s success, it should not be long before a live-action adaptation is in development. Disney has released several live-action remakes of classic animated movies. Beginning with 101 Dalmatians in 1996, Disney’s live-action adaptation library has expanded to dozens of films. There are also several upcoming live-action Disney animated remakes, including Snow White, Moana, and Lilo & Sтιтch.

For all the Disney live-action adaptations, many more have yet to be made. Some live-action remakes are already in development despite not having made significant progress, such as Disney’s live-action Hercules and Tangled. However, one highly popular Disney movie is noticeably absent among these adaptations—Frozen. It is surprising, especially given the fact that Frozen is the highest-grossing Disney animated movie since The Lion King. Therefore, a live-action adaptation of Frozen could easily surpᴀss The Lion King‘s live-action adaptation, and at the rate Disney is going, an announcement of a live-action remake of Frozen is inevitable.

A Live-Action Frozen Remake Would Be A Guaranteed Box Office Hit For Disney

Frozen Is Disney’s Most Successful Animated Movie Since The Lion King In 1994

When Disney released Frozen in 2013, it became a cultural phenomenon. It seemed that overnight, Frozen was everywhere: “Let It Go” played on radio stations, Frozen merchandise was abundant in stores such as Target and Walmart, and the characters exploded in fandom spaces. Frozen‘s Elsa and Jack Frost’s crossover romance became one of the most popular fictional relationships online despite the two being from different franchises. Disney made several animated shorts that served as follow-ups to Frozen until the official sequel, Frozen 2, was released.

Now, Frozen 3 is in development, with a planned release date of November 24, 2027. Given the franchise’s popularity, a Frozen live-action adaptation would be a box-office hit for Disney. Furthermore, this potential remake would likely outperform The Lion King (2019), which is currently Disney’s highest-grossing live-action remake to date. Considering all the benefits that a Frozen live-action remake would have, it is only a matter of time before Disney officially announces that a live-action adaptation is in development.

After Moana, A Live-Action Frozen Remake Sounds A Lot More Feasible

Disney Could Pull Off A Live-Action Frozen & The Special Effects Required

Naturally, not every Disney movie is destined for a live-action remake. It would be shocking if Disney decided to greenlight a live-action adaptation of Pocahontas, and some movies are too recent or not popular enough to guarantee success. Furthermore, a successful animated Disney movie does not necessarily mean it should be adapted as a live-action film. Frozen is a particular Disney movie with significant concerns—Disney might not be able to capture the magic of Arendelle and Elsa’s powers authentically in a live-action movie.

The live-action remake of Moana proves that Frozen is ready for its own chance. Moana was initially released in 2016, so naturally, when the live-action adaptation was announced, it was concerning because of how soon it was after its original release. However, the adaptation is shaping up to be great so far, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, Jared Bush returning as a screenwriter, and Auliʻi Cravalho co-producing. The development process of Moana’s live-action remake illustrates that if Disney takes the right steps with Frozen, they can pull off a live-action adaptation.

Frozen Could Make For A Great Live-Action Movie Under A Few Conditions

A Live-Action Frozen Needs Certain Requirements To Work

There are several aspects Disney must get right if they pursue a live-action adaptation of Frozen. For one, Disney should take its time with casting and not worry about big names. A talented actor who embodies a role is more important than a renowned Hollywood star or a few angry fans. Disney must include all of Frozen‘s songs in the remake and not cop out as they did with the 2019 version of “Be Prepared.” Frozen‘s live-action adaptation should also take great care regarding special effects to ensure the film still translates well in this new medium.

Most importantly, Disney should not be afraid to make big leaps with Frozen‘s live-action adaptation. Too often, Disney live-action remakes fall flat because they care more about playing it safe for consumers instead of putting heart into production. The Lion King‘s adaptation was great, but it did not fare well because the movie rushed iconic sequences and did not make creative decisions to change the narrative for the better while still maintaining the original story. Cinderella is one of Disney’s better adaptations, but the ending was rushed, unoriginal, and lacked excitement.

If Disney wants to create a successful Frozen live-action adaptation, they must make room for boldness and creativity while still keeping the essence of Frozen. Of course, a financially successful movie is critical, but creative aspects should be taken just as seriously. Disney must put as much heart and soul into Frozen‘s live-action remake as possible to ensure that the movie does well at the box office and is beloved by critics and audiences. If Disney adheres to these points, then a live-action adaptation of Frozen will surely be iconic.