The Age of Disney Reboots

Nathalie Sibal, Co-Copy Editor
December 17, 2018

Since the project’s confirmation in 2016, Jon Favreau’s reboot of The Lion King has become one of the most highly anticipated Disney movies within the past 5 years. During the Thanksgiving NFL game on Nov. 22, a teaser trailer was released to the public. Within 24 hours, the video gained 224.6 million views from fans all around.

Dhafni Prillwitz, 12, shares her opinion as to why the trailer fueled her excitement for the film.

“I thought it was interesting how they’re finding new ways to show classic Disney stories to a new generation,” Prillwitz said. “I like the idea of sharing the same childhood movies with younger kids, but in a different way that’s more modernized.”

The Lion King is only one in four remakes lined up. The Lady and the Tramp, Aladdin, and Dumbo are also slated for a 2019 release. Since the announcement of these projects, fans have been complaining about Disney’s method of “cash-grabbing”. Some believe it is the company’s way of playing up nostalgia to make a profit.

Aspiring artist James Colom, 12, expresses his dissatisfaction with the studio’s recent projects.

“I think it’s a really easy way for them to rehash the same product under a new coat of paint and act like they’re doing something new and fresh,” Colom said. “Not only are these reboots incredibly lazy in my eyes, they are over-saturating the market with them. I think Disney has the power to inspire and make truly wonderful movies, but right now it feels like a soulless corporation doing the safest option in order to make a quick buck.”

The beginning of Disney reboots can be traced back to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, starring Mia Wasikowska as the titular character. This dark reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel received critical reviews from movie-goers all around. Having passed the one billion box office mark, Disney decided to expand their series of reboots. The green-lighting of films such as Maleficent, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book allowed the trend to gain motion.

Isabelle Cadavid, 12, believes that remakes lack the magical quality of the classics.

“I don’t think reboots would ever compare the originals,” Cadavid said. “When the originals came out, it had a special charm to them. It was new and never done before. Also, they came out when we were kids, when we appreciated them most. Seeing the remakes isn’t necessarily boring, but it’s weird seeing them in a different perspective. You can’t remake the same charm like the originals had.”

The Lion King will have a worldwide release on July 19. The teaser trailer can be found at the link below.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CbLXeGSDxg

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About the Contributors

Nathalie Sibal, Co-Copy Editor

After watching Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again four times, Nathalie Sibal,12, recounts how this film series has inspired her to become a film director and writer. “These films made me realize that I want to create that same type of content for others,” Sibal said. “I want to make movies that causes an entire audience to forget about their troubles and just have fun.”

I struggled for the longest time writing this because Nathalie Sibal is a multitude of things: smart, creative, strong, honest, kind, hilarious – but above all, she’s unique, and not many people can claim to be.

Nathalie’s creativity and passion knows no bounds. She has an innate ability to create complex characters and capture them in diverse moments, whether they inhabit the luxurious lifestyle of the Victorian era or the simple, naturalistic setting of Greece. No matter what story she drafts, they all possess a deep love and understanding of the human experience. Her immense talent, coupled with her confidence, is unmatched by no other and I can’t wait to see her break barriers in Hollywood.

More than a screenwriter, Nathalie is the greatest friend anyone can ask for. She came at a transitional point in my life where I was unsure of the future, but with her by my side, change didn’t seem as petrifying. Her wit and resilience inspire me, her kind and carefree nature lift me up. She is the Louise to my Thelma, the Venom to my Eddie Brock. There are not enough words in the English language I can use to express how lucky and grateful I am to have her as my best friend.

-Oscar Flores

Lily Nguyen, Comic Artist

As the lead comic artist for the Downey Legend this 2018-19 school year, sophomore Lily-Jane Nguyen hopes to use her outgoing nature along with her unnerving drive to further the newspaper and her peers. “[I feel] a lot of pressure,” Nguyen said. “If they need me to teach, I will do my best… I’ve gained mileage.”

Being a fresh member of the team, I didn’t know Lily at all nor was I confident to talk to her. Her inspirations were what caught my eye, seeing her so enthusiastic for her found passion of art, a passion that is so inspiring, admittedly made me jealous. When I first met Lily, it was the beginning of the year in the podcast room. The excitement she shared to work with the team made me realize how friendly she is. As time went on, I have noticed how creative, energetic, and bright Lily is. She is able to animate the classroom environment whether it be cracking a couple of jokes or being a helping hand.

Being friends with her over the year, I can tell you that she can find a way to connect any topic to art, which is quite charming. It is nearly impossible to know Lily without her devotion to art. There is no pauses or breaks when she is in the grind of completing her work, something I truly value. Lily is someone that is reliable and is able to put 110% of her effort whenever possible. I am so lucky to work with someone that would put the extra mile to make the podcast or article more appealing.

Lily doesn’t perceive life the same way you and I do. She sees shape, color, and shadows in every direction. A skill so unique, that she is able to render three-dimensional images in a two-dimensional space. Every day she is improving her ability in art whether it be perspective, proportion, or gesture. As any artist should be, she is eager to progress in her career, passion, dream, and life of art. I look forward in seeing the magnitude of visionary work she creates in the future.

-Adam Bhuiyan

The Downey Legend

The Downey Legend

The Age of Disney Reboots

The Downey Legend

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