Summary:
- Roy Conli, producer of the original animated “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” has expressed uncertainty about the progress of its live-action remake, citing few updates since its 2019 announcement.
- Composer Alan Menken raised concerns about handling the film’s sensitive themes, particularly the song ‘Hellfire,’ which has left the project’s status uncertain.
- Despite this, Disney continues to plan other live-action remakes like “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is one of many Disney animated classics slated for a live-action remake. However, Roy Conli, producer of the original animated film, recently expressed uncertainty about the status of the remake, which has seen few updates since its announcement in 2019.
In an interview with Screen Rant while promoting the Disneynature documentary “Tiger,” Conli mentioned, “I too have heard rumor of that. I don’t have any solid information on that,” a statement that might disappoint fans awaiting firm news.
He added, “But I do think it’s interesting. I would love to. I think that could be a stunning one. I think that’s Alan Menken’s most beautiful score. I absolutely adore that score.” Conli also suggested that another Disney animated film, “Treasure Planet,” would be well-suited for a live-action adaptation, saying, “would make a great live-action film.
Released in 1996 during the Disney Renaissance, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is an animated musical about Quasimodo, a kind but deformed young man who lives alone as a bell ringer in Notre Dame Cathedral and dreams of seeing the outside world. The film was a hit, earning $325 million globally and receiving positive reviews. A sequel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame II,” came out directly on video in 2002.
“Hunchback of Notre Dame” Remake Status Uncertain
The live-action remake of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” was announced in January 2019, with the working title “Hunchback.” David Henry Hwang was set to write the screenplay, and Josh Gad, one of the producers, was being considered for the role of Quasimodo. The movie is planned to draw from both Disney’s animated version and Victor Hugo’s original 1831 novel.
In January 2021, Josh Gad mentioned that the project was moving forward. However, in May 2023, composer Alan Menken, returning to work with lyricist Stephen Schwartz, shared concerns about addressing the film’s sensitive themes. Menken emphasized the importance of elements like the song ‘Hellfire,’ saying:
“It involves a lot of real, real issues that are important… and there has to be an agreement about how we deal with those issues… Do we do a Hunchback without ‘Hellfire?’ I don’t think so… So it sits in this limbo right now.”
More Disney Live-Action Adaptations Coming Soon
Even if “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” remake doesn’t happen, Disney fans have several other live-action remakes to look forward to. First, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a CG-animated prequel/sequel to the 2019 “The Lion King” that made over $1 billion, will explore Mufasa’s origins and is set to release this Christmas.
Disney will also release live-action versions of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” featuring Rachel Zegler in 2025, and “Moana” starring Dwayne Johnson in 2026. Additionally, a live-action “Lilo & Stitch” directed by Dean Fleischer Camp is in production.
You can stream the original animated “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” on Disney+.
