Bring the revivals

It’s Friday afternoon. After a long week of school, I walk through the door, tidy up my room, and settle in to relax with an episode of “Adventure Time”—a show that brings back vivid memories of my childhood.

For many of us, shows like this are more than entertainment; they are an important part of growing up. These shows and movies evolve with us. As we watch the characters go through different phases and arcs, it mirrors our own. This development teaches us valuable life lessons and how to embrace change.

This is why I believe studios like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney and other major platforms should continue to produce new content but also bring back classic shows with new seasons or remakes. These classics not only helped shape our generation but also offered us a glimpse into the values and trends of the previous one. 

Since its debut, series like “Barbie” have consistently reshaped itself to reflect the changing interests of each generation. From dolls to movies, Barbie has remained relevant and inspiring for decades. These creations are important because they evoke powerful memories for those who grew up with them.

For many little girls, watching “Barbie” for the first time sparked a sense of imagination and possibility, teaching us we can be anything we want. 

There’s something special about watching these shows with our siblings—cartoons we grew up with, now reimagined in live-action forms like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Jungle Book” and a cartoon remake of “Teen Titans Go.” These revivals awaken a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of how precious time is and how these stories continue to resonate across generations.

However, some argue studios should move on to fresh, original ideas. They point out how remakes don’t always capture the essence of the original films, and while  I believe this is a valid concern, I also think there’s still a strong case for remakes when done thoughtfully. 

Advances in technology can allow studios to refresh old classics with modern animation and updated storylines – giving new life to these iconic classics. 

A well-executed remake or continuation doesn’t simply recycle old material; it can introduce timeless stories to a new audience while keeping the spirit of the original intact. For example, the live-action “Jungle Book” kept the heart of the original film while bringing in stunning visuals and a more refined storyline. 

This principle doesn’t just apply to films or cartoons, it also applies to animes like “Bleach,” “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” and “Hunter x Hunter,” these shows prove how continuing a show from decades ago can still be successful and bring new facets to the production. 

I believe remakes and revivals aren’t about replacing the originals—they are about building on them and expanding their legacy and impact and sharing them with a new generation of viewers and the old ones that still find comfort in those productions. 

Whether through new animation or new interpretations, these reimagined classics offer a portal between generations opening up to the past, present and future.

Keep the classics

Original films hold such a special place in my heart. The merchandise, songs and excitement offered a one-of-a-kind experience that shaped my childhood in so many ways, inspiring my character and allowing me to discover other cultures.

The magic of those movies, combined with incredible marketing, made me fall in love with the characters and their stories, so much that I can still recall certain melodies with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

That’s why I think Disney and other companies should reconsider its approach to remaking these classics. While I understand their intention to bring beloved stories to a new generation, the reality is no sequel or live-action remake can ever truly capture the same magic and cultural impact of the original.

Often, these remakes end up diluting the essence of the original film. Watching them can feel a bit lackluster or uninspired.

A recent example of this is “Moana 2,” which premiered on Nov. 27. Despite its efforts, the film received widespread criticism online for failing to evoke the emotional connection or nostalgic appeal needed to resonate with audiences.

Another prime example is the 2019 live-action remake of “The Lion King.” While the technology was impressive, it lacked the expressive charm of the animated characters, which is a huge part as to why I loved the original. Realistic lions simply can’t deliver the same emotional depth as animated ones and that shift significantly impacted the connection audiences felt with the characters.

Ultimately, if the goal is to prolong the success of these timeless stories without adding meaningful development or advancing the narrative, it’s better to leave the classics as they are.

Some stories are best appreciated in their original form. But by leaning on past successes, Disney should focus on creating new content that can inspire future generations – the way the old classics once inspired us.