In March and April 2021, Disney dropped new trailers to announce its latest villain origins story: Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians. While the film drew comparisons to other manic villains, such as Joker, it also revived conversations about Disney's live-action trends. In order to introduce familiar stories to a new generation of audiences, as well as continue to make money, the company has consistently released live-action adaptions since 2015's Cinderella.
Which villain's origins should Disney explore next? With roots stretching back to Snow White in 1938, there is a long list of villains waiting for their turn.
10 Should Get An Origin Movie: A Hans-Centric Film Would Be Fun To Hate-Watch
Hans' list of accomplishments within Frozen is impressive: he tricked Anna into falling for him, he wined-and-dined all of Arrendalle and he fooled the audience for a good majority of the film. For all that alone, an origins film would be interesting, if not fun to hate-watch.
Was Hans a pawn in a bigger political plan? Or is he just selfish, bewhiskered sideburns and all? Audiences may believe they know the answer, but Disney is full of surprises.
9 Shouldn't: Scar Does Not Need An Origin Movie
The villain in Disney's The Lion King conveys his entire backstory in his name: Scar. His childhood is scarred by his competitiveness with Mufasa, as well as the accident that earned his, well, scar.
Despite his charisma and theatrics, Scar does not need an origin movie, in part because his character is already explored within the extended Lion King universe; one example is the book, A Tale of Two Brothers.
8 Should Get An Origin Movie: Dr. Facilier Is Worthy Of An Origin Movie
Introduced in The Princess and the Frog, Dr. Facilier, a voodoo man and a con artist, remains one of Disney's most popular villains. He is also a primary member of the Disney Villains line-up. In the movie, Dr. Facilier utilizes his conniving wits and "friends on the other side" in an attempt to conquer New Orleans. Needless to say, the takeover does not go according to plan. Imagine being outsmarted by frogs and a mosquito.
Regardless of his demise, a movie about the charismatic Dr. Facilier, his origins, and his "friends on the other side" would certainly entice audiences. It would also be wonderful to watch another 2D animation film from Disney.
7 Shouldn't: Clayton Is Too Unlikeable For His Own Film
In Disney's 1999 adaption of Tarzan, Clayton lands on the African shoreline as protector and guide for scientist Archimedes Q. Porter and his daughter, Jane Porter. However, before the movie credits roll, Clayton's true antagonistic agenda and cruel nature are revealed.
Similar to Beauty and the Beast's Gaston, Clayton is an antagonist that can easily be found in the real world. He is misogynistic, rude, and also shoots endangered animals for sport. Why should audiences watch a movie about him when they could just walk outside their front door?
6 Should Get An Origin Movie: Who Is Mother Gothel? & Other Questions To Be Answered
Manipulative, vain, cruel, and very theatrical, Mother Gothel simultaneously angered and fascinated audiences since Tangled's theatrical release in 2010. The extent of Mother Gothel's backstory is only known when it intertwines with Rapunzel's. But what does Mother Gothel do when she is not visiting the fated tower and performing catchy songs?
Due to her intrigue and characterization, Mother Gothel deserves an origin movie. What made her so bold as to kidnap a princess for her magic hair? And, perhaps most importantly, how old is she, really?
5 Shouldn't: Lady Tremaine Has Already Been Explored
While it did not create Cinderella, the fairy godmother, or her evil step-relatives, Disney has certainly monopolized the canon. Since its release in 1950, Disney's Cinderella universe has expanded to include Cinderella II: Dreams Come True, Cinderella III: A Twist in Time, and the live-action Cinderella in 2015.
All this to say that while stepmother Lady Tremaine is certainly an interesting individual, the additional films have sufficiently explored her character.
4 Should Get An Origin Movie: Ursula Is Too Intriguing To Not Have A Movie
Before her exile, the sea witch Ursula once lived in King Triton's palace. How did she become a sea witch? Why was she exiled? These burning questions have plagued audiences since The Little Mermaid's theatrical release in 1989.
Despite her role as an antagonist, Ursula continues to be a fan favorite due to her theatrics, her "Poor Unfortunate Souls" song, and her overall arc. As unlikely a choice as Cruella de Vil, Ursula is just as memorable and deserves her own origin movie.
3 Shouldn't: Jafar Is Not Sympathetic Enough For His Own Film
The trick to balancing any origin story is relatable and sympathetic characters. However, Aladdin's advisor Jafar does not inspire enough sympathy to even be an anti-hero.
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With the fact that he manipulates the Sultan, enslaves princess Jasmine, mocks Aladdin, and imprisons Genie, it will take more than three wishes for the audience to root for him in his own feature-length movie. His character is not improved in the live-action remake, either.
2 Should Get An Origin Movie: Captain Hook Deserves An Origin Movie
Captain James Hook is the most deserving villain for an origin story, in part because of the multitudes of inspiration. Since J.M. Barrie published Peter Pan as a novel in 1911, creators have sat upon the original story like laying bricks. Disney's 1953 Peter Pan continues to be the defining model of the story and its characters.
If Captain Hook appeared with an origin story, there would be multitudes of inspiration for the script: historical Captain James Cook, Spielberg's Hook (1991), Universal's Peter Pan (2003), and more. There are rumors of a live-action adaption titled Peter Pan & Wendy to be released in 2022, so hopefully, Hook's character will be elaborated upon.
1 Shouldn't: The Horned King Needs To Stay In 1985
The villain who absolutely does not need an origin movie is The Black Cauldron's Horned King. Often forgotten, the Horned King once frightened all children in 1985. Despite his first appearance as a fictional character in a series of fantasy novels, the Horned King's origins are dubious at best and should stay that way.
Creating a movie about the villain would also be a financial windfall for Disney because The Black Cauldron is one of the company's lesser-known animated films.
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