Post by veu on Dec 30, 2023 5:23:39 GMT -5
Source: www.cbr.com/disney-live-action-iconic-characters-ranked/#bill-murray-39-s-baloo-is-a-wonderful-take-on-the-classic-bear
10 Iconic Characters in Live-Action Disney Movies, Ranked
BY
IAN MCDONOUGH
PUBLISHED 16 HOURS AGO
Disney's live-action reimaginings have brought several characters to life in new and exciting ways that have become iconic in their own right.
Split Images of The Little Mermaid, Cruella, and Alladin's Genie
While Disney's live-action reimaginings of classic tales are often criticized for retelling an already iconic story. However, some of them include unique depictions of iconic characters that deserve celebration in their own right. From villains to princesses, live-action Disney movies are ripe with the potential for new takes on tales as old as time.
Some fans would rather nothing be changed in the transition between mediums, but others would much rather they be completely redone. The best live-action Disney characters live somewhere in between; unabashedly the characters fans have come to know and love and yet wonderfully reimagined and recontextualized.
10
Scar Translates Into an Imposing Lion Antagonist
Scar is a half-African, half-Asiatic lion.
While in many ways the 2019 version of The Lion King could be called derivative, the film's depiction of Scar is as menacing as always. There are inherent traits that a realistic lion brings to the table and Scar exemplifies this. While the animated version will always reign supreme, this version has its own strengths, namely the terrifying realism of his growls and movements.
Even in one of the most straightforward Disney remakes, Scar shines as a highlight, never being anything but imposing and carrying the same amount of dramatic weight behind him. The ruthlessness of the character doesn't disappear in transition, which should ultimately be the goal of these characters.
9
Bill Murray's Baloo is a Wonderful Take on the Classic Bear
The original version of the character was voiced by the legendary Phil Harris.
Disney's first 10 movies are so influential in the company's history, but there are certain details that audiences don't know about these releases.
Baloo was one of the most iconic Disney characters in the earliest days of the company, so bringing him to life in a new way was no small task. Thankfully, one of the most extraordinary aspects of the 2016 version of The Jungle Book was Bill Murray's take on the iconic character. The comedian's step into the role was only natural, and many fans immediately latched on to him.
This version of the character carries the best parts of the original, his down-to-earth attitude as present as ever, but he also feels different enough to warrant his existence. The film itself offers a much darker tone compared to the animated classic, but this doesn't sacrifice the optimism of Baloo and the light-heartedness of his relationship with Mowgli, which is arguably the main draw of the classic narrative.
8
Lumiere Shines With Ewan McGregor's Voice
Beauty and the Beast (2016) was the first of two live-action Disney reimaginings to feature Ewan McGregor, the second being Christopher Robin (2018)
Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Lumière in the incredibly successful Beauty and the Beast was widely praised by the Disney fandom for the actor's musical talent, depth, and humor. McGregor infused the character with the same amount of charisma as the original, bringing Lumière to life with a three-dimensional nuance that endeared him to audiences.
His performance in the iconic "Be Our Guest" musical number showcased his singing abilities and added a lively charm to the character. McGregor's chemistry with fellow cast members, coupled with his faithful yet fresh interpretation of Lumière, contributed to the overall success of the character's evolution in the film.
7
Will Smith's Genie Is as Electric as Robin Williams'
Will Smith's version of 'Friend Like Me' included an original freestyle section
Will Smith brought a whole new vibe to the Genie in the 2019 live-action Aladdin. Stepping into the magical shoes of Robin Williams was a tall order, but Smith owned the role with his own brand of charisma and charm. His portrayal had this laid-back coolness that added a contemporary twist to the character.
The musical numbers, especially "Friend Like Me," were not just performances – they were showcases of Smith's musical prowess and a fresh take on the Genie's magic. The CGI effects added a visual spectacle, and Smith's chemistry with Mena Massoud's Aladdin created a dynamic duo that resonated with audiences. In essence, Will Smith's Genie was a lively and entertaining reimagination of the beloved character, making the role uniquely his own, even if Robin's will always remain superior.
6
Lily James Breathes New Life Into Cinderella
The final dance scene in the 2016 reimagining was improvised.
Lily James brought a breath of fresh air to the role of Cinderella in Disney's live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Her portrayal was marked by a graceful and earnest charm, capturing the character's kindness and resilience. James infused Cinderella with a modern sensibility, giving her a relatable and empowering quality.
The chemistry between James and Richard Madden, who played the Prince, added depth to the love story, making it feel both timeless and contemporary. James's Cinderella wasn't just a damsel in distress; she was a strong, independent character who stayed true to her gentle spirit. The enchanting visuals and James's captivating performance made this Cinderella a memorable and empowering rendition of the beloved character.
5
Emma Watson's Belle Stuns as the Legendary Princess
Emma Watson's version of the character was an inventor the same as her father
Emma Watson brought a contemporary and empowering edge to the character of Belle in Disney's live-action adaptation of Beauty of the Beast. Her portrayal was marked by intelligence, independence, and a strong-willed spirit. Watson's Belle was more than just a bookworm; she was a forward-thinking and resourceful young woman. The casting of Watson reflected a modern take on the classic princess, emphasizing Belle's love for knowledge and her desire for adventure.
The original animated Belle, voiced by Paige O'Hara, was a trailblazer in her own right, embodying qualities of curiosity, kindness, and a love for literature. She broke away from the traditional mold of Disney princesses by being more independent and having her dreams and aspirations. Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle in the live-action adaptation continued this legacy of a strong female character but brought a different flavor to the role.
4
Alice Kingsleigh's Wonderful Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole
Alice Kingsleigh is the only live-action Disney remake protagonist to feature in two films
Mia Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice Kingsleigh in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and its sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass was a captivating and wonderful interpretation of the classic character. Wasikowska brought a unique blend of curiosity, determination, and a hint of whimsical charm to Alice, making her a standout figure in the whimsical world of Wonderland.
One of the remarkable aspects of Mia's Alice was her evolution throughout the films. She transitioned from a curious young girl uncertain of her place in Wonderland to a confident and empowered adventurer who navigated the fantastical realms with courage and wit. Wasikowska's performance skillfully captured the essence of Alice's journey of self-discovery, and her character resonated with audiences as a symbol of individualism and resilience.
3
Halle Bailey's Ariel Soars to New Heights
Halle Bailey's version of 'Part of Your World' surpassed over 50 million streams on Spotify this year
Ariel is another iconic female character who was already a wonderful representative of the ideal portrayal of femininity in the media. Even so, Halle Bailey's version brought this to a new level, and she did it with the grace of a long-time actress, despite how early in her career she is. This version of Ariel was still bubbly, still assertive, still wonderful in every way.
The representation that Halle's Ariel brings is certainly extraordinary, but beyond that, she soars as an incredibly exciting princess in her own right. She is one of the most blatant examples of how to go about adapting these characters -- by making them feel like their own entities that still deserve to carry the mantle of these legendary characters. To say Halle nailed it as Ariel would be the understatement of the century.
2
Winnie the Pooh Is as Cuddly as Ever in Live Action
Pooh was brought to life using a combination of CGI and practical effects.
Jim Cummings has voiced Winnie the Pooh for decades, so knowing he would reprise the role in the 2018 Christopher Robin film was a huge relief for fans of the franchise. The film itself is an incredibly faithful adaptation of the world and its characters, so much so that it hardly feels any different at all. Even still, it was a completely new story, which validated its existence as its own thing.
Pooh is one of the few characters on this list that might just work better in live-action. The character's warm nature is almost tangible this way and his beady eyes are as enchanting as ever. He loses nothing in the translation and potentially gains a lot. He is truly a best-case scenario in the world of live-action adaptations.
1
Emma Stone's Take on Cruella Is the Character's Greatest Appearance
Hairstylist Nadia Stacey followed Emma Stone from their work together on The Favourite (2018) to act as hairstylist on Cruella
Cruella is the most inspired Disney reimagining by a landslide. The film tells the completely original origin story of legendary villain Cruella DeVil, and it does so in a new and inventive way. Emma Stone's portrayal of the character manages to make the electric Cruella more entertaining than ever and brings a shocking amount of depth to the fashionista.
Cruella feels like her own character, and yet she is undeniably Cruella, carrying the DNA of the character that made her so memorable in the first place. Fans unanimously agree; that this is the way to go about reimaginings, and Disney would be wise to follow through on this formula as opposed to the worn-out reboot machine.
10 Iconic Characters in Live-Action Disney Movies, Ranked
BY
IAN MCDONOUGH
PUBLISHED 16 HOURS AGO
Disney's live-action reimaginings have brought several characters to life in new and exciting ways that have become iconic in their own right.
Split Images of The Little Mermaid, Cruella, and Alladin's Genie
While Disney's live-action reimaginings of classic tales are often criticized for retelling an already iconic story. However, some of them include unique depictions of iconic characters that deserve celebration in their own right. From villains to princesses, live-action Disney movies are ripe with the potential for new takes on tales as old as time.
Some fans would rather nothing be changed in the transition between mediums, but others would much rather they be completely redone. The best live-action Disney characters live somewhere in between; unabashedly the characters fans have come to know and love and yet wonderfully reimagined and recontextualized.
10
Scar Translates Into an Imposing Lion Antagonist
Scar is a half-African, half-Asiatic lion.
While in many ways the 2019 version of The Lion King could be called derivative, the film's depiction of Scar is as menacing as always. There are inherent traits that a realistic lion brings to the table and Scar exemplifies this. While the animated version will always reign supreme, this version has its own strengths, namely the terrifying realism of his growls and movements.
Even in one of the most straightforward Disney remakes, Scar shines as a highlight, never being anything but imposing and carrying the same amount of dramatic weight behind him. The ruthlessness of the character doesn't disappear in transition, which should ultimately be the goal of these characters.
9
Bill Murray's Baloo is a Wonderful Take on the Classic Bear
The original version of the character was voiced by the legendary Phil Harris.
Disney's first 10 movies are so influential in the company's history, but there are certain details that audiences don't know about these releases.
Baloo was one of the most iconic Disney characters in the earliest days of the company, so bringing him to life in a new way was no small task. Thankfully, one of the most extraordinary aspects of the 2016 version of The Jungle Book was Bill Murray's take on the iconic character. The comedian's step into the role was only natural, and many fans immediately latched on to him.
This version of the character carries the best parts of the original, his down-to-earth attitude as present as ever, but he also feels different enough to warrant his existence. The film itself offers a much darker tone compared to the animated classic, but this doesn't sacrifice the optimism of Baloo and the light-heartedness of his relationship with Mowgli, which is arguably the main draw of the classic narrative.
8
Lumiere Shines With Ewan McGregor's Voice
Beauty and the Beast (2016) was the first of two live-action Disney reimaginings to feature Ewan McGregor, the second being Christopher Robin (2018)
Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Lumière in the incredibly successful Beauty and the Beast was widely praised by the Disney fandom for the actor's musical talent, depth, and humor. McGregor infused the character with the same amount of charisma as the original, bringing Lumière to life with a three-dimensional nuance that endeared him to audiences.
His performance in the iconic "Be Our Guest" musical number showcased his singing abilities and added a lively charm to the character. McGregor's chemistry with fellow cast members, coupled with his faithful yet fresh interpretation of Lumière, contributed to the overall success of the character's evolution in the film.
7
Will Smith's Genie Is as Electric as Robin Williams'
Will Smith's version of 'Friend Like Me' included an original freestyle section
Will Smith brought a whole new vibe to the Genie in the 2019 live-action Aladdin. Stepping into the magical shoes of Robin Williams was a tall order, but Smith owned the role with his own brand of charisma and charm. His portrayal had this laid-back coolness that added a contemporary twist to the character.
The musical numbers, especially "Friend Like Me," were not just performances – they were showcases of Smith's musical prowess and a fresh take on the Genie's magic. The CGI effects added a visual spectacle, and Smith's chemistry with Mena Massoud's Aladdin created a dynamic duo that resonated with audiences. In essence, Will Smith's Genie was a lively and entertaining reimagination of the beloved character, making the role uniquely his own, even if Robin's will always remain superior.
6
Lily James Breathes New Life Into Cinderella
The final dance scene in the 2016 reimagining was improvised.
Lily James brought a breath of fresh air to the role of Cinderella in Disney's live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Her portrayal was marked by a graceful and earnest charm, capturing the character's kindness and resilience. James infused Cinderella with a modern sensibility, giving her a relatable and empowering quality.
The chemistry between James and Richard Madden, who played the Prince, added depth to the love story, making it feel both timeless and contemporary. James's Cinderella wasn't just a damsel in distress; she was a strong, independent character who stayed true to her gentle spirit. The enchanting visuals and James's captivating performance made this Cinderella a memorable and empowering rendition of the beloved character.
5
Emma Watson's Belle Stuns as the Legendary Princess
Emma Watson's version of the character was an inventor the same as her father
Emma Watson brought a contemporary and empowering edge to the character of Belle in Disney's live-action adaptation of Beauty of the Beast. Her portrayal was marked by intelligence, independence, and a strong-willed spirit. Watson's Belle was more than just a bookworm; she was a forward-thinking and resourceful young woman. The casting of Watson reflected a modern take on the classic princess, emphasizing Belle's love for knowledge and her desire for adventure.
The original animated Belle, voiced by Paige O'Hara, was a trailblazer in her own right, embodying qualities of curiosity, kindness, and a love for literature. She broke away from the traditional mold of Disney princesses by being more independent and having her dreams and aspirations. Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle in the live-action adaptation continued this legacy of a strong female character but brought a different flavor to the role.
4
Alice Kingsleigh's Wonderful Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole
Alice Kingsleigh is the only live-action Disney remake protagonist to feature in two films
Mia Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice Kingsleigh in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and its sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass was a captivating and wonderful interpretation of the classic character. Wasikowska brought a unique blend of curiosity, determination, and a hint of whimsical charm to Alice, making her a standout figure in the whimsical world of Wonderland.
One of the remarkable aspects of Mia's Alice was her evolution throughout the films. She transitioned from a curious young girl uncertain of her place in Wonderland to a confident and empowered adventurer who navigated the fantastical realms with courage and wit. Wasikowska's performance skillfully captured the essence of Alice's journey of self-discovery, and her character resonated with audiences as a symbol of individualism and resilience.
3
Halle Bailey's Ariel Soars to New Heights
Halle Bailey's version of 'Part of Your World' surpassed over 50 million streams on Spotify this year
Ariel is another iconic female character who was already a wonderful representative of the ideal portrayal of femininity in the media. Even so, Halle Bailey's version brought this to a new level, and she did it with the grace of a long-time actress, despite how early in her career she is. This version of Ariel was still bubbly, still assertive, still wonderful in every way.
The representation that Halle's Ariel brings is certainly extraordinary, but beyond that, she soars as an incredibly exciting princess in her own right. She is one of the most blatant examples of how to go about adapting these characters -- by making them feel like their own entities that still deserve to carry the mantle of these legendary characters. To say Halle nailed it as Ariel would be the understatement of the century.
2
Winnie the Pooh Is as Cuddly as Ever in Live Action
Pooh was brought to life using a combination of CGI and practical effects.
Jim Cummings has voiced Winnie the Pooh for decades, so knowing he would reprise the role in the 2018 Christopher Robin film was a huge relief for fans of the franchise. The film itself is an incredibly faithful adaptation of the world and its characters, so much so that it hardly feels any different at all. Even still, it was a completely new story, which validated its existence as its own thing.
Pooh is one of the few characters on this list that might just work better in live-action. The character's warm nature is almost tangible this way and his beady eyes are as enchanting as ever. He loses nothing in the translation and potentially gains a lot. He is truly a best-case scenario in the world of live-action adaptations.
1
Emma Stone's Take on Cruella Is the Character's Greatest Appearance
Hairstylist Nadia Stacey followed Emma Stone from their work together on The Favourite (2018) to act as hairstylist on Cruella
Cruella is the most inspired Disney reimagining by a landslide. The film tells the completely original origin story of legendary villain Cruella DeVil, and it does so in a new and inventive way. Emma Stone's portrayal of the character manages to make the electric Cruella more entertaining than ever and brings a shocking amount of depth to the fashionista.
Cruella feels like her own character, and yet she is undeniably Cruella, carrying the DNA of the character that made her so memorable in the first place. Fans unanimously agree; that this is the way to go about reimaginings, and Disney would be wise to follow through on this formula as opposed to the worn-out reboot machine.