Disney's cancelled animated movie sequels: A wish list
Disney's animated films are iconic, but not all of them have received sequels. Some of these classics were even in development before being cancelled for various reasons. Here's a ranking of 12 cancelled Disney animated movie sequels, with a focus on the ones that fans wish had happened.
- Roger Rabbit II: The Toon Platoon
A prequel to the beloved Roger Rabbit, this film would have explored Roger's adventures during World War II. However, it became too dark in tone and Steven Spielberg pulled out of the project, leading to its cancellation. It's a shame, as it could have been a unique and exciting addition to the franchise.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas 2
Director Tim Burton didn't want the sequel to be CGI, and after a disagreement, he convinced Disney not to proceed. This is a rare case of a director's vision winning out, ensuring the sequel would have been true to the original's stop-motion animation style.
- Tangled 2
Tangled was a box office success, but the team couldn't find a story worth telling for a sequel. This is a common challenge in sequel development, where the original's success can lead to creative blocks. Disney eventually released a short film and an animated series, but a true sequel remains elusive.
- Treasure Planet II
The first Treasure Planet didn't resonate at the box office, leading to the cancellation of the sequel and a television series. It's a shame, as the film had a strong cast and a promising premise. The sequel would have seen Jim Hawkins and Kate team up with Long John Silver to take down the pirate Ironbeard.
- Snow White Returns
A sequel short was started, but it never made it to a full-length film. The plot revolved around Snow White's yearly visits to the dwarfs, a heartwarming continuation of the original story. No specific reason for its cancellation was given, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
- Hercules II: The Trojan War
Hercules II was set to pick up after the animated series, with Hercules and Megara living in Athens and facing new challenges. The film would have explored Hercules' life with his daughter Hebe and a new threat in the form of Helen, captured by the evil Paris of Troy. It was cancelled during John Lasseter's tenure, along with several other direct-to-video releases.
- Pinocchio II
Pinocchio II would have followed Pinocchio's life as a real boy and explored the unfairness of the world. Robert Reese was writing the script, but the film was never completed due to Lasseter's shift in focus and Disney's changing approach to direct-to-video films.
- Mulan III
Mulan was set to receive a third film, taking place a few months after Mulan II. The story would have seen Fa Mulan helping Wei Hua save her father, but the film was put on hold due to Disney's acquisition of Pixar and a shift to 3D animation.
- The Aristocats II
The Aristocats were set to receive a direct-to-video sequel, but the film never made it past the early pitch phase. The story would have revolved around the cats on a cruise ship and a jewelry thief, but the team couldn't find a suitable timeline for the project.
- Dumbo II
Dumbo II would have seen the baby animals leaving the circus and getting lost on their way home, with a focus on friendship and new characters. The film got further into development, with behind-the-scenes footage and a logo revealed, but it was cancelled due to Lasseter's shift in focus and Disney's changing approach to direct-to-video films.
- Bambi’s Children
Bambi didn't light up the box office, and the sequel was never made. The film would have followed Bambi as an adult and explored his life with his family, but the impact of World War II on the box office and Walt Disney's reluctance to do sequels played a role in its cancellation.
- Chicken Little 2
Chicken Little 2 was in development, with a story of friendship and jealousy, but the original film wasn't a box office success. The sequel was never completed, and John Lasseter might have had a hand in its cancellation.
These cancelled sequels are a reminder of the challenges in sequel development and the impact of creative decisions on Disney's animated film catalog. While some fans may be disappointed, others appreciate the directors' vision and the decision to preserve the integrity of their iconic films.
