Disney appears to be diving back into familiar territory with yet another live-action reimagining—this time with a twist that’s already stirring up debate. According to entertainment scooper @DanielRPK, Disney is reportedly developing a new film titled “Aurora”, described as “a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, but set in Mexico.”
The news spread quickly after @Cosmic_Marvel shared it on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Disney is reportedly developing a new film titled ‘AURORA’
Described as a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, but set in Mexico.
(via @DanielRPK)”
And just like that, the comment section erupted. While some fans expressed curiosity and cautious optimism, others voiced frustration over what they see as Disney’s continued reliance on remakes rather than creating new, original stories and characters.
Fans React: “Why Not Come Up With a New Disney Princess?”
Replies to the post were quick to point out the growing fatigue among audiences when it comes to Disney’s trend of reimagining its animated classics—especially when those reimaginings attempt to modernize or culturally recontextualize the originals.
One user wrote bluntly:
“Why not come up with a new Disney princess that’s from Mexico?”
Another echoed that sentiment, saying:
“They already made an original Latina princess from one of their shows, I feel like a repackaged princess wouldn’t be original and is just a half assed idea.”
The comment refers to Elena of Avalor, a 2016 Disney Channel series that introduced the studio’s first Latina princess. Many fans online have pointed out that Elena was a strong and original addition to the Disney Princess canon—so they see little reason to reimagine an existing European fairytale through a Mexican lens rather than expanding the world of Elena or creating a new story from scratch.
Still, not everyone was opposed to the idea. Some commenters found potential in the cultural reimagining, provided that Disney commits to authentically incorporating Mexican history, folklore, and artistry into the project.
One user wrote:
“I think this sounds fun. So long as they actually integrate Mexican culture into the film instead of just making the characters Mexican.”
Another added a more nuanced take:
“At least the whole movie is set there than just a lazy gender change and doing nothing else. I feel ‘What if this fairytale was set in [blank]?’ is how they should’ve done these live action movies instead of just a watered down remake of the tale Disney already told.”
That last point reflects a growing argument among fans who want Disney to take bigger creative swings with its remakes—reimaginings that feel fresh and inspired rather than simply modernized copies.
However, there’s also an undercurrent of skepticism that runs deep. Many people, particularly long-time Disney fans, have begun to express frustration that what they once saw as a golden age of animated storytelling has become a string of formulaic reinterpretations designed to play it safe at the box office. As one commenter put it:
“They are so creatively bankrupt, a New Mexican Disney princess would be so much cooler.”
The Shadow of “Snow White” and the Rachel Zegler Controversy
The discussion around Aurora comes at a time when Disney is still dealing with lingering backlash from its upcoming live-action Snow White remake—especially surrounding its star, Rachel Zegler.
When casting was first announced, many online debates ignited over Disney’s decision to cast a Latina actress as Snow White, a character originally described as having “skin as white as snow.” Zegler, known for her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, found herself at the center of cultural conversations about representation, diversity, and faithfulness to source material.
But the controversy didn’t stop there. Over the past year, clips and interviews of Zegler discussing the remake have circulated widely, many of which critics have labeled as dismissive toward the 1937 original. Zegler stated that the new Snow White would move away from traditional romance themes and instead focus on a more “modern” version of the princess who doesn’t “dream of true love” but rather “dreams of being a leader.”
Those comments, alongside behind-the-scenes changes to the seven dwarfs (who have reportedly been reimagined as a diverse group of “magical beings”), caused many fans to accuse Disney of over-correcting and losing the essence of what made these classic stories beloved.
As a result, when the Aurora rumor broke, some immediately drew comparisons—fearing another divisive reinterpretation that might lean too heavily on social messaging at the expense of storytelling.
What Could “Aurora” Be?
While details are scarce and Disney has not officially confirmed the project, the description shared by @DanielRPK—“a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, but set in Mexico”—has sparked intense speculation about what direction the studio might take.
Could the film be a live-action retelling with a cultural twist, similar to Mulan or The Little Mermaid? Or could it be an entirely new fantasy rooted in Mexican mythology, simply borrowing the framework of Sleeping Beauty as a starting point?
If Disney leans into Mexican heritage, the film could explore some visually stunning territory—from pre-Hispanic folklore and Aztec symbolism to colonial architecture and the vibrant art styles that define Mexico’s storytelling tradition.
Incorporating elements of Día de los Muertos or drawing from real historical legends could give Aurora an identity that feels more authentic and meaningful than a simple re-skin of the original tale.
Still, given the company’s recent pattern of “reimagined classics,” skepticism remains high. Many fear that Aurora will follow in the footsteps of Snow White and The Little Mermaid, becoming another polarizing entry in Disney’s lineup of modern reinterpretations.
Until Disney officially confirms the project, Aurora remains speculative—but the online reaction alone underscores the fatigue and frustration that many lifelong Disney fans are feeling.
For years, the studio built its empire on timeless fairy tales and original animated masterpieces. But as it continues to rework those same properties through new cultural and social lenses, audiences are beginning to wonder whether the magic still lies in nostalgia—or in something truly new.
Whether Aurora turns out to be a creative reinvention or just another remake in disguise, one thing is clear: Disney’s relationship with its fans is evolving, and not everyone agrees on what “happily ever after” should look like.
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