Alan Menken has provided an update on the live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Currently, it is dead in the water at Disney. In a world where there are multiple live-action remakes being made at the House of Mouse, this could be surprising for some. However, that isn’t the end of the story. Legendary composer Alan Menken shared with The Standard that he still “wouldn’t bet against it happening at some point”. He also provided some other thoughts on the film in the interview.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame was released as an animated movie musical in 1996. It was inspired by the Victor Hugo book of the same name. It follows the story of the outcast bell-ringer Quasimodo who aspires to live “out there” with all the other people of Paris. He develops feelings for Esmeralda after an encounter outside the Notre Dame Cathedral. While she is kind to Quasimodo, she doesn’t have the same feelings. However, others do. Soon, Quasimodo finds himself trying to help Esmeralda from the evil Justice Minister of Paris, Frollo. The film has some great songs, is considered one of Disney’s darkest, and also has a solid vocal talent that includes Demi Moore, Kevin Kline, Tony Jay, Jason Alexander, Mary Wickes, David Ogden Stiers, and more!
In 2019, Disney confirmed to Deadline that Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang was working on a screenplay for a live-action The Hunchback of Notre Dame. At the time, Menken was attached to come back and work on the music and Stephen Schwartz would help with the updated lyrics.
Currently, the film isn’t going anywhere. Menken told The Standard before his first solo show in London’s West End, “I wish it was [still happening]. I think it’s a property that’s challenged – we won’t call it a problem.”
Menken continued saying, “It gets a little complicated because it’s Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame and let’s face it, it’s a meaty material. It deals with very heavy and profound themes, but Disney they walk a line.”
He concluded, “The challenge is how can we deal with those themes of the inner obsession that Frollo has both as a man of the church and also obsession with this gypsy. How do we deal with this sense of discrimination against the gypsies – Romani people? How do we deal with the revulsion that people feel towards this hunchback? If we’re going to soft pedal that then what’s the point? It’s hard, it is hard. But again, hope springs eternal.”
Last year, there were calls for Disney to cast Romani actors if the film were to go forward. At this time, it doesn’t seem like there is any momentum for this film. Only time will tell though.
What do you think about The Hunchback of Notre Dame being made into a live-action film? Should it be made or should it be left as is? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
