Is Disney Jungle Cruise a Remake?

By Robert Palmer

The Disney Jungle Cruise ride, which has been a fan-favorite since its opening in Disneyland in 1955, is getting a live-action movie adaptation set to release on July 30, 2021. But is it just a remake of the ride or does it bring something new to the table? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Disney Jungle Cruise?

For those who haven’t had the chance to experience the ride yet, Disney Jungle Cruise takes you on a boat tour through various jungle landscapes with animatronic animals and tribal scenes. The skippers add their own humor and puns throughout the ride, making it an entertaining experience for all ages.

The Live-Action Movie

The upcoming movie stars Dwayne Johnson as Frank Wolff, a charismatic skipper who takes Lily Houghton (played by Emily Blunt) and her brother on a mission to find an ancient tree with healing powers that could change medicine forever. The movie promises to have action-packed scenes and witty humor similar to the ride.

Remake or Something New?

While the movie uses elements from the ride such as the setting and characters, it is not a direct remake. Instead, it takes inspiration from the ride and creates its own story and world. This allows for more creative freedom and gives viewers something new to look forward to.

  • The Setting: While both the ride and movie take place in South America’s Amazon Rainforest, they are not set in exactly the same location.
  • The Characters: While some characters from the ride appear in the movie such as Frank Wolff, Dr. Albert Falls (named after one of Walt Disney’s Imagineers), and Trader Sam (who has been gender-swapped), there are new characters introduced as well.
  • The Plot: The movie’s plot revolves around finding an ancient tree with healing powers, while the ride is simply a tour through the jungle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Disney Jungle Cruise movie takes inspiration from the ride, it is not a direct remake. With a new story and characters in a familiar setting, it promises to be an exciting adventure for both fans of the ride and newcomers alike. So grab your popcorn and get ready to set sail on July 30th!