Sometimes, despite an initial creative vision or promising team, Disney movies get shelved indefinitely or scrapped altogether. Despite the studio’s consistent releases, especially since the 90s, you might be surprised to learn Disney has quite a few projects left behind.
Here’s a look back at all of the projects that were either put on permanent hiatus or cancelled during the 1970s. In the future, it’s always possible one of these will end up in theaters!
Note: the dates listed next to each title are the dates of project cancellations.
- The Emperor’s Nightingale (1960) – This film never went past an initial proposal. Based on the folklore tale, it would have drawn inspiration from Asian art in developing its animation style. Eventually, the project got shelved indefinitely.
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1963) – Based on the original fairy tale, this film would have focused on Goldilocks’ perspective. This was another project that was in the proposal stage for a long period of time, before it was eventually scrapped.
- Little Red Riding Hood (1963) – This film would have been an interpretation of the classic Charles Perrault fairy tale. Like Goldilocks, it stayed in development indefinitely, until finally being scrapped.
- Hansel and Gretel (1967) – Another fairy tale interpretation never passing development! Hansel and Gretel was based on the Brothers Grimm version of the story, where the witch’s house is built of cake and gingerbread.
- The Bremen Town Musicians (1969) – A sure-to-be tearjerker about old farm animals they set off together to become musicians instead of being discarded. There doesn’t seem to be any official reason for this project’s cancellation disclosed publicly.
- Hootsie the Wise Little Owl (1969) – This story would follow a misfit owl who was awake during the day and asleep at night, making it difficult to form friendships and bonds with other owls. Like the Bremen Town Musicians, Disney doesn’t list an official reason why this project was scrapped.
This list does not include sequels or remakes of previous Disney films. For an even more comprehensive list, including animated short films, check out the Wikipedia page here.
Previous editions of this roundup:
Stay tuned for further editions with earlier decades!