In 2010, Disney put out two live-action remakes. The most popular of the two was Alice in Wonderland. Starring Mia Wasikowka, Anne Hathaway, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter, the movie was an overwhelming hit. On a budget of $150 to $200 million, the movie grossed over $1 billion at the box office. This success led to a 2016 sequel, and ongoing success for Disney and its live-action remakes. Yet that success also overshadowed that year’s other Disney remake: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Is Technically A Disney Live-Action Remake
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’s Inspiration Explained
Although many may remember The Sorcerer’s Apprentice as a generic live-action Disney movie, it turns out that the film is actually a remake. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice tells the story of Dave, a normal guy who is enlisted by a powerful sorcerer to become his assistant. Dave quickly learns how to use magic in order to help the sorcerer protect New York from an evil enemy. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is inspired by the Disney movies Fantasia and Fantasia 2000, wherein Mickey Mouse is the eponymous apprentice.
Although it has become a Disney classic, the original point of Fantasia was to display Mickey Mouse in the story of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. In 1940, Mickey was declining in popularity, so the company wanted to reinvigorate his legacy. However, the cost of making The Sorcerer’s Apprentice surpassed what the short film could make. Therefore, Disney decided to create an anthology feature film where The Sorcerer’s Apprentice was just one of various segments in the movie, all of which were set against classical music. Eventually, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice got its own movie in the form of the 2010 live-action version.
What Went Wrong With Nicolas Cage’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Movie
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Was Not Unique Enough
Unfortunately, despite its historic roots, 2010’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice did not succeed. With a budget of $150 million, the film only grossed $215 million. Furthermore, it was mostly panned by critics, who felt that the movie suffered from a derivative story. Consequently, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice earned just 40% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite a star-studded cast and some unique visuals, it seems that the movie simply wasn’t distinct enough to set itself apart, especially compared to the stylistic choices of Alice in Wonderland.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Cast
Who They Played
Nicolas Cage
Balthazar Blake
Jay Baruchel
Dave Stutler
Alfred Molina
Maxim Horvath
Teresa Palmer
Rebecca Barnes
Toby Kebbell
Drake Stone
Regardless, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice may still be a worthwhile watch. It may not be Disney’s best movie, but it certainly holds some nostalgic value for audiences who first saw it in their youth. Plus, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice cast brings some undeniable talent to the project, and the Fantasia connection makes it an interesting entry in the studio’s back catalog. Overall, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice may be considered a failure, but it is one that’s still worth remembering.
