Reimagining
I went to the movie theater last week, and the Disney animated movie preview, Animal Farm, gave me something to ponder. As you might recall, Animal Farm by George Orwell is an influential and controversial novel that uses animals to explore communism, politics, society, power abuse, morals, and manipulation—quite a lot of topics to cram into one book. Disney took a different spin by diving into present politics.
This is not the first time Disney, or another studio, has taken a classic story and altered it. A good example is the 1973 Robin Hood with animals instead of humans. The entertaining film contains excellent animation, fun songs, and great action. Perfect for kids and adults. Another is Mel Brook’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Another funny Mel Brooks film that was well-received.
Film buffs have coined a new name for this activity: reimagining, which means that a movie studio changes the base story to fit a new narrative. Often humor is added, or a controversial aspect is removed.
I admit I didn’t thoroughly enjoy Animal Farm because I had to write a high school book report. Still, I certainly respected the writing. It was complex, insightful, and there was far more going on than my high school brain could comprehend. To me, this book is a benchmark for powerful writing.
The preview took something away from George Orwell’s achievement, but that was not my primary concern. No, watching that radically altered version made me wonder what would happen if one of my books were reimagined.
I fear that once this Pandora’s box is opened, anything is possible: an X-rated version, superpowers, major character changes, a completely new direction, or added controversial topics. Is this really possible? At present, I own the copyrights, but after I pass, who knows what will happen. And with our shifting laws and people’s need to push boundaries, tomorrow is a scary place for authors.
Plus, there is a new player, AI. Now, anyone can download one of my books and use this ChatGPT prompt: “Make this book into a horror novel.” Suddenly, a new book is for sale, and because there is a significant premise change, it has been altered enough that I cannot do anything about it. What’s that? 30 seconds of work? It’s that easy.
Now, wait a minute. Would people really take the time to reimagine one of my stories? After all, I do not have great sales. The problem is that I tried my very best to create something unique. Of course, people can criticize the quality, but I have done extensive research and can confirm that my creations indeed stand on their own. This means that I have a solid story foundation, which makes my books valuable to people who want to mooch off my hard work.
Well, why not reimagine a book like The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway? That would make a great horror novel. True, but the altered result would be too recognizable. No, a better option is to start with a less-known story—specifically, that of a person like me who does not have major bucks for lawyers.
What do I think the reimagined result of one of my books would be? It turns out I have the perfect example: I already did it when I was developing my third book, Cable Ties (which I recommend you purchase to understand this discussion fully). I initially had two different concepts.
My first idea had teenagers sneaking into Area 51 to retrieve their radio-controlled airplane. This plot proved to be wildly unrealistic. When I understood the issue, I pivoted to have hunters discover a communication cable tap and have the townspeople become the detectives who solve the case. Detective townspeople? Yeah, also wildly unrealistic. But hunters finding a cable tap? That had potential, and eventually the idea became the basis for my third book, with the FBI and other government agencies handling the investigation.
The result was a serious spy novel, but what if the plot was not serious, like my original teenage idea? Translation: Scooby-Doo and his gang. Like my second idea with townspeople, the teenagers could do the detective work. It would be a fun animated story full of hijinks.
Now, I have to come clean. When I first wrote this article, I stated that the result would be grade D entertainment. But the more I thought about it, the higher the grade became because this is the exact type of premise that all those Scooby-Doo cartoons latched onto: the scary amusement park, stolen race cars, pirate treasure, or counterfeiting. Uncovering an espionage ring is not that big of a stretch. So, I have to admit that the Cable Ties plot would be an easy transition into a Scooby-Doo cartoon.
How would I feel about a fun animated version? If I had never written the book, I am sure I would have enjoyed the story as much as any other Scooby Doo cartoon. But if it were based on my book, I would be upset because I put far too much effort into writing, absorbing the criticism, and promoting my work to be comfortable with a blasé person changing things. Yet I admit liking the aforementioned Robin Hood movies, and I also enjoy Scooby-Doo cartoons. So, how about it? Yeah, no. I still would not be on board.
What about a completely different direction? I certainly have political and current event opinions. How would I feel if somebody altered my work to highlight some topic I believe in? I would be mortified if one of my stories were changed for any reason. If someone wants to make a statement, let them use their own words, not mine.
Well, the Mel Brooks Robin Hood movie was well received, and it has been a very long time since the first Robin Hood book was published. What would the author, Howard Pyle, think? I have read many authors’ reactions to their works being turned into movies. Some are happy, and others remain upset. My opinion is that Howard Pyle would say, “Yeah, it was a funny film. Still, not my favorite.”
I have a final thought that might bring this topic home. When I was about ten, I remember sitting in the dentist’s waiting room filled with dread. As I looked around in a desperate attempt to distract myself, I spotted a comic book. While I am not a comic book fan, I eagerly began reading. The superhero used a toothbrush to fight cavities!!!! I threw it back where I found it, and I think that is how I would feel if somebody reimagined one of my books.
You’re the best -Bill
January 29, 2026
This is not the first time Disney, or another studio, has taken a classic story and altered it. A good example is the 1973 Robin Hood with animals instead of humans. The entertaining film contains excellent animation, fun songs, and great action. Perfect for kids and adults. Another is Mel Brook’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Another funny Mel Brooks film that was well-received.
Film buffs have coined a new name for this activity: reimagining, which means that a movie studio changes the base story to fit a new narrative. Often humor is added, or a controversial aspect is removed.
I admit I didn’t thoroughly enjoy Animal Farm because I had to write a high school book report. Still, I certainly respected the writing. It was complex, insightful, and there was far more going on than my high school brain could comprehend. To me, this book is a benchmark for powerful writing.
The preview took something away from George Orwell’s achievement, but that was not my primary concern. No, watching that radically altered version made me wonder what would happen if one of my books were reimagined.
I fear that once this Pandora’s box is opened, anything is possible: an X-rated version, superpowers, major character changes, a completely new direction, or added controversial topics. Is this really possible? At present, I own the copyrights, but after I pass, who knows what will happen. And with our shifting laws and people’s need to push boundaries, tomorrow is a scary place for authors.
Plus, there is a new player, AI. Now, anyone can download one of my books and use this ChatGPT prompt: “Make this book into a horror novel.” Suddenly, a new book is for sale, and because there is a significant premise change, it has been altered enough that I cannot do anything about it. What’s that? 30 seconds of work? It’s that easy.
Now, wait a minute. Would people really take the time to reimagine one of my stories? After all, I do not have great sales. The problem is that I tried my very best to create something unique. Of course, people can criticize the quality, but I have done extensive research and can confirm that my creations indeed stand on their own. This means that I have a solid story foundation, which makes my books valuable to people who want to mooch off my hard work.
Well, why not reimagine a book like The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway? That would make a great horror novel. True, but the altered result would be too recognizable. No, a better option is to start with a less-known story—specifically, that of a person like me who does not have major bucks for lawyers.
What do I think the reimagined result of one of my books would be? It turns out I have the perfect example: I already did it when I was developing my third book, Cable Ties (which I recommend you purchase to understand this discussion fully). I initially had two different concepts.
My first idea had teenagers sneaking into Area 51 to retrieve their radio-controlled airplane. This plot proved to be wildly unrealistic. When I understood the issue, I pivoted to have hunters discover a communication cable tap and have the townspeople become the detectives who solve the case. Detective townspeople? Yeah, also wildly unrealistic. But hunters finding a cable tap? That had potential, and eventually the idea became the basis for my third book, with the FBI and other government agencies handling the investigation.
The result was a serious spy novel, but what if the plot was not serious, like my original teenage idea? Translation: Scooby-Doo and his gang. Like my second idea with townspeople, the teenagers could do the detective work. It would be a fun animated story full of hijinks.
Now, I have to come clean. When I first wrote this article, I stated that the result would be grade D entertainment. But the more I thought about it, the higher the grade became because this is the exact type of premise that all those Scooby-Doo cartoons latched onto: the scary amusement park, stolen race cars, pirate treasure, or counterfeiting. Uncovering an espionage ring is not that big of a stretch. So, I have to admit that the Cable Ties plot would be an easy transition into a Scooby-Doo cartoon.
How would I feel about a fun animated version? If I had never written the book, I am sure I would have enjoyed the story as much as any other Scooby Doo cartoon. But if it were based on my book, I would be upset because I put far too much effort into writing, absorbing the criticism, and promoting my work to be comfortable with a blasé person changing things. Yet I admit liking the aforementioned Robin Hood movies, and I also enjoy Scooby-Doo cartoons. So, how about it? Yeah, no. I still would not be on board.
What about a completely different direction? I certainly have political and current event opinions. How would I feel if somebody altered my work to highlight some topic I believe in? I would be mortified if one of my stories were changed for any reason. If someone wants to make a statement, let them use their own words, not mine.
Well, the Mel Brooks Robin Hood movie was well received, and it has been a very long time since the first Robin Hood book was published. What would the author, Howard Pyle, think? I have read many authors’ reactions to their works being turned into movies. Some are happy, and others remain upset. My opinion is that Howard Pyle would say, “Yeah, it was a funny film. Still, not my favorite.”
I have a final thought that might bring this topic home. When I was about ten, I remember sitting in the dentist’s waiting room filled with dread. As I looked around in a desperate attempt to distract myself, I spotted a comic book. While I am not a comic book fan, I eagerly began reading. The superhero used a toothbrush to fight cavities!!!! I threw it back where I found it, and I think that is how I would feel if somebody reimagined one of my books.
You’re the best -Bill
January 29, 2026
