Why does everybody and his dog try to do A Christmas Carol?
George C. Scott admitted he couldn't do better than Alistair Sims. After Scott, it ought to be illegal for anyone to even try.
shareIt's because the story is a stone-cold classic that never gets old. It's the same reason that Little Women has been adapted so many times.
While I think Scott's version is superb, and Sim's as well for that matter, I certainly wouldn't say that no one else should try. I think that the '99 version with Patrick Stewart is pretty good. I'm fact, I own the DVD and it makes it back into the rotation every few years.
I actually have been feeling lately like it's about time to get a new live-action, traditional take on the story. It's been a while.
You're right -- they've done Little Women to death, too.
shareLittle Women has definitely been done several times but I enjoy the story enough that I like to see different directors' and different actors' takes on the novel and its characters. I've seen the 1949, 1994, 2017 and 2019 adaptations and enjoyed them all.
I don't mind studios and filmmakers going back to the well on classic stories as long as the resulting films are done well.