Disney’s live-action remakes have been the supply of a lot competition for followers and normal moviegoers over time. Whereas Disney had experimented with live-action remakes of their animated movies within the Nineteen Nineties, the pattern actually took off within the 2010s following Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, which remodeled $1 billion on the worldwide field workplace. Since then, the corporate has remade lots of its animated classics, together with Magnificence and the Beast, The Jungle Guide, Woman and the Tramp, Mulan, and extra lately, Snow White and Lilo & Sew.
These motion pictures could be a good solution to reintroduce beloved classics to a brand new era, utilizing superior expertise and actual actors to breathe contemporary life into timeless tales. In addition they present alternatives to increase on themes, add depth to characters, and provide new views whereas nonetheless honoring the unique magic. Nonetheless, many argue that these remakes typically really feel extra like money grabs than real inventive endeavors, relying too closely on previous IPs and current characters moderately than investing in authentic storytelling or taking artistic dangers.
Usually, vital reception for the remakes tends to be much less optimistic than for the originals. Nonetheless, many of those live-action motion pictures have completely dominated on the field workplace, with the likes of Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Magnificence and the Beast, The Lion King, and (doubtlessly) Lilo & Sew all raking in over $1 billion every. No matter the place you stand on these remakes, it appears Disney has no plans of slowing down. Right here we’re taking a look at each deliberate live-action remake Disney has within the pipeline.
‘Moana’
July 10, 2026
If some thought a live-action remake of Lilo & Sew, coming simply 25 years after the unique, was a little bit quickly, the information that Moana will likely be remade solely 10 years after its launch might have ruffled much more feathers. The announcement was made by Dwayne Johnson by way of social media, who will likely be reprising his position of Maui within the film. It was later introduced that the movie will likely be directed by Thomas Kail, making his narrative characteristic directorial debut after helming the stay movie recording of the Broadway manufacturing of Hamilton.
Music Will Play a Central Function within the Film
Whereas not but confirmed, it’s secure to imagine that, as with the unique, music will play a central position within the movie — particularly contemplating Dwayne Johnson’s feedback: “There isn’t a higher world for us to honor the story of our individuals, our ardour, and our objective than by means of the realm of music and dance, which is on the core of who we’re as Polynesian individuals.”
‘Hercules’
2027
Again in 2020, it was introduced {that a} live-action remake of Hercules was within the works. The unique Hercules, launched throughout Disney’s renaissance interval, is understood for its humor, coronary heart, and unbelievable soundtrack, which incorporates the Oscar-nominated “Go the Distance” alongside various upbeat, Motown-inspired gospel numbers sung by the Muses. Followers of the unique will likely be glad to listen to that the remake, too, will likely be a musical, presumably protecting a few of this beloved music.
Though it’s not fully clear what path the film will take following various blended experiences and inventive struggles. It was reported by producer Joe Russo that it could be a contemporary musical impressed by TikTok and specializing in Hades. Nonetheless, following a backlash from Disney purists, it has since been acknowledged by a Disney insider that it’s going to, actually, be a “trustworthy adaptation.”
The Undertaking Is in Good Arms
Joe and Anthony Russo will likely be producing the film, and Man Ritchie has signed on to direct. All have beforehand labored with Disney — the Russo brothers directed a number of Marvel motion pictures, together with Captain America: Civil Struggle and Avengers: Endgame, whereas Ritchie directed the field workplace smash live-action Aladdin remake.
‘Bambi’
TBA
Most of us by now have seen the hilarious SNL parody of a Bambi live-action remake, which frames it as a violent action-revenge flick starring Dwayne Johnson. Whereas a live-action Bambi remake has, actually, been confirmed, followers will likely be comfortable (or disenchanted?) to be taught that it’s going to not be a high-octane, explosive motion adaptation. As an alternative, it is going to be a photorealistic computer-animated movie that fleshes out the unique story, blurring the strains between animated and live-action, just like the 2016 Jungle Guide.
Bambi Is in Early Improvement
Nonetheless in early improvement, a number of rumors had been flying round relating to who could be taking over directing duties, however these appear to have been put to mattress, with the one strong info being that Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Lindsey Beer will likely be penning the screenplay.
‘Lilo & Sew 2’
TBA
With the sheer quantity of Disney remakes hitting the market and indicators of “live-action remake” fatigue setting in, it’s honest to say that the Lilo & Sew remake had its fair proportion of doubters, particularly contemplating its proximity to the unique’s launch date. If field workplace numbers are something to go by, although, it actually shut down these naysayers, grossing a whopping $1.03 billion.
A Sequel Was Inevitable
Following the big success of the unique remake, a sequel was inevitable. Whereas a direct-to-video sequel of the unique animated film was launched in 2005, it’s unknown for the time being whether or not this will likely be used as inspiration for the live-action sequel or if it is going to be a wholly new story. We do know, although, that the voice of Sew, Chris Sanders, will likely be returning and can be set to behave as a screenwriter.
‘Tangled’
On Maintain
On December 11, 2024, it was reported {that a} live-action remake of Tangled was in improvement, with Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada producing and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the script. It was additionally introduced that The Biggest Showman director, Michael Gracey, was in negotiations to helm the venture. Sadly for followers of the lush-locked, follicly lucky princess, it was later introduced that manufacturing on the movie had been halted indefinitely.
The Future Is Up within the Air
Following the critically and commercially underwhelming launch of Snow White, the venture was placed on maintain. Nonetheless, business insiders predict that the success of Lilo & Sew will reinvigorate the venture — right here’s hoping.
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’
On Maintain
Disney’s authentic adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Gothic novel of the identical identify was a critically acclaimed animated masterpiece launched throughout their renaissance period. It fearlessly tackles darkish, advanced themes like prejudice, social injustice, and ethical braveness, all whereas delivering unforgettable music, gorgeous animation, and deeply human characters. The fabric would completely lend itself to a live-action remake, and that’s precisely what followers thought they had been getting when the live-action musical was introduced in 2019.
The Content material and Themes Are Thought-about Controversial
Whereas the venture has not formally been shut down for good, it’s trying much less and fewer possible it is going to ever come to fruition. When requested about the way forward for the film, Disney composer Alan Menken admitted that he had “no thought,” happening to say: “It’s a troublesome one, as a result of the Hunchback film, Hunchback story includes plenty of actual, actual points which are necessary points and needs to be explored to be mentioned. And there needs to be an settlement about how we take care of these points. You realize, will we do a Hunchback with out ‘Hellfire?’ I don’t suppose so … So it sits on this limbo proper now.”
‘Cruella 2’
TBA
Not a remake as such, as a substitute it is going to be the sequel to Cruella, which was a live-action prequel to the basic Disney animated film 101 Dalmatians. Combining dazzling trend, a daring antihero efficiency, and loads of punk rock perspective, Cruella is an origin story for Cruella de Vil, taking a look at her rise by means of the London trend business within the Nineteen Seventies and the occasions main as much as her changing into the infamous villain everyone knows and despise.
Emma Stone Will Return because the Fearsome Cruella
Not a lot is understood concerning the sequel besides that it has entered improvement with Craig Gillespie (finest recognized for Fright Evening and I, Tonya) directing. It has additionally been confirmed, as anticipated, that Emma Stone will likely be returning as the trendy but sadistic Cruella.
‘Robin Hood’
TBA
Disney has confirmed that their upcoming live-action remake of Robin Hood will likely be a CGI/live-action hybrid that includes anthropomorphic animals, much like the strategy utilized in The Lion King (2019) — besides it is going to incorporate live-action components alongside CGI characters. The movie will likely be launched solely on Disney+ and is ready to be a musical like the unique 1973 animated basic.
Robin Hood Will Be an Completely New Expertise
Directed by Carlos López Estrada, recognized for Raya and the Final Dragon, and written by Kari Granlund, who labored on the Woman and the Tramp remake, the movie goals to convey the beloved characters of Sherwood Forest to life in a manner we’ve by no means seen earlier than, setting it other than the numerous Robin Hood live-action motion pictures already in existence.
‘The Black Cauldron’
TBA
The Black Cauldron was launched in 1985 and on the time was thought of a industrial and significant flop. Far darker than Disney’s regular fare, the darkish fantasy follows a boy named Taran on a quest to stop the evil Horned King from acquiring a robust and harmful artifact. From the menacing presence of this horrific Horned King, together with his skeletal options and deep, haunting voice, to the darkish and foreboding environment that permeates your complete movie, it creates an intense sense of dread.
Little Is Recognized Concerning the Standing of the Undertaking
It has since developed considerably of a cult following, who little doubt will likely be overjoyed to see a live-action model of this darkish fantasy based mostly on Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain novels.
Whereas it has by no means been formally confirmed {that a} live-action remake is within the works and even being thought of, the truth that in 2016 Disney reacquired the movie rights (which had lapsed) for The Chronicles of Prydain actually suggests it’s (or was) the plan. Sadly, that’s about as a lot as we all know concerning the venture at this stage.
The Black Cauldron
- Launch Date
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July 24, 1985
- Runtime
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80 Minutes
- Director
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Ted Berman, Richard Wealthy