We know that Disney has been creating live-action remakes of their beloved IPs for almost two decades now, to reinvent the magic of Disney classics for a new generation, or for those who want to relive their cherished childhood memories.
Admittedly, ever since the company doubled down on rebooting their classics beginning 15 years ago, most of the films released have received mixed if not negative reception from both the critics and fans. But amongst the remakes, there’s a handful that are truly a cut above the rest. That’s why we have great hope for 10 upcoming live-action Disney remakes that are in the pipeline. We have faith in Disney, and you should too!
Here are the films to look out for:
Mufasa: The Lion King (20th, December 2024)
One of the most sensational adaptations has been the retelling of the 1994 classic “The Lion King” back in 2019 which was a surprising success. Though it had several issues largely due to the fact that the characters were too realistic for many peoples’ taste, it managed to still generate enough buzz that it grossed over a billion dollars in revenue. This time around, we’ll be seeing a new addition to “The Lion King” entry, and unlike the company’s previously released remakes or most entries on this list, Disney decided to create a wholly new story from the ground up.
One of the most intriguing characters in “The Lion King” is undoubtedly Simba’s wise father, Mufasa. So we now get to see what sorts of incidents happened that led the young cub to become the astute king and father that we saw in the first entries. The film will see Beyonce, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and John Kani reprise their roles for the first time, while the voice of the young feline prince would be that of none other than British actor Aaron Pierrer. We do have mixed feelings due to the previous live-action adaptation of the franchise, but we can rest a little easy knowing Barry Jenkins (known for “If Beale Street Could Talk (2018),” “Moonlight (2016)” and “Aftersun (2022)”) will be directing the film.
Snow White (21st, March 2025)
Amongst all the hallmark films Disney has ever created, “Snow White” has a special place in the century-old entertainment conglomerate as it’s the first-ever full-length animated feature film they produced. The milestone film has largely been left untouched for nearly 90 years since its release, but we can argue that it was only a matter of time before they revitalised this film as well. Coming next year, this much anticipated remake will feature Rachel Zegler as the title character, with Gal Gadot being the Wicked Witch. The script will be a lovely girl’s fantasy; and Barbie’s Greta Gerwig will be co-writing the script with Erin Cressida Wilson, famous for writing the script for the 2002 rom-com film, “Secretary”.
Moana (10th, July 2026)
One of the youngest and frankly controversially-perplexing adaptations is the upcoming Moana remake. Slated for some time in 2026, which would be 10 years after the original animated film was first released, the film will feature Dwane “The Rock” Johnson as he reprises his role as the beloved demigod, something he intends to do for “Moana 2”.
I say “controversially-perplexing” largely because the film is only around seven years old. Many have argued that it’s too early for the film to receive a live-action reimaging. However, despite this sentiment, there is a multitude of people eager to see how this amazing, sea-fairing adventure film will look like with a new coat of paint.
Hercules (TBC)
Easily one of the most popular films of the Disney Renaissance era is “Hercules.” This influential film is what many declared their gateway film not only to Disney animation but to Greek mythology as well. Following his massive success of handling the “Aladdin” remake, Guy Ritchie is set to dip his toe once again into ancient Greece and usher in Hercules for the modern audience, hoping that they too become fans of both Disney live-action films and classical mythologies.
Furthermore, we have news that “Avengers: Endgame” directors Joe and Anthony Russo will be producing the film for Disney, with Joe teasing that the film will be “a little more experimental in tone, a little bit more experimental in execution,” and will be a musical. The best part is that the legendary actor, Danny DeVito, will be reprising his role as the strict but loveable Phil.
Aladdin 2 (TBC)
Speaking of “Aladdin”; the popular 2019 reinterpretation of the 1992 film will be receiving a sequel. We aren’t really surprised at this revelation, especially because the previous instalment grossed over US$1 billion at the box-office. And to do this sequel justice, Disney ordered the Oscar-nominated Andrea Berloff to pen the script. Not only that, but Will Smith is said to be returning as Genie – but the Canadian-Egyptian star Mena Massoud who played Aladdin might be “unlikely” to happen.
Typically, in these sorts of scenarios, we go and look at previous instalments of the franchise and see if these remakes will pan out. However, an interesting opportunity arises with Massoud’s absence: the filmmakers can choose to go down the safe route and simply recast the lead role, or perhaps pivot the story and flip the script on its head, especially since the sequel, “Return of Jafar” (1994) didn’t really gel with the audiences of that time.
Cruella 2 (TBC)
Amongst the vast number of rehashed films, “Cruella” was a refreshing take on a familiar IP. Being a spin-off film rather than a recycled creation, we get to explore an interesting side and learn more about a quite minor villainess (minor compared to Disney’s wide collection antagonists).
The first film did her justice and gave her the much-needed additional dimensions, but it didn’t get to unleash its full potential as it was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this unforeseen global event, the film was received positively, due in large part to Emma Thompsons’s performance. And with her reprising her role as the evil Baroness, we can’t wait to see how this future instalment will further expand the lore of both Cruella and the 101 Dalmatians.
Prince Anders (TBC)
Revisiting “Aladdin” one last time here, folks. But one of the minor characters in the film will be receiving their own film — to say that this is unheard would be a massive understatement. The star of this upcoming instalment comes in the form of Jasmine’s suitor, Prince Anders of Skanland. There was much controversy over the inclusion of the white prince in the “Aladdin” film, given its obvious Middle Eastern setting and the fact that the character was especially created for the film. Regardless, this is something new that we should not simply ignore, as if this bold experiment succeeds, we might see the Mouse and co. take on riskier and — dare I say – more original film creations.
The Aristocats (TBC)
“Mufasa” isn’t the only feline getting a 3D makeover, as “The Aristrocats” will be hitting the big screen with a fresh coat of paint. Interestingly enough, Unlike “Mufasa,” these 70’s cats will be receiving a hybrid of live-action and animation art style.
This is a very interesting development as we are at the precipice of experiencing something that ranges from “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” (2010) to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018). We can only wait and see with baited breath on which side of the spectrum Disney will lean on, or if they’ll use an entirely new style that will rock both the live-action and animation genres. We’re sure that Oscar-winner, co-founder and drummer of hip-hop group The Roots, Questlove, will be directing and overseeing the music for the film.
Lilo & Stitch (TBC)
One of the most influential animated movies of the early 2000s is none other than “Lilo & Stitch.” This beloved film will be receiving much love as it makes its way to live-action scenes. Evidence to that would be that the child star Maia Kealoha will play the role of Lilo, accompanied by Chris Sanders who will be reprising his role as the fluffy experiment 626, Stitch. Additionally, we can rest easy knowing that the comedian Zach Galifianakis (known for his role as Alan in “The Hangover” trilogy (2009-2013)) has been cast as the hilarious Pleakley.
Bambi (TBC)
As much as “Hercules” introduced Greek mythology to a whole slew of audiences, it seems Disney is also equally interested in traumatising a whole new generation of children, as a live-action “Bambi” is in the works as well. Unfortunately, for those who have been keeping tabs on the film, you’d know that Oscar winner Sarah Polley was rumoured to direct the film mid last year, but dropped out earlier this year. This is a massive blow, but it also hints at the fact that film is still in its very early stages of development.
Regardless, you should ready your tissues and start practising how to calm down children, because we will likely see a close replication of the original 1942 film, which is quite typical with these remakes.
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