A lot of our best memories involve our favourite movies. They inspire us and teach us empathy. Also, when you spread a little Disney pixie dust on them, they become pure magic.
Over the last few years, Disney released live-action remakes of classic movies. Including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Cinderella (which is still one of the best Disney movies ever, TBH). Luckily for us, they’re not slowing down these live-action additions to their repertoire anytime soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming remakes!
The Little Mermaid — In Theaters May 26, 2023
16-year-old Ariel is a mermaid who constantly daydreams about life on land. Even though her father, King Triton, forbids it. When she rescues the handsome Prince Eric. Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human and join him on land. The exchange just costs Ariel one thing: her voice.
The Little Mermaid features an all-star cast with names like Halle Bailey and Ariel. Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Jonah Hauer-King as Eric, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, and Awkwafina as Scuttle.
Snow White — In Theaters March 22, 2024
Snow White lives with her stepmother, the wicked queen, dreaming of love and life outside of the palace. When the queen orders Snow White’s murder, she ends up being rescued and going into hiding. So the queen disguises herself as an old woman and tricks the girl into eating a poisoned apple and falling into a deep sleep.
Rachel Zegler will play the titular role, with Gal Gadot as the evil queen. D23 Expo attendees got a first look at a teaser from the film. Also, it looks like we’ll have to wait a little while longer for an official glimpse.
We do know thanks to Variety that Erin Cressida Wilson and Barbie director Greta Gerwig are behind the script. La La Land songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have added new songs to the soundtrack.
Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters July 5, 2024
This film is a prequel to 2019 The Lion King and will feature Rafiki, Timon. Also, Pumbaa tells Simba about his father’s journey to becoming king. I’m sure we all had plenty of feelings about Mufasa’s storyline from the OG movie (and remake). So it’s probably safe to say this could be a tear-jerker, too.
Aaron Pierre will star as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. will star as Taka.
Lilo & Stitch
The first Disney movie released in the 2000s announced to be getting the live-action treatment is Lilo & Stitch. Little has been made known about the movie other than it will be written by Mike Van Waes. Also, it will feature a mix of live-action and CGI. The Lilo & Stitch remake also looks set to head straight to Disney+.
Newcomer Maia Kealoha has been cast as the titular Lilo. Stitch is likely going to be CGI.
Jungle Book 2 – In Development
It’s no surprise that Disney has a follow-up to the critically acclaimed live-action Jungle Book, released in 2016, in the works. Don’t expect a release date anytime soon. Though director Jon Favreau will return, he’s just shifted his focus off The Lion King. Given the massive amount of work involved with the CGI process, this one could take a while to reach screens.
Regardless of the fact it could be a long wait. Disney has remained adamant that Jungle Book 2 is on the way. The movie will delve further into Rudyard Kipling’s work. Also, use some discarded ideas from the 1967 animated version of Jungle Book.
Also read: Charming Recap, Storyline and Charming 2 Release Date
