As a cinephile who has spent countless hours in the dimly lit corners of movie theaters, I find myself both excited and apprehensive about Disney’s latest wave of live-action remakes. Having grown up with the original animated classics, these stories hold a special place in my heart.
Following the release of “The Lion King” (Mufasa) in theaters, another Disney live-action remake has been added to the list. Over time, Disney has been reimagining their cherished animated masterpieces for the big screen, and this trend has grown significantly over the past decade or so. From “Maleficent” in 2014 and “Cinderella” in 2015 to “Cruella” in 2021 and “The Little Mermaid” in 2023, there’s been a live-action Disney remake every year for the past ten years. This trend doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon, with three more films scheduled for release over the next two years, and many more in development. In other words, it looks like Disney live-action remakes are here to stay!
Since financing new tales can be quite risky, Disney has found it more economical to reimagine stories that audiences are already fond of. Not only does this approach reduce costs, but it also offers an opportunity to introduce fresh merchandise based on these live-action adaptations from their extensive animated library. This dual benefit allows Disney to maintain profits and continue leveraging the same classic characters without taking significant risks. While some of Disney’s recent versions have been well-received, others have stirred controversy, yet this hasn’t seemed to deter Disney in any way. As a result, here is a list of upcoming live-action Disney remakes set to hit theaters after the release of The Lion King.
Snow White
As a dedicated cinephile, I must share my excitement about the upcoming movie Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler as our beloved protagonist and Gal Gadot portraying the Evil Queen. This project has had an interesting journey during its production, with filming wrapping up in July 2022, followed by reshoots in June 2024.
The situation became more challenging when Zegler’s public criticism of the original classic fueled fan frustration, particularly her suggestion that the titular character should be more feminist. This stance, reportedly aimed at the remake’s intentions, has stirred up additional controversy. The most significant point of contention is the film’s reinterpretation of the Seven Dwarfs, a subject actor Peter Dinklage and others have openly criticized. Initially slated for release in theaters on March 22, 2024, Disney has pushed back the film’s premiere to March 21, 2025, citing the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike as the reason for the delay.
Lilo & Stitch
Without a doubt, one of Disney’s most eagerly awaited live-action remakes is none other than “Lilo & Stitch”. In this adaptation, Maia Kealoha takes on the role of Lilo, Chris Sanders lends his voice to Stitch, Sydney Agudong plays Nani, and Zach Galifianakis voices Dr. Jumba Jookiba. Known for being one of Disney’s most cherished characters, Stitch is infamous for his mischief yet endearing nature, always causing a stir wherever he goes. In keeping with this tradition, the latest trailer for the film was unveiled in the style of “Mufasa: The Lion King” and features our playful blue extraterrestrial reenacting Simba’s memorable scene from “The Lion King”.
The eagerly anticipated remake of the beloved animated film is set to recreate its captivating storyline, a fact that fans are eager to witness. Filming for this movie commenced in May 2023, but was temporarily halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. It resumed in February 2024 and concluded by March of the same year. Lilo & Stitch will hit theaters on May 23, 2025.
Moana
Although some moviegoers may have been let down by the release of Moana 2, there’s plenty of buzz surrounding the live-action adaptation of the original story. Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as Maui, a part that was highly praised in the animated film. Fans are eagerly awaiting this return, given Johnson’s stellar performance. Interestingly, Catherine Lagaʻaia will step into the shoes of Moana, a decision endorsed and celebrated by Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice actress.
Despite not reprising her role as the main character in the live-action film, Cravalho is serving as an executive producer. The filming for this project started in July 2024 and was recently concluded in November 2024. Scheduled for a theater release on July 10, 2026, Moana will celebrate its 10th anniversary from the original animated movie.
Other Disney Live-Action Remakes in the Works
Three confirmed live-action remakes are set for release in cinemas, with numerous others under active consideration during the early stages. Here’s a roundup of all upcoming remakes along with their planned theater premieres:
Disney Live-Action Remakes | Theatrical Release |
---|---|
Snow White | March 21, 2025 |
Lilo & Stitch | May 23, 2025 |
Moana | July 10, 2026 |
Cruella 2 | TBD |
Hercules | TBD |
Robin Hood | TBD |
The Aristocats | TBD |
Bambi | TBD |
Tangled | TBD |
The Hunchback of Notre Dame | TBD |
Jungle Book 2 | TBD |
Tinker Bell | TBD |
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2024-12-21 06:03