As a devoted fan of all things Disney, I can hardly contain my excitement at the prospect of these upcoming sequels! With decades having passed since some of these beloved franchises graced our screens, it’s a true testament to their timeless charm that they continue to capture our hearts and imaginations.
Anticipation builds as Disney unveils its newest collection of films, and with their acquisition of Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures, their upcoming movie lineup is massive indeed. The abundance of content at their disposal gives them a multitude of exciting options — whether it’s revisiting timeless classics for a much-desired update or continuing popular franchise series that fans adore.
Every year, one of the highlights on Disney’s calendar is the D23 expo – a place where they often unveil their upcoming projects, sometimes just giving us tantalizing hints to get fans excited. Though original movies might give us a sneak peek into the company’s future direction, it’s the lineup of sequels that really speaks volumes. After all, nostalgia plays a significant role in the film industry, and Disney is an expert at harnessing this power. If you’re looking for surefire success at the box office or on streaming platforms, a sequel from a well-known brand or established franchise is your best bet.
What Disney films are scheduled for continuation next? Buckle up, as we delve into a few exciting Disney sequels that may surprise you and are currently under development.
Freakier Friday
20 years ago, the body-swap comedy film “Freaky Friday” marked its anniversary, making us feel a bit old. However, this doesn’t mean that a sequel is out of the picture. In an article commemorating the movie in the New York Times, a sequel was first hinted at, with both Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan expressing interest in reprising their roles as Tess and Anna. According to Curtis, the idea for a sequel struck her while she was working on another legacy sequel, “Halloween Ends.” She said that it resonated deeply with her, prompting her to reach out to Disney and suggest there might be a film worth making. In August 2024, at D23, Lohan confirmed the title “Freakier Friday” and stated, “It’s more exciting, it’s more emotional, and it’s for you all” (as reported by Deadline).
The movie “Freaky Friday” resonated deeply with viewers, with audiences appreciating not only the amusing scenes of body-swapping but also the heartwarming mother-daughter relationship portrayed by Curtis and Lohan. In addition to these two characters, original cast members Chad Michael Murray, Mark Harmon, and Christina Vidal Michell will reappear in their roles, with Julia Butters and Manny Jacinto joining the cast as new faces. It remains to be seen whether this sequel will join the list of essential body-swap films; however, we won’t have to wait long, as it is set to hit theaters in August 2025.
Tron: Ares
The gap between the first “Tron” movie in 1982 and its sequel, “Tron: Legacy,” in 2010 spanned 28 years, but fans can rejoice as they won’t have to wait that long for the third film. Titled “Tron: Ares,” this upcoming release is set to debut in 2025, and it will introduce an intriguing twist: instead of characters from Earth entering the video game world, as previously seen, characters from the video game world will be making a visit to Earth.
In a recent announcement by Disney, the movie “TRON: Ares” introduces us to Ares, an advanced digital entity, who ventures from the digital realm into our physical world on a perilous assignment. This encounter marks humanity’s first interaction with artificial intelligence beings. Jared Leto takes on the role of portraying Ares, while Evan Peters is slated to play the antagonist, Julian Dillinger. The cast also includes Gillian Anderson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Sarah Desjardins, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Hasan Minhaj. Rest assured, Jeff Bridges will rejoin the franchise, but his role is yet to be specified.
In the upcoming movie titled “Tron: Ares”, some recognizable elements will be present, but it is being directed by first-timer in the franchise Joachim Rønning. Fans are aware that music plays a significant role in the “Tron” world, and for this third chapter, Nine Inch Nails, led by Trent Reznor, will create the soundtrack, taking over from Daft Punk who previously delivered an exceptional musical landscape for “Tron: Legacy”.
Predator: Badlands
Currently, there’s a lot going on in the Predator franchise, as two upcoming movies are in the pipeline. One of these projects remains shrouded in secrecy, but it has been confirmed that “Predator: Badlands” is set for release in 2025. Director Dan Trachtenberg, who garnered acclaim for his work on “Prey,” will be rejoining the series for this film.
As reported by Deadline, the upcoming film “Badlands” within the “Predator” series is expected to be a standalone project. Director Shane Black has hinted at an intriguing focus for the movie, stating, “The predator takes center stage, spearheading the action… He’s as badass as ever, but there’s an emotional depth to him as well.
The stripped-back approach to “Prey” was one of the many things that resonated with audiences, and the focus on Naru (Amber Midthunder) gave it some emotional depth as well. It sounds like the plan is to shoot for something similar, but switching the perspective to that of the Predator instead. Trachtenberg explained to Empire that he wanted to, “find another essential piece of cinema that does what ‘Prey’ did spiritually — pushing the franchise’s boundaries, letting us root for a hero we rarely get to root for — but in a different way.” That isn’t to say the film does away with human characters completely — Elle Fanning has been cast as more than one character. Speaking about the characters she plays, Trachtenberg said, “She [Fanning] faced intense challenges on this movie — dramatically, physically, logistically.” Well, color us intrigued about this one.
Zootopia 2
The 2016 movie “Zootopia” seemed like it was setting up a series, so it wasn’t unexpected when they announced a sequel. Unlike many of Disney’s recent releases that go straight to streaming, “Zootopia 2” is planned for a theatrical release and is expected in November 2025.
In the sequel to “Zootopia,” Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), our favorite detective duo, are set to reunite for a new and challenging case. Characters like Flash the Sloth (Raymond S. Persi) will return, along with some new faces such as Gary the snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. As Gary is the first reptile character in “Zootopia,” his role may be crucial to the sequel’s plot. A sneak peek at D23 revealed Judy and Nick asking about Gary’s location, but it remains unclear whether he is a suspect or a valuable witness for their investigation. The movie will once again be directed by Jared Bush, who co-directed the original with Rich Moore.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Moving forward, you can anticipate additional installments in the “Avatar” series, as director James Cameron currently intends to create five films. Following the release of “Avatar” in 2009 and “Avatar: The Way of Water” in 2022, the upcoming film titled “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is scheduled for premiere on December 19, 2025. Since the previously released sequels have been named after one of the four elements of nature, we might see further movies themed around earth or air in the future. Here’s a glimpse into what we currently know about “Fire and Ash.
At the D23 expo held in Brazil last November, we were given our initial sneak peek into the movie’s visuals through stunning concept art created by a skilled group of artists. D23 additionally teased on their social media X account that we will experience Pandora like never before. During the D23 event in Anaheim, Cameron highlighted that this film offers an unparalleled adventure and visual feast, but it also boasts higher emotional intensity than ever before (as reported by Variety).
In the sequel to “Avatar,” titled “Fire and Ash,” we find Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) encountering fresh obstacles, this time in the company of the Ash People. According to Variety, Oona Chaplin will portray their leader, while David Thewlis and Michelle Yeoh will take on new roles as well. Previous speculation suggested that James Cameron might not direct all the “Avatar” films, but he has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he intends to do so, unless an unfortunate accident like getting hit by a bus were to happen.
Avengers: Doomsday
Despite Robert Downey Jr.’s previous hints about possibly rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it came as a surprise when he announced at San Diego Comic Con in 2024 that he would be returning, not as Iron Man, but as the antagonist Doctor Doom in the upcoming Russo Brothers film titled “Avengers: Doomsday.
Following the collapse of the “Avengers: Kang Dynasty” project, a significant reevaluation became necessary for the future course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In response, the Russo Brothers opted to bring back an established ally. The much-awaited addition to the MCU, titled “Avengers: Doomsday”, has now become the highly anticipated spectacle that many enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for, and it is slated for release in cinemas in 2026.
According to an interview with GamesRadar after the Comic Con announcement, the Russo Brothers hinted at a captivating plotline by stating, “We wouldn’t return if we didn’t have a story that could rival ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’, unless there’s a seed for a truly explosive concept.” For now, details about “Doomsday” are being kept secret, but it is known that the Russos will also direct the next Avengers movie called “Secret Wars,” which has yet to begin filming in Spring 2025 (as reported by Collider).
Toy Story 5
The beloved “Toy Story” series has captivated viewers since 1995, and now, more than three decades after the debut film, the fifth chapter is set to hit cinemas in 2026. In the first trilogy, characters like Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen), along with their toy pals, navigate the world as their owner, Andy, matures. The third movie finds the toys being handed down to a new generation, and since then they’ve been exploring thought-provoking themes. “Toy Story 4” challenged us by asking if adding googly eyes could transform trash into a toy, and it appears that “Toy Story 5” will tackle contemporary issues, such as how technology has surpassed traditional toys.
In the D23 teaser, the group appears to be looking at a child, but it’s actually the child who is fixated on a tablet screen rather than interacting with them. Pixar’s site indicates that the challenges for the team escalate significantly when they encounter this entirely new danger to leisure time.
Aside from a few details, there isn’t much information available about “Toy Story 5” at this point, but it is confirmed that it will be directed by Andrew Stanton, as stated on the official website. Moreover, it has been emphasized that it will exclusively open in theaters on June 19, 2026, which implies that it won’t be premiering directly on Disney+.
Ice Age 6
During the purchase of 20th Century Animation, Disney obtained another well-known animated series titled “Ice Age.” At present, there are five full-length movies – along with an upcoming spin-off film in 2022 named “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” – and it appears the franchise continues to grow. Interestingly, Disney has recently revealed that a yet-unnamed “Star Wars” movie will no longer be released in 2026. Instead, they have planned for “Ice Age 6,” with speculated release in December 2026 (as per Variety).
Excitedly speaking, I was thrilled when I heard the news about “Ice Age 6” before the schedule reshuffle! The talented cast members, Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg, are all coming back to reprise their beloved roles. Although the critics haven’t always been kind to the movies in the “Ice Age” series after the first one, it seems that audiences have kept this franchise going strong with their enthusiasm.
There isn’t much information available about the sixth “Ice Age” film at this point, but it won’t originate from the animation studio, Blue Sky Studios, which produced the previous five films. Unfortunately, Blue Sky Studios was shut down by Disney in 2021 due to budget constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since Disney still holds the “Ice Age” franchise rights, they can proceed with the next film – or potentially multiple films within the series – even without Blue Sky Studios’ involvement.
Frozen 3
After the success of the initial two films, it was only a matter of time before “Frozen 3” came along. In fact, Disney had plans for it as early as January 2023 (according to Deadline), when CEO Bob Iger announced it during an earnings call. On the same occasion, Iger also confirmed additional sequels for “Toy Story” and “Zootopia,” stating that they were leaning into their powerful brands and franchises, with more details on these productions to be shared soon.
The enchanting finale of “Frozen 2” presents many opportunities for deeper examination. Elsa (Idina Menzel), no longer queen of Arendelle, embarks on a journey to safeguard the Enchanted Forest, revealing her immense power and true destiny. In her absence, Anna (Kristen Bell) steps up to rule the kingdom. Both actresses have expressed their intention to reprise their roles, with Bell playfully hinting at a third film even before any formal announcement.
It’s confirmed that something is set to occur, with a projected release date of November 2027. At this point, we don’t have much more information, but if you’re looking for potential insights, you might want to check out the “Frozen” podcast. This series, serving as a link between “Frozen 2” and “Frozen 3”, introduces new characters who could potentially appear in the third film as well. Let’s wait and see what unfolds.
Incredibles 3
Continuing right from where the last one ended, it felt like no time had elapsed between “Incredibles 2” and “The Incredibles,” even though a full 14 years had actually passed. Fans are hopeful that they won’t have to wait as long for the third film. In August 2024, Pixar chief Pete Docter made an exciting revelation on stage at D23: “Incredibles 3” is in production. The announcement was just that – a confirmation. We know it’s coming, but we don’t yet know when, what the plot will be, or who will be participating – although we can certainly speculate based on previous films.
We’re certain that Brad Bird will return to direct, possibly even voice the beloved character Edna Mode once more. As for when we might see this new Incredibles film, it may require some detective work. Looking at Pixar’s upcoming releases, it seems unlikely they would release two major titles in the same year, especially with “Toy Story 5” set for 2026. Therefore, we might be looking beyond that year, perhaps in 2027, though there’s a possibility it could slide into 2028 as well. This timeline would put us ten years after “Incredibles 2,” a significant milestone Disney often celebrates.
Princess Diaries 3
If you’re curious about where the actors from “The Princess Diaries” have ended up, they’ve been quite active since the sequel came out in 2004. Anne Hathaway received an Oscar for her role in “Les Misérables,” and more recently, Julie Andrews has gained a new wave of followers as the voice of Lady Whistledown in “Bridgerton.” Luckily, there are plans for a third movie set in Genovia – some members of the cast will be returning to film it starting in 2025.
Mia Thermopolis will undeniably be portrayed by Hathaway once more, as the actor has officially announced her return via an Instagram post. Adele Lim, the director, is also on board for this project. This opportunity has long been a dream come true for the writer of “Crazy Rich Asians,” who expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “Being a devoted fan of the original ‘Princess Diaries,’ I’m overjoyed to be involved in the creation of the third version of this cherished series” (as reported by Variety).
At this point, details about “The Princess Diaries 3” are scarce, as it’s uncertain whether Julie Andrews will reprise her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi. With her upcoming milestone birthday in 2025, there is optimism that she may still be involved in the film, perhaps in a more limited capacity. Needless to say, we are eagerly anticipating the release of this movie!
Sister Act 3
31 years have passed since “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” hit theaters, adding another year because “Sister Act” debuted first. It seems like just yesterday to us as well, but it’s no secret that Disney enjoys reviving old franchises, especially when the original cast is ready for a comeback.
For about four years now, there’s been talk about making a third “Sister Act” movie. Back in 2020, Variety announced that the project had been given the go-ahead, with Tyler Perry serving as producer. More recently, a director and writer have joined the team; Tim Federle is set to direct, while Madhuri Shekar is handling the screenplay.
It’s anticipated that several original actors may reprise their roles for a reunion with Whoopi Goldberg, though changes have been necessitated following the sad demise of Maggie Smith. On “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Goldberg expressed that there will be some modifications but assured, “We’ll make it work. It’s just going to be a shift.” Additionally, Goldberg has shared her ideal cast lineup featuring Keke Palmer, Lizzo, and Nicki Minaj (according to Variety). As of now, no official release date for “Sister Act 3” has been set, but it seems the film may follow in the footsteps of “Hocus Pocus 2” from 2022 by going directly to Disney+ rather than hitting cinemas.
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2024-12-15 18:33