Top 10 Most Anticipated Disney Movies of 2023
#10: “Next Goal Wins” Release Date: April 21, 2023 [U.S.]
Top 10 Most Anticipated Disney Movies of 2022
Taika Waititi has been working on a lot of Disney projects lately, helming the last two “Thor” movies, voicing Mo Morrison in “Lightyear,” and starring in “Free Guy.” He also won an Oscar for “Jojo Rabbit,” which is funnily enough a Disney movie through Searchlight Pictures. “Next Goal Wins” is another Searchlight picture directed by and starring Waititi. Drawing inspiration from the 2014 documentary, this sports dramedy follows a bottom-of-the-barrel football team’s road to the FIFA World Cup. Michael Fassbender stars as Coach Thomas Rongen in a cast that includes Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, and Waititi’s “Our Flag Means Death” co-star, Rhys Darby. Disney is no stranger to underdog sports movies, but we can expect Waititi to bring something unique to the field.
#9: “Haunted Mansion” Release Date: August 11, 2023 [U.S.]
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It’s not impossible to make a solid movie based on a horror-themed Disney attraction. The often-underappreciated “Tower of Terror” TV movie is one example. Many would agree, though, that 2003’s “The Haunted Mansion” starring Eddie Murphy wasn’t everything it could’ve been. Disney has been trying to get a reboot off the ground for a while with Guillermo del Toro being attached at one point. 20 years after the original, grim grinning ghosts are coming out to socialize again with director Justin Simien of “Dear White People” behind the camera. Rosario Dawson leads an all-star cast featuring LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, and many more. Is it just us, or has Jamie Lee Curtis’ career been building towards her playing Madame Leota?
#8: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” Release Date: May 5, 2023 [U.S.]
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The long-delayed third entry in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series sees the return of director James Gunn. However, this reunion may mark Gunn’s farewell to the MCU, having accepted a high-level gig at DC Studios. It’s been suggested that if a fourth film happens, it’d center on a new group of characters. If that’s the case, hopefully “Vol. 3” sends out the OG team on a high note. While we can expect the signature blend of sci-fi action, offbeat comedy, and awesome music that the first two films offered, there are several lingering questions: Is there any hope for Gamora and Star-Lord? How prominent of a role will Adam Warlock play? What will Cosmo the Spacedog bring to the mix?
#7: “The Marvels” Release Date: July 28, 2023 [U.S.]
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The sequel to “Captain Marvel” isn’t just a Carol Danvers story. It’s just as much about Kamala Khan, who we last saw in “Ms. Marvel,” and Monica Rambeau, who gained powers of her own in “WandaVision.” It’ll be fun to see Kamala finally meet her idol, especially after that cliffhanger ending. We’re just as curious how Carol and Monica will reconnect after all this time. Monica seems to be harvesting some feelings of abandonment towards her Aunt Carol, which should leave much baggage to unpack in “The Marvels.” Between these three, not to mention Nick Fury, we can expect one of the MCU’s most compelling team-ups yet. It might even help set up another superhero group we’ve been eagerly awaiting. Mutants, anyone?
#6: “Peter Pan & Wendy” Release Date: TBA 2023
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“Pete’s Dragon,” “ The Green Knight,” and now “Peter Pan and Wendy.” Is it just us, or has director David Lowery been making a secret Green Trilogy this entire time? In any case, we believe Lowery will bring a fresh spin to J. M. Barrie’s timeless story. Lowery’s atmospheric touch feels tailor-made for a setting like Neverland. A visual storyteller of his caliber can dive even deeper into the psychological side of the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, blending complex character moments with fantasy and adventure. This film also has the opportunity to be the most in-depth exploration of Wendy and her dynamic with Peter. Plus, Jude Law as Captain Hook and Jim Gaffigan as Smee? Now that’s a wonderful thought!
#5: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” Release Date: June 30, 2023 [U.S.]
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In recent years, we’ve seen Harrison Ford return as Han Solo and Rick Deckard, meaning it was only a matter of time until he donned the fedora and whip again. While Steven Spielberg remains a producer, this will be the first “Indiana Jones” film he didn’t direct. This last-last crusade is getting some welcomed fresh blood courtesy of James Mangold, who directed “Logan.” The cast consists of newcomers Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and Antonio Banderas, but we can expect some fan favorites like John Rhys-Davies as Sallah. Lucasfilm has been guarding the plot and title as if they were the Holy Grail. Since this is Disney’s first crack at an Indy feature, though, we’d appreciate a nod to the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.
#4: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” Release Date: February 17, 2023 [U.S.]
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The first two “Ant-Man” movies were smaller scale compared to some other MCU entries, which is fitting given Scott Lang’s powers. Since Scott’s suit works in reverse, though, it’s only appropriate that this third film go bigger while technically going smaller as our heroes enter the Quantum Realm. They’ll be facing the MCU’s most anticipated villain since Thanos, Kang the Conqueror, who briefly established himself in the Season One finale of “Loki.” It’s also a family affair with Kathryn Newton making her MCU debut as Cassie Lang. While the film is sure to tie into the multiverse story arc, Cassie’s presence could additionally be a stepping stone to the Young Avengers. Of course, one question towers above all others: who is Bill Murray playing?
#3: “Elemental” Release Date: June 16, 2023 [U.S.]
Pixar's Elemental: The Voice Cast
From the beginning, Pixar has generally put more emphasis on buddy pictures than romance, which is more Disney’s department. Whenever Pixar has ventured into romance, however, the results have been bold, profound, and touching. WALL-E was something of an opposites attract love story, but “Elemental” takes that concept even further. In a world of personified elements, our central characters are a literal redhead named Ember and a laidback liquid guy named Wade. Their differences go beyond their exteriors, but there’s a surprising amount of common ground on the inside. This premise feels pure Pixar with an inventive setting and deep themes to unearth. Directed by Peter Sohn of “The Good Dinosaur,” the film has all the elements of another Pixar classic.
#2: “The Little Mermaid” Release Date: May 26, 2023 [U.S.]
Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023
The casting, the return of Alan Menken, and additional new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda already had us overflowing with anticipation. Our excitement reached new sea levels with the first trailer for this live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” The preview immerses us in familiar music and underwater environments as Halle Bailey’s Ariel is revealed, giving us a brief snippet from “Part of Your World.” While Howard Ashman’s lyrics are the same, Bailey doesn’t try to hit the exact same notes as Jodi Benson, bringing her own signature to the classic song. Hopefully the same can be said about the film as a whole, taking a story we’ve heard before and presenting it in an original way. You’ve got us hooked, Rob Marshall. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Chevalier,” April 7, 2023 [U.S.] Debuting at TIFF This Year, the Early Reviews for This Biopic Are Music to Your Ears “A Haunting in Venice,” September 15, 2023 [U.S.] You Can’t Go Wrong with Kenneth Branagh & Agatha Christie “True Love,” October 6, 2023 [U.S.] Gareth Edwards Goes From “Rogue One” to Another Sci-Fi Flick “Kingsman: The Blue Blood,” TBA 2023 Colin Firth & Taron Egerton Are Back
#1: “Wish” Release Date: November 22, 2023 [U.S.]
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When you wish upon a star, it’s a phrase and symbol that’s been synonymous with Disney since “Pinocchio.” Other films have revisited this trademark and examined what it means, most notably “The Princess and the Frog.” “Wish” is going further than ever before in a story that ventures beyond our world to the stars. Ariana DeBose is Princess Asha and good old Alan Tudyk voices her goat Valentino, who both cross paths with a literal star. Directed by Chris Buck of “Frozen” and Fawn Veerasunthorn, “Wish” will utilize CG animation, but the film also mixes watercolors and Disney’s classic aesthetic. For those who’ve been longing to see Disney return to their animation roots with a modern twist, your wish might be coming true.
