Every Upcoming Disney Live-Action Remake
“Peter Pan & Wendy” (2022)
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We’ve seen numerous adaptations of J. M. Barrie’s classic story. What has us interested in “Peter Pan & Wendy” is the title, which suggests that the eldest Darling child will receive just as much attention as the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. There’s a fascinating dynamic with Peter remaining eternally youthful and Wendy being torn between accepting maturity or clinging to childhood. With David Lowery of “Pete’s Dragon” and “The Green Knight” directing, this version could be more experimental and philosophical. The casting also bodes well with Jude Law as Hook, Jim Gaffigan as Smee, and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell. Speaking of which, is Shahidi reprising her role for “Tink” or is that going to be an alternate universe with Reese Witherspoon in the role?
“The Little Mermaid” (2023)
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After “Into the Woods” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” it was only a matter of time until Rob Marshall directed a live-action Disney remake. Marshall’s “Little Mermaid” seems like a step forward for diversity with Halle Bailey playing Ariel. The casting across the board feels spot-on with Javier Bardem as Triton, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. There’s also Daveed Diggs voicing Sebastian, and he’s not the only “Hamilton” alumnus. Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t just producing, but co-writing new songs with Alan Menken as well. However, we can still expect to hear some classics made immortal like Menken and the late Howard Ashman. With the “Avatar” sequel having an under-the-sea theme, we’re curious to see how this remake’s effects will compare.
“Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (TBA)
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From one water-related movie to another, “Atlantis” wasn’t a huge success when it first came out. Thanks in part to its colorful characters and intricate world-building, the film has developed a cult following with fans eager for more. Disney may finally deliver with reports of a live-action remake in early development. This should be taken with a grain of salt, as the original co-directors are skeptical. In 2021, Gary Trousdale said an “Atlantis” remake wasn’t part of Disney’s five-year plan while Kirk Wise believes it’s only an online rumor. That hasn’t stopped the internet from fan-casting with Andrew Garfield as Milo Thatch being a favorite. We know this idea can work in live-action given its links to “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
“The Aristocats” (TBA)
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“The Aristocats” was the last animated feature Walt Disney gave the go-ahead before his passing in 1966. Walt’s absence could be felt in the end product, as the 1970 film didn’t quite have the spark of some golden and silver age classics. However, there’s certainly a lot to enjoy in the picture, especially the toe-tapping “Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat.” There’s a solid foundation for the remake to build upon, especially if they land a great physical comedian to play Edgar the butler and the kittens deliver on the cuteness. Not much has been revealed about the remake since it was announced in January 2022, although Will Gluck of “Easy A” and Keith Bunin of “Onward” are working on the script.
“Bambi” (TBA)
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Between 2016’s “The Jungle Book” and 2019’s “The Lion King,” the CG technology for a photorealistic “Bambi” remake is there. It’s how they tell this story that has us the most intrigued. Although the 1942 classic wasn’t without dialogue, much of the emotion was expressed through the music and body language. We’d like to see the remake take the same route, but go a step further. It would be bold for the film to forgo the talking animals, approaching the material more like a silent movie or nature documentary. Either that or you could just have the Rock dress up as Bambi. In any case, we hope the film takes an ambitious direction with the Weitz brothers and Andrew Miano as producers.
“The Black Cauldron” (TBA)
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Initially viewed as the film that might kill Disney feature animation, “The Black Cauldron” seemed an unlikely candidate for a remake. As the 1985 film developed a following, Disney re-acquired the rights to “The Chronicles of Prydain” book series. Plans for a live-action adaptation were announced in 2016, but Disney has been quiet about the project’s status as of late. With the rights at their disposal, they’ll likely move forward eventually. Since Disney+ launched after the project entered early development, we could see the five “Prydain” novels working as a streaming series. Given the scope of Lloyd Alexander’s novels, though, the material is well worthy of the big screen. While readers may prefer a straight adaption, we wouldn’t mind some nods to the animated film.
“Cruella” sequel (TBA)
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Disney is producing follow-ups to the latest versions of “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” and “Jungle Book.” “Aladdin” is even getting a Disney+ spinoff centered on Prince Anders. Because, why not? We think the sequel to “Cruella” shows the most promise. The project reteams director Craig Gillespie with Emma Stone, who absolutely crushed it in the previous film. Beyond reuniting the same talent, the first film left us on a somewhat ambiguous note. Is Cruella reformed or will the sequel see her emerge as a full-blown baddie? Coming off an origin story, the sequel could stick closer to “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” but told from Cruella’s point of view. Or maybe Stone could team up with Glenn Close. “Into the Dalmatian-verse,” anyone?
“Hercules” (TBA)
On the heels of directing the “Aladdin” remake, Guy Ritchie is taking on another musical comedy from Ron Clements and John Musker. Ritchie isn’t the only big name attached, as Anthony and Joe Russo will serve as producers. The MCU talent keeps coming with David Callaham of “Ant-Man” and “Shang-Chi” working on the script. You know, it’s funny. The inspiration for superheroes is largely rooted in Greek mythology. When Clements and Musker first made “Hercules,” though, they saw it as a chance to do a superhero movie. Now with so much superhero-related talent reimagining the 1997 film, you could argue that things are coming full circle. The Russos have promised that this won’t be another shot-for-shot remake, offering a mix of old and new.
“Hunchback” (TBA)
Maintaining the family-friendly Disney brand while capturing the gothic nature of Victor Hugo’s novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” has been described as “the most R-rated G you will ever see in your life.” If you think the 1996 film was dark for Disney, you should see the stage adaptation, which sticks even closer to Hugo’s book. Considering that the stage musical never made it to Broadway, we doubt the live-action “Hunchback” will go in that direction. If Disney embraces this story’s grim roots, though, this remake has the potential to reach uncharted territory. Josh Gad is producing and perhaps even playing Quasimodo. Although Gad is known for his comedic roles, we think he can balance the tragedy and optimism required to portray the hunchback.
“Lilo & Stitch” (TBA)
Let’s be honest. There are some live-action Disney remakes that fans would rather see than others. For many, “Lilo & Stitch” is one of those untouchable movies that doesn’t need another version. So, when this remake was announced in 2018, a lot of people rolled their eyes. However, the naysayers might have a change of heart when they hear the director: Dean Fleischer Camp of “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” Like “Lilo & Stitch,” Marcel was about an unusual yet adorable creature connecting with humanity, coping with loss, and learning the meaning of family. Although tonally different, both films seamlessly blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. If Camp is faithful to the original while injecting his unique flair, this could be a match made in Hawaii.
“The Princess and the Frog” (TBA)
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Despite being considered a success upon release, “The Princess and the Frog” was somewhat underappreciated. Over a decade later, we seem to be headed for a Tiana-sance with a Disney+ series in the works and Splash Mountain being rethemed as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The next logical step seems like a live-action remake, although Disney hasn’t officially announced it yet. A while back, “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie expressed interest in making a live-action “Princess and the Frog.” While this pitch didn’t get the project off the ground, Jennifer Lee reached out to Meghie shortly after. Meghie would thus land a gig writing and directing the “Tiana” series. If Meghie remains passionate about a live-action remake, perhaps Disney will give her the green light.
“Robin Hood” (TBA)
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“Robin Hood” is an interesting choice for a live-action remake. The 1973 film put a distinct signature on the story with a cast of anthropomorphic animals. While we could’ve seen a remake working with an all-human cast, this film is sticking to the anthropomorphic theme, but with a mix of live-action and CG animation this time. Director Carlos López Estrada has experience in both departments, working on “Blindspotting” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.” As much as we adore the original film, it’s no secret that Disney cut some corners with recycled animation. With a bigger budget and state-of-the-art technology, this remake might elevate the material in some respects. And being a Disney+ exclusive, you won’t have to rob the rich to afford a ticket.
“Snow White” (TBA)
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“Snow White,” of course, commenced Disney’s longstanding legacy of feature-length animated fairy tales. While that’s a tough act to follow, this remake is pulling out all the stops with the talent involved. Rachel Zegler is playing the fairest in the land with Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Director Marc Webb is getting behind the camera, but it’s the screenwriters that have us the most excited. Erin Cressida Wilson of “Secretary” was the first to take a crack at the script. Shortly after, news broke that Greta Gerwig would also be working on the screenplay. Considering what Gerwig pulled off with “Little Women,” this version of “Snow White” could be another innovative take on a story we all know.
“The Sword in the Stone” (TBA)
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Considering how many straight-to-video sequels Disney made, we’re surprised that “The Sword of the Stone” wasn’t one of them. The original left the door wide open for Arthur to fall in love with Guinevere, confront Morgan le Fay, and assemble the Knights of the Round Table. Maybe we’ll get to see all that in this Disney+ remake. Where the 1963 film had a comedic edge, we imagine the remake will take a darker turn given director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s background in films like “28 Weeks Later.” Perhaps the film could even stick closer to T. H. White’s 1938 book, which actually included appearances from Robin Hood and Little John. Now there’s a crossover! Much remains unconfirmed, but the sword is waiting to be pulled.
