You may have noticed that Disney, not content with the success of its Pixar releases, Marvel movies, or massive Star Wars universe thanks to the Lucasfilm purchase, has started remaking its classic animated films in live-action form. It sort of began with Maleficent, the pricey retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale from the villain’s point of view with Angelina Jolie taking on leading lady duties. The film was a sizeable success, but instead of continuing to put twists on older films, Disney instead started straight-up remaking them. Cinderella was re-envisioned as a lavish period piece by director Kenneth Branagh; The Jungle Book was brought to life by jaw-dropping visual effects courtesy of director Jon Favreau;Pete’s Dragon got a humanistic update via filmmaker David Lowery; andBeauty and the Beast was a mega-hit, grossing over $1 billion at the box office.
And now, with a winning formula, Disney has a bevy of other live-action adaptations in the works. With so many plates in the air with so many different details to remember, we’ve gone through and curated this here list that runs down the specifics on each and every live-action Disney remake currently in the works. The post will be regularly updated with the most current information, and as more redos are sure to be announced, we’ll be adding those as well.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
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Cruella
Release Date: May 28, 2021
Director: Craig Gillespie
Writers: Aline Brosh McKenna, Kelly Marcel, Tony McNamara, and Dana Fox
Cast: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Mark Strong
Oscar nominee Emma Stone leads a Cruella de Vil movie aptly named Cruella. The Devil Wears Prada scribe Aline Brosh McKenna was the first to take a crack at the script, and then Saving Mr. Banks and Fifty Shades of Grey writer Kelly Marcel was brought in for a rewrite. The film is described as an 80s-set origin story with a "punk" vibe andI, Tonya filmmaker Craig Gillespie directed. The project wrapped before the COVID-19 shutdown. As of right now, it's targeted for a theatrical release.
The Little Mermaid
Release Date: TBA
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: Jane Goldman and David Magee
Cast: Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina
This one has been in the works for a long time but is finally coming together.Rob Marshall, fresh off the success of Disney'sMary Poppins Returns, was selected to direct The Little Mermaidand whileZendayawas previously rumored for the lead role, it was instead announced that singerHalle Bailey is playing Ariel. Meanwhile,Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play villain Ursula, withJacob Tremblay in line to voice Flounder, Awkwafina set to voice Scuttle, andDaveed Diggs onboard to play Sebastian.
Original songwriter Alan Menken is returning to compose and write songs alongside Hamilton creator and The Little Mermaid superfan Lin-Manuel Miranda, who will also produce. The film will feature iconic songs from the original 1989 movie as well as new original songs. Production was about to begin in London right when the COVID-19 shutdown occurred. There is an untitled Disney live-action film slated for release in December 2021, so that date may be earmarked for this ifThe Little Mermaid gets completed in time.
Pinocchio
Release Date: TBA on Disney+
Director:Robert Zemeckis
Writers: Jack Thorne, Chris Weitz, Simon Farnaby, and Robert Zemeckis
Cast:Tom Hanks
A new version of Pinocchio has been in the works at various studios over the years, with folks like Robert Downey Jr. and Paul Thomas Anderson flirting with various adaptations, but Disney has a live-action version of its own in development. In 2015,Dan in Real Life scribe Peter Hedgescame on topen the screenplay, butChris Weitz (Rogue One) subsequently came aboard to rewrite the script and produce.Sam Mendes (Skyfall), who was previously attached toJames and the Giant Peach, was attached to direct for a while but eventually exited the project.
Paddington andPaddington 2 directorPaul Kingentered talks to direct with an eye towards beginning production in 2019, but King fell off the project due to family issues. Now Robert Zemeckis is firmly onboard to direct and co-write the film, and while the cast hasn't yet been set, before King left Tom Hanks was in talks to play Geppetto, and he's now set to reunite with hisForrest Gump andCast Away director.
The film will be released directly on Disney+ and will skip theaters.
Peter Pan & Wendy
Release Date: TBA on Disney+
Director: David Lowery
Writers: David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks
Cast: Jude Law
Based on the strength of his work in bringing Pete’s Dragon to life, Disney quickly signed filmmaker David Lowery to craft a new take on the Peter Pan story. The project wasn't rushed, but now appears to have gained steam asJude Law entered talks to play Captain Hook in July 2020, with the film's title revealed to bePeter Pan & Wendy.
The film will be released directly on Disney+ and will skip theaters.
Snow White
Release Date: TBA
Director: Marc Webb
Writer: Erin Cressida Wilson
Cast: TBA
Disney is also developing a live-action update of its first live-action feature,Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. ScreenwriterErin Cressida Wilson, who pennedThe Girl on the Train, was set to write the script in October 2016, when it was also announced thatLa La Land andThe Greatest Showman songwritersBenj Pasek andJustin Paul would be writing original songs for the movie.Marc Platt, who producedInto the Woods and the upcomingWicked, is onboard to produce, and in 2019 Disney setThe Amazing Spider-ManfilmmakerMarc Webb to direct.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Release Date: TBA
Director: TBA
Writer:David Henry Hwang
Cast: TBA
While this project was announced in January 2019, it has sadly gained new relevance. ThisHunchback of Notre Damewill be a new adaptation of theVictor Hugo novel of the same name, reconceived as a full-on musical with music byStephen Schwartz.Josh Gad is onboard to produce, but no cast has been announced yet as this one is still in the early days of development.
Prince Charming
Release Date:TBA
Director:Stephen Chbosky
Writer:Stephen Chbosky
Cast:TBA
After scripting Disney's live-actionBeauty and the Beast and finding success as a director on films likeThe Perks of Being a Wallflower andWonder,Stephen Chboskywas tapped to spearhead a live-action twist onPrince Charming. The idea is to offer a revisionist take on the character popularized inSnow White,Cinderella, andSleeping Beauty by telling the story from the point of view of his brother, who never quite lived up to the family name. Chbosky is writing with an eye to direct so while this one isn't greenlit just yet, it's very much in the works.
Robin Hood
Release Date: TBA
Director: Carlos Lopez Estrada
Writer: Kari Granlund
Cast: TBA
A remake ofRobin Hoodis in the works, but is being developed to debut on the streaming service Disney+.BlindspottingfilmmakerCarlos Lopez Estrada is onboard to take the helm, and the project is described as a musical live-action/animation hybrid.
Hercules
Release Date: TBA
Director: TBA
Writer: Dave Callaham
Cast: TBA
This one is in early development, butAvengers: EndgamefilmmakersJoe andAnthony Russo are producing a new adaptation ofHerculeswithDave Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) writing the screenplay. This is early days, and they don't yet even know if it'll be a musical or not but have teased that it won't be a "literal translation."
Bambi
Release Date: TBA
Director: TBA
Writer: Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Lindsey Beer
Cast: TBA
This project is also early days, butGeneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) andLindsey Beer (Sierra Burgess Is a Loser) are writing the script for aBambiremake that will employ the photorealistic technology used to bringThe Jungle BookandThe Lion King to life.
Oliver Twist
Release Date: TBA
Director: Tommy Kail
Writer: TBA
Cast: Ice Cube
So this is a weird one. Disney is developing a new spin on Oliver Twist with Ice Cube starring and producing, and Hamilton director Tommy Kail at the helm. The idea is to put a hip-hop spin on the Charles Dickens story, which was previously turned into the animated feature Oliver and Company. Cube will play Fagin, but we haven't had an update on this project in years.
James and the Giant Peach
Release Date: TBA
Director:TBA
Writer: Nick Hornby
Cast: TBA
Live-action remakes aren’t relegated solely to 2D-animated films. Indeed, Disney is also developing a new adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic James and the Giant Peach, which was previously turned into a stop-motion animated film. Skyfall and American Beauty director Sam Mendes was in talks to take the helm with novelist/screenwriter Nick Hornby penning the script, but Mendes has subsequently departed the project. It’s unclear if this project is still on Disney's to-do list as we haven't heard an update in some time.
Tink
Release Date: TBA
Director: TBA
Writer: Victoria Strouse
Cast: Reese Witherspoon?
This one has also been in development for some time. A live-action Tinkerbell movie first materialized as a star-vehicle for Elizabeth Banks, but she dropped out due to her busy schedule. Reese Witherspoon was subsequently set to bring Tinkerbell to life with Finding Dory screenwriter Victoria Strouse penning the script, but we haven't had an update on this project in a long while. In the vein of Maleficent, the conceit attempts to tell audiences “the story you don’t know” about the Peter Pan character. It's been a long time since we've heard an update on this one, so it may be dead.
The Sword in the Stone
Release Date: TBA
Director:Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Writer: Bryan Cogman
Cast: TBA
What better excuse for Disney to delve into the fantasy realm than a new version of The Sword in the Stone? There’s not much to go on here just yet aside from Game of Thrones scribe Bryan Cogman penning the screenplay, although we imagine his iteration of Sword in the Stone will feature far less graphic nudity than the HBO series. Most recently, Disney entered talks with 28 Weeks Later helmerJuan Carlos Fresnadillo to direct.
This film is reportedly being eyed to debut on Disney's streaming service, so it may not get a theatrical release.
Lilo and Stitch
Release Date: TBA
Director: TBA
Writer: Mike Van Waes
Cast: TBA
Disney has tapped Aladdin producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich to produce a live-action adaptation of the 2002 Disney animated film Lilo and Stitch, marking most recent remake in development at Disney so far. Mike Van Waes, who penned the upcoming Conjuring spinoff The Crooked Man, is on script duties, but no other details are known—including whether this will end up on Disney's streaming service or if it'll get a theatrical release.
FAQs
Upcoming Live-Action Disney Movies: From Peter Pan to Little Mermaid? ›
Snow White - Releasing March 22, 2024
The next live-action Disney remake set to be released is the feature-length remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — the animated movie that transformed the studio almost a century ago.
| Film | Original film | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Cruella | One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) | May 28, 2021 |
| Pinocchio | Pinocchio (1940) | September 8, 2022 |
| Peter Pan & Wendy | Peter Pan (1953) | April 28, 2023 |
| The Little Mermaid | The Little Mermaid (1989) | May 26, 2023 |
Snow White - Releasing March 22, 2024
The next live-action Disney remake set to be released is the feature-length remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — the animated movie that transformed the studio almost a century ago.
”Peter Pan & Wendy” is Streaming on Disney+ beginning April 28th. Featuring Jude Law, Ever Anderson, Alexander Molony, Yara Shahidi, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe and Jim Gaffigan. Screenplay adapted by David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks.
Is there going to be a new Little Mermaid? ›The classic film The Little Mermaid now has a highly anticipated live-action remake—and it just made its May 2023 debut.
Who is playing Little Mermaid 2023? ›The film stars Halle Bailey in the titular role, alongside Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.
Is there going to be a Moana live-action? ›The live-action remake of Moana was first announced on April 3, 2023, by the animated film's star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who voiced the shapeshifting demigod Maui. Posting across all socials, Johnson shared a special announcement video filmed on the island of Oahu where he grew up.
Is Disney making a live-action Lilo and Stitch? ›Lilo & Stitch is an upcoming American science fiction film that will be a live-action adaptation of the 2002 animated film of the same name. The film will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, and produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich.
What is the most successful Disney live-action remake? ›'Peter Pan & Wendy' live-action Disney+ movie stars Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell. Yara Shahidi stars as Tinker Bell in Disney's live action movie “Peter Pan & Wendy,” streaming on Disney+ in April 2023. The legendary story of Peter Pan is Disney's latest live-action movie for its streamer.
What is the upcoming Peter Pan movie? ›
- Rating: PG.
- Release Date: April 28, 2023.
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Family, Fantasy.
They include Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, Ever Anderson as Wendy Darling, Josh Pickering as John Darling, Jude Law as Captain Hook, Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell, and Alyssa Wapanatâhk as Tiger Lily, but there are a number of other big cast members joining the film, one of the most iconic of which is Mr.
Is The Little Mermaid coming out in 2023? ›When is The Little Mermaid coming out? The release date for The Little Mermaid live-action remake is officially coming out on May 26, 2023, in the United States.
Who is Ursula in The New Little Mermaid? ›Ursula will return to screen on May 26 in Disney's live-action Little Mermaid, with Melissa McCarthy playing the witch with campy, raspy relish.
Is The Little Mermaid 2023 on Disney plus? ›The Little Mermaid Disney+ premiere date is tentatively estimated to be August 30, 2023.
What Disney animated film will come out in 2024? ›| Release date | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2024 | Inside Out 2 | co-production with Pixar Animation Studios |
| July 5, 2024 | Mufasa: The Lion King | co-production with Fairview Entertainment |
| July 26, 2024 | Thunderbolts | |
| September 6, 2024 | Blade |
Disney has officially announced the casting of Jenna Ortega and Simu Liu in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved classic Princess and the Frog based on the Brothers Grimm tale, The Frog Prince.
Who is the next live-action Disney Princess? ›Jasmine (2019) Mulan (2020) Ariel (2023) Snow White (2024)
What day is the new Ariel coming out? ›As the pro-Halle camp waits to eat good with sweet high-octave vocals from the singer and the antis whine online, Vulture has compiled everything we know about The Little Mermaid ahead of its May 26 release, below.
How long is the Little Mermaid live action 2023? ›Where will The Little Mermaid 2023 be streaming? ›
When the time comes for The Little Mermaid to splash onto Disney+ though, make sure you're all prepared to watch it. If you don't have access yet, you can opt into a 30-day free trial before choosing a plan that start at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
Is Moana 2 confirmed? ›Currently, there are no official plans for an animated Moana 2 movie being developed for a theatrical release. However, in January 2022, Disney did confirm that a Moana sequel series was in the works for release on Disney+. This will continue the young heroine's story under director David G.
What will Moana 2 be called? ›Moana 2: The Lost Island.
Who is playing Moana in the real life movie? ›Disney is developing a live-action version of its hit animated film Moana Auli'I Cravalho and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who voiced Moana and Maui, respectively, in the 2016 film, will reprise their roles in the live-action version, Disney said.
Is Lilo autistic? ›While there appears to be no evidence that creators Chris Sanders and Dean Deblois intentionally made Lilo autistic, it is a widely accepted theory among fans—especially for those who are on the spectrum or believe themselves to be—that her neurodivergence is at least implied, much in the same way that other Disney ...
Why did they replace Lilo? ›According to THR, Machado was replaced after posts using racial slurs, specifically the N-word, were found in the actor's social media history during Disney's vetting process. (THR notes that Disney never officially confirmed Machado's casting.)
What is the least successful Disney movie of all time? ›- Pinocchio (1940) ...
- Pinocchio (1940) ...
- The Rescuers Down Under (1990) ...
- The Rescuers Down Under (1990) ...
- The Black Cauldron (1985) ...
- The Black Cauldron (1985) The Black Cauldron (1985) Trailer (VHS Capture) ...
- Treasure Planet (2002) List slides.
- Treasure Planet (2002) Treasure Planet (2002) Official Trailer #1 - Animated Movie HD.
“The Jungle Book” (1994)
Technically speaking, the 1994 film is the first live-action Disney remake; though “Alice in Wonderland” kicked off the more recent stint of IP recycling in 2010.
1 Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse is the character that put Walt Disney on the map and created the Disney company as we know it. His iconic design, sweet voice, and childlike innocent have made Mickey more than a character, he is an icon and one known the world over.
Ever Anderson stars as Wendy Darling, a passionate and outspoken 13-year-old girl who, after hearing the news from her parents that she has been enrolled into boarding school, defiantly tells her parents that she doesn't want to leave home or become an adult.
What movie is Peter Pan with Down syndrome in? ›
Noah Matofsky
In the new live-action Disney film "Peter Pan & Wendy," which premieres on Disney+ on April 28, 15-year-old British schoolboy Noah Matthews Matofsky makes his feature debut as Lost Boy Slightly, becoming the first actor with Down syndrome to land a major role in a Disney film.
Answer and Explanation: Peter Pan loves both Wendy and Jane, but only in the way that a son loves a mother. First, Peter has Wendy come with him to Neverland to be mother to his Lost Boys. When she tells Peter she has developed romantic feelings for him, he tells her that he loves her as if she is his mother.
Will Peter Pan ever grow up? ›No, Peter does not grow up in the film, but all of the Lost Boys do. They choose to stay in the real world with Wendy and her brothers, while Peter heads back to Neverland.
Is Johnny Depp in Peter Pan? ›...
Finding Neverland (film)
| Finding Neverland | |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Richard N. Gladstein Nellie Bellflower |
| Starring | Johnny Depp Kate Winslet Julie Christie Radha Mitchell Dustin Hoffman Freddie Highmore |
According to Variety, Peter Pan Goes to Hell will be a slasher film with notes of both Hitchcock's Psycho and Romano Scavolini's 1981 graphic horror Nightmares in a Damaged Brain.
Why did Peter Pan get removed? ›Disney+ removes 'Peter Pan,' 'Dumbo' from children's profiles due to negative stereotypes.
Who did Peter Pan marry? ›However, he is mostly infamous for his interests in the Darling family specifically, having met and courted seven generations of the Darling family with one containing two sisters. Ultimately, his true love is Moira Darling, the granddaughter of Wendy. In the movie Hook, Peter falls in love and gets married with Moira.
Why does Captain Hook hate Peter Pan? ›In subsequent Disney animation, Hook is voiced by Corey Burton. Hook seeks revenge on Peter Pan for having fed the crocodile his left hand and refuses to leave Neverland prior to this revenge. Throughout the film, Hook is supported by Mr.
Will Disney remake Little Mermaid? ›The Little Mermaid will premiere in theaters on May 26, 2023. Disney announced in September 2021 that its live-action remake will hit theaters on Memorial Day weekend in 2023, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Is The Little Mermaid coming of age? ›In the Andersen tale, going to the surface is a right of passage at the age of fifteen, which implies that his tale is in part a coming-of-age story for the mermaid.
Is Sebastian a lobster or a crab? ›
Sebastian (full name Horatio Thelonious Ignacious Crustaceous Sebastian) is a crab and one of the main protagonists in Disney's 1989 hit film The Little Mermaid, its prequel film, its TV series, and its sequel.
Is Ursula half octopus? ›Ursula is a squid – not an octopus
Carroll argued that made Ursula a squid, not an octopus: 'People call her an octopus and I'm so knowledgeable that I have to correct them and say: ''No, she is not an octopus, she is a squid''. She has six tentacles instead of eight,' she noted in a later interview.
She first appeared in the book, Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel as the owner of Ursula's Fish and Chips. She appears once again in Rise of the Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel and reveals to have a daughter named Uma, who is the main antagonist for Descendants 2.
Who is Ursula the daughter of? ›...
Once Upon a Time.
| Ursula | |
|---|---|
| Family | Poseidon (father) Unnamed mother (deceased) |
| Nationality | Atlantican |
Halle Bailey as Ariel
As an actress, she has had minimal work, and, in fact, the role of Ariel will be the first lead role of her career.
3 The Little Mermaid Remake Takes Place In The Caribbean
This implies that they are located on an island somewhere north of South America in the Caribbean. This is also emphasized by the clothing and culture shown in the film, particularly when Ariel and Eric leave the castle.
Encanto 2 has yet to be officially confirmed by Disney, but recent developments at the House of Mouse might have given fans hope that we'll all be talking about Bruno again (if we even stopped). In February 2023, Disney confirmed sequels for Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia.
Is there a Moana 2 coming out? ›Is Moana 2 Being Made? Currently, there are no official plans for an animated Moana 2 movie being developed for a theatrical release. However, in January 2022, Disney did confirm that a Moana sequel series was in the works for release on Disney+. This will continue the young heroine's story under director David G.
Will there be a Moana live-action? ›The live-action remake of Moana was first announced on April 3, 2023, by the animated film's star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who voiced the shapeshifting demigod Maui. Posting across all socials, Johnson shared a special announcement video filmed on the island of Oahu where he grew up.
Is Frozen 3 confirmed? ›Frozen 3 has been officially confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger, but the animated film is currently in pre-production stages.
Will there be frozen 3? ›
Frozen III was announced on Tuesday, February 8th, 2023. While we don't know how long the film has been in production, we shouldn't hold our breath for a trailer.
What will frozen 3 be about? ›Although the plot of Frozen 3 is being kept under wraps, rumors suggest that it will involve Elsa discovering more supernatural powers and resolving the identity of a mysterious voice. Fans are also speculating that Elsa may have a new love interest in Honeymaren.
Will there be a Toy Story 5? ›Disney has announced a return to the world of Woody and Buzz in Toy Story 5. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed there would a new Toy Story sequel coming from Pixar during the 2023 year-end earnings call. It will be the sixth feature-length Toy Story movie following 2022's Lightyear and 2019's Toy Story 4.
Who is the villain in Moana 2? ›Te Kā first appears in Gramma Tala's story, where it is revealed that she was once the island goddess named Te Fiti, who created all islands on the ocean with her heart, who had the ability to create life.
Is Maui Moana's boyfriend? ›Is Maui Moana's boyfriend? But it's great to see that their relationship never even touches the possibility of romance. Instead, their bond is one first of adversaries, then one of comrades working together on a team. They face their own ups and downs, but Maui remains Moana's friend through it all.
Are they making a live-action Lilo and Stitch? ›Lilo & Stitch is an upcoming American science fiction film that will be a live-action adaptation of the 2002 animated film of the same name. The film will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, and produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich.
Is there going to be a live-action Snow White? ›A new casting search was announced for a young actress to star as a younger version of Snow White in the live-action remake. On January 12, 2022, it was announced that Andrew Burnap was cast in the lead male role as a new character.
Will there be a live-action Hunchback of Notre Dame? ›A live-action adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame may not be hitting screens in the near future, but plenty of other Disney remakes are. The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is set to premiere on May 26, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as the sea-witch, Ursula.
Is Disney remaking Anastasia? ›Anastasia is an upcoming musical fantasy adventure film and it is the live action to 1997's Anastasia. It is distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and 20th Century Fox. It will be released in TBA.