Disney is quickly putting out remakes of their animated classic and why not? They have all been financially succesful; Alice In Wonderland, Maleficent, Cinderella, Jungle Book, and Beauty and the Beast have grossed a combined $3.5 billion dollars worldwide.
I always get asked the latest updates on the future remakes, Here is everything i know about the next slate of remakes coming out…
1. Mulan (2019)
After years of will-they-or-won’t-they, Disney finally confirmed in October 2016 that a live-action version of Mulan was in the works and that it was on the global search for a Chinese actress to play the title heroine. Niki Caro, who gave the world the gorgeous Whale Rider in 2002, will sit in the director’s chair for Mulan. In March 2017, she shot down reports that the live-action remake wouldn’t be a musical, telling the Los Angeles Times, “I don’t know where that’s come from. We’ve never talked about songs, and no decision has been made.” It was also reported that the charachter Shang would NOT appear in the film, Caro did not touch on that subject. Disney’s remake is not to be confused with Sony’s live-action version, which promises production in China with a “mostly” Chinese cast. In July 2017, Disney announced at the D23 Expo that Mulan’s official release date had been pushed back to 2019.
2. Aladdin (2019)
Sean Bailey, president of Motion Picture Production at Walt Disney Studios, told Vulture that director Guy Ritchie will bring a “highly energized” musical to the table with his remake of Aladdin and Jasmine’s love story. During the annual D23 Expo on July 15, Disney announced the cast for the film: Canadian actor Mena Massoud will play Aladdin, with Naomi Scott taking on the role of Princess Jasmine and Will Smith portraying Genie. In 2015, it was reported that Disney also had plans for a prequel called Genies, but that idea seems to have returned to the lamp. La La Land songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will assist Alan Menken on the music for the film.
3. The Lion King (July 19, 2019)
Jon Favreau, who most recently directed the live-action remake of The Jungle Book in 2016 (and is currently working on the sequel), was announced as The Lion King’s director in September 2016. Donald Glover joined as Simba five months later, with James Earl Jones reprising his role as Simba’s dad Mufasa. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen will star as Timon and Pumbaa, respectively, while John Oliver will play Zazu. On July 15, Disney screened the first footage from the live-action remake to a crowd of 7,000 during D23. The clip included “jaw-dropping photo-real shots of African landscapes and many types of animals (including elephants and, of course, lions) and ended with the iconic moment in which Rafiki introduces an adorable young Simba on Pride Rock as ‘Circle of Life’ plays.”
4. The Little Mermaid (TBA)
Don’t be surprised if Ariel breaks into a rap or two while combing her hair with a fork, because Lin-Manuel Miranda and Disney vet Alan Menken are set to write new songs for the film. Don’t worry, the classics will still be there, so you can still sing along to “Under the Sea” or “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” which by the way, is a great karaoke song. Sofia Coppola and Chloë Grace Moretz were previously tied to the project, but have since dropped out. (FYI, this remake is not to be confused with this one starring the great Shirley MacLaine).
5. Dumbo (March 29, 2019)
Tim Burton’s remake promises a “unique family story,” featuring a script from Transformers writer Ehren Kruger. Following months of rumors, Disney confirmed that Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, and DeObia Oparei will star in the film, along with newcomers Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins, reports Variety.
6. Snow White (TBA)
Fresh from their work on La La Land, songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will create new tunes to accompany a script from The Girl on the Train writer Erin Cressida, so expect things to be scary and dark (or not, if you didn’t think the movie was scary or dark enough). In March 2016, The Hollywood Reporter also revealed a spin-off movie called Rose Red, which will focus on Snow White’s estranged sister. It’s basically like reality TV but with a poison apple! According to THR, Rose is actually a “key player” in story, as she goes on a quest with Grumpy and company to break the sleeping curse and bring dear sis back to life.
7. Pinocchio (TBA)
It was announced a couple months ago that Skyfall director Sam Mendes would be helming the film. Mendes left Disney’s remake of James And The Giant Peach to board Pinocchio. Warner Bros. has been working on a remake of its own with Robert Downey Jr. starring and Ron Howard directing.
8. The Sword in the Stone (TBA)
Harry Potter Crossover in Game of Thrones Premiere
Like Pinocchio, not much is known about who’s involved in retelling BB King Arthur’s story, except for the fact that a Game of Thrones writer-producer will be behind the script. Fingers crossed this will lead to a cameo from a Stark or Lannister.
9. Peter Pan (TBA)
Pete’s Dragon director David Lowery is attached and promises a straightforward adaptation of the classic. Bonus: Though not a remake, Disney is also rolling out Tink, a live-action film based on Tinker Bell (Which i suspect is cancelled). Reese Witherspoon was announced to play the teeny-tiny fairy, but not much has been revealed as of late.
10. Christopher Robin (TBA)
In November 2016, it was announced that Marc Foster (World War Z, Finding Neverland) was hired to direct Christopher Robin, a live-action film that will tell the story of Pooh’s BFF as an adult. In April actor Ewan McGregor joined the cast as the title character. One Variety source says it’s basically a family-oriented version of Seth MacFarlane’s Ted, sans dirty jokes.
11. Hunchback of Notre Dame (TBA)
This news should be taken with a huge grain of salt. Composer Alan Menken spoke with NME early this week and hinted,
”I can’t say anything yet but I think ‘Hunchback’ would make an amazing live-action musical.”
Not much else has been said since.
Bonus:
Cruella (2018)
Technically, this is not a remake as it will center on one major character (and Glenn Close already did a live-action remake in 1996). Nevertheless, Cruella is happening and will tell the backstory of the villainess who can’t resist a good coat. Emma Stone was previously announced as the lead, which means she will probably get nominated for at least half a dozen awards. This film was supposed to stat production in March.
Prince Charming (TBA)
It’s unclear whether or not the handsome prince here is from Cinderella or Snow White (maybe both?!?!) but know that the film will probably be good. Mandeville Films/TV, who most recently worked on Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson, will produce Charming.
Fantasia (Night On Bald Mountain (TBA)
In 2015, Disney announced plans to make a live-action adaptation of Fantasia’s closing sequence “Night on Bald Mountain,” which featured an iconic winged creature who raised spirits from the dead. Think Maleficent, but scarier.
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