Disney’s live-action remakes have proven incredibly popular with audiences and critics alike, and they’ve consistently featured talented actors. Some casting choices were particularly brilliant from the start, and the actors didn’t disappoint on screen. Here are 7 times Disney got the casting just right for their live-action films.
7. Melissa McCarthy – Ursula
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a classic animated film, famous for its memorable characters – including the villain, Ursula. When the movie was in development, Pat Carroll was immediately seen as the ideal choice to voice this iconic sea witch.
The actor was Melissa McCarthy, and everyone knew she’d be perfect for the role as soon as she was cast. The movie proved that to be true – McCarthy completely embodied the villain, adding her own unique energy to create a truly captivating performance. The special effects were excellent in bringing the character to life, but McCarthy’s performance really made the role a success.
6. Emma Stone – Cruella
As a movie fan, I thought Disney’s Cruella was a really interesting take on the classic villain. It went back and showed us how she became the Cruella De Vil we all remember from 101 Dalmatians. Glen Close totally owned that role before, so whoever took it on next had some seriously big shoes to fill and really needed to make the part their own.
Emma Stone’s performance made the film work, even for those hesitant about another Cruella origin story. She was a fantastic choice for the role, managing to make the villain both surprisingly sympathetic and delightfully unhinged. Stone truly embodied the character, and this film, along with her performance, will likely gain even more appreciation over time.
5. Billy Eichner – Timon
The new version of The Lion King features a star-studded cast, and the announcements of Timon and Pumbaa were particularly exciting for fans. Everyone loves those two characters, and Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella’s original performances created truly iconic voices for them.
When Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen were cast as the voices for the live-action film, some fans questioned Rogen’s casting, but everyone agreed Eichner was ideal for Timon. The movie confirmed that hunch – Eichner was brilliantly funny as Timon and had fantastic chemistry with Rogen as Pumbaa. Whenever they were on screen together, they completely stole the show.
4. Naomi Scott – Jasmine
Princess Jasmine is one of Disney’s most popular princesses, so finding the perfect actress to play her in the live-action Aladdin was a big task. When the movie began casting, the two most important questions were: who would play the Genie, and who would play Jasmine?
Though some viewers had mixed feelings about Will Smith’s Genie, Naomi Scott was a standout as Jasmine. She beautifully portrayed Jasmine’s kindness and added layers to the character, and her performance of the new song, “Speechless,” was a highlight of the film.
3. Luke Evans – Gaston
Let’s talk villains! Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is a classic Disney bad guy – loud, arrogant, and full of himself. The filmmakers made a perfect choice when they cast the actor who played him; he really brought that personality to life on screen.
Disney announced that Luke Evans would play Gaston in the eagerly awaited remake, and he delivered a fantastic performance. Evans perfectly captured Gaston’s arrogant personality, and he could switch seamlessly between charming and intimidating, making the film’s climax both exciting and suspenseful.
2. Bill Murray – Baloo
Disney’s live-action version of The Jungle Book was a huge success and launched a wave of similar films. The movie boasted an incredible cast, with stars like Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, and Scarlett Johansson all bringing beloved characters to life – any one of them could have been considered perfect for their role. However, fans were especially excited about one particular actor and character pairing from the moment it was announced.
Billy Murray perfectly captured the lovable Baloo, and it’s no surprise he was fantastic in the role. He brought the same easygoing, live-in-the-moment personality that fans adored in the original movie. Even with some story changes, the connection between Baloo and Mowgli remained central, and Murray was key to making their relationship work so well on screen.
1. Emma Watson – Belle
It’s hard to imagine anyone more perfect for the role than Emma Watson as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Belle is a classic Disney Princess, and while the film’s beautiful music and iconic ballroom dance are memorable, it’s Belle’s kind heart that truly makes the story work.
Emma Watson was perfectly cast, bringing genuine warmth, bravery, and kindness to her portrayal of the character in every scene. She added nuance to Belle’s relationships, especially with her family, which beautifully shaped the connection between Belle and The Beast. Her performance felt incredibly authentic – it wasn’t like she was playing Belle, but that Disney had discovered the real Belle and asked her to star in the film, and that’s the highest praise I can give.
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2026-04-04 03:41