Every Live-Action Disney Remake That’s Been Announced

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Disney is opening its trove of timeless animated masterpieces again, as the company carries on its initiative to refresh its cherished collection for a contemporary audience. The triumph of movies like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast has paved the way for a continuous flow of live-action adaptations and sequels, which aim to breathe life into classic tales and characters using innovative approaches. In the pipeline are numerous eagerly awaited projects that will either reimagine the originals or extend them with fresh stories. This range spans from classic fairy tales to recent animated blockbusters.

Despite some lingering uncertainties in production, these are all the live-action remakes or sequels that have been officially confirmed and are actively being developed at this time.

1. Moana

In 2023, it was revealed that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would be leading a live-action adaptation of the popular 2016 animated film, Moana. Initially voicing the character Maui in both the original and upcoming sequel, Johnson will continue his role in the live-action version. The movie is scheduled for release in July 2026 with Thomas Kail, renowned for directing the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, taking on the director’s chair.

The upcoming live-action adaptation maintains the original premise, featuring a brave and adventurous girl who embarks on a perilous voyage to save her community. Joining Johnson in the cast is 18-year-old newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia, taking on the lead role. This production aims to further explore the cherished tale and its themes centered around self-exploration and cultural identity.

2. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Since 2019, plans for a live-action adaptation of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” have been in the works for quite some time now. Josh Gad is rumored to both produce and star as Quasimodo in this potential project, although an official confirmation has yet to be made. It’s anticipated that this film will feature music, with Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, the original composers, set to contribute to the soundtrack once again.

The production of the movie has been halted for some time now, as confirmed by Alan Menken. Although it’s based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel which carries deep and mature themes, Disney is said to be considering including more aspects from the original work. However, the challenge arises: how can they create a live-action film with such adult themes while staying faithful to the source material?

3. Tangled

In late 2024, it was announced that a real-life version of the animated movie “Tangled” was being developed, along with the team assigned to the project. However, due to the underwhelming earnings at the box office from another live-action remake – “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” – the development of the “Tangled” remake has been paused indefinitely. It remains uncertain if or when this project will resume.

The initial animated masterpiece achieved tremendous popularity, and the realm shared by Rapunzel and Flynn Rider is richly colorful and breathtakingly beautiful, making it an ideal fit for live-action adaptation. Intriguingly, Kathryn Hahn from Agatha All Along has shown enthusiasm about portraying the wicked Mother Gothel in this potential remake. Prior to its postponement, few specifics regarding plot or casting had been disclosed; however, the news of the production pause left numerous fans feeling let down.

4. Bambi

2020 saw the announcement of a real-life adaptation of the beloved animated film, “Bambi”. However, this project has faced numerous challenges on its path, one of them being the closure of studios due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This upcoming movie will blend Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) with live-action, much like “The Jungle Book” and “The Lion King”. The voice actors will lend their talents to breathe life into the animal characters.

Although no official cast has been revealed yet, there have been some creative shifts happening behind the curtains. In early 2024, director Sarah Polley left the project without giving a specific reason. Since then, Disney has remained silent about the film’s progress or its production team.

5. Robin Hood

Disney is working on a new version of its 1973 animated movie “Robin Hood.” This upcoming film will be a blend of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and live-action, much like the 2019 release of “The Lion King.” The project is said to be under the direction of Carlos López Estrada, with Kari Granlund writing the script.

The movie is planned as a musical, with beloved characters such as Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Little John appearing in their animal personas. As of now, no official release date has been disclosed, and details about the project’s current state remain scarce.

6. Hercules

A fresh, live-action adaptation of the popular 1997 animated film “Hercules” is being crafted, with director Guy Ritchie leading the charge. Notably, Ritchie has previously worked on another live-action remake – that of “Aladdin.” The esteemed Russo Brothers, known for their success in Marvel productions like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame,” are signed on as producers. It is said that the movie will blend elements from its original counterpart with new additions to create an exciting and unique cinematic experience.

In an interview with Variety, Joe Russo stated that their upcoming film aims to revamp musicals for contemporary times: “Given how audiences perceive musicals now, influenced by platforms like TikTok, it’s exciting to consider what they anticipate from a modern musical. This offers us the opportunity to experiment and challenge traditional norms when creating a fresh take on the genre.”

Though no official cast members have been revealed yet, there has been much buzz and conjecture among fans regarding potential choices for the main characters. The production is currently in its initial phase, with efforts being made to find a new screenwriter for the project.

7. Cruella 2

After the hit live-action movie “Cruella” from 2021, a second part is being planned. Emma Stone will once again play the stylish antagonist, with Craig Gillespie and Tony McNamara also coming back to direct and write, respectively. The storyline should continue following Cruella’s life as a prominent figure in high-stakes fashion.

There’s been some talk about how Disney might roll out “Cruella 2,” as it’s unclear whether the film will hit theaters, streaming on Disney+, or be available on both platforms simultaneously. The production is supposed to start soon, though an official release date hasn’t been set yet.

8. Aladdin 2

2019’s live-action “Aladdin” is getting a follow-up film! Guy Ritchie is coming back to direct, while John Gatins and Andrea Berloff have been signed on as writers. Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Will Smith are likely to return for another adventure as Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie respectively.

Instead of being a direct remake of the animated sequel “The Return of Jafar,” the upcoming movie will present an entirely new narrative. Despite having been in production for quite some time, current news indicates that the project is indeed progressing.

9. Maleficent 3

The third part of the “Maleficent” saga has been officially greenlit, with Angelina Jolie set to reprise her role as the main character Maleficent. Directing duties are likely to be handled once more by Joachim Rønning. Although the specifics of the plot remain undisclosed, the movie will presumably carry on the narrative involving Maleficent and her goddaughter, Aurora.

Filming is about to start imminently, as this project holds significant importance for Disney. Reports suggest that it’s the concluding part of the series and has been scheduled for a 2026 premiere.

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2025-08-31 18:12