In recent years, Disney has been making more movie magic by pumping out live-action remakes and retellings of their beloved animated classics like clockwork. They show no signs of stopping as their success with these movies has rapidly revived the stories we know and love for a new generation of Disney lovers. There is no doubt Disney live-action movies will continue to dominate the box office for years to come, especially considering the spectacular list of stars and stories in the works.
1. “Disenchanted”
One of her most iconic, star-making performances, Amy Adams starts this list out strong with her confirmed return to the long-awaited sequel of “Enchanted.” Titled “Disenchanted,” this animated, live-action hybrid sequel will have most of the same glowing stars as its predecessor, with Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden and Idina Menzel returning to reprise their characters. Music and mayhem is guaranteed as Gisele (Adams) of Andalasia and her once-grumpy divorce attorney husband Robert (Dempsey) are joined by their friends to sing through the streets of New York City and face a new villain played by Maya Rudolph. To make the news of this sequel even greater, Dempsey confirmed that he’ll be singing in this film—and asks fans to bear with him. Though the release date is unclear at the moment, there won’t be any wait for the theaters because “Disenchanted” will be sent straight to Disney+!
2. “Peter Pan and Wendy”
This Disney+ live-action remake of the 1953 animated classic “Peter Pan,” is delivering an impressive lineup with newcomers Alexander Moloney and Ever Anderson (“Black Widow”) to take on the titular characters. Jude Law will fulfill the role of Captain Hook with Jim Gaffagin at his side to play Hook’s sidekick Smee. This pair is sure to clumsily wreak havoc across Neverland causing trouble for Peter and his crew. Speaking of Peter’s crew, his sidekick is confirmed to be brought to life through “Grown-ish” star Yara Shahidi as she perfectly fills the sparkling shoes of Tinker Bell. Director David Lowry relayed that he’s just as excited as fans are to see how his love of the movie plays out through his own new twist to the story. Whatever’s in store is sure to excite, as this information about the live-action remake is so far worthy of faith, trust, and pixie-dust.
3. “The Little Mermaid”
This live-action princess remake may be the most informed at the moment, with its star-studded leading cast in full swing and gifted musicians working on the film ready to strut their musical prowess. The young and dazzling singer Halle Bailey will play the mer-princess, supported by an impressive ensemble consisting of Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy. These outrageously talented veteran performers are sure to punch out all of the same classic music and humor of the animated film, along with new material provided by the masterful compositions of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menkin. The release date of this remake has yet to be announced.
4. “Chip N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers”
The combined comedic stylings of these two gut-busting icons is sure to bring the duo of Chip n’ Dale to life in this hybrid CGI-live action. John Mulaney and Andy Samberg, each wildly successful and hilarious rascals on screen, will lend their talents to the chipmunks, with a special cameo from Seth Rogen that is sure to entertain. This film will base its plot on the animated series “Rescue Rangers” and is set to release in Spring 2022.
5. “Snow White”
A star on the rise, Rachel Zegler is set to become the first animated Disney princess in the live- action remake of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.” Before she can step into the role that set feature-length animated films into motion—and recreate what is often regarded as the best Disney princess film—she will star as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s remaking of “West Side Story.” Her singing chops will also be on full display in this “Snow White” adaptation, as new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land” will be created for the film. Director Marc Webb has no doubt that Zegler will fill Snow White’s shoes with ease, as he has said the young actress’s “strength, intelligence and optimism will become an integral part of rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney fairytale.”
6. “Pinocchio”
This 1940’s animated classic is sure to spring to life on the screen with the magic of CGI and terrific talents of the production team. “Back to the Future” and “Forrest Gump” director Robert Zemeckis welcomes back his leading man Tom Hanks to become Pinocchio’s maker and father, Geppetto, while the young actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will offer his voice acting to the beloved puppet. The familiar stars Cynthia Erivo, Luke Evans, Keegan-Michael Key and Joseph Gordan-Levitt will additionally liven this tale as the Blue Fairy, the Coachman, Honest John and Jiminy Cricket, respectively. Another CGI live-action hybrid, this “Pinocchio” remake will surely bring these iconic characters and classic fantasy tale to new heights, with a likely release date falling in the year 2022.
A magical lineup with much to look forward to, Disney Studios is flexing its live-action chops and working hard to produce for fans a new look into these stories fit for a new age of Disney lovers and filmmaking. With an ambitious collection of directors and talent at the helm of revamping these animated classics there is undoubtedly new cinematic gold in store for the equally eager fans, whether it be from their homes on Disney+ or in the recently reopened movie theaters. No matter how you watch, Disney is sure to continue its growth into a live-action titan in the next few years, taking sparkling strides with the stories of our childhood.