3 Upcoming Disney Films That Aren’t Remakes
What an incredible year it’s been for the film industry juggernaut that is Walt Disney Studios. With blockbuster films including live-action remakes like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Aladdin’ crossing the $1 billion dollar mark it seems that everything Disney currently touches turns to box office gold. However, with a year of releases heavy on live-action remakes and with the rumor mill flying that several more live-action titles are either in production or have been given the green light what about new projects?
Not to fear! Last month’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California provided some interest insights into the exciting original films that are currently in the pipeline! We here at MickeyBlog thought we’d briefly share the details with you of three upcoming original films that have us pretty excited.
Raya and the Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon is slated to be the 59th film produced by Walt Disney Studios. Check out the official tweet from Disney announcing it’s expected release in November 2020.
Just Announced: Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, starring @cassandrasteele (Raya) and @Awkwafina (Sisu, the Last Dragon). Check out all-new concept art, and see the film in theaters November 2020. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/j7Xw8q3k8x
— Raya and the Last Dragon (@DisneyRaya) August 24, 2019
Directors Paul Briss and Dean Wellins (Big Hero 6, Frozen) along with producer Osnat Shurer (Moana) and writer Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) are working on this mythical magical tale that is sure to delight. In the film, a young warrior named Raya (Cassie Steele) is seeking out the world’s last dragon, a water creature named Sisu (Awkwafina), to save the fictional world of Kumandra from a terrifying dark force. The film’s producer, Osnat Shurer describes the world of Raya and the Last Dragon as “a reimagined earth inhabited by an ancient civilization that venerated the mythical dragons for their power and their wisdom.” The film draws its inspiration from the culture of Southeastern Asia. Kumandra is comprised of five separate clans who form the Land of the Dragon. With no more dragons left in the land, Kumandra is under attack by an evil force that can only be defeated by one of these now-extinct revered creatures. Integral to the plot of Raya and the Last Dragon are themes of community, family and honor.
Onward
Slated for a release in March of 2020, Marvel Stars Chris Pratt and Tom Holland are teaming up for this animated film that tells the story of two teenage elf brothers who go on a journey to seek out the remaining magic in the world so that they can spend one last day with their father who passed away when the boys were younger. The film also stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the role of the teens’ mom as well as Octavia Spencer.
Take a look at the official trailer here:
Director Dan Scanlon (who also directed Monster’s University) promises that despite its heavy subject matter, Onward will bring the laughs, too, but like other Pixar films will also have an emotional impact. “I absolutely hope that people are laughing their heads off and crying their eyes out,” he says. “My hope is some of the questions that I’m asking in the film will be questions other people are asking about their own lives. And I think that’s what a lot of the times gets us to connect to a movie.”
Soul
Expected to be released next Summer (June 19, 2020), Soul tells the story of a middle-aged school teacher named Joe Garner who has always wanted to be a jazz musician. When his soul accidentally gets separated from his body, it is up to Joe to help out other lost souls in order to return to his world!
Check out the official announcement from Disney regarding the project:
Just Announced: @iamjamiefoxx and Tina Fey will lead the cast of #PixarSoul, coming to theaters June 19, 2020. Here's a first look at their characters, Joe Gardner and 22, and a new piece of concept art. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/hlplMBhWud
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 24, 2019
The role of Joe will be played by Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey has also signed on as a soul who does not want to go to earth. Other cast members that have been confirmed include Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs and Questlove. The movie will also feature original music from Jon Batiste, and an original score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest Disney movie news and updates.
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