Check Out The Live-Action Films Disney Reportedly Has in the Pipeline
Despite the industry shut-down, reports keep streaming in from Hollywood that Disney is setting its sights on more live-action films in the years ahead. If you liked The Jungle Book or fell in love with Guy Ritchie’s version of Aladdin you’re in luck because there will definitely be more where that came from.
As a matter of fact, there are so many supposed live-action projects that even we here at MickeyBlog find it difficult keeping them straight. That’s why with a little help from Insider, we thought we’d give you a rundown of 20 live-action projects that could be in the works.
Mulan
This one is a definite and was actually expected to premiere this Spring. However, Disney pushed back the opening until July 24th as theaters around the world are still shuttered. The film follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in a war that saves China. It is being directed by Nick Caro. We are told that it veers away from Disney’s animated classic, forgoes the musical numbers and provides a more realistic approach.
Cruella
Emma Stone takes a turn as one of Disney’s most formidable baddies in this film slated to come out May 28, 2021. We’re told that the film is an origin story providing insights into how Cruella became the nefarious fur-wearing baddie that she is.
Sword in the Stone
The status of this remake seems to be a bit on-again, off-again But last year, the Hollywood Reporter claimed that Bryan Cogman, writer/producer for Game of Thrones wrote the script for the live-action Sword in the Stone which will reportedly be directed by 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. No word yet on casting or whether the film is heading to the theaters or Disney+.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid was slated to start shooting in the Caribbean in April but has been pushed back due to COVID-19. Rob Marshall has already signed on to direct and Halle Bailey will star in the coveted role of Ariel. Melissa McCarthy has been confirmed in the role of Ursula with Awkwafina to portray Scuttle and Wonder’s Jacob Tremblay as Flounder. Disney also recently confirmed the Jonah Hauer-King will play Ariel’s love interest, Prince Eric. As of going to print, no official details on a release date have been given.
Bambi
Rumors began surfacing right before the COVID-19 outbreak that Disney was starting to work on a remake of the 1942 film. According to recent reports the film will employ techniques similar to those used in The Lion King to bring this story of a fawn, skunk, and bunny come to life. Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Captain Marvel”) and Lindsey Beer (“Sierra Burgess Is a Loser”) will write the screenplay for the film.
Pinocchio
At the end of January, it was confirmed that Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis has signed on to direct and co-write the live-action adaptation of this Disney classic. Chris Weitz is expected to share in the writing duties with the project slated to start by the end of 2020. No casting details for the production have started as of yet. It’s early days for this live-action remake as of now but keep following with MickeyBlog. We promise to keep you posted.
Lilo & Stitch
Disney is currently working on a live-action/CGI hybrid of its much loved 2002 animated film. The project is currently expected to go direct to Disney+ in a similar fashion to last year’s Lady and the Tramp. It will reportedly begin shooting in Hawaii this fall. The remake will follow the same story as the animated film that followed a young girl’s close encounter with the galaxy’s most wanted extraterrestrial.
Hunchback of Notre Dame
According to Deadline, a live-action version of Disney’s 1996 animated film is in the works. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz will write the music and sources say that Josh Gad has signed on to produce. The film is based on Victor Hugo’s novel about an orphan named Quasimodo who lives in the bell tower of Notre Dame cathedral.
Aladdin 2
With the runaway success of Disney’s live-action Aladdin, its no wonder the Studio is eying a sequel. Reports are surfacing that John Gatins and Adrea Berloff have signed on to pen the sequel for this film and that Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are returning to produce. As of yet, we don’t know if Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott will be returning to the role. A script needs to be written first.
Robin Hood
A live-action version of the 1973 animated classic that retells the legend of Robin Hood using forest animals is currently in the works for Disney+. The film follows the outlaw of the people “Robin Hood” (who is a fox) and Little John (a bear) who steal from the rich Prince John to give to the poor forest creatures. Carlos Lopez Estrada is slated to direct and Kari Granlund has written the script. She also penned the updated Lady and the Tramp for Disney+ The remake is expected to include music from the original.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White’s Scary Adventure at the Disneyland park isn’t the only Snow White remake in the works. Sources began reporting last year that Disney will give the live-action treatment to the original 1937 film. Though few details have been released we do know that casting has already started with Disney trying to fill the roles of Snow White, Prince, Evil Queen and of course the seven dwarfs. The project is expected to kick off this March in Vancouver, Canada.
Jungle Book 2
Again, this one remains the stuff of rumor but various sources are reported that Jungle Book fans could be getting a sequel to the live-action release. “The idea is to go further through the Kipling but also go into some of the Disney resources from the ’67 film that maybe didn’t get to see the light of day in the first film,” screenwriter Justin Marks told /Film. This is another project we’ll be following closely and will keep you posted!
Peter Pan and Wendy
The live-action Peter Pan film dubbed Peter Pan and Wendy has really gained traction over the last few months. The project is expected to start production earlier this year and Casting Calls have already gone out for young actors from New Zealand to take on the role of Peter Pan. There has also been much speculation around the coveted role of Tinker Bell with apparently both Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie being considered for the roll. A rumor also surfaced last week that Joaquin Phoenix was in the running for Captain Hook!
Chernabog
Though you may not recognize the name, chances are you remember this ominous character from Fantasia. Chernabog was featured in an 11-minute segment called “Night on Bald Mountain.” Though he seems like an unusual choice for a standalone film we suspect that Disney will give him a treatment similar to what was done with the Maleficent films.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest news and updates on all of the projects listed above!
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