All the details we know so far about Disney's upcoming live-action remakes
We can't wait!
Disney have been doing a HUGE overhaul of their classic animated films over the past few years, revisiting a lot of their old classic, animated films and turning them into live-action movies. And, thanks to the technology developments, the films have been well-received, especially by big Hollywood stars who are eager to sign up for the remakes!
In the last few years, we've seen The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio and Mulan all undergo the live-action treatment, with each having different elements from the original stories to set them slightly part from the beloved animated pictures.
Thankfully, there are many more to come - so here's everything we know so far about Disney's live action remakes...
Disney's live-action remake films: When are the new ones coming out?
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release date: 20th December 2024
Remake of: Prequel to The Lion King (2019)
Set to come out near Christmas 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King follows on from The Lion King live-action remake from 2019, and will see Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen reprise their roles as Timon and Pumbaa and take on a bigger role. Also returning will be John Kani as Rafiki, Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. The film is a prequel story following Mufasa and how he became King - with the trailer dropping in April 2024.
Other cast members include Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Taka's mother Eshe, Lennie James as Taka's father Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa's mother Afia, Keith David as Mufasa's father Masego and Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.
Snow White
Release date: 21st March 2025
Remake of: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Yep, classic tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is also getting a remake! Filming for the film reportedly started back in 2022, and it is also reported to feature original songs written by Pasek and Paul - the duo behind hit films La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman. Due to strikes, the film now will be with us in 2025.
Rachel Zegler, who made her feature film debut in Steven Spielberg's version of West Side Story in 2022, stars in the leading role, alongside Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot, who will be stepping into the villain role.
Moana
Release date: 10th July 2026
Remake of: Moana (2016)
Dwayne Johnson confirmed in a sweet video in April 2023 that he would be reprising his role as demigod Maui in a live-action remake of Moana! He admitted that the project was in the very early stages, but that he couldn't wait to get going. His co-star from the 2016 original, Auli'I Cravalho, also confirmed that she would be returning to the franchise, but later announced that she would not be reprising her role as the titular character. Catherine Laga'aia was announced to have been cast as Moana in June 2024 - we can't wait to see her take on the role!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Status: Announced
Remake of: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
In January 2019, a live-action remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame was announced after actor Josh Gad revealed he was helming the new project. Josh, who is the voice of Olaf the Snowman in the Frozen film franchise and starred in the live-action remake of The Beauty and the Beast in 2017, reveal that he'd taken a trip to Paris in January 2019 to research the film.
Posting a photo of himself under the famous Notre Dame cathedral in the French capital city, he cryptically wrote: 'Sing the bells, bells, bells Bells, bells, bells, bells, bells...'
The remake has been confirmed by People magazine, and Deadline have revealed that original composer Alan Menken will team up with Stephen Schwartz to write the music - although we're hoping that they keep most of the original songs!
The original 1996 film was very loosely based on the original 1831 novel by Victor Hugo, and was given the Disney treatment to remove some of the heavier topics from the book - although is still considered to be one of the darker Disney films.
Lilo & Stitch
Status: Summer 2025
Remake of: Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Very little is known at this stage what will be in the film, but a live-action reboot of Lilo & Stitch was announced in February 2020. However, we do know that Maia Kealoha will play Lilo, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong will play her sister Nani and that Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen have also signed on.
The original film's writer, director and voice of Stitch, Chris Sanders, will be returning to voice the character again. Dean Fleischer Camp will take on direction after the success of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, and the film will land in cinemas in Summer 2025.
Aladdin 2
Status: Announced
Remake of: Sequel to Aladdin (2019)
In February 2020, it was announced that Disney were pursuing a sequel to the live-action Aladdin, which was released in 2019. So far, all we know is that the writers Andrea Berloff and John Gatins are returning, but there's no word on whether the cast or director, Guy Ritchie, will be reuniting with Disney for the project.
It's also being reported that the new film will not take any inspiration from the original animated film's sequels: Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, and will be a totally new story.
The film is likely to have a theatrical release, instead of being put directly onto Disney's streaming service, Disney+.
In September 2021, Mena Massoud, who starred in the 2019 film, told Screen Rant: "They're working on it. They're trying to make it happen. That's really all I know. As you know, usually actors are the last piece of the puzzle, so the studio has got a lot to worry about before they start thinking about the actors.
"Obviously, I would hope that all of us come back and Naomi, Will and I all come back and the rest of the cast, Marwan, Navid, Nasim, everybody. But right now, as far as I know, they're just working on the script and trying to make it happen."
Disney were also reportedly looking into a prequel for Aladdin entitled Genies, focusing on Will Smith's character - although he wasn't linked to the project. However, that was scrapped in May 2021. There's also a rumoured spin-off, to focus on the character of Prince Anders from the 2019 film starring Billy Magnussen.
Hercules
Status: Announced
Remake of: Hercules (1997)
Hercules is in line for a live-action remake, with Joe and Anthony Russo AKA The Russo Brothers - best known for being the brains behind Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War - will produce the film, but not direct it. Guy Ritchie was attached to direct initially, but it's since been rumoured that he's left the project.
Writing the script will be Dave Callaham, who wrote the Expendables film series and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as Wonder Woman 1984 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2. In April 2024, the Russo brothers confirmed they had not yet had a script for the project, but that it was still happening.
Although it's still too early to confirm any cast members, fans are keen for Miss 'God is a Woman' herself, Ariana Grande, to take on the role of Megara, following the singer's cover of 'I Won't Say I'm in Love' during The Disney Family Singalong in 2020.
Tangled
Status: Rumoured
Remake of: Tangled (2011)
It's fair to say that Disney's animated hit film Tangled has become a modern classic, so it's no surprise it's heavily rumoured to be getting the live-action treatment. The original film's starring voice-actors Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore even keen on a live-action remake, suggesting who they think would be good for the lead roles - as well as how they could even feature as a cameo.
In December 2024, it was reported that a script had allegedly been 'drafted', with The Greatest Showman and Better Man director Michael Gracey reportedly having 'entered negotiations' to take on the film.
Robin Hood
Status: Rumoured
Remake of: Robin Hood (1973)
Rumours began swirling in April 2020 that Disney were planning to tackle Robin Hood for the live-action treatment. According to Empire Online, the corporation will be remaking the beloved fox and bear combo of Robin Hood and Little John - but will they keep them as animals or turn them into people? Only time will tell.
The publication reports that Carlos Lopez Estrada has signed on as director, having previously worked on the likes of Blindspotting and Billie Eilish's music video for 'When the Party's Over', and that the script will be written by Kari Granlund, who wrote the recent remake of Lady and the Tramp, and also worked on Godmothered - another Disney film starring Isla Fisher.
Bambi
Status: Announced
Remake of: Bambi (1942)
Again, not much is known about this remake so far, but it reported that it will be made with CGI just like The Jungle Book and The Lion King.
Confirming the remake, Variety reported that screenwriters Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Lindsey Beer (Sierra Burgess Is a Loser) will write the screenplay, with Chris and Paul Weitz's Depth of Field producing.
Beauty and the Beast prequel series
Status: Rumoured
Remake of: Beauty and the Beast (1991) and sequel to Beauty and the Beast (2017)
There's a new series in the pipeline, a sequel about the character Le Fou from Beauty and the Beast! Fans will remember the character being a lapdog to Gaston, a potential love interest of Belle - the eponymous Beauty.
In the live-action remake, actor Josh Gad played the character as gay and had an unrequited love for Gaston, and the new series is going to focus on these two characters as a prequel before the events of the Beauty and the Beast film.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz will be writing the show, and it's been described as a "six-episode musical event". Composer Alan Menken will also return to write new music.
The Aristocats
Status: Announced
Remake of: The Aristocats (1970)
A live-action remake of The Aristocats is in the pipeline, with Jimmy Fallon's house band the Roots member Questlove directing. Not much else is known about the film at this point, but we do know that it'll be a mix of live-action performances and CGI.
Which other films are Disney planning to remake?
Reese Witherspoon is rumoured to be starring and producing Tink, another live-action spin-off of Peter Pan. There are also rumoured remakes of The Sword in the Stone, The Black Cauldron and The Princess and the Frog.
Oliver Twist has an unknown release date and will be directed by Thomas Kail and stars Ice Cube. Although Disney have not confirmed, the rumours that Tangled will also get a live-action remake are truly heating up.
Which other live action films have Disney released?
The Little Mermaid
Released: 26th May 2023
Remake of: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Rumours about live-action remake of The Little Mermaid had been swirling for many years, but when Halle Bailey was cast in the titular role as Ariel in July 2019, fans began to get excited!
Legendary Disney composer Alan Menken returned to the franchise to handle the music, while the cast saw Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula the Sea Witch, Awkwafina as Scuttle the seagull and Jacob Tremblay as Ariel's BFF Flounder.
Peter Pan & Wendy
Released: 28th April 2023
Remake of: Peter Pan (1953)
A film called Peter Pan & Wendy was rumoured to be in the works when a casting call was put out in January 2020 for child actors.
In September 2022, Disney shared that the film will debut on Disney+ in 2023, and now it's been confirmed the movie will land on Friday 28th April 2023, with a cast including Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law, Yara Shahidi and Alyssa Wapanatâhk.
Pinocchio
Released: 8th September 2022
Remake of: Pinocchio (1940)
The live-action remake of Pinocchio had Robert Zemeckis directing, best known for Back to the Future, The Polar Express, Forrest Gump, Cast Away and the remake ofThe Witches. Tom Hanks starred as Geppetto, Pinocchio's father, and Luke Evans of Beauty and the Beast played the evil Coachman. In true Disney style, it also got a sprinkling of CGI magic!
Cruella
Released: 28th May 2021
Remake of: Prequel of One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) and 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Cruella the film is a prequel set in the 1970s, exploring Cruella De Vil's origin story and detailing how she went from a fashion designer in London to the villain we know and hate-to-love in the original film.
The film starred Emma Stone in the titular role, Emma Thompson as the Baroness, Paul Walter Hauser as Horace, Joel Fry as Jasper, Mark Strong as Boris, Emily Beecham as Anita, Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Tabitha and Jamie Demetriou as Gerald.
Mulan
Released: March 2020 in a limited cinematic run and on Disney+ in September 2020
Remake of: Mulan (1998)
Sadly, the release of the live-action Mulan remake was postponed due to the Coronavirus. Originally slated for release on 27th March 2020, the film was pushed back a few times, before being taken off the release calendar in July and released on Disney+ instead. The film carried a premium fee, and was originally put out on the service on 4th September.
Die-hard Disney fans were shocked when it was revealed film bosses had decided to cut Mulan's love interest from the original - Li Shang. Not only that, but director Niki Caro revealed to Moviefone that it would be a non-musical film too. However, Mulan does have a romantic storyline with character Chen Honghui, played by Yoson An.
Lady And The Tramp
Released: 12th November 2019 on Disney+
Remake of: Lady And The Tramp (1955)
A live-action version of The Lady and The Tramp came out on Disney+ in November 2019, with Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux taking on the voices of the eponymous Lady and the Tramp. Singer Janelle Monáe performed the character of Peg, and Thomas Mann played Jim Dear - who opened up about working with real-life dogs.
The film also starred Sam Elliott, Kiersey Clemons, Benedict Wong, Ashley Jensen and Yvette Nicole Brown. The film was not released theatrically in cinemas, instead being exclusively available to stream on Disney's on-demand service, Disney+.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Released: 18th October 2019
Remake of: Sleeping Beauty (1959) and a sequel to Maleficent (2014)
This film is a follow-up to the 2014 live-action reimagined tale of Sleeping Beauty, and saw Angelina Jolie return as the horned villain with Elle Fanning also reprising her role as Aurora. The first trailer for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil dropped in May 2019, giving fans their first glimpse of Angelina back in the suit and also revealing the release date, while a second trailer let fans see a little more of Michelle Pfeiffer's character, Queen Ingrith, who had a hidden agenda..
The official synopsis read: 'A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney's most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora.'
Other returning cast members included Sam Riley as Diaval, Imelda Staunton as Knotgrass, Juno Temple as Thistlewit and Lesley Manville as Flittle. Along with Michelle, new cast members include Ed Skrein, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Robert Lindsay. Harris Dickinson will be replacing Brenton Thwaites as Prince Phillip.
The Lion King
Released: 19th July 2019
Remake of: The Lion King (1994)
Arguably the most publicised film in the list, the announcement of The Lion King remake left a lot of Disney fans feeling unsure - that was, until the cast announcement was made and Beyoncé was cast as the voice of Nala.
Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino also took on the role of Simba and James Earl Jones reprised his role as Mufasa. After all, who else could step into those deep, booming shoes? Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen were also part of the cast, playing Timon and Pumbaa in the film which was released in July 2019.
Aladdin
Released: 24th May 2019
Remake of: Aladdin (1992)
The live-action remake of Aladdin was kept largely under wraps, but the Guy Ritchie-directed movie finished filming in January 2018 and was released in the UK on 24th May 2019 to critical acclaim. It was a box office smash, grossing a whopping $1 billion worldwide. This made it the sixth highest-grossing film of 2019, and the 34th highest-grossing film of all time.
Starring Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, Will Smith absolutely bossed his role as the Genie, taking over from the late, great Robin Williams. Who could have ever doubted his casting?!
Dumbo
Released: 29th March 2019
Remake of: Dumbo (1941)
Whilst the original film focussed on Dumbo the elephant, his mouse friend Timothy and his flying abilities, the new movie had more to do with his life at the circus and his human friends.
Although the cast wasn't enormous, it was made up of quite a few big names. Led by Colin Farrell as war veteran and former circus performer Holt Farrier, Thandie Newton's real-life daughter Nico Parker made her on-screen debut as Holt's daughter Milly, befriending the timid elephant.
Michael Keaton starred as the film's villain, V. A. Vandemere, who tried to exploit Dumbo for money; Danny DeVito was as circus owner Max Medici and Eva Green as trapeze artist Colette Marchant. The film had mixed reviews, and earned a worldwide cumulative gross of $353 million.
Christopher Robin
Released: 3rd August 2018
Remake of: Winnie the Pooh films
The live-action Christopher Robin remake was truly one of the most heartwarming films of the year. Starring Ewan McGregor as a grown-up Christopher Robin, the film showed how he had become an adult and forgotten his old friends, before finding them again and going on a hilarious adventure.
The nostalgic feeling really resonated with older audiences, as well as delighting children with the talking stuffed animals. Alongside Ewan for the cast joined Marvel star Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn, as well as Mark Gatiss as his boss. Long-time Disney voice legend Jim Cummings voiced both Winnie the Pooh as well as Tigger, with Brad Garrett as Eeyore, Peter Capaldi as Rabbit, Sophie Okonedo as Kanga and Toby Jones as Owl. The film earned a total worldwide gross of $197.6 million.
Beauty and the Beast
Released: 17th March 2017
Remake of: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
The hugely-anticipated live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast was massively popular, grossing $1.2 billion worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing live-action musical film. It also became the second-highest-grossing film of 2017!
Starring Harry Potter star Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans also joined the cast as Gaston, and Kevin Kline starred as Belle's father, Maurice. Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson also voiced the household objects. The film received two nominations at the BAFTAs, and another two for Academy Awards.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
Released: 27th May 2016
Remake of: Alice in Wonderland (1951) and sequel to Alice In Wonderland (2010)
Alice Through the Looking Glass was a sequel to the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland, and most of the cast reprised their roles. Mia Wasikowska starred as the eponymous Alice, with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. Matt Lucas starred as Tweedledee and Tweedledum, with Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Sacha Baron Cohen as Time.
In the voice cast, Alan Rickman starred as Absolem the Butterfly (formerly the Caterpillar), and the film was also dedicated to him as he sadly passed away four months before the film's release. Stephen Fry was the Cheshire Cat, Michael Sheen was the White Rabbit and Dame Barbara Windsor starred as the Dormouse.
The Jungle Book
Released: 15th April 2016
Remake of: The Jungle Book (1967)
The live-action remake of The Jungle Book was a visually stunning film, and the performance of then 12-year-old Neel Sethi as Mowgli was incredible! It also starred Bill Murray as Baloo the bear, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera the panther, Idris Elba as Shere Khan the tiger, Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha the wolf, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa the snake and Christopher Walken as King Louie.
It had a worldwide total gross of $966.6 million, and won Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards and Best Special Visual Effects at the BAFTA Film Awards. There's also a sequel in the works.
Cinderella
Released: 13th March 2015
Remake of: Cinderella (1950)
After the success of Alice In Wonderland and Maleficent, Disney bosses turned their attention to another Disney Princess to receive the live-action treatment, and chose Cinderella. Beautifully performed by Lily James, the film was directed by Kenneth Branagh and also starred Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham Carter.
Earning a worldwide gross of $543 million, the film received a nomination for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards and for Costume Design at the BAFTA Film Awards.
Maleficent
Released: 30th May 2014
Remake of: Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Angelina Jolie led the cast of Maleficent, which was a remake of Sleeping Beauty but from the point of the original film's villain, whom the new film is named after. Starring Elle Fanning as Aurora, Maleficent earned a worldwide gross of $758.5 million and became the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2014. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
Alice In Wonderland
Released: 5th March 2010
Remake of: Alice In Wonderland (1951)
The first film in the Alice In Wonderland remake came out in 2010, starring Mia Wasikowska as Alice Kingsleigh, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. Helena Bonham Carter also joined the cast as the evil Red Queen. The stellar voice cast starred Alan Rickman starred as Absolem the Caterpillar, Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat, Michael Sheen as the White Rabbit, Dame Barbara Windsor as the Dormouse and Christopher Lee as The Jabberwocky.
It earned a worldwide gross of over $1 billion, and won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design, Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hair at the BAFTA Film Awards and had three Golden Globe nominations. A sequel was released in 2016.
101 Dalmatians
Released: 27th November 1996
Remake of: One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Although 101 Dalmatians was released over 10 years before any of the other live-action remakes, the Glenn Close film which came out in 1996 was actually Disney's first-ever live-action remake!
The storyline was pretty similar to the 1961 animated classic, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and starred Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil, Jeff Daniels as Roger, Joely Richardson as Anita, Joan Plowright as Nanny, Hugh Laurie as Jasper, Mark Williams as Horace and Tim McInnerny as Alonzo.
The film earned a worldwide gross of $320.7 million, and Glenn Close was nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes, with the film also earning a BAFTA nomination for best makeup effects. It also had a sequel, 102 Dalmatians, which was released in 2000.
We're so excited for the new films!