The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Everything we know about the live-action remake
Josh Gad was spear-heading the project
Disney are really taking their live-action remakes up a notch - The Lion King, Mulan and The Little Mermaid have recently received the treatment with many others in the pipeline over the next couple of years.
Another of those beloved animated films that bosses were eyeing up for a redo was The Hunchback of Notre Dame - the 1996 classic about the bell-ringer who's both orphaned and adopted by the evil Judge Claude Frollo, and who later discovers what life is like outside of the cathedral's walls.
After actor Josh Gad revealed in January 2019 that he was at the helm of the redo, he later confirmed in January 2021 that the remake was getting "closer and closer" to being in production, but things have unfortunately stalled since then.
Here's everything we know so far about a live-action remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame...
February 2025: Alan Menken says it "could still happen"
Speaking to The Standard in February 2025, prolific Disney composer Alan Menken - who wrote the score to the original film - was asked whether the Hunchback live-action remake was still happening.
He said: "I wish it was. I think it’s a property that’s challenged - we won’t call it a problem. It gets a little complicated because it’s Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame and let’s face it, it’s a meaty material. It deals with very heavy and profound themes, but Disney - they walk a line.
"The challenge is how can we deal with those themes of the inner obsession that Frollo has both as a man of the church and also obsession with this gypsy. How do we deal with this sense of discrimination against the gypsies - Romani people?
"How do we deal with the revulsion that people feel towards this hunchback? If we’re going to soft pedal that then what’s the point? It’s hard, it is hard. But again, hope springs eternal."
After being reminded of the suggestion to cast Romani actors in the film, Alan replied: "That would be the least of it. A Hunchback without hellfire? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t bet against it happening at some point. Life is an ever-shifting picture as we see in the world right now. Things change like that and they may change back. That’s what makes life interesting."
June 2023: Alan Menken says the project is in "limbo"
Alan discussed the Hunchback remake with ComicBook.com in June 2023 - but didn't exactly say what we wanted to hear! He confirmed to the publication that the project was in "limbo" as Disney bosses weren't sure how to proceed with the story while honouring the original.
He said: "I have no idea. It's a tough one, because the Hunchback movie, Hunchback story involves a lot of real, real issues that are important issues and should be explored to be discussed. And there has to be an agreement about how we deal with those issues.
"You know, do we do a Hunchback without 'Hellfire?' I don't think so ... So it sits in this limbo right now, but the Hercules movie is apparently underway and I got some inklings of what's going on, but just some, and I've been more involved with the Broadway show off of Hercules, which is coming, and it's really exciting."
March 2023: Josh Gad shares fan-made cast list
Josh set the conversation alight again in March 2023, posting a fan-made casting of the live-action remake which, in their ideal line-up, would feature Marvel's Chris Evans as Captain Phoebus, Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi as Frollo and Gal Gadot as Esmeralda.
Taking to Instagram, Josh posted the fan-made cast list - but gave a caveat in his caption, which read: 'Wow. This spread quickly. 🤷♂️ 🔔🔔🔔 Lol. Okay, for the record, this is not real. This is a Fancast! I was just responding to it. Love that you guys all want this. We do to!
'The script is one of the best I have read and hopefully the powers that be will see this love and let us make the live action adaptation the original animated film deserves. But for now, again, this is just a fan cast!!!' (sic)
January 2021: Josh confirms the remake is still on the cards
As he'd stayed fairly quiet about the project, fans began to wonder whether it was still on the cards - but 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, offered an update on the remake in January 2021, replying to a fan's question.
The original question read: 'yass king but we need to know what's gonna happen with the hunchback live action remake you are to direct. it's postponed or cancelled. for the role of esmeralda i truly recommend HibaAbouk! please have her in mind whenever the casting process starts.' (sic)
To which Josh simply replied, 'Getting. Closer. And. Closer.'
What will it be called?
The film was thought to carry the same name as its original animated counterpart, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
When will it be released?
IMDb originally listed a release date of 19th July 2024 - of course, this did not happen. While the project is in limbo, we won't have any hint of a release date.
Will the plot be the same?
Without confirmation that the film is happening, we may never know the plot of the screenplay that Josh was referring to. However, The Hollywood Reporter stated that it would not draw from the stage production of Hunchback by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the music from the original film.
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.
Who's working on the new Hunchback film?
Josh Gad was co-producing the film with David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Don Hahn, who produced the original 1996 animated film as well as many other Disney classics, such as The Fox and the Hound, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and The Emperor's New Groove among many others. It was also stated that David Henry Hwang would be screenwriter.
Deadline revealed that original composer Alan Menken would team up once again with Stephen Schwartz to write the music - although we'd hope that they would keep most of the original songs!
When was the remake announced?
Josh took to Twitter in January 2019 to tell fans he was researching in Paris. 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 was also confirmed by People magazine that week.
Who will be in the cast of the live-action remake?
So far, we've not had anyone confirmed to be in the new version of Hunchback of Notre Dame - however, a rumour published by Deadline appeared to confirm that Josh was being considered to play Quasi.
On IMDb, various actors have reportedly thrown their hats into the ring to be involved in the film. Marvel's Chris Hemsworth and Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are both listed as interested in the role of Captain Phoebus, Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda is listed for Clopin, with Glee's Jane Lynch and The Hangover's Ed Helms interested in playing the gargoyles.
Quasimodo the Hunchback was originally voiced by Amadeus' Tom Hulce, who also provided his singing vocals, with Demi Moore taking on the speaking role of Esmeralda the gypsy and Kevin Kline as the dashing Captain Phoebus. Tony Jay voiced the cruel Judge Claude Frollo, and Jason Alexander was Hugo, one of three gargoyles to help Quasi on his quest for true love.
Scroll through to read up on all the Disney live-action remakes we've seen so far:
Lilo & Stitch
Release date: 21st May 2025
Remake of: Lilo & Stitch (2002)
A live-action reimagining of Disney's 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The reboot of Lilo & Stitch was announced in February 2020, with seven-year-old Maia Kealoha playing Lilo, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong playing her sister Nani and also featuring Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen in the cast. The original film's writer, director and voice of Stitch, Chris Sanders, will be returning to voice the character again, with Dean Fleischer Camp taking on direction after the success of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.
Snow White
Release date: 21st March 2025
Remake of: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Classic tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was also on the remake list! Filming reportedly started back in 2022 and the flick featured original songs written by Pasek and Paul - the duo behind hit films La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman.
Rachel Zegler, who made her feature film debut in Steven Spielberg's version of West Side Story in 2022, starred in the leading role, alongside Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot, who stepped into the villainous role of the Evil Queen.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release date: 20th December 2024
Remake of: Prequel to The Lion King (2019)
Arriving in December 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King served as a prequel to The Lion King live-action remake from 2019, with Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen reprising their roles as Timon and Pumbaa. Also returning was John Kani as Rafiki, Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. The film told the story of 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.
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.
Read more:
All the important dates you need to know for the Disney live-action remakes
The Little Mermaid: All the details so far about the live-action remake
Disney's live-action Cruella: All we know about the Emma Stone film