From ‘Lion King’ to ‘Mulan’: Here's What We Know About Every Disney Movie Currently Getting a Live-Action Makeover
ICYMI: A slew of childhood Disney classics are receiving the live-action treatment. So if you (like the rest of us) can’t keep track of which films will be worth a trip to the theater, keep reading for a complete list of animated Disney movies that are currently getting a real-life makeover.
‘Dumbo’
Premiere: March 29, 2019
Tim Burton blew us away with his remakes of Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so it’s only fitting he take on this 1941 beloved animated classic. The new Dumbo will pick up where the original left off and star Eva Green, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell. (Cue “Do Your Ears Hang Low.”)
‘The Lion King’
Premiere: July 19, 2019
With everyone from Seth Rogen to Keegan-Michael Key and James Earl Jones, the cast for the brand-new CGI hybrid remake is as star-studded as it gets. To top it off, Beyoncé is confirmed to play Nala. *Drops Simba*
‘Aladdin’
Premiere: 2019
The 1992 film is getting the live-action treatment, with Will Smith (Genie), Naomi Scott (Jasmine) and Mena Massoud (Aladdin) leading the whole new world movie.
‘Mulan’
Premiere: March 27, 2020
Mulan is returning to the big screen to defeat the Huns (yet again). But this time, the titular character will be played by Chinese actress Liu Yifei (aka Crystal Liu), and yes, “Reflection” is already stuck in our head. Damn.
‘Lady and The Tramp’
Premiere: TBA
The 1955 animated film is getting remade into a live-action/CGI hybrid movie. (Noodle smooch included.) Not only will Tessa Thompson (Westworld) voice the pampered cocker spaniel, Lady, but Justin Theroux (Maniac) will portray the stray mutt, Tramp.
‘Peter Pan’
Premiere: TBA
That’s right, Peter Pan and co. are returning to Neverland. While it’s still in early stages, we do know it will be helmed by director David Lowery (A Ghost Story) and producer Jim Whitaker (A Wrinkle in Time). *Sniff, sniff* Is that a Hook imposter we smell?
‘Lilo & Stitch’
Premiere: TBA
Producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who are both attached to the upcoming Aladdin remake, are developing a live-action version of Lilo and Stitch’s extraterrestrial adventure, so step aside, Moana.
‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’
Premiere: TBA
Unlike the original 1937 movie, the live-action version (titled Rose Red) will focus on Snow White’s sister, Rose Red (duh), who embarks on a dangerous adventure after the princess eats a poisonous apple. Interesting indeed.
‘Pinocchio’
Premiere: TBA
Not to be confused with the animated stop-motion musical from legendary director Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) for Netflix, Warner Bros. and Disney are teaming up to bring the 1940 classic back to life (with Tom Hanks in talks to play Italian toymaker Geppetto—huzzah!). Yes, that means we're getting TWO Pinocchio films soon, and we’re already preparing for our niece singing “When You Wish Upon a Star” over and over and over…
‘The Little Mermaid’
Premiere: TBA
Although we don’t know much about Ariel’s return, we’re a tad skeptical about how Disney will transform the animated characters into live-action beings…under the sea.
‘101 Dalmatians’
Premiere: TBA
The infamous 101 Dalmatians villain, Cruella de Vil, is getting an origin film similar to Maleficent. It will be written by Alice Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada), directed by Alex Timbers (Mozart in the Jungle) and star the one and only Emma Stone (Maniac). #Bless
‘The Sword in the Stone’
Premiere: TBA
Trying to get details about this remake is almost as hard as, well, pulling the sword out of the stone. But if these other live-action movies are any indication, our high expectations will (probably) be met.
Related: Disney Has 50 Movies Hitting Theaters from 2018 to 2023
