There are a whole bunch of live-action Disney reboots right around the corner, including Dumbo (March 29, 2019), Aladdin (May 24, 2019), and of course Mulan (March 27, 2020). With plenty more in the pipeline, we’ve decided to take a look at those that we’re most excited for, as well as some that haven’t been revealed as being worked on for a live-action release just yet, but that we’d love to see on the big screen with an all-star live-action cast!
We can’t wait for: The Lion King (July 19, 2019)
With the original voice of Mufasa – James Earl Jones – back on board to help bring The Lion King back to life in what looks to be an incredible live-action offering, we cannot wait to see what Disney have in store for their biggest fans of Pride Rock. An incredible ensemble cast comes together in the form of Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Oliver, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keegan-Michael Key, Alfre Woodard, Eric André, Florence Kasumba, John Kani, JD McCrary, and Shahadi Wright Joseph.
When the first trailer for the film dropped last night (November 22), as soon as those starting notes of The Circle of Life kicked in, the hairs on the arms of millions across the globe stood to attention. It’s incredible how much emotion Disney are able to stir up with a 90-second teaser, but this got the job done in a way that goes unrivalled. July 2019 cannot come soon enough.
We hope we get a live-action: Hunchback of Notre Dame
When I re-watched Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame for the first time as an adult, I quickly realised just how dark a movie it really is! Frollo is without a doubt one of the scariest villains the world of Disney has ever offered up, clear in his desire to rid the world of Esmeralda simply because he wants to sleep with her! He blames her for going against his religious beliefs, but really it is his own lust and lack of willpower that’s his downfall.
This story is one that could be explored in live-action on a grand scale, and would make for some incredible and monumental scenes.
We can’t wait for: Pinocchio (TBA)
As one of Disney’s earliest animated flicks, Pinocchio has a place in the hearts of millions around the world. Based on the book by Carlo Collodi, a live-action version of the story was actually announced all the way back in 2015, but only seems to recently be getting off the ground.
February of this year saw Paddington director Paul King join the production, whilst Peter Hedges has been confirmed as the writer. Nothing else has been revealed, but judging by Disney’s casting choices in the past, they’ll make some fantastic decisions and ensure it’s a must-see. When you wish upon a star, Disney may just hear your calling!
We hope we get a live-action: Tarzan
We may have recently had a live-action film in the form of The Legend of Tarzan, with the fantastic Alexander Skarsgård in the titular role, but it wasn’t one that was based on the Disney version at all.
Back in 1999, the Disney version brought a fantastic cast together including Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, Rosie O’Donnell and other big names, and we’re sure that Disney Studios have the ability to make this story special all over again.
We’ve seen how good Disney’s CGI can be with the Lion King live-action teaser, and of course previous releases including 2016’s The Jungle Book, so we know that the gorillas involved could look absolutely amazing. All we’d then need is a stellar bunch of actors to ensure the voice work and live acting was up to par, and this could be one of the best Disney releases to-date!
We can’t wait for: Lady and the Tramp (TBA)
In February, we learned that Disney were developing a live-action reboot of their beloved 1955 animated flick. Charlie Bean has been selected as director for the piece, whilst Andrew Bujalski has written the screenplay, and Brigham Taylor will serve as producer.
Leading roles have already been dished out, with Ashley Jensen playing Jackie, Justin Theroux tackling Tramp, and Sam Elliot voicing Trusty. Kiersey Clemons is also said to be stepping into the human role of Darling, Lady’s owner, whilst Tessa Thompson has been cast as Lady.
What’s unique about this film is that it’s possibly going to be released via Disney’s upcoming online streaming service Disney+, as one of their showcase pieces. Disney+ is set to launch in late 2019, and we can’t wait to see what else they’ve got up their sleeves!
We hope we get a live-action: Frozen
The original Frozen only dropped back in 2013, and we know there’s a sequel set to drop on November 22, 2019, but the thought of a CGI Olaf plodding his way through the snowy wilderness without a care in the world is something we cannot resist! It might be another decade before this idea is even something on the table at Disney, but we’re sure conversations have already been sparked as to how the Frozen cash cow can be milked far into the future.
We can’t wait for: The Little Mermaid (TBA)
Reports surrounding an official live-action Disney remake of The Little Mermaid have been swirling under the surface for some time now, but there’s some confusion in the air! We do know Chloe Grace Moretz will (probably) be playing Ariel in a Universal and Working Title collaboration, but they’ll be telling the story straight from the pages of the original Hans Christian Anderson tale. There’s been a lot of chaos backstage however, so we’re not entirely sure when this one will be hitting the big screen! Moretz has even suggested she wants to take a break from acting, so if she’s the definite lead they want as the titular character, perhaps the project has been shelved for the foreseeable future.
When it comes to remaking the Disney musical, it was reported earlier this year that Zendaya had been offered the leading role of Ariel. This is obviously a deviation from the original Disney film, with a woman of colour being offered the job, but this could be the perfect move forward for a company which has in the past been accused of not having enough diversity.
If they decide to go back to the Disney roots however, we just hope they cast a natural redhead!
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