New live-action versions of classic films are on their way and new animated projects are announced as Disney kicks off D23.
The D23 Disney expo has delivered some great news for all movie fans. The House Of Mouse has announced new and upcoming projects at their expo. As well as featuring entertainment such as ‘Hocus Pocus 2’, ‘Disenchanted’, and ‘The Little Mermaid’, we are in for some more live-action remakes of classic animated fare. And we are in for a sequel to one of the favorite movies they have produced.
SNOW WHITE
The film is a live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney film, which is based on the fairy tale of the same title by the Brothers Grimm. It will star Rachel Zegler in the titular role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. It will be directed by Marc Webb, from a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson. The film will open in theaters in 2024.
HAUNTED MANSION
The second film to be based on the ride at Disneyland. It follows after the 2003 movie of the same name starring Eddie Murphy. The film stars Rosario Dawson, Lakeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Winona Ryder, Dan Levy, Jared Leto, Danny DeVito, and Jamie Lee Curtis. It will be a supernatural horror comedy film. It is being directed by Justin Simien from a screenplay by Katie Dippold. It is due for release on March 10th, 2023.
PETER PAN & WENDY
A brand new film based on the classic take by J.M Barrie. The film will star Alexander Molony as Peter and Ever Anderson as Wendy, along with Yara Shahidi, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, Jim Gaffigan, and Jude Law as Captain Hook. This new adaptation is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. The film is a live-action remake of the classic 1953 animated film, which was based on the novel by J.M Barrie from 1904. The film will premiere on Disney+ sometime in 2023.
MUFASA: THE LION KING
The prequel/ semi-sequel to the remake of the classic animated film. The film will center on the formative years of Mufasa before he ascended to the throne while also moving the story forward for a new generation. Barry Jenkins will direct the new film, which will hit theaters in 2024. And will not be a remake of the animated sequel ‘The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.’
ELEMENTAL
Not much is known as yet about the film. But it is said to be about the relationship between two elements, fire, and water, who fall in love but cannot touch each other. The film is scheduled for release on June 16th, 2023.
ELIO
Due to hit screens on March 1st, 2024, ‘Elio’ tells the story of a boy who finds himself transported across the galaxy & mistaken for the intergalactic Ambassador for our planet Earth.
WISH
The all-new animated feature film explores how the iconic wishing star came to be. Starring Ariana DeBose as Asha, directed by Chris Buck & Fawn Veerasunthorn, produced by Peter Del Vecho & Juan Pablo Reyes, and featuring all-new songs by Julia Michaels, Disney’s Wish releases on November 22nd, 2023.
INSIDE OUT 2
Pixar finally put paid to the rumors and announced ‘Inside Out 2.’ Starring Amy Poehler as Joy once again, it will again take place inside Riley Anderson’s head, but this time she’s a teenager and there will, naturally, be even more emotions. Sadly, neither Mindy Kaling nor Bill Hader will be returning this time around, due to salary disputes. The film is penciled in for a 2024 release.
IWAJU
A Disney+ original series, the animated ‘Iwaju’ sees us journey into a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria. The series will premiere on Disney+ in 2023.
And that wraps up the Disney/ Pixar day at D23. And it confirms that we have a vast array of top-quality animated and live-action entertainment coming our way. There will be something for everyone, either theatrically or streaming. In its 100th year, Disney remains king of the castle.
Sources: Walt Disney Studios/ D23 Expo
Author
Carl Roberts is the News Editor of The Future of the Force. Aside from being our horror genre aficionado, he is also passionate about Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and the Indiana Jones movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force frequently!
