Do these Disney films coming out in the next 3 years sound familiar? They should
The Walt Disney Studios provided sneak peeks and unveiled a few new titles movie goers can expected during the next couple of years, but some of the titles and characters should sound really familiar.
The reason? Many are sequels or live-action remakes of Disney animated films. That’s not to say that these will no be exciting or good. Actually, many of the live-action versions are a lot of fun and have some new twists
Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action) presented the audience with what’s ahead. He started first on what to expect exclusively for streaming.
“We love making movies for the big screen and we have some incredible ones coming up,” he said. “But what’s so exciting about Disney+ is that it gives us a lot of freedom to tell an even bigger range of stories. We continue to explore reimaginings that honor our Disney legacy, and we can also create the next generation of Disney original stories. And of course, we have the chance to explore new chapters of stories we all know and love.”
HOCUS POCUS 2
The film stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who appeared magically via video to surprise the room with a new trailer. It’s been 29 years since the 17th-century sisters have been resurrected and they are looking for revenge. It’s up to three high-school students (Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham) to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. Directed by Anne Fletcher and produced by Lynn Harris, “Hocus Pocus 2” also stars Sam Richardson, Tony Hale and Hannah Waddingham. It debuts exclusively on Disney+ Sept. 30.
DISENCHANTED
Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays appeared on stage for the presentation. Featuring music from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, the musical comedy picks up 15 years after Giselle (Adams) and Robert (Dempsey) get married when their family heads to suburbia in search of happily ever after. The film is directed by Adam Shankman, produced by Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnefeld and Adams, and features new music from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. “Disenchanted” streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 24.
PETER PAN & WENDY
The film spotlights iconic characters in a whole new way featuring Alexander Molony (Peter Pan), Ever Anderson (Wendy), Alyssa Wapanâtahk (Tiger Lily) and Jude Law (Captain Hook). The new film dives deeper into Wendy’s story as she joins the boy who refuses to grow up on a magical journey to Neverland and reveals the history behind Peter Pan’s rivalry with one of Disney’s most memorable villains. Directed by David Lowery and produced by Jim Whitaker, the live-action reimagining of the 1953 animated classic begins streaming on Disney+ in 2023.
Bailey concluded his presentation with four highly anticipated titles heading to theaters in 2023 and 2024.
HAUNTED MANSION
Drector Justin Simien—who actually used to work at Disneyland—joined Bailey to discuss the ghostly adventure. Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. Jamie Lee Curtis plays Madame Leota in the film, which releases next year.
MUFASA: THE LION KING
A prequel to “The Lion King,” won’t release until 2024. Told in flashbacks—Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa tell the story of Mufasa to a young lion cub. “Mufasa” reveals the rise of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Lands. Title treatment and event imagery are available to download and share.
SNOW WHITE
This live-action reimagining of the classic tale stars Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as Snow White’s Stepmother, The Queen. The film’s two stars joined Bailey to talk about their roles and to share a very early glimpse at the iconic characters in the 2024 film, which is directed by Marc Webb, produced by Marc Platt and features new songs by Pasek and Paul.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Director Rob Marshall took a break from post-production under the sea to share more about the live-action version of the beloved tale. He played the “Part of Your World” sequence for fans in Hall D23 and invited on stage Ariel herself, Halle Bailey, who shared her excitement about her new role. Featuring fan-favorite songs plus four new songs penned by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the feature film also stars Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as Triton. “The Little Mermaid” swims onto the big screen next summer.
