Following the successes of Maleficent (2014), Cinderella (2015), and The Jungle Book (2016), Disney has announced a series of upcoming films featuring live-action adaptations based on classic fairy tales and animated films. Notable among these are the adaptations of Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Mary Poppins Returns.
Disney has greenlit two major projects: “The Jungle Book 2” and “Maleficent 2”
1. Beauty and the Beast
This film is a live-action adaptation of the familiar fairy tale, featuring the participation of actress Emma Watson. The star is renowned for her role as Belle, a character she played even before starring in the Harry Potter series.
The story revolves around the love tale of a cursed prince and a beautiful girl named Belle
Beauty and the Beast is directed by Bill Condon. In addition to Emma Watson, the film also stars Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, and Stanley Tucci.
The film is set to premiere on March 17, 2017
2. Mulan
The film centers around the character Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. Disney is currently in the process of casting actors for the film, with the lead role expected to be played by a Chinese actress, following the original principles that the character should not be portrayed by a white actress.
Mulan is being developed by screenwriters Lauren Hynek, Rick Jaffa, Elizabeth Martin, and Amanda Silver. The film is set to premiere on November 2, 2018.
3. Mary Poppins Returns
The story revisits the magical nanny Mary Poppins, and the film will take place in London about 20 years after the events of the original film, which means around the 1930s. Actress Emily Blunt will portray Mary Poppins. In addition to Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns will feature Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Ben Whishaw.
Directed by Rob Marshall, with the screenplay by David Magee
4. Cruella
This film revolves around the life of Cruella de Vil, the infamous villain obsessed with fur coats from the 101 Dalmatians (1961). The film features a different actress named Emma, specifically Emma Stone. The director for this project has yet to be announced.
The screenplay for Cruella will be written by Kelly Marcel and Steve Zissis.
5. Dumbo
The story about the flying elephant Dumbo will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Tim Burton. Ehren Kruger, known for the Transformers series and The Ring, will serve as the screenwriter.
The release date for the film has not been announced.
6. Tinker Bell
The screenplay for Tinker Bell will be written by the same female screenwriter behind Finding Dory. Actress Reese Witherspoon is the only confirmed star for Tinker Bell at this time.
The screenplay for “Tinker Bell” will be written by Victoria Strouse.
Disney has yet to announce the release date for this film.
7. Genie
This film serves as a prequel to Aladdin, which was released in 1992. The film will explore the character of the genie and how he ended up in the magic lamp before meeting Aladdin. The screenplay will be written by screenwriters Damian Shannon and Mark Swift.
The director and cast for the film, as well as the release date, have not been disclosed by Disney yet.
8. The Sword in the Stone
This adaptation is based on the animated film released in 1963. The screenplay will be written by Bryan Cogman, known for his work on the Game of Thrones series. As this is a Disney project, it is certain to have some magical elements.
Details about the film have not yet been announced.
9. The Lion King
Following the success of The Jungle Book (2016), Disney has hired director Jon Favreau to helm this project, which is a live-action adaptation of the animated classic. The screenplay will be penned by Jeff Nathanson. The Lion King is expected to feature many of the original songs from the animated film.
The release date for this film has not been disclosed yet.
10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This latest live-action adaptation from Disney will be based on the classic tale, with the screenplay written by Erin Cressida, known for The Girl on the Train. Meanwhile, the music will be composed by the duo behind La La Land, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Disney has yet to announce the director and cast for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The release date for this film has not yet been disclosed.
11. Other Projects
In addition to the aforementioned projects, Disney will also release a variety of other titles, including The Nutcracker and the Four Realms featuring actress Keira Knightley, Prince Charming written by screenwriter Matt Fogel, Winnie the Pooh adapted by Alex Ross Perry, Aladdin penned by renowned screenwriter John August, The Little Mermaid with music by legendary composers Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and finally, A Wrinkle in Time directed by Ava DuVernay.
So which project are you most looking forward to?
