Disney has seen huge success with its live-action remakes of classic animated movies - so it's little wonder that the studio is heavily invested in making more. In 2017, Beauty and the Beast grossed over $1.2 billion at the global box office, while The Jungle Book was met with very favorable reviews upon its release in 2016 and pulled in an impressive $966 million worldwide. Cinderella, Maleficent, and Pete's Dragon have also seen success, and while initially the thought of Disney remaking nearly their entire back catalog was worrying, most of us are now looking forward to seeing our favorite characters again. Which is just as well, since Disney currently has a whopping seventeen live-action remakes in the works.
We've already seen trailers for Christopher Robin, the tale of Winnie the Pooh's best friend all grown up and played by Ewan McGregor, and Dumbo, the retelling of the tale of a giant-eared baby elephant. Beyond those two movies are more than a dozen more live-action remakes, spinoffs and sequels in various stages of development. Here's everything that's on the way from the House of Mouse.
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Christopher Robin arrives in theaters this summer, and while it's not strictly a remake, it's making this list because it's bringing previously animated characters to a live-action movie. An adult who is immersed in his working life, Christopher Robin has forgotten all about his childhood friends in the Hundred Acre Wood - but they haven't forgotten about him. The trailer for Christopher Robin is just magical, and it definitely looks like one to watch with the whole family. Ewan McGregor stars as Christopher Robin, alongside Hayley Atwell as his wife, Evelyn. Jim Cummings provides the familiar voices of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. Marc Forster directed from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder.
DUMBO
A Dumbo remake was actually announced way back in 2014, but details were scarce for a while, but the movie is now slated to arrive early in 2019. In recent weeks, we've gotten our first look at the movie in the form of a short teaser and poster, and not only does it look like a heart-warming tale, it also looks to be a total overhaul of the original story, which is Disney's shortest animated movie. There are no talking animals, for a start, and the humans play a much larger role. Dumbo, of course, is still as cute as ever. Tim Burton directed from a script by Ehren Kruger, and Dumbo could well be a huge hit, reuniting several of Burton's regular casting choices. Colin Farrell stars as circus hand Holt, alongside Eva Green as aerial artist Colette. Danny DeVito plays ringmaster Max Medici, while Michael Keaton takes on the villainous role of V.A. Vandevere. For those wondering, Dumbo's drunken dream scene, with the "Elephants On Parade," will also be recreated.
ALADDIN
Disney's second live-action remake of 2019 is one of its best-loved animated movies, Aladdin. Directed by Guy Ritchie, Aladdin will still be a musical, and will feature two new songs by Greatest Showman composers, Pasek and Paul. There's no reason to assume that a live-action Aladdin wouldn't work (the story has been well-received on Broadway and in the West End), but the remake has been dogged by several white-washing controversies which could potentially harm its box office chances. Not only that, but the thought of anyone else taking on the iconic role of the Genie, even if it is Will Smith, is something that many aren't happy with. Mena Massoud stars in the titular role, with Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) as Princess Jasmine. Additions to the character line up include Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders, another suitor for Jasmine to contend with. Filming wrapped on the movie back in January, so expect a first look fairly soon.
THE LION KING
Another favorite of many, The Lion King will be the third Disney live-action offering of 2019. Directed by Jon Favreau, who enjoyed great success with The Jungle Book, The Lion King features an all-star voice cast and, just like Jungle Book, it's not technically live-action, but CGI. Donald Glover voices Simba, with Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon, respectively. Chiwetel Ejiofor lends his voice to Scar, John Oliver is Zazu, and Beyoncé voices Nala. James Earl Jones reprises his role of Mufasa, because it simply couldn't be anyone else. Hans Zimmer is set to score the movie, with a new song from Beyonce and Elton John included. If Favreau pulls this off, The Lion King could well end up being one of the most successful movies of all time.