The Sword in the Stone (release date: TBA)
Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman is currently writing the live-action adaptation of The Sword in the Stone that looks to follow the plot of the animated feature. Cogman is also working on a live-action adaptation of Magic: The Gathering.
Prince Charming (release date: TBA)
A spec script by Matt Fogel (Big Momma’s House: Like Father Like Son) that plays up on the Prince Charming stereotype seen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty was optioned by Disney, and will be produced by the team behind the live-action Beauty and the Beast.
Chip ‘n’ Dale (release date: TBA)
Set to be directed by Robert Rugan (Children of the Lamp), Disney are developing a live-action adaptation of their cartoon series Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers. Little is known about the movie, however this could be one that gets stuck in Development Hell as it was announced in 2014 and nothing has moved forward since.
Rose Red (release date: TBA)
Announced in March 2016, Rose Red will be a live-action version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with a slightly different twist. Rather than just be a re-telling of the original tale, the story will take place just after Snow White takes a bite from the poison apple and will see her sister Rose Red team-up with Grumpy and the rest of the Dwarfs to break the curse. Evan Daugherty (who ironically wrote the screenplay for Snow White and the Huntsman) is listed a screenwriter on the project alongside Justin Merz. It’s likely that Rose Red was a Merz spec script purchased by Disney that is now being adapted by Daugherty.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (release date: TBA)
As with Aladdin and Genies, you’ve got to wonder whether Rose Red will move forward however with Disney announcing they’re developing a live-action Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It will be scripted by Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train), and is said to expand upon the story and music from the 1937 original, with new songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land).
Peter Pan (release date: 2019)
One of the few movies on this list to have a release date (at least a target year), Peter Pan will be a straight adaptation of the J.M. Barrie classic tale of, “of a boy who wouldn’t grow up and recruits three young siblings in London to join him on a magical adventure to the enchanted Neverland island.” The movie is being written and directed by David Lowery, was was the man behind 2016’s Pete’s Dragon.
Tinker Bell (release date: TBA)
Speaking of Peter Pan, and it was announced in April 2016 that Disney were developing a spin-off live-action adventure for Tinker Bell. Marti Noxon (UnReal) and Elizabeth Shapiro (Movie 43) have penned earlier drafts, which are being re-written by Victoria Strouse (Finding Dory). Reese Witherspoon will play Tinker Bell and also serve as a producer on the project. Melissa McCarthy (Ghostbusters) is also developing a live-action Tinker Bell movie where she’ll play the titular role with Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb) directing a script by Nicholas Stoller (Muppets Most Wanted).
Cruella (release date: 2018)
101 Dalmatians already had a live-action adaption back in 1996, but Disney are looking to do another one this time focusing on the villain Cruella de Vil. At present there are four credited screen writers, with Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Steve Zissis (Her) penning previous drafts that are now being re-written by Aline Brosh McKenna (Annie) and Jez Butterworth (Spectre). It is rumoured that Emma Stone (La La Land) will be taking on the role of Cruella.
Maleficent 2
After scoring big at the box office, it was hinted at that Maleficent could return to screens for another outing, and this was confirmed in June 2015 with Linda Woolverton writing once again. Angelina Jolie will also return for Maleficent 2, but no release date or director has been announced.
The Jungle Book 2
Earning nearly $1 billion worldwide, it was announced that Jon Favreau would return to direct The Jungle Book 2 with a script from the returning Justin Marks. A rumoured release year of 2019 has been reported but unconfirmed by Disney who are developing the idea. Neel Sethi is also rumoured to return, and some are claiming Marks will adapt Rudyard Kipling’s sequel novel The Second Jungle Book.
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Which live-action Disney movies are you looking forward to?
Originally published October 10, 2016. Updated November 29, 2022.
