Disney has announced the voice cast of its upcoming live-action adaptation of the iconic animated classic, “Snow White,” scheduled to hit theaters on March 20, 2025. Leading the cast is 2025’s rising star, Sakura Yoshiyanagi, who will voice the titular character known for her purity and kindness.
This new musical film reimagines the beloved story about Snow White, who dreams of restoring her once-happy kingdom, now overshadowed by the evil queen’s tyranny. The evil queen, portrayed with malevolence by Gal Gadot, is envious of Snow’s beauty and seeks to eliminate her as she waxes poetic about retained power.
Yoshiyanagi, who gained recognition by winning the “PURE GIRL 2016” talent scout competition, expressed her joy and disbelief upon landing the coveted role of Snow White. “I couldn’t help but exclaim, ‘Is this really happening!?’ when I found out I got the part since I desperately wanted it. I felt so relieved and happy,” she recalled. Having already made waves with her vocal performances, she now takes on the challenge of being the voice behind one of Disney’s most iconic characters.
The character of Snow White is set to be portrayed with heart and depth, requiring Yoshiyanagi to express both vulnerability and strength throughout her performance. She noted, “I believe conveying Snow White’s growth and kindness, along with her strength, is something I need to approach delicately. I have thought extensively and practiced diligently for this role.”
Taking to the music aspect, which plays a pivotal role, she has highlighted the significance of the film’s main song, “Waiting On A Wish.” From her perspective, this song encapsulates Snow White’s internal struggles and aspirations beautifully. “Hearing this song for the first time was so moving, and it brings me courage whenever I listen to it,” Yoshiyanagi shared excitedly.
Adding another layer of excitement, the live-action adaptation will feature both beloved classic songs and new original music composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on films like “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.” These new arrangements promise to enchant audiences with fresh musical experiences intertwined with nostalgia.
The film, directed by Mark Webb, who gained acclaim for both “(500) Days of Summer” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” aims to bring the magical world of Snow White back to life using cutting-edge visual effects to make the enchanted forest and the characters more vivid than ever.
What makes this adaptation particularly special is not only the return of familiar faces like the Seven Dwarfs, who will be voiced by talented actors but the innovative storytelling elements introduced. Viewers will be taken on emotional and visual journeys, appealing to both new audiences and longtime fans of the fairy tale.
Reflecting on her preparation, Yoshiyanagi mentioned her commitment to vocal training to achieve the desired range for the songs. “I have been focused on specific genres and pushed my vocal limits to truly capture Snow White’s essence. I hope audiences can feel the different nuances through the songs I perform,” she stated.
The anticipation around this live-action version is palpable, especially with the introduction of new character arcs and connections, perhaps exploring more than the original animated film did. Fans have been eagerly awaiting glimpses of the film’s visuals, set to reflect the enchanting themes and tones of the original animated classic.
Yoshiyanagi concluded with enthusiasm: “I hope viewers can enjoy the distinct soundscapes and experience every aspect of the world we’ve created with so much love. There’s magic and joy, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
With trailers and sneak peeks expected to delight fans soon, this retelling of Snow White seems poised for success, promising to capture hearts anew with the brilliance of its cast and the spirit of Disney’s timeless storytelling.
Exciting news for Disney fans! The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White has finally revealed its cast ahead of its upcoming premiere.
Leading the way as the titular character of Snow White is none other than rising star, Rachel Zegler. Known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” Zegler is sure to bring a fresh and captivating take on the beloved princess.
Joining Zegler in the film is Gal Gadot, who will be taking on the role of the Evil Queen. Known for her powerful and dynamic performances in films such as “Wonder Woman,” Gadot is sure to bring a thrilling and villainous edge to the iconic character.
Rounding out the cast is Chris Pine as the Prince, Keegan-Michael Key as the Magic Mirror, and Awkwafina as the Seven Dwarfs’ leader, Doc. With such a talented and diverse cast, Disney’s live-action Snow White is sure to be a magical and unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
Stay tuned for more updates on the film’s premiere date and be sure to mark your calendars for what is sure to be a must-see movie event. Disney’s live-action Snow White is shaping up to be a modern and enchanting retelling of a classic fairy tale that will capture the hearts of audiences around the world.
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Disney, Live-Action Snow White, Cast, Premiere, Snow White movie, Disney film, Disney cast, Live-Action Disney movie, Snow White actors, Snow White characters, Disney princess, Snow White premiere, Disney live-action film
Netflix’s live-action One Piece adaptation has proven to be a huge success for the streaming service, and the second season already has a release window. However, it may be a longer wait than most audiences were anticipating. One Piece season 1 came out in the summer of 2023, and viewers have been waiting for season 2’s release date confirmation ever since. While that wait is normal for big-budget streaming shows, this scenario isn’t ideal for such an epic and long-running franchise as One Piece, which has plenty of material to cover.
Thankfully, One Piece‘s creator Eiichiro Oda is invested in the show quite strongly, so the long wait may be a result of trying to get everything perfect. It’s always going to be difficult to translate such a cartoonish show into a live-action format, but the first season did an excellent job of making the anime’s visuals mesh perfectly with a more realistic style. This will hopefully also be the case for One Piece season 2, as the show needs to introduce several new characters and locations before it can even come close to catching up with the manga and anime.
One Piece Season 2 Will Arrive More Than 2 Years After Season 1
It’s A Long Gap Between Seasons That Has Become Common For Streaming
It was recently confirmed that One Piece season 2 will arrive in late 2025, which is over two years since the first season was released. Thankfully, there’s a silver lining to the news; while it’s disappointing that audiences will have to wait another eight or nine months before jumping back into One Piece, it’s encouraging that a firm release window has finally been confirmed. This means the show is well on track to being completed and is likely already in post-production.
The One Piece, an One Piece anime remake from Wit Studio, is currently in development at Netflix.
Admittedly, two years isn’t too long to wait between seasons of a TV show – particularly for Netflix shows, which aren’t always guaranteed renewal in the first place. The only problem is that One Piece’s first season felt like a set-up for what’s to come in the future, and without knowing exactly what that is, it’s hard for audiences not familiar with the material to fully engage with this show yet. There’s no doubt that later seasons of One Piece will only get better as this universe expands, but this wait between seasons risks deterring new audiences from coming back.
One Piece Taking So Long Between Seasons Makes It Even More Difficult For It To Cover The Anime
The Show Will Struggle To Get Through The Whole Story
The main problem with One Piece’s two-year wait between seasons is the fact that Netflix’s show simply has so much material to cover. There are currently over 1,100 episodes of the One Piece anime, so it’s hard to imagine that Netflix’s adaptation will even come close to navigating the whole story if a two-year wait can be expected between each season. This is obviously a result of live-action filmmaking being more complicated and requiring more time to carry out, but it’s still a disappointment.
One Piece’s Arabasta Saga arcs
Anime Episodes
Reverse Mountain
61-63
Whiskey Peak
64-67
Little Garden
70-77
Drum Island
78-91
Arabasta
92-130
Additionally, the One Piece anime is still running – which means Netflix will be lagging for the foreseeable future. It might even be difficult for long-time fans of the anime will get too invested in the live-action adaptation when the original show is still on air, as there’s a constant stream of new material to keep them entertained. With One Piece only covering Arabasta in season 3, the show might need to condense several storylines into shorter, more bite-size narratives that fit within a single season in the future.
Don’t Worry, One Piece Season 3 Might Not That Take Long To Premiere
The Gap Between Seasons 2 And 3 May Be Shorter
Coincidentally, Netflix may be planning a coordinated release strategy for One Piece’s second and third seasons, as they’ve been doing with other popular shows recently. Squid Game is a prime example – the show’s second and third seasons were both renewed at the same time, and the filming process for both seasons was somewhat intertwined. This meant that the gap between seasons was much shorter, with Squid Game season 3 releasing in 2025. Netflix could be planning a similar release strategy with One Piece.
Netflix’s One Piece season 2 has a golden opportunity to add a Nico Robin scene that didn’t happen in the original anime and manga series.
This theory looks increasingly likely when considering the actual content of One Pieceseason 2, and how easily it could tie into the next collection of episodes. It’s already been confirmed that One Piece season 2 will end shortly before the Arabasta arc, so it may lead directly into season 3 – just as Squid Game did. This would be a brilliant way of tying the two seasons together, but it only works if the wait for season 3 is not as long.
The best solution to overcome these inherent obstacles for Netflix’s One Piece is to view the show as totally separate from both the manga and the anime.
If this is the case, One Piece could definitely become one of Netflix’s biggest properties in the future. This release strategy has proven incredibly successful for the streaming service, as it allows shows to connect their narrative arcs more clearly – and it’s less of a strain on audiences’ memories between seasons. Stranger Things is another great example of this, as the show’s fourth season was split into two parts which were released a few months apart. This made the wait for Stranger Things season 5 much more bearable.
Netflix’s One Piece Has A Virtually Impossible Mission In Covering The Entire Manga
Netflix’s Show Won’t Come Close To Covering The Whole Manga
Even if Netflix’s One Piece manages to condense the anime into bite-size pieces that prevent it from feeling too far behind, there’s virtually no way the show will be able to catch up with the original manga. It’s impossible to imagine that One Piece will go on long enough to cover over 1,000 chapters of storytelling, many of which have plenty of new characters and locations. The decision to save Arabasta for season 3 is confirmation of this – the live-action show isn’t in a rush, and there’s an ocean of material ahead of it.
Ultimately, the best solution to overcome these inherent obstacles for Netflix’s One Piece is to view the show as totally separate from both the manga and the anime. It’s never going to cover the same ground, so expecting that is essentially just setting the show up for failure. Instead, it’s much easier to understand the live-action show as its own story that follows a more traditional release format (as opposed to the 1,000+ episodes of the anime) and takes creative liberties along the way.
Attention all One Piece fans! We have an exciting update on the release date for Season 2 of the beloved anime series. The highly anticipated second season is set to premiere on Netflix on [insert release date].
But that’s not all – this release date update also sheds light on the biggest challenge facing the upcoming Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece. As fans know, bringing the vibrant world of the Straw Hat Pirates to life on screen is no easy feat, and the creators of the live-action show are facing the daunting task of staying true to the source material while also making the series accessible to a wider audience.
With Season 2 of the anime set to debut soon, fans will have the chance to see how the creators of the live-action show are tackling this challenge. Will they be able to capture the essence of Eiichiro Oda’s epic tale of adventure, friendship, and treasure hunting? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for the release of One Piece Season 2 on Netflix and get ready to set sail once again with Luffy and the crew. It’s going to be an exciting journey!
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One Piece Season 2, Netflix, Live-Action, Anime adaptation, Release Date, Update, Challenge, One Piece, Manga, Luffy, Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro, Nami, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, One Piece anime, Eiichiro Oda, Shonen Jump, Monkey D. Luffy
Benny Blanco is back on the internet headlines after rumors of him being considered for Tangled’s fairytale hero, Flynn Rider poured into social media. As the buzz broke out, fans reacted hilariously and flooded social media with their expertly crafted jokes, quips and memes.
The details come from social media posts on X about the rumored casting considerations. One such post shared on X (via @DropPopNet) on 21st Jan 2025, features the buzz:
Some fans are in disbelief while others are happy to welcome the casting rumor. Either way, fun on the internet is not lost. The post shared on X drew lots of humorous comments and reactions.
A netizen jokingly commented, (via @friskycharm/X)
Earlier in 2024, Benny and popular pop singer Selena Gomez got engaged and that news took the internet by storm. Now that the buzz around Tangled’s live-action casting is all over the internet, Disney fans are back in action.
For those unfamiliar with Flynn Rider, he is the hero of the 2010 animated movie Tangled, which is a retelling of the fairytale of Rapunzel. Also known as Eugene Fitzherbert, he is a charming boy who falls in love with the princess with an enormous braid.
Flynn is the proud owner of a heart of gold underneath a roguish demeanor and quirky, fun-filled attitude. Doubling down on the fun side of the fairy tale, netizens plunged right into action with humor-filled memes and replies.
X users flood with funny reactions to Benny Blanco being considered for Flynn Rider in the live-action ‘Tangled’
A lighthearted joke (via @Missed_Thrills on X) goes,
Haha, Benny Blanco as Flynn Rider? Guess we’re getting a musical number with autotune in the tower!
Another humorous comment (by @SkaleAlex on X) reads,
This can’t be real
A netizen found Benny to fit perfectly in the character of Flynn. This poster meme comes from a scene in the Tangled movie when Flynn steals the crown of Rapunzel and flees. The royal army chases him and puts out these posters across the fairytale city.
As always, fans appear to be divided while taking sides on social media. While some fans look forward to seeing a fresh take on one of the most iconic fairytale characters, others surely have differing opinions. Long story short, even when opinions divided digital natives, laughter united them under the comic roof.
We hope you liked the compilation of funny reactions. Save these and share them away!
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“Internet Explodes with Hilarious Reactions to Benny Blanco as Flynn Rider in Live-Action ‘Tangled’”
Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook were flooded with comical responses as news broke that producer Benny Blanco was being considered for the role of Flynn Rider in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Tangled’. Fans of the animated film wasted no time in sharing their thoughts on Blanco potentially stepping into the shoes of the charming thief.
One user tweeted, “Benny Blanco as Flynn Rider? Is this a joke or are we being punked by Disney?” while another joked, “I can’t wait to see Benny Blanco singing ‘I See the Light’ while swinging from a lantern.”
Others took a more sarcastic approach, with one person writing, “Because when I think of Flynn Rider, I definitely think of Benny Blanco. Nailed it, Disney.” Another user quipped, “Is this the live-action remake we asked for, or the one we deserve?”
Despite the mixed reactions, many fans couldn’t help but find humor in the unexpected casting choice. One user summed it up perfectly, saying, “I never knew I needed Benny Blanco as Flynn Rider until now. Can’t wait to see how this turns out!”
While nothing has been confirmed yet, it’s clear that the internet is having a field day with the idea of Benny Blanco potentially taking on the role of Flynn Rider in the live-action ‘Tangled’. Only time will tell if this casting choice becomes a reality, but in the meantime, fans can continue to share their hilarious reactions online.
In recent years, more animated Disney films have received live-action theatrical remakes, but a few untouched beloved classics might work better as live-action TV shows. The response from critics and audiences to Disney’s live-action remakes varies, but with the right filmmaking and creative team behind live-action projects, fan-favorite films getting such a transformation is exciting. So far, many of the remakes don’t stray too far from the original plot of their animated inspirations. However, with the TV format, the story of films like The Black Cauldron and The Great Mouse Detective can be expanded upon across a limited or multiple-season series.
Live-action TV series also benefit certain movies over others when it comes to films with big casts, such as Meet the Robinsons or Encanto — stretching out a story over multiple episodes allows for more attention toward breakout supporting characters. Additionally, the vast setting of these films can be transformed into breathtaking live-action sets, making audiences feel truly immersed in the nostalgic fictional worlds. Until plans for live-action series based on these films take shape, it’s fun to imagine the continuing of the celebrated Disney stories in the form of a well-crafted TV show.
10
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Standalone Cases Are Presented For Basil Each Episode
With a protagonist that draws many similarities to Sherlock Holmes, The Great Mouse Detective has the ideal premise for a live-action TV series. Though the animals would be CGI, seeing the characters brought to life this way would be an interesting way to reunite with Basil and Dawson after the film’s ending.
Leading the entertainment industry with skillful animation and storytelling, Disney has produced several great films in their 100 years.
The Great Mouse Detective sees the titular rodent, Basil, team up with a fellow mouse to save her father from the evil Professor Ratigan. The Great Mouse Detective is based on author Eve Titus’ children’s book series Basil of Baker Street. Pulling inspiration from Titus’ stories, a live-action series based on the animated film has several narrative options.
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The Great Mouse Detective is an animated adventure film directed by Ron Clements and Burny Mattinson. Released in 1986, the film follows the ingenious mouse detective Basil of Baker Street, who is on a mission to thwart the schemes of the villainous Ratigan. Set in Victorian London, the story includes iconic supporting characters such as Basil’s companion Dr. Dawson and the kidnapped toy maker Hiram Flaversham’s daughter Olivia.
Director
Ron Clements
, Burny Mattinson
, David Michener
, John Musker
Release Date
July 2, 1986
Cast
Vincent Price
, Barrie Ingham
, Val Bettin
, Susanne Pollatschek
, Candy Candido
, Diana Chesney
Runtime
74 minutes
One of which is that if the series leaned more toward the adventure genre, it would see various cases resolved in each episode. However, leaning into the mystery elements of the original film, the show would depict Basil and Dawson taking on cases that are divided up and explored throughout a 10-episode season.
9
Encanto (2021)
More Time Can Be Given To The Stories Of Supporting Madrigals
Released for a limited run at the end of 2021, Encanto found worldwide success when it became available to stream on Disney+. The film is centered around the Madrigals, who are a family gifted with magical abilities. Encanto primarily revolves around Mirabel, the only family member without a gift, and her mission to save her family.
There are numerous ways a TV series surrounding the lively family can be put together. Almost every option ensures more time is dedicated to the family members who played supporting roles in the film.
A potential live-action series gives the creative team behind the film the chance to expand on what critics and audiences appreciated about Encanto. There are numerous ways a TV series surrounding the lively family can be put together. Almost every option ensures more time is dedicated to the family members who played supporting roles in the film.
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Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charming (and enchanted) place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might be her exceptional family’s last hope. Mirabel will seek out her missing cousin, Bruno, to discover the truth that Abuela has buried away for all of their lives.
Investing the necessary amount of money and putting together the most effective creative team would ensure the special effects are able to capture the same awe when translating the Madrigals’ magical gifts to the screen. Additionally, as well executed as the voice acting was in Encanto, a live-action series can better capture the emotional ups and downs of the Madrigals that resonated deeply with audiences in the first place.
8
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
An Action-Packed Adventure Built For TV Screens
Disney expected great results with Atlantis: The Lost Empire, but mixed critical reviews and a lower-than-expected performance at the box office led to theme park attractions and an animated series based on the movie, titled Team Atlantis, being canceled. Instead, a few of the planned episodes were made into a direct-to-video film, Atlantis: Milo’s Return.
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The 2D-animated Disney movie Atlantis: The Lost Empire follows a linguist who leads an expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis and unlock its secrets. The 2001 sci-fi movie features an ensemble cast composed of Michael J. Fox as Milo Thatch and Cree Summer as Atlantian Princess Kida, as well as James Garner, Don Novello, Phil Morris, Jacqueline Obradors, Claudia Christian, Florence Stanley, Leonard Nimoy, David Ogden Stiers, John Mahoney, Jim Varney, and Corey Burton in supporting roles.
Director
Gary Trousdale
, Kirk Wise
Release Date
June 2, 2001
Runtime
95minutes
The sci-fi adventure film has gone on to earn a cult following. Therefore, it has both a fanbase and an inspired premise to make for a compelling live-action series. Aside from the possible character-driven stories to be told in a live-action TV show, the imaginative settings in Atlantis: The Lost Empire would be brought to life with stunning visuals. In the series, Milo and the crew can explore a variety of mysterious locations that are made up of detailed, crafted sets and high-quality CGI.
7
The Incredibles (2004)
The Superhero Family Benefits From The Popular Genre
The popularity of superhero stories in films and TV shows has risen drastically over the years, and a live-action series based on The Incredibles could benefit from such a trend. The 2004 film follows the Parrs, a family of superheroes who attempt to live an ordinary life after the government bans the use of their powers in public.
The Incredibles garnered acclaim from critics and audiences, winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and has remained a beloved film since. The film features one of the best superhero families, and though their adventures continued in the 2018 sequel, there are still endless possibilities surrounding the Parrs and their proximity to crime-solving.
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Pixar’s The Incredibles tells the story of a super-family forced to conceal their powers. Years after superheroes were outlawed, the superpowered Parr family live a normal life. However, after his secret vigilante work uncovers a conspiracy that points to the rise of a new supervillain, Mr. Incredible must rely on the help of his wife Elastigirl and their children, Violet and Dash, to save the world from the evil Syndrome.
Release Date
November 5, 2004
Cast
Sarah Vowell
, Samuel L. Jackson
, Craig T. Nelson
, Spencer Fox
, Holly Hunter
, Jason Lee
Runtime
115 minutes
With the right costuming and special effects, the inspired action scenes could be just as exciting in an episodic format. Additionally, the longer format of a TV series allows for a greater balance of action and weightier scenes that highlight the struggle the Parrs face with navigating day-to-day life while being a superhero.
6
Meet The Robinsons (2007)
A Live-Action Series Could Fulfill The Duties Of The Canceled Sequel
Often seen by its fans as one of Disney’s more underrated films, Meet the Robinsons is an animated sci-fi film loosely based on A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce. The Disney film incorporates methods of time travel to tell a moving story about two young boys who are connected but living within two different moments in time.
A direct-to-video Disney sequel was planned, but it eventually got scrapped, so any of the Robinsons’ follow-up adventures never came to be. Despite the entertaining titular family and its heartfelt story, Meet the Robinsons‘ animation isn’t the best from Disney. The animation style isn’t exactly egregious, but a live-action version of the characters would be considered an upgrade.
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Meet The Robinsons follows Lewis, a young inventor determined to find his birth mother. His journey takes a turn when a mysterious boy named Wilbur Robinson whisks him away to the future. Together, they face adventures and challenges that ultimately lead Lewis to uncover the significance of family and his place in the world. This animated film explores themes of innovation, belonging, and the importance of moving forward.
Director
Stephen J. Anderson
Release Date
March 30, 2007
Cast
Angela Bassett
, Daniel Hansen
, Jordan Fry
, Matthew Josten
, John H. H. Ford
, Dara McGarry
Runtime
95 Minutes
Like Encanto, there are several supporting family members who surround Lewis and Wilbur, warranting more time spent learning about them in the form of TV episodes. Additionally, the futuristic buildings and the highly advanced world could be depicted on screen in an incredible way with a mix of built sets and CGI.
5
Treasure Planet (2002)
A TV Series Could Make Up For The Film’s Financial Loss
Despite being one of the most expensive traditionally animated movies of all time, Treasure Planet didn’t do too well at the box office but has earned praise from audiences and critics, especially in recent years. Like Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet has a cult following and a unique premise, which justifies the possible creation of a live-action series based on the original movie. Treasure Planet is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island novel and follows Jim Hawkins and a crew on a quest to retrieve hidden treasure.
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Treasure Planet is a 2002 animated adventure and Fantasy film from Walt Disney studios. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, the story follows a young boy named Jim Hawkins as he attempts to find a fabled treasure and mend ways with his father who abandoned him.
Director
John Musker
Release Date
November 27, 2002
Runtime
95minutes
Though the live-action reimagining of the film’s space setting might be something worth seeing on the big screen, a TV show would still be a worthwhile way to reintroduce the film’s characters and fictional world. Treasure Planet is most notable for its vibrant coloring and fusing of different animation mediums. Both elements could be wonderfully translated into a TV show with the right team involved.
4
The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Hints Of Magic Can Be Added To A Character-Driven Story
Though a release date has yet to be announced, a spin-off series to The Princess and the Frog, titled Tiana, can be expected soon. For years, rumors of a live-action remake of the animated film have been circulating, though there’s little to substantiate such conversations. Still, many of the rumors have been spread as a result of fans’ desire and anticipation for the story of Tiana to be told in a live-action format. Therefore, a live-action series would likely be received well.
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Based on the classic fairytale, The Princess and the Frog follow Tiana, a hardworking New Orleans waitress in the 1920s who has big dreams of opening her own restaurant. When she becomes involved in a curse set upon a foreign prince by a witch doctor, however, Tiana must figure out a way to help the prince break the curse before time runs out. The film features the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Cody, and John Goodman.
Director
John Musker
Release Date
December 10, 2009
Runtime
97minutes
Taking place after the events of The Princess and the Frog, a live-action series would be an ideal way to explore more of New Orleans, Maldonia, and their respective inhabitants. In-depth details surrounding the plot of Tiana haven’t been released, but it’s likely to have a similar premise, reuniting with Tiana and Naveen and containing a more character-driven narrative.
3
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Horror And Adventure Would Come Together In A Thrilling Series
Being the first Disney animated film to receive a PG rating, the dark fantasy film The Black Cauldron is one worthy of being made into a live-action TV show. Not only would the series give the Disney classic a chance to become a hit with audiences who are better prepared for its darker themes, but it also offers the opportunity for Disney to explore the horror genre. Though it makes sense as to why Disney doesn’t lean too far into spooky territory, it’s the only way for any remake or spin-off to work.
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The Black Cauldron is an animated fantasy film from Walt Disney Studios, directed by Ted Berman and Richard Rich. Released in 1985, it follows the young hero Taran and his quest to prevent the evil Horned King from obtaining a powerful magical relic known as the Black Cauldron. Featuring the voices of Grant Bardsley, Susan Sheridan, and John Hurt, the film combines elements of adventure, mystery, and dark fantasy.
Director
Ted Berman
, Richard Rich
Release Date
July 24, 1985
Cast
Grant Bardsley
, Susan Sheridan
, Freddie Jones
, Nigel Hawthorne
, Arthur Malet
, John Byner
Runtime
80 Minutes
Like The Great Mouse Detective, The Black Cauldron is loosely based on a book series, so a live-action show with the same characters can find more narrative inspiration in the series’ remaining entries. A TV show based on The Black Cauldron would provide more adventures for the main characters, and the show could incorporate similarly eerie settings and chilling villains to tie together its horror elements.
2
Strange World (2022)
The Box Office Bomb Can Find A New Audience
Though it had received positive feedback from critics, Strange World still performed poorly at the box office and has largely been ignored. However, at the center of the film is an important and thrilling adventure taken through a mysterious land, which would be a story worth exploring in a TV show.
The story in Strange World isn’t entirely original, but its simplicity provides a strong foundation for more adventurous tales to bounce off of.
The story in Strange World isn’t entirely original, but its simplicity provides a strong foundation for more adventurous tales to bounce off of. Additionally, the world-building in Strange World is pulled off well. Inspiration for the character’s discoveries and the color scheme throughout the film have been noted as being pulp magazines and films like King Kong and Fantastic Voyage.
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Strange World is a new film from Walt Disney Animation Studios and director Don Hall that follows the exploits of a three-generations-deep family of adventurers known as the Clade family. The family is in search of a mysterious creature little is known about, but to traverse the treacherous and uncharted land, the family will have to put aside their generational differences and work together to survive ravenous creatures, devious traps, and most of all, each other.
Director
Don Hall
Release Date
November 23, 2022
Runtime
102 minutes
For a live-action series, such pieces of work are still crucial inspirations to pull from, and the adventures seen in each episode can be inspired by classic adventure films, providing audiences with an appreciated balance of nostalgia and originality.
1
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
The TV Medium Has Already Been Tested For The Characters
An animated series starring the characters from The Emperor’s New Groove was released a few years after the film premiered. The series centers on Kuzco and features similar comedic energy and breaking of the fourth wall segments seen in the original film. These beloved elements would shine in the form of a live-action TV show.
From the whimsical Strange World to the Toy Story prequel Lightyear, Disney and Pixar have some exciting animated movies coming in the near future.
Several TV shows have cleverly addressed the audience and have earned a positive response for doing so. Another celebrated aspect of the original animated film is its emphasis on comedy. The Emperor’s New Groove has incredible quotes, and many stem from the entertaining banter between the emperor-turned-llama Kuzco (David Spade) and kindhearted villager Pacha (John Goodman).
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The Emperor’s New Groove is an animated comedy film released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Mark Dindal, it follows the story of Emperor Kuzco, who is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor Yzma. Journeying with a humble villager named Pacha, Kuzco must reclaim his throne while navigating humorous and unexpected challenges. The film features voice work by David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, and Patrick Warburton.
Director
Mark Dindal
Release Date
December 15, 2000
Cast
David Spade
, John Goodman
, eartha kitt
, Patrick Warburton
, Wendie Malick
, Kellyann Kelso
Runtime
78 Minutes
It wouldn’t be an easy task to replace Spade and Goodman’s performances, but the right casting choices would help with the introduction of the film’s characters to a new generation of kids. The lavish Incan empire acting as an eye-catching background for all the new shenanigans would tie everything together.
The Lion King – Imagine a live-action TV show following Simba and his friends as they navigate the Pride Lands and face off against Scar and his hyena henchmen.
Beauty and the Beast – A live-action TV series could delve deeper into the enchanting world of Belle and the Beast, exploring their blossoming love story and the challenges they face.
Aladdin – A live-action TV show could follow Aladdin and Jasmine on their adventures through Agrabah, as they outwit Jafar and the evil sorcerer’s schemes.
Mulan – A live-action TV series could expand on Mulan’s journey as she disguises herself as a man to fight in the imperial army and protect her family.
The Little Mermaid – A live-action TV show could explore Ariel’s underwater world and her quest to become human to be with Prince Eric.
Moana – A live-action TV series could follow Moana as she sets sail on a daring voyage to save her island and discover her true destiny.
Frozen – A live-action TV show could delve deeper into the bond between Elsa and Anna, as they navigate the challenges of ruling Arendelle and uncover the mysteries of Elsa’s powers.
Tangled – A live-action TV series could follow Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they embark on new adventures and face off against the villainous Mother Gothel.
Pocahontas – A live-action TV show could explore the rich history and culture of the Native American princess as she navigates the tumultuous relationship between her people and the English settlers.
Hercules – A live-action TV series could follow the legendary hero as he battles monsters, completes daring feats, and faces off against his jealous uncle Hades.
In mid-November, photos surfaced of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on set of the live-action “Moana” dressed as Maui, the character he voices in the animated movie. “Moana” is one of several animated children’s movies getting the live-action treatment.
For about a decade, Disney has steadily released one live-action remake movie every year, such as “Cinderella” in 2015 and “The Little Mermaid” in 2023. In 2025, that pace speeds up with multiple live-action releases and several in the works.
Disney will close out 2024 with the release of a live-action prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” and will open 2025 with the long-awaited release of “Snow White.” That pace keeps up throughout 2025 and will continue in oncoming years.
Here is a look at the growing live-action remake trend taking over theaters starting in 2025.
What is a live action remake?
A live-action remake is a film that recreates an existing animated movie through the use of real actors and physical sets instead of animation.
Disney is responsible for the bulk of recent live-action remakes, but the film studio prefers the label “reimagining,” per Vox.
“A reimagining is basically a remake, but with a fancy new hat: Something’s been added to or changed from the original film that alters it in a major way,” writes Vox. “In Disney’s case, at least lately, that means appending the term “live-action” to any given successful animated film … or shifting the focus to a different character in the story.”
In the last decade, Disney has released a slew of live-action remakes, including “Cinderella” (2015), “Aladdin” (2019) and “The Jungle Book” (2016).
What live action remakes are coming out?
There are four live-action remakes set to release and several others that will begin production in 2025.
Here are four upcoming live-action remakes:
‘Snow White’
In wake of years of controversy, Disney’s live-action “Snow White” will come to theaters in Spring 2025.
The movie, which is directed by Marc Webb (”500 Days of Summer,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”), stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
According to Zegler, the upcoming remake will separate itself from the original story and present a more modern take on the princess fairytale.
“She’s not going to be saved by the prince. And she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be, and the leader that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true,” Zegler told Variety in a 2022 interview.
“Snow White” comes to theaters on March 21, 2025.
‘Lilo & Stitch’
News that a live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” was in the works broke in 2018 from The Hollywood Reporter. The movie was expected to begin filming in 2020 but was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic until Spring 2023.
The long-anticipated remake is set to star Zach Galifianakis as Agent Wendy Pleakley and introduce Maia Kealoha and Lilo. A first look at CGI-constructed Stitch was revealed during Disney’s D23 panel.
“The live-action version of the popular animated film will follow the same storyline as the original,” reported The Hollywood Reporter.
“Lilo & Stitch” comes to theaters on May 23, 2025.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’
Universal Studios will follow in Disney’s footsteps with its own live action remake, found in “How to Train Your Dragon.”
The project was a costly endeavor, a total of $53.5 million was spent making the upcoming movie, reported Forbes. It might pay off. Combined, the “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy has earned the film studio more than $1.7 billion.
“How to Train Your Dragon” comes to theaters on June 13, 2025.
‘Moana’
On the heels of an animated “Moana 2″ comes the live-action remake of “Moana.”
The project stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui, the character he voices in the animated original. For Johnson, his connection to the franchise “runs very deep.”
“I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Moana” was originally scheduled to release in 2025, but delays in filming pushed the release into 2026, per Yahoo Movies.
There are several additional live-action remakes expected to begin production and release in upcoming years. According to The Week, the following live-action projects are already in the works.
“Hercules”
“Bambi”
“The Aristocats”
“The Jungle Book 2″
“Tinkerbell”
“Cruella 2″
“The Sword in the Stone”
“Hunchback of Notre Dame”
“Alladin 2″
“Tangled”
Live-action remakes are profitable
Live action remakes are largely panned by critics, but they gross big bucks at the box office.
In 2024, sequels, prequels and remakes were the most profitable movies — the top 12 highest grossing films of 2024 were all franchise films, per Box Office Mojo.
“Recently the industry has seen a solid string of success born out of rebooting or upgrading content from the past. This is a risk-averse strategy. You bank on content where people already have a sense of the characters, they have a sense of what the plot is, what the story is,” said Walt Hickey, a pop culture expert at FiveThirtyEight, per ABC News.
Disney’s live-action remakes have made impressive earnings at the box office. The live-action remake of “The Lion King” raked in $1.6 billion globally and was the second-highest grossing film of 2019 domestically, per Box Office Mojo.
Live-action remakes of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Jungle Book,” “Alice in Wonderland” and others also earned big, providing Disney with more reason to keep at the profitable trend.
Despite box office success of live-action remakes, they are often panned by critics for failing to capture the same appeal as an original film. Disney’s most recent live-action release, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” fell into that same trap — it does not measure up to the original animated movie.
Rolling Stone said the live-action prequel “can’t escape the shadow of the Disney animated classic.” The BBC said the movie was a “pointless” and “contrived cash-in.”
“Critically, Disney’s remakes have consistently been given a lukewarm reception besides the odd few. From a cinematic powerhouse like Disney, the run of critically average movies should arguably not be accepted or continued,” ScreenRant wrote in 2023.
ScreenRant continued, “However, the critical opinion has not impacted the box office of the Disney remakes and most have still done well financially. Especially since four managed to break $1 billion, with ‘The Jungle Book’not being far off. The last five remakes have been the poorest performing, but the success of earlier ones has meant Disney has been able to largely ignore them.”
If you’re a fan of live-action remakes of classic animated films, you’re in luck! Disney has announced a slew of upcoming projects that are sure to get you excited. From beloved Disney classics to newer hits, here are the upcoming live-action remakes you won’t want to miss:
1. “The Little Mermaid” – This highly-anticipated remake will star Halle Bailey as Ariel and will feature new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda.
2. “Peter Pan and Wendy” – This retelling of the classic story will star Jude Law as Captain Hook and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell.
3. “Pinocchio” – Tom Hanks will star as Geppetto in this live-action adaptation of the beloved tale.
4. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” – Rachel Zegler will play Snow White in this new take on the classic fairy tale.
5. “The Sword in the Stone” – This remake will follow the story of a young King Arthur and his mentor, Merlin.
These are just a few of the exciting live-action remakes that are in the works. Keep an eye out for more announcements from Disney as they continue to bring your favorite animated films to life on the big screen.
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