"Mean Girls" Star Avantika Might Play Our Next Live-Action Disney Movie Princess
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!
A lot of our best memories involve our favorite movies. They inspire us and teach us empathy, and when you sprinkle a little Disney pixie dust on them, they become pure magic. Over the last few years, Disney released live action remakes of classic movies including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Cinderella (which is still one of the best Disney movies ever, TBH). Luckily for us, they're not slowing down these live action additions to their repertoire anytime soon. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming remakes!
A Live-Action Tangled May Have Found Its Rapunzel And Flynn Rider
Images via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Paramount+
It looks like a live-action Tangled could be in the works, via The DisInsider. After years of fans dreaming up a cast for the movie (Florence Pugh and Ben Barnes are by far the most popular fancasts!), we could have two brand new stars in the running. I genuinely screamed when I found out Mean Girls actress Avantika and School Spirits actor Milo Manheim reportedly screen testedbecause these two would be perfect! Not only would Milo totally nail Flynn's smolder, but Avantika has all the joy and bubbly energy needed to play Rapunzel. While we're still waiting on official word about the film, I'm going to be singing "I See The Light" for the foreseeable future.
Dwayne Johnson Announces A Live-Action Moana
Image via Disney
According to an announcement from Dwayne Johnson (which was shared by Disney CEO Bob Iger), 2016's Moana is being adapted for live action. The film will involve names like producer Auli‘i Cravalho (who voiced the title character in the original movie) and Jared Bush (who wrote the 2016 screenplay).
We love the way that Moana celebrates Pacific Islander traditions — as well as Moana's path to learning more about who she is and who she's becoming.
In an Instagram video on May 19, Cravalho confirmed that she won't be returning to the role of Moana. "I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell," she says in the video. “I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength."
Peter Pan & Wendy — On Disney+
Image via Disney+
Wendy Darling is afraid to leave her childhood home — and her childhood — behind. When she meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, Wendy and her brothers embark on an exciting journey to Neverland. But a dangerous encounter with the evil Captain Hook changes the course of their lives forever.
Peter Pan & Wendy stars Ever Anderson as Wendy, Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, Jude Law as Captain Hook, and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell.
The Little Mermaid — On Disney+
Image via Disney
16-year-old Ariel is a mermaid who constantly daydreams about life on land, even though her father, King Triton, forbids it. When she rescues the handsome Prince Eric, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human and join him on land. The exchange just costs Ariel one thing: her voice.
The Little Mermaid features an all-star cast with names like Halle Bailey as Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Jonah Hauer-King as Eric, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, and Awkwafina as Scuttle.
Snow White — In Theaters March 21, 2025
Image via Disney
Snow White lives with her stepmother, the wicked queen, dreaming of love and life outside of the palace. When the queen orders Snow White's murder, she ends up being rescued and going into hiding, so the queen disguises herself as an old woman and tricks the girl into eating a poison apple and falling into a deep sleep.
Rachel Zegler will play the titular role, with Gal Gadot as the evil queen. D23 Expo attendees got a first look at a teaser from the film, but it looks like we'll have to wait a little while longer for an official glimpse.
We do know thanks to Variety that Erin Cressida Wilson and Barbie director Greta Gerwig are behind the script and La La Land songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have added new songs to the soundtrack.
Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20, 2024
Image via Disney
This film is a prequel to the 2019 The Lion King, and will feature Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa telling Simba about his father's journey to becoming king. I'm sure we all had plenty of feelings about Mufasa's storyline from the OG movie (and remake), so it's probably safe to say this could be a tear-jerker, too.
Aaron Pierre will star as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. will star as Taka.
Upcoming Disney Live Action Movies
Image via Disney
- The Aristocats will be a mix of live-action and CGI. Questlove is set to direct.
- A remake of The Princess and the Frog is in conversation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- The Hollywood Reporterreports that a live-action Lilo & Stitch is coming to Disney+ with Zach Galifianakis to star and Dean Fleischer Camp to direct.
- We're getting a live-action Lilo & Stitch, via Variety, with Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, and Zach Galifianakis set to star.
- Variety also reports that Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo are producing a live-action Hercules. The film will be directed by Guy Ritchie, and will be heavily inspired by TikTok.
- We know that Robin Hood is coming to Disney+ with Carlos Lopez Estrada directing, Kari Granlund writing the script, and Justin Springer producing, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter.
Follow us on Pinterest, Twitter, and TikTok for the more pop culture and keep checking here for the latest news on your favorite Disney live action movie.
Lead image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
This post has been updated.
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Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!