Mulan
Release date: November 2nd, 2016.
Crew: Jurassic World scribes Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver are rewriting the original script from Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek. Niki Caro is set to direct.
Cast: Though the original film centred around a white merchant falling in love with Mulan, Disney have since confirmed that the reboot will go in a completely different direction and the cast will be entirely made up of Chinese actors.
Is it a Musical? Initially, it was believed that the new Mulan would not be a musical, but Caro has since clarified that songs may be added at some point.
Worth it? We love the original, but a live-action Mulan has a lot of potential to be a more mature, more action-orientated war movie with an awesome female lead to boot. Let’s hope Disney can deliver.
The Lion King
Crew: Jon Favreau, who found a lot of success recently with The Jungle Book, has been entrusted with a second remake of a beloved Disney property. Catch Me If You Can scribe Jeff Nathanson, meanwhile, is providing the screenplay.
Cast: So far, we know that Donald Glover will be replacing the original’s Matthew Broderick as the voice of Simba while James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa. Plus, Beyonce is rumoured to be voicing Simba’s beau, Nala.
Is it a musical? Unknown. Though we would imagine it’ll involve a similar talk/sing approach like The Jungle Book.
Worth it? The African savanna setting will no doubt result in some amazing CGI animation, but it has to be said that the original Lion King will be near-impossible to improve upon. For Disney, though, this one is definitely worth it, as it’ll surely bring in a wicked profit for them.