Dumbo
Crew: Master of the macabre, Tim Burton, will be applying his unique touch to Disney’s classic tale of the elephant who can fly. The script is written by Ehren Kruger, previously of the Transformers franchise.
Cast: Early on in the process, Will Smith was in talks for the lead while Tom Hanks was to play the villain. Now, however, Colin Farrell has stepped in to play Holt, Smith’s old role, while Burton regulars Danny DeVito and Eva Green have also signed up.
Is it a Musical? Unknown, but seeing as Dumbo isn’t particularly remembered for its music, we’re going to guess it won’t be.
Worth it? 1941’s Dumbo is a charming film, but it has dated quite poorly in many ways. An updated version would allow a new generation to fall in love with the story. Then again, Burton’s involvement is a weird curveball that could end up turning this into another Alice in Wonderland.
Aladdin
Crew: Bizarrely, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director Guy Ritchie is rumoured to be helming this remake of the 1992 classic. Frequent Tim Burton collaborator John August is writing the script.
Cast: No one has been attached so far, but Disney have promised that the movie will have Middle-Eastern actors in the lead roles.
Is it a Musical? 100% yes. Disney is currently looking for talented singers and dancers to play Aladdin and Jasmine.
Worth it? This is another unlikely movie-director pairing but, and maybe it’s just us, a Guy Ritchie version of Aladdin sounds like a lot of fun. Plus, a new movie could address the original’s troubling depiction of the Middle East.