Disney amazed viewers with its animated adaptations of traditional fairy tales. The stories often featured songs, battles, and young women who were rescued from danger by powerful Princes. At the end of the movies were often magnificent weddings that brought us Disney Princesses. Their love stories captured the hearts of viewers. Disney continued to release impressive new 2D films in theaters every few years. The movies that didn't do so well were quietly pushed aside to make room for the most popular tales.
Fans wanted more of the characters they saw on the big screen. Disney began adapting their popular movies into TV shows. After the cartoons ended, Disney tried new tactics to promote their older films. The company re-released older movies on the latest type of media, from VHS tapes to DVDs, and finally Blu-ray.
Disney began to move from 2D films to 3D, with one of their most popular being Frozen. Though these films continued to bring new tales to the company, they didn't want to abandon their old titles. Disney began adapting their oldest 2D animated films into live-action movies. Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty's Maleficent were a success and changed the storylines we knew and loved.
More live-action adaptations are coming soon. Disney isn't just stopping at adapting their films, but also tv shows that aired on their cable tv networks. Our list compiles many of the live action adaptations coming soon, along with some that are best enjoyed as 2D tales.
20 The Hardest Working Fairy
For decades, Tinker Bell was only known for being Peter Pan's sidekick. In her early days, she couldn't talk, but made the sound of a tinkling bell. Tinker Bell has a reputation of being fiercely loyal to Peter. When Wendy arrived in Neverland, she was incredibly jealous that Peter was giving the new girl more attention.
Tinker Bell has changed since she appeared by Peter Pan's side. She was adapted from 2D in 3D as part of a new Disney brand. In 2005, Disney expanded on Tinker Bell and her fairy friends as part of the Disney Fairies franchise. Tinker Bell was no longer anyone's sidekick. She showed off her skills as a hardworking tinkerer in the world of Pixie Hollow. She also had several other fairy friends, each with a unique talent.
A live-action adaptation of Tinker Bell's tales was announced in 2015. Reese Witherspoon is playing the lead role, along with producing the film. Writing the film is Victoria Strouse, who previously wrote Finding Dory, the sequel to 2003's Finding Nemo. Additional details about the movie, such as the plot or timeline, have not yet been revealed.
News of the live-action adaptation has been floating around for years with no official release date in sight.
19 The Path To Becoming A Real Boy
Pinocchio was Disney's second animated adaptation. The story was originally written by Carlo Collodi but was made more family friendly. It told the story of a woodcarver named Geppetto. He created a wooden marionette and named him Pinocchio. He is brought to life by a tiny fairy. The fairy tells him he will be transformed into a real boy if he proves himself to be honest, brave, and selflessness.
Pinocchio learns that his path to becoming human isn't so easy. Thankfully, his friend Jiminy Cricket is there to help guide Pinocchio on the right track. Unfortunately, there are times when the young puppet gets himself into trouble. Who can forget when lying made his nose grow longer? In the end, Pinocchio makes his wish come true, to the delight of Geppetto.
In 2015, it was announced that Disney's classic animated film Pinocchio would soon be transformed into a live-action experience.
The cast behind the scenes has gone through several changes over the past three years.
In February 2018, Paul King, who directed the live-action Paddington Bear movies, has been chosen to direct Pinocchio. Producing the film are Chris Weitz and Andrew Miano. Jack Thorne will be in charge of writing the script.
Disney plans to begin production on the classic tale this Fall.
18 A Girl Worth Fighting For
Mulan was released in 1998 and adapted the legend of Hua Mulan. Mulan had a free spirit. She didn't want to be like the other women in her village who only lived life to catch the attention of suitors. During the Han Dynasty, more young fighters were needed to stop the Hun invasion. Mulan's father was the only man in her household. However, he was older and disabled and was in danger of perishing in battle. She decided to disguise herself as a man named Ping, and serve.
At first, Mulan wasn't the greatest warrior. Her commanding officer, Captain Li Shang, was ready to give up on her. With the help of her friends, Cri-Kee and Mushu, Mulan worked hard to become a warrior. Mulan's secret is eventually discovered. She manages to save the kingdom and the Emperor, and most importantly, return home to her father.
The live-action adaptation of Mulan has been in the works for the past few years. The film will have a brand-new storyline that deviates from the animated movie. It stars Crystal Liu as Mulan, the main protagonist. Donnie Yen will also appear in the film as Mulan's advisor, Commander Tung. Fans were crushed to hear that the movie would not include Li Shang. Instead, it will introduce a new love-interested named Chen Honghui, who is a fellow soldier serving with Mulan. A new villain has also been announced. Gong Li will play the villainess who will face off with Mulan throughout the movie.
17 Unlikely: The Great Prince Of The Forest
Disney brought the book Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten, to theaters in 1942. It told the story of a deer and his animal friends. The story starts off innocently enough: a doe gives birth to a fawn. The fawn, named Bambi, is destined to become Great Prince of the Forest, who will protect all of the animals in the forest. Bambi's father previously held the prestigious title but has not been seen recently.
Bambi and his friends, a rabbit named Thumper and a skunk named Flower, have fun roaming through the forest. At first, they are clueless about the horrors of the outside world. They have fun roaming the woods until a tragic event occurs. In a horrible scene, Bambi's mother is defeated by a hunter named "Man." After that moment, Bambi must learn how to survive.
The Great Prince of the Forest is revealed to be Bambi's father. He teaches his son how to take care of himself during the harsh Winters. As Bambi grows older, he learns how to care for himself, his friends, and later falls in love with his childhood friend, Faline.
Bambi is an animated film that captured the hearts of young viewers. The only way to bring Bambi to live would be to make the animals 3D and use voice actors. Some classics are best left alone without being adapted to modern technology.
16 Back To The Hundred Acre Wood
Winnie the Pooh is the adorable tale of a bear who loves "hunny." he often gets himself into ridiculous situations while trying to obtain his favorite treat. His best friend Piglet is always by his side to help. Also residing in the Hundred Acre Wood are Tigger who is an energetic tiger who bounces on his tail and Eeyore, a sad donkey who often loses his tail. Rabbit and Owl are the wisest residents of the forest. Kanga and her baby Roo can also be found in the woods. These animals normally wouldn't live together but are friends in Disney's tale.
One of the visitors to the Hundred Acre Wood is a human child named Christopher Robin.
Disney has adapted the Winnie the Pooh tale into a live-action movie starring the human boy.
Christopher Robin is now a businessman and married with a young daughter. After growing older, he has lost his imagination. Winnie the Pooh reappear in his life to help him rediscover the life he left behind.
Ewan McGregor will be portraying the adult version of Christopher Robin. The animals of the Hundred Acre Woods will be computer generated with voice actors.
Christopher Robin is scheduled to be released in August 2018.
15 Just Can’t Wait To Revisit The King
The Lion King was first released in theaters in 1994. It tells the story of the rise of a lion cub into a grown adult. Young Simba grows up, knowing he is destined for greatness. Simba's fate is to become King of the Pride Lands. His Uncle, Scar, was next in line before Simba's birth. Angry and jealous, Scar plots to destroy both of them. He plots to have Mufasa, the current king, taken out and succeeds in his evil plan. Simba thinks he is responsible and self-exiles himself. He soon learns that it was all an evil plot by Scar. The movie tells his rise from exile to kinghood.
The Lion King has remained a beloved tale for years. It has been adapted into a stage play and cartoon series starring Simba's friends, Timon and Pumbaa. In 2016, it was announced that a live-action adaptation was planned with Jon Favreau as the director. Jeff Nathanson, who co-wrote Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, is the writer of the remake. The story will be similar to the 1994 animated film.
The Lion King live-action adaptation would use CG technology to bring the animals to life. Many of the voice actors and actresses have already been announced, including Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa.
The live-action adaptation of The Lion King is scheduled to be released in July 2019.
14 Unlikely: Mice To The Rescue
Disney initially released The Rescuers in 1997. It told the story of the Rescue Aid Society, an international organization run by mice who helped kidnapping victims.
In the first film, Bernard and Miss Bianca were assigned to rescue Penny. She was being held captive by an evil treasure hunter named Madame Medusa. Penny was used to obtain a diamond called the "Devil's Eye." Bernard and Miss Bianca managed to save the day, even though they're only mice. The team retrieved the stolen diamond and also helped Penny find new parents.
The animated film would eventually spawn a sequel called The Rescuers Down Under. Bernard and Bianca once again help a lost child in Australia. They team up with the Rescue Aid Society's Australian representative Jake to save the missing boy from a poacher. The movie also has a happy ending for Bernard and his love-interest Miss Bianca.
The Rescuers film series are light-hearted adventures told best as animated films. They were created in a traditional 2D style, without the 3D effects we see today. Disney would have to use a significant amount of 3D technology, plus voice actors and actresses, to bring The Rescuers into the real world. We hope that this Disney classic remains a traditionally animated film.
13 Back To Neverland
Peter Pan has been a part of children's lives since the early 1900s. The character first appears in novels, stage plays, movies, and eventually as an animated film by Disney in 1953.
Peter Pan takes Wendy, John, and Michael into Neverland, a world where children never grow old. In this land, they meet magical creatures like mermaids and fairies. During their exploration, they encounter the mean group of adult pirates led by Captain Hook. He wants to destroy Peter Pan. With the help of the three newcomers, Peter Pan manages to escape all danger.
After their adventure, Peter Pan returns the children home and he goes back to Neverland.
Disney has previously adapted Peter Pan as a live-action movie called Hook in 1991. It stars the late Robin Williams as an adult Peter Pan who no longer believes in magic. He is forced to return to Neverland to protect his family and friends. Peter Pan was then again adapted into a live-action film in 2003. It wasn't created by Disney, but by Universal Pictures.
In mid-2016, Disney announced a new live-action adaptation of the classic Peter Pan tale. David Lowery, who formerly directed Pete's Dragon, would be directing Peter Pan, along with Toby Halbrooks. Additional information, such as the release date, are still pending.
12 One Dark Circus Act
Dumbo is one of Disney's earliest films. The film stars an elephant with gigantic ears. He is teased by humans and his fellow elephant companions for his ears but is capable of using them to fly and help others. The only ones who are kind to Dumbo are his mother and his friend, a mouse named Timothy. The movie tells the story of how Dumbo rose from a bullied elephant to a media sensation.
Disney announced a live-action adaptation of Dumbo in 2014 and the film has been in production ever since. Tim Burton was announced to be the director behind the movie. Fans can expect the live-action adaptation to have a darker tone than the original animated film. Ehren Kruger and Justin Springer are both working together as Producers, with Kryger writing the script.
The live-action film will deviate from the original movie. Colin Farrell plays Holt Farrier, a former circus performer, and veteran. He helps a circus owner care for a newborn elephant, who just so happens to have giant ears. The humans help Dumbo rise to fame. The live-action film won't have talking animals, and the humans will become the leading performers.
Dumbo is scheduled to be released in March 2019.
11 Who Could Forget The Spaghetti Scene?
Lady and the Tramp is a heartwarming story of not judging others by the size of their bank accounts. Lady is a pampered dog who lives in luxury. Ever since she was a puppy, she has had the best of everything. When her owners are expecting a new baby, Lady begins to feel neglected. Tramp gives her the idea that they will rehome her once the baby is born. Once the baby arrives, Lady instantly becomes fond of the new family member.
Aunt Sarah is not so pleased. She believes that Lady will harm the baby. Scared for her safety, Lady begins leaving home. Over the course of the film, Lady becomes close to Tramp. Their relationship becomes strained once she learns he's had several girlfriends in the past. He eventually proves to her that he only cares about her and no one else.
Earlier this year, Disney announced it would adapt Lady and the Tramp into a live-action film. It would be the first original title for the upcoming Disney streaming service coming in 2019. The live-action adaptation would blend reality with CG, like so many other Disney films starring animals. Charlie Bean, who has a history of directing animated films, will be directing Lady and the Tramp.
10 Why Does She Have To Be So Cruel?
Disney has created several animated films starring animals. In 1961, Disney adapted The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith into an animated movie. The movie revolved around the evil Cruella De Vil, a sophisticated fashionista who was always trying to stay one step ahead of the trends. She decided that she must create a fur coat made from Dalmatian puppy fur. She has purchased a majority of her live material. When her plans to buy the Perdita and Pongo's puppies fail, she resorts to stealing them. Her plans eventually fall through. The Radcliffe family decides to keep all 101 Dalmatians.
101 Dalmatians has previously been adapted into a live-action film in 1996. The movie starred Glenn Close as the evil villainess. The film has the same plot as the animated series. 101 Dalmatians would get more time in the spotlight in Disney's Descendants, where it's revealed Cruella had a son named Carlos.
Disney has decided to create a live-action adaptation starring the leading villainess titled Cruella.
Emma Stone has been cast as the leading role with Alex Timbers directing the film. The film will be a prequel to how Cruella came to be so cruel.
Cruella is scheduled to be released in theaters in 2019.
9 Unlikely: No More Stealing From The Rich
The legend of Robin Hood has been retold since the 15th century. He is a criminal who steals from the rich to give to the poor. His adventures have always changed, but the heart of Robin Hood has remained the same.
In 1973, Disney not only adapted the legend into an animated film but also turned the human characters into various animals. The story follows Robin Hood's fight against Prince John, who is overtaxing the citizens of Nottingham. When he's not busy fighting off the Prince's soldiers, he's winning the heart of Maid Marian. Robin Hood is continuously being threatened with being imprisoned or worse. It's not until King Richard returns that he realizes how much Prince John has hurt his citizens. He incarcerates the real criminals and works to restore order to Nottingham.
The movie contained a wide variety of characters in a fun animated style. If Disney were to animate the film, it may have too many special effects and CG that would detract from the original style. Disney would have to combine the 3D animated characters with real-life surroundings. A live-action adaptation of the classic series would be the wrong path for Disney's classic anthropomorphic Robin Hood.
8 The Return Of Wicked Stepmothers
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was originally released in 1937. It was Disney's first film that was traditionally drawn and animated. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is an adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
Snow White lives with her stepmother, Queen Grimhilde, or most commonly known as the Evil Queen. The Queen lives peacefully with Snow White. One day, the Evil Queen asks her Magic Mirror who is the fairest of them all. To her shock and horror, the mirror says it's Snow White. The Queen is furious. She demands that her Huntsman take the princess into the woods and get rid of her permanently. The Huntsman doesn't have the heart to complete the task.
Snow White runs away into the woods, where she finds a small cottage. The house belongs to seven dwarves. They're thrilled to take Snow White into their home in exchange for going their housework and making them meals. They live together peacefully until Snow White is tricked into eating a mysterious apple. It's up to a handsome prince to kiss the sleeping princess and save the kingdom.
In 2016, Disney announced they were adapting the classic fairy tale into a live-action film. Erin Cressida Wilson is expected to write the script. The movie will include new songs by songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. A release date has not yet been announced.
7 Does She Still Have A Neat Collection?
The Little Mermaid is based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen but has a much happier ending. Ariel is a mermaid who is captivated by the world above the ocean. She collects various treasures from sunken ships and on the beach, even though her father forbids it. Treasure hunting has its dangers, but Ariel loves her collection.
Ariel falls in love with a human male and wishes to be part of his world. She begins to wish she were human more and more every day. Her father eventually finds out. He angrily destroys her collection of human trinkets. Heartbroken, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, to make her human. She falls in love with the human world and also a human prince named Eric.
In 2016, Disney announced they were planning a live-action adaptation of the 1989 film.
The latest news is Rob Marshall, who directed Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and the upcoming Mary Poppins Returns, will be directing the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Jane Goldman, who has written two X-Men films, will write the screenplay. Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken will be composing the soundtrack. The release date for the film has not yet been announced.
6 A Fantastic Old Tale
Fantasia is one of Disney's earliest animated films. It's not a single film, but eight different segments all released into a single 126-minute film. The segments include Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Nutcracker Suite, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Rite of Spring, The Pastoral Symphony, Dance of the Hours, and one last breathtaking end segment.
Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria was the last segment of the film. It showcased an epic battle between the profane and the sacred, which are each represented by the songs in the segment's title.
The God of Evil, Chernabog, awakens at the peak of Bald Mountain at night. He summons his full arsenal of followers, which includes ghosts, harpies, and other evil creatures. As they dance around him, Chernabog throws them into the mountain. He uses the images in the fire to dance for his entertainment. He stops once the songs of Ave Maria begin to play. He shields himself from the grand display of sunlight. He transforms once again into the peak of Bald Mountain.
Disney announced they would be adapting the famous segment into a live-action film in 2015. Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless have announced they would be writing the script and will also be Executive Producers. Both men have experience writing similar dark material. The release date is still pending.
5 Unlikely: This One Might Be Too Goofy
Disney has adapted several fairy tales into popular animated films. The studio has also created several popular mascots, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. These characters have all starred in movies and television series. One of these shows, The Goof Troop, was a television series that aired from 1992 to 1993 on Disney Afternoons and ABC Saturday mornings. Goofy was now a single father with a son named Max.
The popular tv series spawned an animated film in 1995 called A Goofy Movie. The movie took place during Summer Vacation. Max was working hard to impress his crush, Roxanne. Goofy wanted to take his son out on a fishing trip, but Max was more concerned with his social life. He wanted to attend a concert instead of spending time with his father. They end up going to the show anyway, but not without realizing that no matter what happens, they'll always be family.
Goof Troop has a distinct art style. The main characters are anthropomorphic dogs who are more human in appearance. Their friends and neighbors also have unique features that wouldn't translate easily to live-action. Although it's been years since Disney has released a new Goofy film, we hope they continue to be animated.
4 A Reboot In A Whole New World
Disney's Aladdin was initially released in 1992. It starred a young orphaned man who wanted to become a prince and live in the castle. Princess Jasmine, who has lived in the castle all her life, wanted nothing more than to escape her prison. Aladdin finally made his wish come true after finding a magic lamp. His greedy wishes gave him everything he could have ever wanted, but at a high price. In the end, he managed to win the Princess' heart. Princess Jasmine finally got the freedom she wanted, including choosing the man she wanted to marry.
The series was popular enough to be adapted into an animated series, video games, toys, and more. It was recently announced that the animated film would be a live-action movie with Guy Ritchie as Director.
The live-action adaptation of Aladdin will follow the storyline of the original movie.
Mena Massoud has been cast for the leading role of Aladdin. Naomi Scott will play his love interest, Princess Jasmine. Will Smith will provide the voice talent of Genie. It's currently unknown if Aladdin's best friend Abu or Jafar's pet Iago will be making an appearance.
The live-action adaptation of Aladdin is scheduled to be released in May 2019.
3 A Game Of Kings
Disney's The Sword in the Stone is based on the novel of the same name which was written by T.H. White. The animated film is based on the story of King Arthur. It was initially released in 1963. The story tells the tale of a young orphaned child named Arthur. He accidentally runs into the wizard Merlin. The wizard takes him under his wing and begins to teach the boy magic. Arthur's magic lessons often get him into more trouble. Arthur is destined for much greater things. He manages to pull the sword from the stone and fulfill his destiny. He is crowned as King of England, with his former teacher, Merlin at his side. Merlin tells him that in the future, he will lead the Knights of the Round Table.
The story of King Arthur has been adapted into live-action films several times over the years. Some focus on Arthur's struggles as a child and as an adult.
Disney announced in January 2018 that they would be bringing The Sword in the Stone to real life. Game of Thrones writer-producer Bryan Cogman is writing the script. Brigham Taylor, who produced The Jungle Book will also be working on the upcoming film.
2 Unlikely: More Colors Of The Wind
In 1995, Disney released an animated adaptation of Pocahontas. She was a real person who lived in the late 16th century. In Disney's animated film, Pocahontas was an older woman. She was strong-willed, like her late mother. When the English arrived, she was one of the few who tried to get to know them instead of causing them harm. In the process, she fell in love with John Smith. Their families would eventually go to war and take her new love captive. She protects him before her father can use him as an example to the new settlers.
Immediately after the film was released, historical experts criticized the accuracy of the film. Pocahontas was not the heroine's real life and was just a nickname. She was also portrayed as an older woman in the movie, but when she met John Smith in real life, she was barely in her teens. John Smith was also drastically changed. He wasn't a handsome hero, but a regular guy, like the rest of his unit.
Many experts and fans of history were also upset at how Pocahontas and John Smith were romantic partners in the film. The two were very far apart in age. There were a high number of criticisms of the film compared to the amount of praise. It's unlikely that Disney would bring this animated film to life, at least not before making significant changes.
1 A New Sitch To Solve
Kim Possible first debuted on the Disney Channel in 2002. The star of the show, Kim, led a double-life. During the day, she was a star student, cheerleader, and popular among her peers. At night, she used her athletic skills to save the world. Along with her best friend, and later boyfriend, Ron Stoppable, his mole-rat, Rufus, and skilled programmer Wade, they saved the world before their next exam.
The animated program was highly successful when it aired on Disney. It won an Emmy in 2003 for "Outstanding Animated Program." We're not surprised the series would continue to live through two animated films.
In early 2018, it was announced Kim Possible would be returning for a younger generation.
Kim Possible is going to be adapted into a live-action movie. For worried that Kim Possible will take a terrible turn, fear not. The creators, Mark McCorkle and Robert Schooley, are not only writing the script but are also the Executive Producers with Josh Cagan and Zanne Devine. Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky will be working together as co-Directors.
The stars of the live-action adaptation have also been announced. Sadie Stanley will be playing the leading role as Kim Possible. Sean Giambrone will play her best friend, Ron Stoppable. The movie is scheduled to be released in 2019.