Three Disney Live-Action Remakes Being Released in 2019

Almost back-to-back, Disney is releasing three new live-action movies this year: “The Lion King,” “Dumbo,” and “Aladdin.” In all three movies, viewers will recognize certain faces and familiar voices.

Cynda Allen, Staff Writer
January 26, 2019

Disney has been making live-action movies since the ‘50s, but in recent years these movies have started blowing up. From “Cinderella” to “The Jungle Book” to “Beauty and the Beast,” Disney has been remaking it all.

In 2014, Disney announced that they would be remaking the beloved movie “Dumbo.” Unlike the animated movie, this “Dumbo” will have a former circus performer (Colin Farrell) and his kids provide for the newborn elephant. In 2016, they informed the public that they would be recreating “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” as well. It’s reported that the Genie in “Aladdin” will also get his own live-action prequel titled “Genies” about how he ended up in the lamp, but no new information is known.

Disney didn’t know when the release dates for all three movies would be, but the company tried to keep the public as informed as possible. Disney hired all of the actors for the movie as time progressed. Then finally set a date for the movies, early 2019.

The live-action “Dumbo” film is set to be released Mar. 29, 2019, with Tim Burton as its director. The original 1941 movie follows a little elephant named Jumbo Jr., who is mocked for his oversized ears and given the nickname “Dumbo.” After he learns that he can fly, he grows more accepting of himself and becomes a circus sensation with the help of his little mouse friend, Timothy Q. Mouse. When the teaser trailer was released, viewers could tell that Disney had taken a lot of liberties in modernizing the screenplay with possible new characters and an updated storyline. The motion picture will have stars such as Danny DeVito and Eva Green.

“Aladdin’s” live-action picture will venture out into the public on May 24, 2019. Guy Ritchie, the film’s director, sticks to the same magical storyline as the original—the narrative about a poor “street rat.” He eventually befriends a genie to help him get the girl of his dreams, Princess Jasmine, by becoming her prince. “Aladdin” definitely features some famous faces, such as Will Smith, Naomi Scott and John Oliver. Disney did not show the audience much in the trailer, which undoubtedly made them anxious for more.

“The Lion King” will be the latest live-action film to drop into cinemas. It will be coming out on July 19, 2019. Even though this remake is technically not live-action, Disney tried to make it as realistic as possible. Looking at the trailer that Disney released not too long ago, the public could see that the movie appeared very similar to the original 1994 film. There were hardly any differences, but Disney might add one new character to change up the plot. In addition, only one original cast member is returning for the remake, which means an almost entirely new cast will voice the characters that everyone knows and loves. James Earl Jones will be continuing the role of Simba’s father, Mufasa. While watching the movie, listeners might recognize some voices such as Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Alfre Woodard and Seth Rogen.

Disney movies have been a part of everyone’s childhood and always brings back nostalgic memories when mentioned. North Forsyth High School freshman Shanna Walden is a diehard Disney fan who cannot wait to see all three new movies. “I have been watching Disney movies since I was a little girl,” Walden stated, “and one of my all-time favorites is “The Lion King.” I am so hyped to see the live-action version of it. It is a classic.”

Walt Disney productions never fail to woo their audiences. Whether it is an animation or live-action remake, they do the best they possibly can. Without a doubt, fans will be lining up at theater doors for each and every one of these movies.

 

See these links to learn more!

“The Lion King”:

“Dumbo”:

“Aladdin”: