Disney’s trend of adapting animated classics into live-action films continues to be a significant part of its strategy, and 2025 looks set to be another big year. These remakes, which started with 101 Dalmatians in 1996, have grown into an industry-defining phenomenon, generating billions in revenue and renewing the interest of fans across generations.
In this article, we’ll explore which Disney live-action remakes are coming in 2025, the rumors surrounding future projects, and why these adaptations continue to captivate audiences despite mixed reviews.
What Disney Live-Action Remakes Are Confirmed for 2025?
As of 2025, Disney has already confirmed several high-profile live-action remakes in its pipeline. Below are the confirmed titles expected to hit the big screen in 2025.
Hercules
Hercules, the animated film from 1997, is set to receive the live-action treatment in 2025. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who previously worked on Aladdin (2019), the film is one of the most anticipated releases. The project, developed by the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame), is expected to bring a fresh spin on the classic mythological tale while staying true to the original’s humor and music.
- Director: Guy Ritchie
- Producers: Joe and Anthony Russo
- Release date: Summer 2025
- Expected cast: Though not officially confirmed, rumors suggest Disney is eyeing big names for the lead role of Hercules, as well as other iconic characters like Hades and Megara.
Snow White
The live-action Snow White remake has been in production for some time, and 2025 will finally see its release. The project is directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), and Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) has been cast as Snow White, while Gal Gadot will play the Evil Queen. The film is expected to be a modern reimagining of the 1937 classic.
- Director: Marc Webb
- Cast: Rachel Zegler (Snow White), Gal Gadot (Evil Queen)
- Release date: 2025
- Interesting fact: This film marks the first live-action remake of Disney’s original animated feature.
Lilo & Stitch
Another 2025 release is Lilo & Stitch, a live-action adaptation of the 2002 animated hit. The story follows the relationship between a young Hawaiian girl and her alien friend, Stitch. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the film will blend CGI for Stitch and live-action for the human characters.
- Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
- Cast: Sydney Agudong (Nani), Maia Kealoha (Lilo), Zach Galifianakis (Pleakley)
- Release date: Early 2025
- Interesting fact: This adaptation has faced significant scrutiny regarding the casting choices and cultural representation.
These three films are set to dominate Disney’s 2025 release schedule, with more potentially to be announced as the year progresses.
The Future of Disney Live-Action Remakes: Rumored and Possible Projects
While several films are confirmed, Disney is notoriously secretive about future projects. However, there are strong rumors and speculation about what could come next.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Rumors have persisted about a live-action Hunchback of Notre Dame adaptation. Originally released in 1996, the animated version was praised for its mature themes and dark tone, which diverged from Disney’s usual fare. A live-action version would likely delve deeper into the complex themes of the story.
- Status: In development (rumored)
- Potential release date: Late 2025 or 2026
- Cast rumors: Some speculation suggests Josh Gad, who voiced Olaf in Frozen, could star as Quasimodo and possibly serve as a producer.
Tangled
Given the success of Tangled in 2010, many fans believe it’s only a matter of time before Disney brings Rapunzel’s story to the live-action realm. With advanced CGI, particularly for Rapunzel’s iconic hair, a remake of Tangled could be a visual masterpiece.
- Status: Rumored
- Possible release window: 2026-2027
- Fan casting: Zendaya is often mentioned in fan discussions for the role of Rapunzel, though no official word from Disney has confirmed any details.
While these projects remain unconfirmed, they show the wide scope of films Disney may choose to adapt in the future, with many more in early stages of development.
What Makes Disney Live-Action Remakes Successful?
Disney’s live-action remakes have found varying levels of success at the box office, with some films surpassing $1 billion globally. So, what drives this phenomenon?
Nostalgia and Multigenerational Appeal
For many audiences, the appeal of these remakes lies in the nostalgia of revisiting childhood favorites. Disney has managed to attract not only children but also adults who grew up watching the original animations. Films like The Lion King (2019), which grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, highlight how this strategy works in practice.
Modern Visual Effects
Disney’s advancements in CGI and motion capture have allowed them to create visually stunning worlds that were impossible in the original 2D animations. The Jungle Book (2016) was a prime example, where photorealistic animals and environments captured the essence of the original story while enhancing it with breathtaking visuals.
Updating Classic Stories for Modern Audiences
Disney has not been afraid to update certain aspects of their classic stories to make them more relevant. For example, in The Little Mermaid (2023), Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel brought a fresh perspective and sparked conversations about representation in Hollywood. Similarly, 2025’s Snow White is expected to present a more empowered version of the iconic princess.
Challenges and Criticism of Disney Live-Action Remakes
Despite the success of many live-action remakes, Disney has also faced significant criticism. Some remakes, such as Mulan (2020), failed to meet expectations, both critically and commercially. Here are some of the common criticisms:
Lack of Originality
One of the most frequent complaints about Disney’s remakes is that they often stick too closely to the original films without offering much in terms of innovation. For example, The Lion King (2019) was criticized for being a shot-for-shot remake, lacking the emotional depth of the original animation.
Cultural and Casting Controversies
Several remakes have sparked debates about cultural representation and casting. For instance, the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch remake faced backlash regarding the casting of characters, with some arguing that the actors chosen did not accurately represent the Hawaiian culture depicted in the original film.
Mixed Audience Reception
While many fans enjoy seeing their favorite films brought to life, others feel that some stories are better left as animated features. For instance, Mulan (2020) removed key elements, such as the musical numbers and comedic sidekicks, which disappointed many longtime fans of the original film.
Why Audiences Still Look Forward to Disney’s Live-Action Remakes in 2025
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Disney’s live-action remakes continue to draw massive audiences, and the 2025 slate is no exception. So, why do these films remain so anticipated?
High-Profile Talent
Disney consistently attracts top-tier talent for their remakes. From Beyoncé’s role in The Lion King to Gal Gadot’s turn as the Evil Queen in Snow White, audiences are excited to see A-list actors take on beloved characters.
Visual and Technical Innovation
As technology evolves, Disney pushes the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. Fans are eager to see how upcoming films like Hercules will use CGI and other visual effects to bring ancient myths to life in ways never seen before.
The Global Disney Fandom
Disney’s brand power ensures that any live-action project will receive extensive media coverage and generate buzz. The company’s ability to tap into the nostalgia of previous generations while attracting new fans guarantees a strong audience base for years to come.
The Legacy of Disney Live-Action Remakes in 2025 and Beyond
As we look forward to 2025, it’s clear that Disney shows no signs of slowing down with its live-action remakes. With confirmed releases like Hercules, Snow White, and Lilo & Stitch, along with potential future adaptations of films like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Tangled, Disney is set to dominate the box office once again.
While there are valid criticisms of the remakes, the combination of nostalgia, innovation, and star power ensures that Disney live-action films will continue to be a cultural and commercial force. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new viewer, 2025 will be an exciting year for Disney fans worldwide.
