I already told you the breaking news about the upcoming Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios movies, but now I'm bringing you the latest on the live action Disney, Marvel Studios & Lucasfilm news.
I told you all about the upcoming Disney Pixar movies, but if animation isn't your jam, The Walt Disney Studios, Marvel, and Lucasfilm have some pretty epic live action films hitting the theaters over the next few years. I got to sit in on the exclusive Live Action panel during the 2017 D23 Expo and I've got all the newest details about what's coming from these studio powerhouses.
Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the event and the energy was palpable. He soon introduced President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey to tell us all about what's coming down the line over the next few years.
Upcoming Live Action Disney, Marvel Studios & Lucasfilm Movie NewsRuth
A Wrinkle In Time is premiering March 9, 2018. It's based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Madeleine L'Engle. The film is an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and ultimately, the triumph of love. It stars Storm Reid, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Chris Pine, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peña, André Holland, Zach Galifianakis, and Oprah Winfrey.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Director Ava DuVernay, lead actress Storm Reid (who plays Meg Murry), Reese Witherspoon (Mrs. Whatsit), Mindy Kalin (Mrs. Who), Oprah Winfrey (Mrs. Which) and Chris Pine (Dr. Alex Murry) took the stage at D23 Expo to give us some insight into the film. They all had such amazing praise for the film and each other; it took my excitement for this magical story to another level.
We got a sneak peek at the film and let me tell you - it gave me GOOSEBUMPS! So whimsical and incredible. I can't wait to see more.
Check out the Official US Teaser Trailer for A Wrinkle In Time here:
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
One particular character in The Nutcracker is called the Mouse King. In this adaptation, he'll be made up of thousands of mice. Charles Riley, also known as "Lil Buck," lended inspiration for the movement of the character. He took the stage for a performance. His fluid movements and rhythmic timing were pretty cool to see firsthand. I can't wait to see how Disney brings the Mouse King to life in the film.
We got an exclusive first glimpse of the film and it looks magical! It's going to be perfect for the holiday season.
Mary Poppins Returns is coming to theaters on December 25, 2018 and it's a sequel to the original Mary Poppins film. We got a quick introduction to the people responsible for the film and it's almost unreal how much talent that Disney can harness so many powerhouses on just one film.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Director Rob Marshall and lead actress Emily Blunt took the stage at D23 Expo to tell us more about the movie. Marshall said, "Every person we approached for the role said yes to us immediately." Even Lin-Manuel and Meryl Streep. He had such praise for the cast and especially Emily Blunt. He told us that there could be no actress better to play the role of Mary Poppins.
In breaking news from the film, we'll also be seeing Colin Firth, Angela Landsbury, Meryl Streep, and THE Dick Van Dyke.
Production has just wrapped on the film, but we were hopeful for a sneak peek at Mary Poppins Returns, and WE GOT ONE! No one had seen it yet, even Emily Blunt, but the audience at D23 Expo got a to see the first teaser. And, to top it off the composer and Disney Orchestra was there to provide some of the original score to lead up to the teaser. It gave me chills! Emily Blunt is just perfect as Mary Poppins, as is Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack.
Here's a quick teaser of Blunt as Mary Poppins here:
A live action version of Mulan is in the works. Director Niki Caro will be in charge of this project.
A new project with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson called Jungle Cruise is also happening. It'll be a live-action nod to the popular theme park ride.
A new iteration of Aladdin, directed by Guy Richie is in the works. It's inspired by folktales of One Thousand and One Nights and the original movie. Aladdin will be played by Mena Massoud, Jasmine will be played by Naomi Scott and the Genie will be Will Smith.
Image courtesy of Leah Gallo
We also found out that production is underway for the live-action reimagining of Disney’s 1941 animated classic Dumbo. It will be directed by legendary filmmaker Tim Burton, and the film stars Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, and introduces Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins in their first film roles. Dumbo is slated for release on March 29, 2019.
We got to see an actual model of Dumbo that was used to make the film. As Sean Bailey said, he's 3.5' by 5' and impossibly adorable.
AND, what I may be most excited about, there will be a live action Lion King within the next few years. We got to see a teaser of the opening and it replicated the original intro of the film. Tears literally welled up in my eyes. This movie holds such a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to see more about this.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Per Disney, the technology team behind the movie are introducing all-new filmmaking techniques that promise striking visuals never before seen on the big screen, bringing celebrated characters to life in a whole new way. John Favreau, who was behind 2016’s blockbuster live-action remake of “The Jungle Book,” joined Sean Bailey on stage. “This is a story that belongs to everyone who grew up with the original film,” said Favreau. “I wanted to demonstrate that we could be respectful of the source material while bringing it to life using new techniques and technologies."
The Lion King will star Donald Glover as Simba, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa, It's slated for theatrical released on July 19, 2019.
Upcoming movies from Lucasfilms:
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is coming out December 15, 2017. We'll see the return of a few favorites from The Force Awakens and new Disney Legends Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
The Last Jedi writer and director Rian Johnson took the stage to talk about film and give us some exclusive updates. The film is currently in post-production and he said he had the time of his life making this movie.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
He introduced cast members Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro before showing us a sneak peek of the film! As you can imagine, it was awesome.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Of course, millions of fan will be missing Carrier Fisher during the promotion of this film, but we were told that her performance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi will not disappoint.
Here's the first teaser for you:
Upcoming Marvel Studios Films:
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Horn introduced Kevin Feige who showed us a brand new logo for Marvel Studio, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year.
Then Feige gave us some exclusive information about Avengers: Infinity War. Feige gave fans a huge surprise when SO. MUCH. TALENT. took the stage.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
There were so many fun and playful moments between the cast, like when Robert Downey Jr. came out and had a like face-off with Josh Brolin.
Image courtesy of Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
The stars of this EPIC film just kept coming! Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Sebastian Stan, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff all took the stage to major cheers from the audience.
And, if that wasn't enough, we also got a sneak peek at the new movie. This is going to be BIG folks! Spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War will bring you the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. Look out for this new Marvel masterpiece on May 4, 2018.
Amber Ludwig says
So exciting!! I look forward to seeing them all but I am most excited for A Wrinkle in Time!! Omgosh I cannot wait to see it brought to life on the big screen!! What a cast!