Loads to look forward to

Since the Fox merger remains incomplete, the following list of Disney movies hitting cinemas between 2019 and 2021 is expansive.

In any case between Pixar, live-action remakes and Marvel, there's plenty in store for lovers of all things Disney.

Here's what's to come between now and May 2021.

 

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

October 18, 2019*

Angelina Jolie returns in the titular role and Elle Fanning is back as Princess Aurora. Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville also reprise their roles while Michelle Pfeiffer is new to the cast, playing the role of Queen Ingrith, with other newcomers including Ed Skrein, Harris Dickinson, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The official synopsis reads: The film continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.

 

Frozen II

November 22, 2019

All of your favourite characters and their voice actors are returning, so expect plenty of laughs from Olaf and Sven; another breakaway pop hit "I want" song that kids will be singing for the next decade; and lots and lots of merchandise.

The synopsis reads: Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough.

 

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

December 20, 2019

All the usual suspects are here. John Boyega as Finn, Daisy Ridley as Rey, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron. Mark Hamill is returning as Luke Skywalker, and unused footage from 'The Force Awakens' will be used for Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. Domhnall Gleeson is back as General Hux and Kelly Marie Tran is reprising her role as Rose Tico. Billy Dee Williams is also back as Lando Calrissian, too - and as we know from the teaser, Ian McDiarmid is reprising his role as Emperor Palpatine.

Newcomers include Keri Russell, Richard E. Grant, Matt Smith, Naomi Ackie and Dominic Monaghan is in there as well.

The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more - while reckoning with the past and their own inner turmoil. Meanwhile, the ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its conclusion.

 

Onward

March 6, 2020

According to the plot synopsis, 'Onward' is "set in a suburban fantasy world." It follows two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.

There's a great cast with Tom Holland and Chris Pratt playing brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot. 'Veep's Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays mom and Octavia Spencer co-stars.

Dan Scanlon directs, having previously helmed 'Monsters University' for Pixar.

 

Mulan

March 27, 2020

The live-action version is to be directed by Niki Caro, with a cast that includes Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Gong Li and Tzi Ma, with Liu Yifei taking on the titular role of Mulan.

As you'll probably guess from the trailer, 'Mulan' is not going to be a musical like the original and certain elements and characters have been dropped from the update. That said, it's understood that the character of Mushu will still play a part, but not to the extent he did in the original.

 

Black Widow

May 1, 2020

Scarlett Johansson's super-spy will be joined by Rachel Weisz, Ray Winstone, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and 'The Handmaid's Tale' alum O-T Fagbenle. Ray Winstone and Olivier Richters have been cast in undisclosed roles and Robert Downey Jr. is said to reprise his role of Tony Stark/Iron Man. Cate Shortland directs.

Reportedly, the solo outing takes place between the films 'Civil War' and 'Infinity War' but everything is tight under wraps.

 

Soul

June 19, 2020

'Soul' stars the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Questlove, Phylicia Rashad and Daveed Diggs.

It sees a middle school music teacher who has long dreamed of performing jazz music onstage but has lost his passion for music get transported out of his body. He must find his way back with the help of an infant soul learning about herself.

Pete Docter - who has already directed 'Monsters Inc', 'Up' and 'Inside Out' for Pixar - helms. Pixar also has an untitled feature hitting cinemas in 2021 and two more in 2022.

 

Jungle Cruise

July 24, 2020

Based on the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, 'Jungle Cruise' will star Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall, Édgar Ramírez, Jesse Plemons and Paul Giamatti. A riverboat captain named Frank (Johnson) takes a scientist named Lily (Blunt) and her younger brother McGregopr (Whitehall) on a mission into a jungle to find the Tree of Life, which is believed to possess healing powers. All the while, they must fight against dangerous wild animals and reptiles. Jaume Collet-Serra ('Orphan', 'Non-Stop', 'the Shallows') directs.

 

Eternals

November 6, 2020

The Eternals are a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth, shaping its history and civilizations, and protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants. Angelina Jolie has been cast as Thena, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Dong-seok Ma as Gilgamesh, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kit Harrington as Dane Whitman, the Black Knight, and Lauren Ridloff as Makkari. More exciting still, Irish actor Barry Keoghan joins them, as does Gemma Chan as Sersi.

Chloé Zhao will direct it. No story details have been announced, but expect more in the coming weeks and months.

 

Raya and the Last Dragon

November 25, 2020

Starring the voices of Cassie Steele and Awkwafina, the film is set in a realm known as Lumandra, and follows a warrior named Raya as she goes out to find the last dragon. It is directed by Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins and co-directed by John Ripa in their directorial debuts.

 

Cruella

May 28, 2021

This live-action prequel set in 1970s London following a young Cruella de Vi is helmed by 'I Tonya' director Craig Gillespie. Emma Stone landed the titular role, joined by fellow Emma actress Emma Thompson.

 

*All release dates are subject to change