Disney and Pixar continue to unveil a lineup of films extending beyond the recent celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary. Despite the challenges posed by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which temporarily halted the production of several movies and consequently delayed their release dates, the studios are now bouncing back with a roster of upcoming films for 2024 and beyond.
Here is a rundown of confirmed release dates and ongoing projects from Disney and Pixar:
Disney and Pixar Movies: Upcoming Release Dates
- Soul (January 12, 2024) – Re-Release
- Turning Red (February 9, 2024) – Re-Release
- Luca (March 22, 2024) – Re-Release
- Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds (Spring 2024)
- Inside Out 2 (June 14, 2024)
- Mufasa: The Lion King (December 20, 2024)
- Snow White [live-action remake] (March 21, 2025)
- Elio (June 13, 2025)
- Moana [live-action remake] (June 27th, 2025)
- Tron: Ares (2025)
- Frozen 3 (2025)
- Zootopia 2 (Date TBD)
- Bambi [live-action remake] (Date TBD)
- Hercules [live-action remake] (Date TBD)
- Toy Story 5 (Date TBD)
- Soul (Theatrical Re-Release)
Soul (Theatrical Re-Release)
Soul, initially released exclusively on Disney+ in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now hit theaters for the first time, giving audiences a chance to experience Joe Gardener’s journey from a New York City band teacher to a disembodied soul navigating a cosmic realm.
Turning Red (Theatrical Re-Release)
Turning Red, which debuted on Disney+ in 2022, is making its way to theaters. The film portrays the challenges faced by Mei Lee, a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl who transforms into a giant red panda during intense emotional moments, exploring themes of adolescence, independence, and familial relationships.
Luca (Theatrical Re-Release)
Luca, the 2021 Pixar film set in 1959 Italy, follows a young sea monster’s adventures in human form during a memorable summer. Originally released on Disney+, it has now received a theatrical re-release.
Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds
A documentary on acclaimed video game developer Hideo Kojima, *Connecting Worlds* delves into the creation of Kojima Productions and features insights from industry figures such as Guillermo del Toro, Grimes, Norman Reedus, and others. Set to premiere on Disney+ in spring 2024, it reflects Disney’s commitment to showcasing creativity across various mediums.
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 reunites Riley’s emotions as they navigate her teenage years. The film introduces new emotions, including Anxiety, and promises to explore the complexities of adolescence through the lens of Pixar’s beloved characters.
Mufasa: The Lion King
A prequel to the live-action *Lion King* remake, *Mufasa* narrates the journey of how Simba’s father became the king of the Pride Lands. The film unveils the transformation of Mufasa and Scar’s brotherly love into a bitter rivalry, complemented by colorful commentary from Timon and Pumbaa.
Snow White (Live-Action)
Scheduled for a March 21, 2025 release, the live-action *Snow White* remake features Rachel Zegler as the iconic Disney Princess, with Gal Gadot cast as the Evil Queen. The film has undergone controversy due to casting choices and changes to the original story.
Elio
Elio, initially set for a March 1, 2024 release, got delayed to June 13, 2025, due to production pauses caused by the SAG-AFTRA strikes. The film follows an 11-year-old boy abducted by aliens, exploring his interactions with extraterrestrial life and the challenges he faces to return home.
Moana (Live-Action)
The live-action adaptation of *Moana* retains the original plot, centering around a young girl chosen by the ocean to reunite an ancient relic with the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti. Dwayne Johnson produces and reprises his role as Maui, with Auli’i Cravalho serving as executive producer.
Tron: Ares
Tron: Ares marks a reboot of the Tron franchise, featuring Jared Leto as the titular character Ares. Departing from the direct sequel route, the film explores Ares’s journey from the digital dimension to the human world, with a slated release in 2025.
Frozen 3
Announced by Bob Iger in 2023, *Frozen 3* continues the story from *Frozen 2*, with Idina Menzel and Josh Gad returning as Elsa and Olaf. The release date remains uncertain, but expectations point to late 2025.
Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2, still in development alongside *Frozen 3* and *Toy Story 5*, lacks specific details. The cast has shared ideas, with Ginnifer Goodwin proposing a role reversal between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. However, further details are yet to be revealed.
Bambi (Live-Action)
The live-action remake of *Bambi*, directed by Sarah Polley, aims to use photorealistic CGI for the animal characters, similar to *The Lion King* remake. The film intends to address sensitivities surrounding Bambi’s mother’s death, making it less traumatic for contemporary audiences.
Hercules (Live-Action)
Announced in June 2022, the live-action adaptation of *Hercules* involves director Guy Ritchie and producers Joe and Anthony Russo. Although details remain scarce, TikTok is cited as an inspiration for a modern twist on the Disney Renaissance classic—the potential return of Danny DeVito as Phil is hinted.
Toy Story 5
Surprising fans, Bob Iger announced the production of *Toy Story 5* in 2023. While details are limited, Pixar is set to continue the beloved series, raising questions about the necessity of a fifth installment. A release date is yet to be confirmed, but it may follow the development schedule of its predecessors, potentially arriving between 2026 and 2028.
More Upcoming Disney Movies
Beyond Disney and Pixar, Disney’s expansive portfolio includes projects from Star Wars, Marvel, and 20th Century Fox. Upcoming Star Wars movies include a Taika Waititi project and a Mandalorian and Grogu film. Marvel anticipates the release of *Deadpool 3* in 2024, with more movies slated for 2025. 20th Century Fox Studios contributes to the lineup with movies like *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* and *Aliens: Romulus*. Disney’s influence extends across various genres, promising an exciting array of entertainment in the years to come.
