At this year’s annual fan event ceremony, Disney 23 event, also known as D23, Disney officials announced the company’s upcoming and highly anticipated movies and shows. With announcing several reinstated franchises such as “Toy Story 5,” “Freakier Friday” and “Frozen 3,” Disney excites its fans with new productions, which will release throughout the next several years.
“I love Disney movies because they’re really interesting and well-developed. My favorite is the ‘Lion King’ because the emotional impact it gave me as a kid stuck with me forever. I’m looking forward to the new ‘Mufasa’ movie because he was my favorite character,” senior Jayson Lopez said.
“Moana 2”
Nearly a decade after “Moana” hit theaters in 2016 and stole the hearts of several families, Disney Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Iger confirmed that fans will see the infamous characters Moana and Maui once again. “Moana 2” releases November 27, 2024, and will entail the story of Moana, now the chief and new Wayfinder of Motunui, struggling to venture to the deep seas of Oceania after receiving a call from her ancestors. Famous actors Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho will reprise their roles in this sequel. Although Johnson announced a live-action “Moana” movie, which releases in 2026, fans who adored the original movie prepare to see what this animated sequel promises.
With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes since its release in 2016, “Zootopia” continues to inspire numerous children with its various messages throughout the movie. Protagonist Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, proves that anyone can accomplish their dreams with perseverance and confidence. Throughout the plot of the movie, fans should expect to see these valuable traits once again on November 26, 2025, with “Zootopia 2.” This anticipated sequel will reveal what happens when the main characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde work undercover at the Marsh Market to investigate a mysterious reptile in town.
“My little brother is four years old. He loves [the original] ‘Zootopia’ because it’s entertaining and the action in the movie is just enough for a child. ‘Zootopia’ is a very inspirational movie, motivating kids to follow their dreams and never give up. My brother wants to be a cop now because of the main character, Judy Hopps,” Lopez said.
As a sequel to the highest-grossing film in 1994, “The Lion King,” “Mufasa: The Lion King” will tell the story of Mufasa, the deceased lion king of the fictional Pride Lands, and how he came to achieve his title. Told in flashbacks, the live-action movie will start in the current time with Simba, son of Mufasa and current throne holder, preparing his son for the role of king. While focusing on the young cub’s struggles of becoming king, the movie will flash back in time to reveal parallels between the challenges Mufasa faced as an orphaned cub taken in by a royal family. With a talented cast of celebrities such as Donald Glover, Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter, this movie will no doubt enlighten fans with its release in theaters on December 20, 2024.
Live-action “Snow White”
In a reimagining of the classic 1937 movie, the live-action “Snow White” will release in theaters March 25, 2025. As a musical production, with a musically talented cast, fans prepare to see the magically reenvisioned movie with stars such as Rachel Zegler. The movie will entail the story of Princess Snow White forced to find shelter in the forest while running from the malicious intentions of the Evil Queen. Zegler stated that the new movie’s version of “Snow White” will introduce traits of independence, leadership and strength within women to the audience, rather than the typical damsel in distress storyline.
Due to their incredible library of movies, the iconic Disney company will continue to live on. The diligent company’s new releases will surely add to its long list of memorable movies that inspire children and families alike.
