The Walt Disney Company has been known for their diverse library of animated and live-action features for many decades, winning many awards and recognition for outstanding projects. And every two years when Disney fans from all over the world gather at the D23 Expo, Disney announces several projects that are upcoming or currently in the works! Today, I will be listing all of my predictions for the theatrical side of announcements!
Please Note: At the time of this writing, many of these projects are just pure speculation and have not yet been officially announced by the company. However, most of the live-action titles have been previously announced, but the animated films have not been confirmed. All these projects are mainly theatrical releases and some are branded as Disney+ Originals.
Let’s get into it!
Animated Projects
Frozen III
No Release Date.
- After the massive success of Disney’s animated film Frozen in 2013, the company immediately began working on expanding the characters’ stories and making this a franchise. In 2015, Disney officially announced Frozen II, with plans to release in 2019. And ultimately now after making $1.45 Billion in box office revenue, it seems very likely that a final film in the franchise will be announced this year.
Encanto 2
No Release Date.
- Due to the success of Disney’s Encanto that released in 2021, a few months later executives teased Encanto as a “franchise,” meaning that more is in store for these beloved characters. However, it is still unclear whether there will be a sequel or Disney+ project announced.
Naditu
No Release Date.
- In 2022, it was rumored that an upcoming animated feature in the works at Disney is tentatively called “Naditu,” and is being produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios in conjunction with Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali Media. Disney and Kugali are currently working on Iwájú for Disney+ set to release in 2023. However, this rumor was never confirmed by anyone at the company, meaning we will just have to wait and see what happens!
Penelope
No Release Date.
- Earlier this year, it was reported that Disney is developing a film based on “The Princess and the Pea,” named Penelope. However, again, no official confirmation has been given yet.
Live-Action Projects
Snow White
No Release Date.
- In 2019, talks began about a live-action adaptation of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film is being produced by Marc Platt Productions, currently in post-production. No release date has been announced, but I suspect it will be announced at the upcoming event.
Tower of Terror
No Release Date.
- In 2020, it was reported that Scarlett Johansson would produce and star in the film. With several directors rumored to be in talks, no director has officially been attached to the film yet. I expect to hear more details on this upcoming film at D23.
Lilo & Stitch
Disney+ Original, No Release Date.
- A few years ago, it was announced that a live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch was in the works at Disney, set to release as a Disney+ Original. No cast or details have been announced yet, so I hope fans get an update at this event!
Hercules
No Release Date.
- This year, it was reported that Guy Ritchie had joined the live-action adaptation of Hercules with the Russo Brothers also involved. No cast or details have been announced yet, so hopefully Disney will officially announce this title soon.
Sister Act 3
Disney+ Original, No Release Date.
- Since announced, not much news has been revealed about the cast, crew or details about the third installment in the franchise. Whoopi Goldberg is set to reprise her iconic role, with Tim Federle set to direct and Tyler Perry set to produce.
The Return of the Rocketeer
Disney+ Original, No Release Date.
- Announced in 2021, not much is known about this film so far, but I suspect that Disney will announce some details about this Disney+ project at the D23 Expo to hype up fans!
Spooked
Disney+ Original, No Release Date.
- In the works since 2020, Spooked is a horror-comedy being developed by Disney. Not much is known about this film besides that it is a horror-comedy centered around Halloween.
Jungle Cruise 2
No Release Date.
- In development since 2021, a sequel announcement is very likely. Davis Entertainment, Seven Bucks Productions and Flynn Picture Company all returning to produce the film.
Cruella 2
No Release Date.
- In development since 2021, a sequel announcement is also very likely for this film with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt reprising their roles, alongside Gun Films and Marc Platt Productions returing to produce the film.
Free Guy 2
No Release Date.
- In development since 2021, a sequel announcement could possibly happen with Ryan Reynolds reprising his iconic role, alongside 21 Laps Entertainment, Maximum Effort, Bertlandi Productions and Lit Entertainment Group returning to produce the film. An announcement during the 20th Century Studios panel is very likely.
The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
No Release Date.
- In the works for many years, the Planet of the Apes film franchise is finally returning to cinemas soon with the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This fourth film is currently in post-production with Chernin Entertainment returning to produce. I expect a release announcement during the 20th Century Studios panel.
Tron 3
No Release Date.
- In the works for several years, the Tron film franchise will return soon with Jared Leto starring in a lead role and Hello Sunshine set to produce. Disney never officially confirmed the film, so I hope that at D23 fans can get a special look at what’s coming soon!
Aladdin 2
No Release Date.
- In the works since 2020, the live-action adaptation will return soon with the lead cast expected to reprise their roles. However, the film was never officially announced by Disney so I think this would be a perfect time to do so!
Aladdin’s Prince Anders spin-off
Disney+ Original, No Release Date.
- In the works since 2020, the live-action spin-off of Aladdin will explore Prince Anders and his personal life. The film is still in development and was never officially/formally announced by the company. This might be a surprise reveal at D23.
Summary
Again, here is what I predict will be announced or confirmed at D23 Expo 2022:
- Aladdin 2 [Official Announcement]
- Cruella 2 [Official Announcement]
- Encanto 2 [Official Announcement]
- Free Guy 2 [Official Announcement]
- Frozen III [Announced, Release Date]
- Hercules [Announced/Confirmed]
- The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes [Confirmed, Release Date]
- Lilo & Stitch [Confirmed, Release Window]
- Penelope [Announced, Release Date]
- Prince Anders [Official Announcement]
- The Return of the Rocketeer [Official Announcement]
- Sister Act 3 [Confirmed]
- Snow White [Release Date]
- Spooked [Confirmed, Release Window]
- Tower of Terror [Official Announcement]
- Tron 3 [Official Announcement]
These are most of the films I expect to be announced at the upcoming D23 Expo 2022 in September. However, keep in mind that Disney is a large company and they might have way more up their sleeves than us fans can expect or even predict – so keep an eye out!! If you enjoyed today’s blog post and would like to stay up-to-date with the latest entertainment news, please follow me on Instagram @mattsworldofentertainment and Twitter @mattsworldofet! As always, thank
Photo Courtesy: D23 (D23 Expo logo).
