10 Upcoming Disney Movies Sure to Make You Nostalgic

Upcoming Disney Movies

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll likely have noticed some familiar names appearing in a theater near you. After the success of Maleficent, Cinderella, and the smash hit that was The Jungle Book, Disney’s realized there’s a mint to be made in recycling old classics. Not that we’re complaining. It’s exciting to see these timeless tales get bold, new makeovers, and there are a lot more on the way.

So, if you’re the type who enjoys wishing on a shooting star, here are 10 upcoming Disney movies guaranteed to awaken your nostalgia.

1. Pete’s Dragon

This early live-action musical is a deep cut, even for the staunchest of Disney fans. Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a young orphan boy who befriends an invisible dragon named Elliott. Though Elliot grows to become the boy’s protector and confidant, his presence soon creates trouble for the nearby town. The new film, which is set to release on August 12th of this year, will follow a similar plot while starring Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas Howard in leading roles.

2. Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s Oscar-winning masterpiece is returning to theaters, and man oh man, does it look amazing! From what little has been shown, this “tale as old as time” has all the magic and wonder of the original. With Harry Potter’s Emma Watson taking on the role of Belle, Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as the Beast, and Frozen’s Josh Gad as Le Fou, 2017 can’t come soon enough.

3. Cruella

With the success of Maleficent, Disney no doubt began to ponder which other villains deserved a colorful backstory. Enter Cruella de Vil, the fur-crazy diva from 101 Dalmatians. Known for her cackling laughter and a mad driving skills, this live-action feature film will chronicle the character’s evil exploits, with actress Emma Stone taking on the role of Cruella herself.

4. Tinkerbell

Where would Peter Pan be without Tinkerbell? While this golden-winged heroine has achieved fame enough to warrant her own series of home movies, it’s only recently that Disney has announced a live-action project starring Reese Witherspoon as the intrepid fairy. Talk about your “happy thoughts”!

5. Dumbo

Little is known about the upcoming remake of Dumbo, save that the film will be directed by Tim Burton. The adventure of Disney’s flying elephant has long been a source of controversy for modern viewers, largely because the original movie contained a number of offensive racial stereotypes. No word has been issued on how the new film will address this, but Dumbo can only fly upward from here.

6. Mulan

Many fans consider Mulan the first Disney princess to break the traditional “damsel” mold. Instead of dresses, she wore armor, and rather than wait for a prince to swoop in and save the day, Mulan fought her own battles. Now, the fan-favorite character is getting her own live-action remake, and viewers couldn’t be happier!

7. The Little Mermaid

Chloe Grace Moretz is about to get very wet, as the young actress has recently signed on to star in a live-action retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Though considered one of Disney’s treasured classics, it’s been hinted that this new version will break from the traditional story to explore (ahem) uncharted waters. Regardless, most Disney fans will take any excuse to return under the sea!

8. Pinocchio

Pinocchio was among the first animated features ever released by Disney, and its existence has shaped the company since its inception. Characters such as Jiminy Cricket, and the film’s signature song “When You Wish Upon a Star”, embody all the hopes and dreams inherent to a Disney movie. Will a live-action remake embody the same virtues? Only time will tell.

9. Mary Poppins

Dust off your parasol and break out a new kite, the world’s greatest nanny is getting a sequel. Earlier this year it was announced that Emily Blunt, the star of such films as Into the Woods and The Huntsman: Winter’s War, was in talks to play Mary Poppins in a brand new original story. While no official plot has been given, it’s been inferred the new project will follow Mary’s travels through P.L. Travers’ remaining seven novels. Can you say, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”?

10. A Wrinkle in Time

While frequently overshadowed by the likes of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L’Engle’s Time quintet has nonetheless found a place in the hearts of many Christian readers. Now her first novel, A Wrinkle in Time, is set to become a major motion picture, and the anticipation is palpable. The story begins with a young girl named Meg Murry whose father, a government scientist, has gone missing. When Meg is approached by three mysterious women named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, she realizes her family must set out on a journey to save her father from a terrible power. Dark and beautiful, this is one upcoming film you don’t want to miss!

*Ryan Duncan is the Entertainment Editor for Crosswalk.com