This year, Disney will release new live-animated versions of their old movies as well as sequences such as “Frozen 2” and “Toy Story 4.” The Disney movies making headlines which are set to be released this year are “Dumbo,” “The Lion King,” “Toy Story 4” and “Aladdin.”
Most of the original movies like “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” were initially released in the 1990s. These movies were a success as the films are still talked about today and were now created in a new-live action adaptation.
The 1992 film of “The Lion King” received a great amount of praise from the audience and critics. It initially earned a gross of $766 million. The live-action film of “The Lion King” is set to release on July 19. Donald Glover will be interpreting Simba’s voice and James Earl Jones will be interpreting Mufasa’s voice. Other actors and celebrities in the cast include Beyoncé, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner.
Senior Will Rainwater said, “The opening scene to ‘The Lion King’ is one of the most iconic scenes in film history. If you sing the opening scene, everyone and their mother knows exactly what you’re doing. I think I will see the new version of ‘The Lion King’ because I’m intrigued to see what they will do with the classic.”
“Dumbo” was first released in 1941 and was the fourth film released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The movie was first created based on Roll-A-Book written by Helen Aberson titled “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant.” Now, this new live-action movie will be based upon this 1941 film. “Dumbo” (2019 film) released on March 29.
Directed by Guy Ritchie, “Aladdin,” will be released at the end of May this year and will include actors like Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott. “Aladdin” is a tale that comes from the Middle Eastern origin and has been produced into various movies and musicals. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Smith said, “He [Ritchie] brings a beautiful edge to the look and feel and the reimaging of ‘Aladdin.’”
Bible and Junior Boys Grade Chair, Josh Smith, said, “Even though Will Smith will play Genie, I don’t think no one can ever top Robin Williams, but I’m very excited to see the new version of Aladdin.”
“Toy Story 4,” which was directed by Josh Cooley, will be released in the summer on June 21. Tom Hanks, who voices Woody in the movie, said, “The emotional range of the movies has become more and more deep and profound and affecting” (Today.com). Tim Allen also mentioned that he “choked up while recording ‘Toy Story 4’” (Today.com).
Junior Mark Baisier said, “I am excited to watch all the new movies, although I’m not sure another ‘Toy Story’ is a good idea.”
For most students, the new live-action movies are an opportunity to remember the past. Senior Hannah Sterling and Freshman Madison Sterling are planning to watch some of the Disney movies to remember some of their childhood favorites. Senior Sofia Vallejo said, “I am really excited these new movies are coming out because they take me back to my childhood.”
Math and Junior Girls Grade Chair, Ashley Stainback, said, “I will watch the the preview and if it wins me over, I will go and watch the movies.”
Stainback and Smith took a trip down memory lane remembering their first Disney movie. Stainback said, “Robin Hood was the first movie I watched and I enjoyed it. All the Disney movies I have watched are really good, but I think that ‘Incredibles 2’ is my favorite Disney movie of all time.” Meanwhile, Smith said, “The first Disney movie I watched was ‘Oliver and Company’ and my favorite Disney movie of all time is ‘Emperor’s New Grove.'”
Disney movies are not intended to only engage one age group, but instead to engage parents and children of all ages. All the Disney movies will premiere at different cinemas. You can check your local cinemas’ website to check if they will have showtimes for your preferred Disney movie.
