A Wrinkle in Time isn’t Disney’s only play towards children of all ages. An advance look at The Nutcracker and the Four Realms was also showcased at D23’s live-action panel. This is inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Mackenzie Foy is playing a young girl named Clara, who must travel to the parallel worlds featuring the Land of Snowflakes, the Land of Flowers, the Land of Sweets, and the Fourth Realm; which is under the control of the diabolical Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren). In this film, Keira Knightley is playing the Sugar Plum Fairy while Morgan Freeman is portraying godfather Drosselmeyer. While the Mouse King of the books had seven heads, the Mouse King of the movie will be made up of thousands of CGI mice.
Another heavily anticipated movie appeared when Emily Blunt and director Rob Marshall appeared to promote Mary Poppins Returns. The movie takes place decades after the original film, as Mary Poppins pops back into the lives of the now grown-Banks children, who have kids of their own. It sounds like the Banks children have forgotten the lessons that Mary taught them in the first film, but she’ll have some new help in this story: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Jack. Blunt noted that she did homage Julie Andrews’ classic performance, but she is also using the novels to guide her character. The D23 panel was also given a special preview of the new music created for the film.
Tim Burton did not make it out for D23, but he filmed a video about his upcoming live-action remake of Dumbo…which sounds nothing like the original. As in nothing at all. Colin Farrell is starring in the movie as a war veteran and ex-circus star, Holt Farrier, who along with his children, discovers that Dumbo can fly. Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton’s characters appear to be designed to exploit Dumbo’s talents, while Eva Green shows off her flexibility as an aerial artist. We have no idea what to make of this one, but it’s still about two years away from theaters.
Also: The Trailer for Ava DuVernay’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Looks Amazing
We’re much higher on Jon Favreau’s live-action CGI remake of The Lion King, because we actually got to see the famous opening sequence recreated with modern computer animation. Think Jungle Book style CGI, taken to the next level. Now, that was impressive. Favreau told the crowd that it is his intention to remain faithful to the original movie, while utilizing modern techniques to bring it to life. James Earl Jones is reprising his role as Mufasa in the film, while Donald Glover just can’t wait to be king as the new voice of Simba.
There was also a quick rundown on some other upcoming Disney movies. The Mulan live-action remake is official, and Niki Caro is slated to direct. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is still attached to star in a cinematic adaptation of the Disney theme park ride, The Jungle Book. And finally, Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin has found its leading man with Mena Massoud as Aladdin himself. Will Smith will play the Genie, while Naomi Scott is set to portray Princess Jasmine.
Which Disney films are you most excited about? Let us know in the comment section below!
