September 17, 2024, 7:58 am | Read time: 11 minutes

Disney has big plans. With its new blockbusters, the company wants to build on its recent successes and iron out previous mishaps. TECHBOOK provides an overview of the films planned for the coming months.

New productions this year

The event name, D23, refers to Disney’s founding year, 1923. After several films financially flopped around the 100th anniversary, including The Little Mermaid and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the outlook is now improving. In addition to the new blockbusters and series, Disney also announced the expansion of its Disney Cruise Line fleet and the addition of six new themed lands to its theme parks, including The Lion King, Avatar, and Encanto. The Group is therefore focusing on investments.

“Moana 2” – in theaters from November 28, 2024

After Moana achieved a very solid box office result of 687 million US dollars in 2016 with production costs of 150 million US dollars, the sequel will follow on November 27, 2024. As with the first film, Ron Clements and John Musker also took over the direction here.

Several years have passed since Moana’s first adventure with the demigod Maui. The island has healed, and Moana familiarizes her little sister with the seafaring traditions of her people. But one day, she receives a mission from her ancestors: A curse has divided the peoples of the ocean. Moana must set sail again to break it and fulfill her ancestors’ mission. The key that can end the curse and reunite the peoples of the ocean is said to lie on a storm-tossed island. In addition to well-known animal sidekicks, Moana can also rely on Maui’s help. However, this time, they have to deal with a dark force. The funny but dangerous Kakamora are also up to mischief at sea.

In addition to the second part, Disney is also working on a live-action film adaptation. This will be released on July 9, 2026. Dwayne Johnson, who already lent his voice to Maui in the animation, is currently set to portray the demigod in the live-action adaptation as well.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

Mufasa: The Lion King – in cinemas from December 19, 2024

When the live-action adaptation of The Lion King was released in 2019, it was met with a lot of skepticism. How do the “lifelike” animated animals look? Can the realistic design really capture the lightness of the original? However, the box office takings of 1.66 billion US dollars catapulted the film straight to second place among the most successful films in 2019, brushing aside Disney’s concerns – even if some fans remained skeptical. Now, the prequel Mufasa: The Lion King is dedicated to the youth of Simba’s father.

The story is based on Disney’s book A Tale of Two Brothers, which revolves around the adventures of young Mufasa. Separated from his family, he meets another lion cub called Taka. Together, they have to stand their ground against many dangers, during which Taka – spoiler alert! – gets the scar that later gives him the name Scar.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

Win or Lose – from December 6, 2024 on Disney+

This surprising novelty is not a movie but Pixar’s first original series. Win or Lose revolves around the insignificant and only moderately talented middle school softball team. Nevertheless, the children have set their minds on taking part in the school championship. Pixar impresses with its typical round-nosed character design and spices up the action with metaphorical, comic-like drawings.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

Disney’s blockbuster 2025

Disney also has big plans for its films in 2025. Audiences will likely eagerly await the third part of Avatar in particular. With Elio, Pixar is entering the sci-fi genre with a heartfelt film, and the Inside Out franchise has a surprise in store. Although there is no exact start date yet for the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, the film is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025. The second part of Freaky Friday is also planned for 2025 under the promising title Freakyer Friday.

“Captain America 4: Brave New World” – from February 12, 2025

Fans of the Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier can also look forward to a new Captain America film starring Anthony Mackie as Samuel Wilson, aka Captain America. Harrison Ford is also involved as US President Thaddeus Ross – and Red Hulk. An explosive mix.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

“Snow White” – in cinemas from March

After a bumpy ride of postponements, shit storms, and content realignments, the live-action adaptation of Snow White is nearing its release date. The iconic fairy tale will be released in US cinemas on March 21, 2025. In Germany, it will be released just one day earlier, on March 20.

The main cast consists of Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot in the role of the Evil Queen. The seven dwarfs are strongly reminiscent of Disney’s 1937 interpretation. The live-action film adaptation also tries to capture the fairytale world of the animated film. In terms of the story, however, the focus is on an energetic Snow White who is not just pining after true love.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

“Elio” – from June 12, 2025

The Pixar film Elio revolves around a young boy and an intergalactic adventure. The film was originally scheduled to be released in spring 2024. There was no official reason for the postponement. However, according to rumors, director Adrian Molina and Disney developed strong differences during post-production. Molina has since been replaced by Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian, but will continue to receive credits for his work as director.

In the year 2024, Elio’s mother, a scientist, is searching for life in space. But when the universe suddenly announces itself with the demand “Bring us your leader,” Elio’s call cuts the connection. The naïve aliens conclude that the shy boy must be the leader of Earth and abduct him to a strange world so that Elio can represent his home planet before the highly evolved beings unite. The film will be released on June 12, 2025

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps – July 24, 2025

The new Marvel film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently in the middle of filming. It is due to be released in cinemas in July of next year. Now that Deadpool & Wolverine have successfully held their own alongside Marvel heroes such as Captain America and Captain Marvel, the Fantastic Four are also ready for the next step. Because once again, the universe, the multiverse even, is in danger.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

“Tron 3: Ares” – from October 9, 2025

Building on the now 40-year-old sci-fi classic Tron, Disney is now trying its hand at the third film in the series. In keeping with the current zeitgeist, it is about artificial intelligence. The highly developed program Ares has to leave the digital world in order to complete a dangerous mission. In the process, the AI being naturally also encounters humans – it is the first encounter of its kind.

The cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters. None of the cast from the previous film are still on board. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning.

“Zootopia 2” – from November 26, 2025

Almost ten years after the first film and just in time for Thanksgiving, the second part of Zoomania is being released. After the predecessor just broke the 1 billion mark at the box office, financial expectations for the sequel are likely to be similarly high.

At D23, Disney exclusively showed a first video showing Judy and Nick in Marsh Market. They are apparently searching for the wolf Gary, who works as security at the Cliffside Asylum and definitely didn’t start howling like a wolf. The audience of Zoomania 1 will remember. While Judy and Nick ask their way through the rows of hippos, beavers, and walruses, Mr. Big also seems to play a major role in the Disney film.

“Avatar 3: Fire and Ash” – from December 17, 2025

The story of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) in the epic world of Pandora continues. And it gets warlike again. The blue Na’vi are joined by the so-called red tribes. Like the humans, the red Na’vi seem to have only war, destruction and subjugation on their minds. Villains from the ranks of the Na’vi? This is a first in the film series and promises an interesting web of relationships and interests.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

“Dream Productions” – from 2025 on Disney+

Amidst all the blockbusters, many fans had anticipated Disney would announce the third installment of Inside Out at D23. Instead, there was a surprise: the colorful emotions are to get their own miniseries, which will be available on Disney’s streaming service. The series is already in production and is all about dreaming – hence the title Dream Productions. How do Riley’s dreams come about? And what do emotions have to do with it? In the very first film, the audience is given a brief glimpse into the studio where a film crew is shooting the pieces that will become Riley’s dreams.

Disney is planning these films for 2026

“Hoppers” – March 6, 2026 in the cinema

In general, the trend seems to be that Disney is leaving it mainly to Pixar to try out new stories when it comes to animated films. This trend is also confirmed in the animated Pixar film Hoppers. In this animal comedy, scientists discover a way to temporarily transfer human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals.

Wild but lovable animal lover Mabel (Piper Curda) (accidentally) seizes the opportunity and transplants her mind into the body of a beaver. A completely new and mysterious world opens up to her. However, there is a villain (Jon Hamm) who the heroine has to take on in her new body. Pixar presented the first images of the film at D23.

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” – in cinemas from May 21, 2026

Since the Skywalker trilogy (last film in 2019), The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars movie in some time. Although some fans would certainly have preferred another season of Mandalorian, the next adventure of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu is eagerly awaited.

The trailer announces an epic battle for Mandalore as well as the final meeting with Empire villain Grand Admiral Thrawn. He was freed from his involuntary exile by Ahsoka at the end of the first season and is ready to crush the resistance against the Empire once and for all. However, the trailer does not suggest that the former Jedi (Rosario Dawson) will also go into battle against Thrawn. Instead, the focus is on the unification of the Mandalorian clans.

Here you will find content from Youtube

To engage with or display content from social networks, we require your consent.

Activate

I consent to having external content from social networks shown to me. This may result in the transfer of personal data to third-party services. Further information can be found in the description of this data processing purpose and in the privacy policies of these third parties.

Toy Story 5 – from June 18, 2026

Disney is planning another sequel to a financial mega-success in the summer of 2026. With Toy Story 5, Woody, Buzz, and their gang once again embark on a turbulent adventure. However, the teaser trailer released at D23 does not yet allow any conclusions to be drawn about the actual plot. As both Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 are among the ten most successful animated films, Disney is also relying on a tried-and-tested concept here.

More on the topic

Together with the 36th season Disney+ announces exclusive episodes of “The Simpsons”

Mega project Star director wants to make his own version of Netflix’s most successful series

Before the official start Huge leak from Netflix! Numerous series episodes landed illegally on the net

More Disney films in the pipeline

In addition to the films mentioned above, Disney plans a number of other blockbusters, including the third part of The Incredibles, which is scheduled for release in 2026. However, there is still no further information on the plot or release date.

What many fans can already look forward to, however, are parts 3 and 4 of Frozen, the production of which was confirmed some time ago. Frozen 3 is due to be released in 2027, and although there is no trailer yet, the first concept art was presented at D23. It shows Elsa and Anna riding on horseback towards a castle in the clouds while a horned shadow rises behind them with a lance in its hand. Overall, Disney’s upcoming films have a wide range of themes. Leaving aside Marvel and Star Wars, the company is focusing on a mixture of Pixar novelties, sequels to successful titles, and live-action adaptations of classics, some of which are causing more controversy than Disney would probably like.