By this time last year, I was already planning to head back to L.A. for the red carpet premiere of Black Panther. It was a very busy first half of 2018 for me in regards to movies. This year there are so many great films I’m looking forward to from Walt Disney Studios.
I know most people sharing list of upcoming movies probably share them in the order they are going to be released. I’m sharing in order of excitement for me. I’m jumping right into the films I can’t wait to see and why I’m so excited about them.
June 21, 2019 – TOY STORY 4 (Disney·Pixar)
#ToyStory4
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”).
Disney·Pixar’s TOY STORY 4 ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
Toy Story has always played a pivotal role in my family’s life. My oldest son was obsessed with Woody and Buzz for a large chunk of his childhood. He knows all the lines for the first two movies and some of the shorts. It’s been like his on again, off again girlfriend for years. We owned hundreds of the toys from all the movies. And when he learned about the new film coming out almost two years ago he was elated again. I’m sure we’ll have to get those early tickets to see the movie before anyone else because he loves it so much. This is our most anticipated film of 2019.
July 19, 2019 – THE LION KING (Walt Disney Studios)
#TheLionKing
Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journey’s to the African savannah where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother–and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, “The Lion King” utilizes pioneer filmmaking techniques to bring these treasured characters to life in a whole new way.
THE LION KING roars into theatres on July 19, 2019.
There are several reasons why I can’t wait to see the live action version of The Lion King. I saw a short snippet at the Live Action Panel at 2017 D23 Convention, there are LEGENDS attached to this film, and it’s the Lion King. During the 2017 D23 event we had the opportunity to attend a special anniversary celebration and presentation for the animated film. It was amazing to learn about the story of how the film was made but the end was a musical performance that still gives me goosebumps when I think of it today. That’s how the Lion King makes me feel.
May 24, 2019 – ALADDIN (Walt Disney Studios)
#Aladdin
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”), who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August (“Dark Shadows,” “Big Fish”) and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the larger-than-life Genie; Mena Massoud (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as the charming scoundrel Aladdin; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Jasmine, the beautiful self-determined princess; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer; Navid Negahban (“Legion”) as the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future; Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as the handsome and arrogant suitor Prince Anders; and Numan Acar (“The Great Wall”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards.
“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin (“Sherlock Holmes”) and Jonathan Eirich (“Death Nate”) with Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Marc Platt (“La La Land”) and Kevin De La Noy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy
ALADDIN opens in U.S. theatres nationwide May 24, 2019.
I’m sure no one can live up to Robin Williams’ portrayal of Genie in the animated movie Aladdin, but I’m excited to see what Will Smith brings to the table. Of any actor out there I think he could add his own touch on the character without trying to live up to Williams.
April 26, 2019 – AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Marvel Studios)
#AvengersEndgame
AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theaters on April 26, 2019.
Aside from the trailer we don’t know much about Avengers: Endgame yet. The release date was moved up and we know Ant-Man is out of the Quantum Realm, but not much else. I’m still emotional about the last Avengers movie but I can’t wait to see how this saga ends.
November 22, 2019 – FROZEN 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Arendelle heats up in 2019 when Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf return to the big screen in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” the much-anticipated follow-up to 2013’s Oscar®-winning “Frozen”—the highest grossing animated film of all time. Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad reprise their roles, while Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the team behind “Frozen,” return to the directors’ chairs.
FROZEN 2 opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.
TRAILER: Coming Soon
True story at the end of Ralph Breaks the Internet I waited till the end credits and was Rick Rolled and I didn’t know it. I was hoping for a sneak peek at Frozen 2 but it never happened. LOL. We are still waiting for anything about Frozen 2 to be released.
March 9, 2019 – CAPTAIN MARVEL (Marvel Studios)
#CaptainMarvel
Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.
The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.
Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patricia Whitcher and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman and Joe Shrapnel & Anna Waterhouse, and the screenplay is by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck and Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Jac Schaeffer.
Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL opens on March 8, 2019 in U.S. theaters.
If you’re not excited about Captain Marvel I have to question what’s wrong with you :). Either way I’m excited because Brie Lawson is the first woman to have a solo film in the MCU. This film is going to be powerful for women and girls all around the world.
April 17, 2019 – PENGUINS (Disneynature)
#DisneynaturePenguins
Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Penguins” is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he’s targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after. From the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s “Penguins” opens in theaters nationwide in time for Earth Day 2019.
Disneynature’s PENGUINS opens in theaters on April 17, 2019.
I love a good Disneynature film. This looks like another great documentary that’s perfect for entertaining and learning.
August 9, 2019 – ARTEMIS FOWL (Walt Disney Studios)
#ArtemisFowl
Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler, Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.
“Artemis Fowl” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, with Josh Gad, and Judi Dench. Judy Hofflund and Branagh are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers. Conor McPherson wrote the screenplay.
Disney’s ARTEMIS FOWL opens in U.S. theaters on August 9, 2019.
I’ve never heard of these books, but recently one of my blogger friends was telling me about the books and the upcoming movie. It looks good based on the trailer.
December 20, 2019 – STAR WARS: EPISODE IX (Lucasfilm)
Hashtag Coming Soon
STAR WARS: EPISODE IX opens in U.S. theaters on December 20, 2019.
We don’t know anything about the upcoming Star Wars Episode IX film but I’m excited to see the trailer when it finally drops.
March 29, 2019 – DUMBO (Walt Disney Studios)
#Dumbo
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.
Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”).
DUMBO flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.
Tim Burton fans are probably super excited about this film releasing next year. I have to catch up on the animated movie before heading to the movies to see this but my youngest is very excited to see the flying elephant.