In 1937, Disney Animation Studios created a lasting legacy for the medium with the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which became an immediate classic. Naturally, this pattern would persist over the ensuing decades, as the company expanded to produce Pixar pictures, which would take care of their computer-graphic animated features. In addition to beloved films like Frozen and Moana, the two production firms have created a plethora of contemporary, highly regarded modern masterpieces including Wall-E and Encanto.

When Moana 2 opens in theatres on November 27, 2024, fans of the first Moana will be able to embark on a spectacular trip across Oceania once more. Disney is renowned for producing excellent sequels to their most beloved brands. What further plans does the ‘House of Mouse’ have, though?

5. Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa: The Lion King serves as both a preface and a follow-up to the 2019 computer-generated-image version of The Lion King. It tells the story of Rafiki telling Kiara, Simba’s daughter, about Mufasa’s mythology following the events of The Lion King. The film explores Mufasa’s beginnings, from his time as an orphan cub to his discovery of a place in the Circle of Life and his realisation of his destiny as the next king. The film also delves into the past of Taka, who thereafter goes by the name Scar and serves as Mufasa’s closest ally, assisting him in his fight against a rival lion pack that poses a threat to their pride. For ardent admirers of The Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King will enhance the mythology by tying the past of the characters to the Pride Lands that Simba and Kiara will reign in the future.

From filmmaker Jon Favreau, who oversaw the 2019 adaptation, director Barry Jenkins offers a refreshing change of pace. Jenkins recently wrapped up directing the highly acclaimed TV miniseries The Underground Railroad. He is most known for his work on the Oscar-winning Moonlight. The actor Aaron Pierre, who plays Taka opposite Kelvin Harrison Jr., will voice Mufasa. Notable actors involved in the production are Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, John Kani as Rafiki, and Seth Rogen, who will voice Pumbaa. Mufasa: Due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, The Lion King was originally scheduled for a July 5, 2024 release date; however, it is now scheduled to open in theatres on December 20, 2024.

4. Elio

Elio Solis, age 11, is unintentionally transmitted to an intergalactic organisation known as the “Communiverse” and misidentified as Earth’s ambassador, setting off an incredible space voyage. Elio, unprepared for the part, has to endure a number of difficult tests and develop relationships with a variety of bizarre alien lifeforms. On June 13, 2025, the epic sci-fi coming-of-age film Elio will be released in theatres.

Everybody enjoys a good underdog story, right? Elio, starring Adrian Molina, appears destined to be Pixar’s next big film. Despite directing alone for the first time, Molina has a lot of experience with animated films; he was a member of the creative team for Turning Red, Elemental, and the most recent release, Inside Out 2. He has also co-directed Coco. Young, promising actor Yonas Kibreab (Sweet Tooth, Obi-Wan Kenobi) and the now-famous America Ferrera (Barbie, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) will both lend their voices to the film.

3. Zootopia 2

Disney’s Zootopia became one of the highest-grossing animated pictures ever, taking in $1.024 billion at the worldwide box office, and was a huge critical and economic success. Disney’s desire to carry on with the property is not surprising. Not much is known about the plot at this time, but according to the official synopsis, Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin will be reprising their main roles as the beloved couple Judy Hops and Nick Wilde, who team up to solve a fresh case.

2. Toy Story 5

There aren’t many specifics available yet, but June 19, 2026, is the scheduled release date for Toy Story 5. Fans should, however, be thrilled about this most recent version, which was written and directed by Andrew Stanton. Stanton is primarily renowned for Wall-E, one of the most highly regarded Pixar films ever. Additionally, it marks the debut of a Pixar film into the Criterion collection. Will Toy Story 5 lead the series to new heights? Though it is unclear, there is hope that Woody and Buzz may make a comeback, particularly since Tim Allen—who voiced the famous astronaut in 2022’s Lightyear—would probably play the major role instead of Chris Evans.

1. Disney Projects in the Works

Unannounced names for films from Disney and Pixar are scheduled for release. November 25, 2026, is the release date for an unnamed project from Disney; however, because this date falls around Zootopia 2, fans should take this date with a grain of salt until additional information is available. March 6, 2026 is the release date of an untitled Pixar film.

Topics #Animated Film #Every Disney #Moana 2