Tag: movies

Tom Hanks in Talks to Play Geppetto in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’

Someone new may be pulling the strings for Pinocchio soon. Tom Hanks is in early talks to play Geppetto in Disney’s live-action adaptation of its animated classic.

Filmmaker Paul King is directing the film. Andrew Miano and Chris Weitz are producing. King, Weitz, and Simon Farnaby wrote the most recent draft.

The remake comes 78 years after the original animated film captivated audiences in February 1940. The original film centered around Geppetto who catches sight of a wishing star and wishes for Pinocchio to become a real boy. Once Geppetto fell asleep, his home is visited by the Blue Fairy, who brings Pinocchio to life. With his faithful friend Jiminy Cricket by his side, Pinocchio embarks on fantastic adventures that test his bravery, loyalty and honesty until he triumphs in his quest for his heart’s desire: to become a real boy.

The original 1940 animated movie won two Oscars for best original score and the classic Disney tune, “When You Wish Upon a Star”. The movie based on the Carlo Collodi story follows the young puppet boy Pinocchio who yearns to be a real boy after being created by Geppetto.

Pinocchio is part of a long list of upcoming Disney live-action remakes, including Dumbo, Aladdin, The Lion King, and 2020’s Mulan.

November 29, 2018
Live-Action Lion King Side By Side Trailer Comparison Will Give You Chills

The first teaser trailer for Disney’s live-action “The Lion King” was just released and it’s is amazing. As if the new video wasn’t powerful enough a new video shows the trailer in a side by side comparison with clips from the original animated film and it will give you chills

In the video, the new trailer is matched up to the original movie clips in a shot for shot recreation and it is spot on. Take a look for yourself below, but remember… I’m not crying, you’re crying.

The live action hits just keep on coming and watching the iconic moments from the original animated movies recreated in live-action is what makes these films so magical.

We’ve seen side by side comparisons before for films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, but this trailer by far has the largest amount of recognizable and iconic clips.

Disney has continued its dominance at the box office in with a slew of live-action remakes of its animated classics, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” and last year’s $1.25 billion worldwide grossing “Beauty and the Beast.”

The Lion King is just one of several remakes Disney has on the docket, including Lady in the Tramp for its Disney+ streaming service and Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which bows March 29, 2019.

November 23, 2018
First ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Teaser Trailer Released

There is so much to give thanks for this Thanksgiving, but this news deserves a special thanks. Disney has just released the first teaser trailer for Jon Favreau’s upcoming live-action “Lion King” adaptation and it’s a thing of pride!

Disney released the teaser trailer on Thursday as part of the Thanksgiving football festivities, replicating the opening scene of the beloved 1994 original animated film.

“Everything the light touches is our kingdom,” says Mufusa (James Earl Jones) in a voiceover, as the camera pans over the African wilderness. Take a look at the trailer below:

Last summer at D23, Favreau first showed off footage from The Lion King including photo-real landscapes and Rafiki introducing baby Simba on Pride Rock, but now we get to see the real thing.

Donald Glover leads the cast as young Lion Simba who loses his dad, while Beyonce — who is credited in the trailer with her last name, Knowles — voices Nala, a childhood friend and later love interest to Simba. The cast includes James Earl Jones reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Simba’s father Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Simba’s villainous uncle Scar, Alfre Woodard as Simba’s mother Sarabi, with child actor JD McCrary playing the young version of Simba. Shahadi Wright Joseph is voicing the young Nala, while John Kani voices the baboon Rafiki and John Oliver playing Mufasa’s confidant, the hornbill Zazu.

The Lion King is just one of several remakes Disney has on the docket, including Lady in the Tramp for its Disney+ streaming service and Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which bows March 29, 2019. Favreau previously had huge success with his remake of The Jungle Book, which grossed $966 million globally.

The original Lion King grossed more than $968 million worldwide and featured memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice. Favreau’s Lion King is set to open July 19, 2019.

November 22, 2018
New Live-Action Dumbo Trailer Will Warm Your Heart

A new for trailer for Tim Burton’s live-action “Dumbo” remake just aired during the 52nd Annual CMA Awards and it will warm your heart.

The reimagined story expands on the beloved classic story where, as Disney puts it, “differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight.”

The story begins when circus owner Max Medici played by Danny DeVito who enlists former star Holt Farrier played Colin Farrell and his children to care for a newborn elephant. “We’re all family here,” they tell a frightened Dumbo. “No matter how small.” Take a look at the trailer below:

The trailer, which features Norwegian popstar Aurora singing Baby Mine, features clips of Dreamland as well as Dumbo taking flight for the first time.

Tim Burton helms the live action “Dumbo” which is inspired by the 1941 animated film. It’s written by Ehren Kruger and has an all-star cast including Eva Green, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Alan Arkin, and Danny Devito.

Disney has continued its dominance at the box office in with a slew of live-action remakes of its animated classics, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” and last year’s $1.25 billion worldwide grossing “Beauty and the Beast.”

Tim Burton’s Dumbo flies into theaters March 29, 2019.

November 14, 2018
Disney Drops First ‘Toy Story 4’ Teaser Trailer

The very first teaser trailer for ‘Toy Story 4’ dropped Monday along with details about the much-anticipated sequel that will emotionally take audiences to “infinity and beyond.”

The Disney Pixar film is the third sequel to Toy Story starring Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, but Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang are joined by newcomer “Forky” in the teaser trailer.

Forky, voiced by Tony Hale, was a spork until Bonnie made him into a craft project. Since he was not originally a toy, Forky faces something of an existential crisis. Take a look below:

The story centers around Woody who 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.

With the release of Toy Story 4, the beloved franchise now spans more than two decades. The original film was released in 1995, with Toy Story 2 close behind in 1999. The third film, released in 2010, featured the protagonist, Andy, all grown up and going off to college as the toys find a new home with Bonnie.

“Like most people, I assumed that Toy Story 3 was the end of the story,” director Josh Cooley said in a press release. “And it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning.”

Josh Cooley is now helming the film after John Lasseter stepped down from the project and Stephany Folsom has penned the next installment of the franchise after, actress Rashida Jones left due to “creative and philosophical differences” in November 2017.

Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

November 12, 2018
Pirates Of The Caribbean May Reboot Without Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp may have walked the plank as Jack Sparrow for the last time according to some reports. A “Pirates Of The Caribbean” exec hinted recently that the actor would not appear in the newly planned reboot of the franchise.

The 55-year-old has played Jack Sparrow in the films for the past 15 years, but he will reportedly no longer be part of the films as Disney Studios plan a reboot.

As Disney Studios confirm they are planning a major reboot for the franchise, script writer Stuart Beattie revealed in an interview with DailyMailTV that they were planning on reworking the whole franchise – and implying that Johnny Depp might not appear in the reboot.

“I think he’s had a great run”, the writer said of Johnny Depp’s 15 years playing Jack Sparrow. “Obviously, he’s made that character his own and it’s become the character he’s most famous for now. And kids all over the world love him as that character so I think it’s been great for him, it’s been great for us, so I’m just very, very happy about it.”

He went on to say that playing the pirate will be Depp’s “legacy” as “it’s the only character he’s played five times”, adding that it was the franchise that helped him to establish himself as an actor.

Screenrant reported back in August that, Disney is keen to bring Joachim Ronning back to direct a sixth Pirates movie, which would likely focus on the new, younger cast members; Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner, and Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth.

According to Deadline, Disney has had early talks with Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick about writing a script.

It is not known why Depp has been dropped from the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise, but Depp’s private life has been seriously marred recently by allegations of abuse from ex-wife Amber Heard, of substance abuse, of his treatment of cast and crew, and his general behavior on set.

At this point, it’s unclear if the statements would mean the end of Depp’s role as Jack Sparrow. Only time will tell.

October 28, 2018
Keira Knightley Bans Her Daughter From Seeing These Disney Movies

Keira Knightley, best known for her role as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean, is a Disney regular at this point. She is also starring in Disney’s upcoming “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” but that doesn’t mean she agrees with the messages in every Disney movie the studio has released.

The 33-year-old British actress was recently on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and she says her 3-year-old daughter, Edie Knightley Righton, is “banned” from watching certain Disney movies.

On the list is the 1950 animated classic “Cinderella.” “Banned,” Knightley said, “because she waits around for a rich guy to rescue her. Don’t! Rescue yourself, obviously!” Take a look at the interview below.

Another film to make the banned list is “The Little Mermaid.” This one has her “quite annoyed,” says Knightley, “because I really like the film.”

“I mean, the songs are great, but do not give your voice up for a man. Hello!” she told host Ellen DeGeneres. “But the problem with ‘The Little Mermaid’ is I love ‘The Little Mermaid!’ That one’s a little tricky — but I’m keeping to it.”

Knightley’s passionate take on the feminist issues surrounding princess plots is no surprise, as she recently contributed an essay about giving birth to the book Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies.

October 18, 2018
‘Lilo & Stitch’ Is Getting a Live-Action Remake at Disney

If you’re a fan of everybody’s favorite blue alien then we have some out of this galaxy news for you! The 2002 animated classic “Lilo and Stitch” is getting a live-action remake.

Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who are working on the live-action remake of “Aladdin,” will be producing and the studio has hired Mike Van Waes to write the script., according to The Hollywood Reporter. The production will be a hybrid of live-action and CG.

The story of “Lilo and Stitch” is set in Hawaii and tells the story of a lonely young girl and her close encounter with the galaxy’s most wanted extraterrestrial who she mistakes for a dog. Through her love, faith and unwavering belief in ohana, the Hawaiian concept of family, Lilo helps unlock Stitch’s heart and gives him the ability to care for someone else.

Though “Lilo & Stitch” wasn’t a success at the box office, it still became a cult classic spawning multiple direct-to-video sequels as well as television series. Lilo & Stitch was released on June 21, 2002 to positive reviews and was nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

October 3, 2018
‘Star Wars’ Chief Kathleen Kennedy’s Lucasfilm Deal Extended for Three Years

The force is strong with Kathleen Kennedy who took command of Lucasfilm after Disney’s $4 billion acquisition from George Lucas in 2012. Kennedy has renewed her contract to remain president of Lucasfilm for another three years, through 2021.

The move is a vote of confidence in Kennedy, who has had a tumultuous year following the disappointing box office returns that “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” suffered and behind-the-scenes drama after the studio dismissed directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller well into production. They were replaced by Ron Howard, who was tasked with bringing home the pricey standalone which came with a $250 million price tag.

Kennedy weathered the storm following the drama and backlash, but many fans were left contemplating what her future with the company would be.

Kennedy’s stamp has been on every project post-Disney, including the behemoth “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Gareth Edwards’ “Rogue One,” and Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

A spinoff development slate, which included a possible standalone for “Star Wars” character Boba Fett, has been shelved. Her attention will now be directed to a new core trilogy beginning with “Star Wars: Episode IX” directed by J.J. Abrams.

Kennedy counts eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture as a producer, including films like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

September 29, 2018
Whoopi Goldberg Confirms Role in Disney’s ‘Sister Act’ Reboot

The “Sister Act franchise is making a comeback, and franchise star Whoopi Goldberg will also be returning, but not in the way you think as the iconic actress will only have a cameo in the film.

Last year, a star-studded reunion with the original cast from “Sister Act,” aired on “The View” in celebration of the films 25th anniversary. “The View” moderator Whoopi Goldberg was asked if she would be on board for a “Sister Act 3?” “Well yeah, I would,” she replied. “It would take a script and Marc Shaiman.”

Though the direction of the film wasn’t clear at the time, Whoopi revealed last week during interview on Good Morning Britain that there will not be a “Sister Act 3”, but a reboot of the series.

Whoopi was asked if fans would ever get to see Sister Act 3 happen. “So we’ve been all over Disney begging and they’ve decided that they are going to go in a different direction with Sister Act,” Goldberg said. “So it won’t be Sister Act 3 it will be a brand new rendition of Sister Act.”

Goldberg said she would probably only have a cameo role in the movie, adding: “I guess I’ll walk through a scene and that’s how they’ll say I was part of it.”

Though Whoopi Goldberg has a ton of iconic roles under her nun’s habit, the character of Deloris Van Cartier is perhaps the most beloved of the bunch, aside from those deranged lunatics who love dinophobe detective Katie Coltrane in Theodore Rex. Fans have wanted to see Sister Act 3 for years.

It’s been 25 years since 1993’s “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit”, which starred Goldberg alongside Lauryn Hill. The film built on the introduction of Deloris Van Cartier, aka Sister Mary Clarence, in the first “Sister Act”, released in 1992.

Sister Act was a critical and box office success, making more than $319 million worldwide making it one of the highest grossing movies of 1992 and sequel “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” followed in 1993.

September 29, 2018