In 2023, The Walt Disney Company celebrated its 100th anniversary. In 1923, Walt and Roy Disney started the company that would become a behemoth in the entertainment industry. With humble beginnings, one has to wonder if Walt and Roy could have imagined what their company would look like a century later. Through the coming decades, some of the greatest animated classics of all time would come from Disney. From Snow White, to Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella to The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Frozen, Disney shared stories that connected with all ages at the heart.
2023 saw Disney release movies like Elemental, The Haunted Mansion, The Little Mermaid (Live Action), The Marvels, and Wish to name a few. None of these reached the billion dollar mark at the box office. For a company that generally has at least one movie reach this box office milestone, 2023 was less than stellar. In fact, it was the first year since 2014 that Disney didn’t have a $1 billion movie. As Disney turns the page on 2023, it has seven movies that have been confirmed to be released in 2024. Some of these movies could reach the $1 billion box office mark and put Disney back on track with a more normal theatrical year. Below is a look at the movies being released by The Walt Disney Company in 2024.
The First Omen
Release Date: April 5, 2024
Studio: 20th Century Studios
The First Omen is a prequel to the original 1976 horror film The Omen. This film has a young American women being sent to Rome to being a life of service to the church. However, she encounters a darkness that causes her to question her own faith. She also uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.
This film is directed by Arkasha Stevenson and stars Nell Tiger Free (Servant), Tawfeek Barhom (Mary Magdalene), Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Ralph Ineson (The Northman) and Bill Nighy (Living). It is based on the characters that were created by David Seltzer. It has a story by Ben Jacoby (Bleed) with the screenplay by Tim Smith & Arkasha Stevenson and Keith Thomas (Firestarter).
The original film starred Gregory Peck, Lee Remick and Harvey Stephens. It was about an American ambassador who thinks his 5-year old son is the Antichrist. It did very well at the box office for its time, bringing in $60 million domestically.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Studio: 20th Century Studios
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to 2017’s War of the Planet of the Apes. It happens generations after Caeser’s reign. Ape colonies have evolved and humans have been reduced to a feral state. Since Caeser’s rule, a new leader has emerged and used his teaches to both manipulate and enslave clans. A young ape warrior and a human girl find themselves coming together as they fight for their freedom. Here is the official description:
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
The first trailer for this film received 75 million views in the first 24 hours since it was being released. This film has been in the works since 2016. It was set to “continue Caesar’s legacy” and go back to what made the original films successful. The cast includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy.
Inside Out 2
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
The sequel to Pixar’s 2015 Academy Award winning film Inside Out, Inside Out 2 takes place one year after the events of the original film. In this film, Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust are now going on the adventure of Riley becoming a teenager as she turns 13. With that milestone comes some new emotions, specifically Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke).
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024.
Inside Out 2 sees the return of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Lewis Black return as Joy, Sadness, and Anger respectively, while Liza Lapira and Tony Hale join the cast as Disgust and Fear. The original film connected with audiences and this sequel looks to do the same with its added emotion.
Deadpool 3
Release Date: July 26, 2024
Studio: Marvel Studios
There have not been a ton of details released about the untitled Deadpool movie that has been commonly referred to as Deadpool 3. It can be expected that it will continue the trend of wise cracks and sarcasm as this mercenary returns for yet another adventure. One thing that is known is that Hugh Jackman is going to be joining Ryan Reynolds in this film as Wolverine. This will be the first time he returns to the role since 2017’s Logan. Leaked photos show that Hugh Jackman will be donning a different outfit as Wolverine this time around. Instead of the one he has seen in previous movies, he will be donning a costume that is more of a nod to classic Wolverine comics with the main colors being yellow and black. Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool looks like the Deadpool that has been seen in the previous two Deadpool films. One big question for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is how this film will connect with the bigger MCU. This is the first time that a Deadpool film has been officially included in the MCU. In this case, the question specifically focuses on how Deadpool 3 will connect with Phase Six of the MCU.
Alien: Romulus
Release Date: August 16, 2024
Studio: 20th Century Studios
Alien: Romulus is the ninth movie in the Alien franchise and will be released on August 16, 2024. It is a stand-alone story about “a group of young people on a distant world, who find themselves in a confrontation with the most terrifying life form in the universe”. The film is directed by Fele Álvarez. Originally, it was set to be released on Hulu. However, it apparently impressed the powers that be enough to merit a theatrical release. The timeline of the film takes place between Alien (1976) and Aliens (1986). At this point, not a lot is known about this film. However, early indications hint at a chance for a strong return to the franchise this summer.
The Amateur
Release Date: November 8, 2024
Studio: 20th Century Studios
The Amateur is an upcoming espionage thriller based on a novel of the same name by Robert Littell. This movie has Rami Malek starring as Charles Heller, a CIA cryptographer who seeks justice after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. When the CIA won’t go after the perpetrators, he blackmails the agency into training him so that he can do the job himself. Malek is joined by Rachel Brosnahan and Caitriona Balfe in unknown roles. The film is directed by James Hawes. The official synopsis is here:
After his wife is tragically killed in a London terrorist attack, a CIA cryptographer demands his bosses go after the killers. When it becomes clear they won’t act due to conflicting internal priorities, he blackmails the agency into training him and letting him go after them himself.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures and Pastel Productions
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel to The Lion King. This continues the live-action storytelling that came from Jon Favreau’s 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King. In this case, the film is being directed by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins. The film will include the voice talents of Aaron Pierre (Old) as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Chevalier) as Scar. Seth Rogen (Knocked Up) and Billy Eichner (Bros) will be returning as Timon and Pumbaa with John Kani (Murder Mystery) returning as Rafiki. Director Barry Jenkins has hinted that there could be other familiar faces and voices returning for this film as well.
This film focuses on the backstory of Mufasa. Specific details about the story have not been released yet (and neither has a trailer). However, it would not be surprising to see not just the backstory of Mufasa but also that of Scar and how he became the villain that is seen in The Lion King. The new voices for Mufasa and Scar come as younger iterations of the characters are shown. It is being reported that Timon and Pumbaa will act as narrators for the film. Director Barry Jenkins has also indicated that the film isn’t simply a prequel. Instead, it will be telling two parallel stories at once, much like is done in The Godfather II. In this case, it could be Mufasa’s origin story and also Simba in his new role as king of Pride Rock.
Unknown 2024 Disney Releases
There are nine unspecified movies with confirmed release dates that The Walt Disney Company announced. They are as follows:
- January 19, 2024
- August 2, 2024
- August 30, 2024
- September 6, 2024
- October 4, 2024
- November 16, 2024
- November 27, 2024
While there isn’t a lot known about these movies, at least one of them is being co-produced with Walt Disney Animation Studios. It would be unsurprising if that film is released on one of the November dates. What is known is that they will be released by Disney in 2024, at least with how things are planned currently. Things like this can change as conditions change. With the challenging environment that Disney movies have found themselves in over the last year or so, Disney undoubtedly is hoping that 2024 will be a better year than 2023. There are movies listed above that could help Disney vault back to the level of success it is accustomed to.
What do you think of the 2024 movies being released by The Walt Disney Company’s different studios? Do you think any of them will reach the $1 billion mark? What movie are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
