The rise of Disney+ as a popular streaming service is continuing into 2022. Last year saw them release several original films but the real highlight was their work on the television side of things thanks to shows set in the Star Wars universe and the MCU. However, 2022 is looking like it'll be huge for both TV and film.
On the movie side of things, there are some truly intriguing releases set to arrive. They include remakes of memorable films from the past, long-awaited sequels to iconic movies, some totally original ideas, and even a new arrival from the legendary Pixar Studios.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pixar Studios have seen their films avoid movie theaters and instead go straight to Disney+. It happened with both Soul and Luca and will once again be the case with Turning Red, their latest project.
The plot of Turning Red centers on a young girl who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited or stressed. While the trailer hasn't revealed much else about the movie, Pixar has such an impressive track record that most audiences are looking forward to this one.
Way back in 1950, the original Cheaper by the Dozen came out and was a mild success. Then during the 2000s, Steve Martin led a pair of films based around the concept and now that 2022 is here, another new take on the tale is set to arrive exclusively on Disney+.
This time around, the parents are played by Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff, who have both had very strong careers over the past two decades. The main difference here is that the kids are mostly from previous marriages. With a premise designed for shenanigans and good comedic actors leading the way, this can be a hit.
One of the most beloved animated TV series from the '90s is Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. The series focused on a pair of chipmunks who run a detective agency with other rodents and now it is being adapted into a live-action/CGI animated movie.
The concept might not sound exciting given the mixed reviews that went to things like Alvin and the Chipmunks and The Smurfs. However, this is being directed by the proven Akiva Schaffer and the two leads are being voiced by Andy Samberg and John Mulaney, so there are ingredients there for success.
Not everything coming to Disney+ is a remake of something from the past or part of a larger franchise. Better Nate Than Never is proof of that, though it is based on a novel of the same name from 2013, with this film being helmed by Tim Federle of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series fame.
The story centers on an unpopular teenager who has big dreams of one day being a star on Broadway, which is fitting for this musical film. The protagonist embarks on a journey to New York with his best friend after getting passed up for a role he feels he deserves.
2022 is actually set to play host to two different takes on the iconic Pinocchio story. Netflix will release a stop-motion animated one from the mind of Guillermo del Toro while Disney+ is putting out a live-action version starring Tom Hanks as Geppetto.
A remake of the Disney movie from 1940, the word is that this will follow much of the same plot from that iteration. Similar to some of Disney's other live-action remakes, this will be blessed with a stellar cast as Hanks is joined by Cynthia Erivo, Luke Evans, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Keegan-Michael Key.
It's hard to think of a movie that fans have waited longer for when it comes to a sequel than Hocus Pocus. The original arrived in 1993 and has only grown in popularity over the years, becoming a staple in plenty of annual Halloween viewing parties.
Though it has been nearly 30 years, fans are pumped about Hocus Pocus 2, which will bring back Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the memorable Sanderson sisters. The plot seems simple enough as the witches return to present-day Salem and must be stopped, which is what will likely make it such fun.
Another film that audiences have been hoping to get a sequel to for years is Enchanted. The 2007 musical was nominated three times in the Best Original Song category of the Oscars and saw Amy Adams earn a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Giselle.
The original saw fairy tale animated character Giselle brought into live-action New York. She chose to stay there after finding love but this movie will see a wish go wrong and have her end up back in Andalasia where she must rescue her family. If it's anything like the first, this will be beloved.
Back to the idea of original films hitting Disney+, Crater is one that isn't grounded in anything existing. It's interesting because it's a coming-of-age tale but is also a sci-fi movie, which are two genres that don't always blend together.
Crater sees a boy raised on a lunar mining colony explore a crater with his friends and end up relocated to another planet. Not much else is known but the cast includes newcomer Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Kid Cudi, and McKenna Grace.
It seems like almost every iteration of the Peter Pan tale has been told before but people keep finding new angles to go with. This Disney+ take is set to be a live-action adaptation of the Walt Disney Animation Studios version from 1953.
One thing that makes this one exciting is David Lowery as director after his work on the acclaimed The Green Knight in 2021. Plus, it's hard to not appreciate the casting of Jude Law as Captain Hook and Jim Gaffigan as Mr. Smee. Meanwhile, Peter will be played by a debuting Alexander Molony and Wendy is being played by Ever Anderson, who was young Natasha in Black Widow.
Like most stories that early Disney movies are based on, Cinderella is something that has been adapted time and time again over the years. That makes it tough to really pull off something different or unique, yet that's just what seems to be happening with Sneakerella.
This version sees a male as the protagonist who falls in love with someone from a wealthier upbringing and it also features a more modern premise centered around sneaker culture. Eli is an aspiring designer who falls for the daughter of a sneaker tycoon in this musical.
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