Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Disney has spent more than a decade turning some of its most recognizable animated stories into big-budget live-action productions. Some became enormous hits, while others faced criticism from audiences who questioned how many classics needed another version.
Now, Disney’s future slate looks considerably different.
Several projects once announced or actively developed have fallen apart, including adaptations that had directors, writers, producers, and years of planning behind them.
The cancellations come as Disney becomes more selective about which familiar properties receive another trip through the live-action machine. However, the studio hasn’t abandoned that strategy entirely.
Some projects are gone. Others are moving much closer to becoming reality.
One Disney Favorite Never Made It Out of Development
Disney began developing a new version of Robin Hood (1973) in 2020, with plans for a live-action/CGI hybrid musical.
Carlos López Estrada signed on to direct, while Kari Granlund was attached to write the screenplay. Justin Springer was set to produce. The project was originally developed for Disney+.
The original follows Robin Hood and Little John, anthropomorphic animals, as they fight Prince John and help the residents of Nottingham.
Years passed without meaningful production news, and Estrada finally provided an answer in March 2026. The director confirmed during a Reddit AMA that the project was dead. He expressed disappointment because his team had developed ideas for the movie, including music he believed could have made the adaptation distinctive.
Another Musical Remake Fell Apart Behind the Scenes
Disney also had serious plans for The Aristocats (1970).
The animated movie follows Duchess and her kittens after a greedy butler removes them from their home to prevent them from inheriting their owner’s fortune.
Disney started developing a live-action/CGI adaptation in 2022. Will Gluck and Keith Bunin worked on the screenplay, while Oscar-winning musician and filmmaker Questlove later joined as director. He was also expected to oversee the movie’s music.
That version is no longer happening.
Questlove revealed in August 2025 that the project had been shelved after repeated leadership changes at Disney forced him to revisit his creative plans. Eventually, he decided the movie simply was not going to come together.
A Cult Disney Series Loses Its Live-Action Comeback
The cancellations aren’t limited to theatrical remakes.
Disney+ had been developing a live-action Gargoyles series based on the animated show that ran from 1994 through 1997.
The original centers on ancient gargoyle warriors who turn to stone during the day and awaken at night. After finding themselves in modern New York City, Goliath and his allies protect the city.
Gary Dauberman was developing the reboot alongside James Wan’s Atomic Monster. The proposed story would have focused on Goliath and police detective Elisa Maza.
In September 2026, however, reports confirmed Disney+ was no longer moving forward with it. Original series co-creator Greg Weisman had already described the live-action project as dead before a source confirmed its status to Variety.
Several More Disney Projects Remain Stuck in Limbo
Several other Disney live-action projects remain in limbo without official cancellations.
The Sword in the Stone (1963) was placed on hold after years of development, while The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) and Bambi (1942) have also gone years without significant progress.
Aladdin 2 remains uncertain as well, despite plans following Aladdin (2019).
Disney could eventually revive these projects, but their uncertain futures leave open the possibility of additional cancellations.
Disney Isn’t Finished With Live Action Yet
Despite those setbacks, several major adaptations remain alive.
Tangled (2010) has made significant progress. Disney confirmed Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, with The Greatest Showman (2017) filmmaker Michael Gracey directing. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson wrote the screenplay, and production listings have connected filming to Spain. Disney also announced a theatrical release date – March 31, 2028.
Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch 2 is moving forward after the success of Lilo & Stitch (2025). Disney announced at D23 that production will begin in Hawaii later in 2026 under director Chris Sanders, the co-creator of the original animated film and longtime voice of Stitch. Maia Kealoha is returning as Lilo, and Angel will join the live-action franchise. Disney has scheduled the sequel for May 26, 2028.
Then there is Hercules (1997).
Disney’s remake has remained in development for years, with Joe and Anthony Russo attached as producers through AGBO. Guy Ritchie was previously announced as director, while David Callaham worked on the screenplay. Disney has not announced a cast, filming date, or release date, leaving plenty of questions surrounding the production.
Disney’s Live-Action Strategy Is Becoming Clearer
Disney clearly isn’t walking away from live-action adaptations altogether. The bigger question is which projects the company believes can justify moving from development into production.
Tangled has its leading actors. Lilo & Stitch 2 has a release date and production plans. Hercules remains alive, although much less concrete.
At the same time, several other Disney properties spent years moving through development only to stall or disappear.
For fans, that makes one thing increasingly clear: an announced Disney remake is no guarantee that audiences will ever see it on screen
