Mufasa, Snow White, How to Train Your Dragon: Hollywood live-action movies to look forward to

Hollywood is gearing up for an exciting lineup of adaptations that promise to bring some beloved animated classics back to life on the big screen in live-action format. Whether you want to be transported to magical kingdoms far, far away or set sail to Hawaiian shores or even join the Vikings in battle, these films from the Lion King prequel 'Mufasa: The Lion King' to 'Snow White' and 'How to Train Your Dragon', are set to captivate audiences of all ages. Here’s a glimpse into what’s in store.

Five years after the epic live-action remake of The Lion King, comes an all-new prequel 'Mufasa: The Lion King'. This new film set for a December 20 release, explores the untold story of Mufasa's rise from an orphaned cub to king. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the movie delves deep into the lion's origins story, and how his rivalry with his brother Scar began. While the Hollywood voice cast will include a bunch of heavy weights, fans in India have a lot to look forward to as it will mark the debut of Shah Rukh Khan's youngest son, AbRam Khan.

Ready to see Hiccup and Toothless back in action? We sure are after watching that epic trailer that dropped last week. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the adaptation promises to stay true to the heartwarming story of the Viking boy who befriends a dragon. Going by the teaser, the film not only brings the dragons to life, but also incorporates the stunning visuals that made the animated film a blockbuster. The film set for a June 13, 2025 release, features a cast including Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, Gerard Butler as Stoick and Julian Dennison as Fishlegs.

You bawled your eyes out watching this animated classic, now Lilo and Stitch are coming back to screens in live-action format for another sci-fi adventure that promises to be as emotional as it is humorous. With CGI technology bringing Stitch to life and young newcomer Maia Kealoha cast as Lilo, the film promises to retain the charm of its animated predecessor. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the movie is expected to land in cinemas in 2025.

The classic fairy tale that started Disney’s animated legacy is getting a live-action remake, this time, with Rachel Zegler as Snow White, and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. This time around, the film is rumoured to give a darker spin to the famed fairytale with a feminist reimagining. Directed by Marc Webb, the movie is slated for a March 21, 2025 release.

Sonic is back for a third high-speed adventure, this time, he has his friends Knuckles and Tails lending him a hand to battle Shadow, a mysterious new enemy with powers unlike anything they've faced before. The film is set to deliver more action-packed sequences and deeper lore from the franchise, with returning cast members including James Marsden and Jim Carrey. The film releases on December 27, 2024.

It may still be under a decade since we first set sail with Moana, but thanks to Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, the animated film is getting its live-action remake. With the actor set to reprise his role as Maui, the Thomas Kail directorial sees Catherine Laga’aia taking on the titular role. Although much of the plot has been kept under wraps, 'Moana', which is slated for a July 10, 2026, will feature an all new cast including John Tui as Chief Tui, Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, and Frankie Adams as Sina.