Universal and Disney Expand Their Visions: Nostalgia 2.0! Why? (The Industry Teaching Us That a Brand Is About Creating a World, Not Just Products)

(By Maurizio and Rodriguez Otero). If you missed the first part where we analyzed the initial WHYs of this trend, brace yourself - what we're about to reveal will blow your mind! After smashing box office records with remakes like "The Lion King," "Aladdin," and "Beauty and the Beast," Hollywood is gearing up for a new wave of nostalgia. Exclusively, we unveil the upcoming animated films set to transform into mega live-action productions (or nearly so) in 2025 and beyond.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.

 

The Next Animated Movies Set to Rule in Live-Action

Why This Obsession with Reviving the Past?

  • More Than a Trend: A Multi-Million Dollar Strategy 

  1. Reimagining animated classics in live-action is a slam dunk for Hollywood:

  2. Reduces Risk: These stories are already known and loved by audiences, minimizing the chances of box office flops.

  3. Generates Buzz: Announcing a remake ignites nostalgia and curiosity among millions of fans worldwide.

  4. Limitless Merchandising: New films drive sales of toys, clothing, video games, and all kinds of related products.

  5. Today's cross-marketing allows and demands amplifying a brand across many categories, businesses, experiences, multi-format media, and cross-pollination with other brands, industries, and sales channels.

  6. A brand today is intertwined with many more elements than it was five years ago.

Welcome to the Crossing Era, where multi-skilled, highly experienced talents are required to lead an integrated brand culture that simultaneously creates and exists in all spheres as a coherent and expanding world.

  • This reality goes totally against the paradigm of vertical leadership, super-specialized in one or two things, and CEOs focused solely on sales, production, or finance. The industrial production model, without added value, is enormously risky today in a world of hyper-competitiveness and hyper-production. (Sustainability today means doing everything... that's the Crossing era)

This is why Heads of Culture and the new mega departments of Crossing Marketing and Expansion of Experiences and Businesses are best equipped to handle the "interrelated" multi-actions that brands like F1, Ferrari, Disney, Apple, Red Bull, Mercedes, Amazon, Universal, Adidas, Ray-Ban, Puma, Inter Miami, and Miami Heat are executing today.

  • Get ready for a future full of nostalgia! The trend of adapting animated classics into live-action shows no signs of slowing down. Production companies will continue digging into the treasure chest of memories to find new stories that move new generations and fill their coffers with dollars.

 

Are you ready to relive the magic of your childhood on the big screen? Epic spoiler alert!

 

Disney's Hidden Treasure: Confirmed Remakes and Rumors Setting the Internet on Fire

  • Moana (2025): Get ready to sail through Polynesia with the brave Moana in this musical blockbuster. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has already confirmed his participation as Maui in what promises to be a visual feast.

  • Hercules (2026): The gods of Olympus hit the big screen in an epic adventure full of action and special effects. Rumor has it that singer Ariana Grande could bring Megara to life.

  • Lilo & Stitch (2027): Ohana means family! The story of Lilo and her alien pet will arrive with a visual style that combines traditional animation and CGI. A Hawaiian actress is being sought for the role of Lilo.

  • Snow White (2024): The movie that started it all will have a new version with Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Get ready for a renewed soundtrack by composer Alan Menken.

(And it doesn't end there!)

Pixar, Dreamworks, and More: The Competition Heats Up 

  • How to Train Your Dragon (Universal - 2026): Soar through the skies again with Hiccup and Toothless in a new live-action trilogy that will explore Viking mythology and introduce new characters.

  • Megamind (Dreamworks - In development): The most misunderstood supervillain in animated cinema will have his own live-action movie with a humorous approach and biting social commentary.

  • Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Disney - Rumor): Word on the street is that Disney might be developing an adaptation of this underrated gem, featuring a steampunk aesthetic and a story packed with underwater adventures.

Universal Pictures Reshuffles Its Release Calendar: Shrek 5 and Minions 3 Gear Up to Conquer the Box Office

Universal Pictures is betting big on animation and announces changes to its release schedule. Shrek 5, the highly anticipated continuation of the green ogre saga, will hit theaters in December 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the original film. Meanwhile, Minions 3 moves up its release to July 2026, aiming to dominate the summer box office.

 

Here are the key points of Universal's strategy:

  • Nostalgia Play: The return of Shrek and the Minions seeks to capitalize on the public's affection for these successful franchises.

  • Animation Leadership: Universal solidifies its position as a powerhouse in the genre, with releases that promise to attract millions of viewers.

  • Strategic Releases: Shrek 5 positions itself as the big Christmas launch of 2026, while Minions 3 aims to dominate the summer box office.

  • With over $2.9 billion grossed worldwide, "Shrek" will return in 2026 to win over new and old generations alike.

 

More details on the releases:

  • Shrek 5: Will feature the original voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. Directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon.

  • Minions 3: Once again directed by Pierre Coffin, responsible for the franchise's success. The script will be penned by Brian Lynch.

With these moves, Universal Pictures demonstrates its confidence in animation's potential and prepares to continue reaping box office successes.

 

 

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