'Frozen 2,' 'The Lion King' live action movie latest news: Disney announces release dates for upcoming films

A promotional still from Disney's "The Lion King" Facebook/DisneyTheLionKing

Disney favorites "Frozen" and "The Lion King" will once again hit theaters, with the sequel of the former and the live-action adaptation of the latter both slated for release in 2019.

"Lion King" will premiere on July 19, 2019. This date was originally set for the premiere of "Indiana Jones 5," which has since been moved to July 20, 2020. Meanwhile, "Frozen 2" will be released on Nov. 27, 2019.

Donald Glover will be voicing Simba. Meanwhile, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner are in final talks to voice Timon and Pumbaa, respectively. James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa. Additionally, Disney is reportedly courting pop singer Beyonce to provide the voice of Nala, although no final word has been given yet regarding her involvement in this project. Jon Favreau, who directed the live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book," will also be helming "The Lion King."

According to Variety, more live-action adaptations of classic Disney films are also on the drawing board. Aside from "The Lion King," "Dumbo" and "Aladdin" will also be remade.

Meanwhile, all the primary cast members of the first "Frozen" film are slated to reprise their roles for the sequel. Also returning for "Frozen 2" are directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Not much is known about this film. However, many fans have begun to campaign for Disney to give Elsa a girlfriend to promote inclusivity. Buck previously revealed that the sequel will showcase a happier Elsa, which was hinted at in the animated short "Frozen Fever."

Aside from "Frozen 2" and the live-action adaptation of "The Lion King," Disney will also be releasing "Star Wars: Episode IX," "Captain Marvel," and "Avengers 4" in 2019. Meanwhile, Nov. 21, 2018 will see the release of "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2." A Disney adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time" is slated to premiere on March 9, 2018 as well.

News
What faith in action looks like
What faith in action looks like

Faith leaders have deep and trusted relationships with the communities they serve. They are therefore ideally placed to educate people about leprosy.

'The Chosen' star shares what viewers can expect from 'intense' season 6
'The Chosen' star shares what viewers can expect from 'intense' season 6

“The Chosen” star Reza Diako has opened up about what fans can expect in season six of the hit series chronicling the life of Christ — and the emotional toll, he says, will be unlike anything viewers have seen so far.

Mel Gibson’s 'The Resurrection of the Christ' moves forward with Lionsgate
Mel Gibson’s 'The Resurrection of the Christ' moves forward with Lionsgate

Lionsgate has been tapped as the studio partner for “The Resurrection of the Christ,” the long-anticipated follow-up to “The Passion of the Christ,” director Mel Gibson and Lionsgate announced Wednesday.