2023 is the year of the reboot—from the live action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, to the upcoming Wonka movie based on the beloved Roald Dahl story and starring Timothee Chalamet. Childhood classics are being brought back to life, and lucky for you, we've compiled a list of films to look out for throughout the year. Here is a recap of the most anticipated remakes coming to theaters this year, including some iconic retellings of classics you won't want to miss!
Peter Pan & Wendy
Coming: April 28, 2023
Coming to Disney+ on April 28, 2023, Peter Pan & Wendy takes on the classic story of Peter Pan with a bit of a twist. Starring Alexander Molony as Peter Pan and Ever Gabo Anderson as Wendy Darling, this Disney tale's trailer was released only a few weeks ago, showcasing a story full of adventure, fantasy, and everything that makes the Disney story as legendary as it is.
And if you need any more reason to see the film, Grown-Ish star Yara Shahidi will star as our favorite fairy from Pixie Hollow, Tinker Bell. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, be on the lookout for Peter Pan & Wendy, a story of adventure that's full of heart!
The Little Mermaid
Coming: May 26, 2023
By now, everyone's heard the classic tale of the mermaid princess who wished for a life onshore. This May, both the new and old generations will get to see the story being brought to life with the live action adaptation of Disney's The Little Mermaid. Halle Bailey, one half of singing sensation duo Chloe & Halle, stars as Ariel, and there is no doubt that she will bring those enchanting vocals Ariel's known for.
Jonah Hauer-King will have a breakthrough role as Prince Eric alongside a multitalented cast, including Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Daveed Diggs as Sebastian. As one of 2023's most promising films, The Little Mermaid is sure to make a splash in theaters this upcoming May.
Barbie
Coming: July 21, 2023
If you're familiar with the world of Barbie, whether it's the iconic doll line or the animated movies that defined our childhoods, then this film adaptation is everything you could've ever asked for. Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie, opposite Ryan Gosling as Ken, Barbie sets out to bring the legendary doll to the big screen, in all her glory.
The cast is full of Hollywood's biggest names, including Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, America Ferreira, and so many more, and from the sneak peaks we've seen, the movie is set to be a wild adventure through the Barbie universe.
In addition to Margot and Ryan, other actors, such as Issa Rae and Simu Liu will portray different versions of Barbie and Ken. This summer is bound to be one we'll never forget, all thanks to the release of Barbie.
Haunted Mansion
Coming: July 28, 2023
The original film, starring Eddie Murphy, is just a few months away from turning 20-years-old. The Disney film has not only inspired attractions at Disneyland but has become a modern classic. What better way to commemorate the comedy-horror film than to release a star-studded, brand new version? The multitalented cast includes Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many more big names that will take to the screen to bring the classic film to a whole new generation.
Wonka
Coming: December 15, 2023
Roald Dahl's classic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been brought to life onscreen numerous times, proving that the story has transcended generations. The 1970s gave us Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder as the title character, and now, more than 50 years later, acclaimed actor and Gen Z it-boy Timothee Chalamet will take on the role in the 2023 adaptation Wonka.
The film is set to come out in late December, and while we have only seen a glimpse of what Timothee brings to the iconic role, it gives us plenty of time to build anticipation for the movie.
What film are you most excited about seeing? Comment below!
