From Moana to Tangled: Hollywood Classics Getting the Live-Action Treatment

Hollywood's fascination with live-action remakes shows no signs of slowing down. Over the past decade, studios—particularly Disney—have successfully revived animated classics for modern audiences, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge visual effects and star-studded casts.

Following the success of films such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, several more animated favourites are now receiving the live-action treatment.

Here's a look at some of the most anticipated adaptations.

Moana

One of Disney's most successful animated films, Moana is set to sail into cinemas as a live-action adventure. Catherine Laga'aia stars as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his fan-favourite role as the demigod Maui after voicing the character in the 2016 animated blockbuster.

The remake promises to retain the spirit of the original while introducing spectacular visuals and a fresh cinematic experience.

Tangled

Disney is also developing a live-action version of Tangled, inspired by the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. While casting updates have generated widespread speculation among fans, the studio has remained tight-lipped about several key details.

The project is expected to recreate memorable songs and iconic moments from the 2010 animated hit while expanding the story for live-action audiences.

How to Train Your Dragon

DreamWorks has joined the live-action trend with How to Train Your Dragon. The adaptation brings the beloved friendship between Hiccup and Toothless to life using advanced visual effects.

Fans are eager to see whether the remake can capture the emotional depth and breathtaking aerial sequences that made the animated trilogy a global success.

Lilo & Stitch

Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch revives the touching story of friendship, family and belonging. The remake combines live-action performances with CGI to recreate the mischievous alien Stitch, one of Disney's most beloved characters.

The film has already generated significant excitement among longtime fans of the 2002 original.

Hercules

Another highly anticipated Disney remake is Hercules, based on the 1997 animated musical inspired by Greek mythology. While the project remains in development, it continues to attract attention due to its iconic soundtrack and memorable characters.

Industry watchers expect the film to feature a fresh interpretation while preserving the humour and heart of the original.

Bambi

Disney is also reimagining Bambi, one of its oldest and most celebrated animated classics. The live-action adaptation is expected to rely heavily on photorealistic CGI, similar to The Lion King, to recreate the woodland setting and its unforgettable animal characters.

The Aristocats

Another animated favourite being adapted is The Aristocats. The musical comedy about a family of sophisticated Parisian cats is being reworked for modern audiences, though the studio has yet to reveal a release timeline.

Why Hollywood Keeps Returning to Animated Classics

Live-action remakes have become a key strategy for major studios, allowing them to introduce timeless stories to younger viewers while capitalising on the nostalgia of older audiences. Advances in CGI, motion-capture technology and visual effects have also made it easier to recreate fantasy worlds that were once only possible through animation.

Despite their commercial appeal, these remakes often divide audiences. While many fans appreciate seeing beloved characters in a new format, others argue that original stories deserve greater attention than reimagined classics.

With several high-profile projects in various stages of development, the live-action trend is set to remain one of Hollywood's biggest filmmaking strategies in the coming years.