These days, Hollywood has been cashing in on the common thread of childhood nostalgia. There has been a slew of reboots in the last decade, and there are even more in the works. While some might be interested to see a new perspective on beloved childhood classics, there are plenty of others that might be feeling the sting of a reboot overload. Live-action remakes of Disney classics have proven to be a tremendous success— with the likes of Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book at the forefront of the trend. Whether you love them or hate them, reboots are here to stay.
Recently, we’ve seen the release of Creed 2, Robin Hood, Christopher Robin, among other remakes, reboots, and reimaginings this year. Based on the movie forecast looming on the horizon, the trend isn’t stopping anytime soon.
In this list, we'll look at other upcoming reboots for next year, along with a few unconfirmed possibilities. Just this past week, Disney released the first official trailer for The Lion King, much to the delight of fans. Next year, the Mouse House will also usher in the release of live-action adaptations of Dumbo and Aladdin, and seek to relive the magic with Frozen 2. Other animated movies hitting theaters next year include How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World, The Secret Life of Pets 2, and The Addams Family. There are more than just animated films in the works, with talks for remaking beloved classics like Labyrinth and revisiting the likes of Mortal Kombat and Big Trouble in Little China.
Here are 20 Movie Reboots Coming In 2019 (And 5 Possibilities).
The Lion King - July 19, 2019
A beloved classic, The Lion King has delighted generations of fans since its initial release in 1994. Next summer, Disney is set to release the live-action film adaptation featuring Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Beyoncé. On Thanksgiving, fans were given an exclusive look at the first official trailer heralding in the return to Pride Rock.
The incomparable James Earl Jones is returning to voice his original character, Mufasa, while Donald Glover will take the throne as Simba. Beyoncé is set to voice Nala, and Chiwetel Ejiofor will lend his velvety voice for the villainous Scar. Now, fans across the world are panicking— how will we cope with seeing Mufasa’s final fate in HD?
Possibility: Mortal Kombat
Time and time again, we’ve seen various iterations of video game film adaptations, but few have packed the same punch as their original source material. With the recent announcement of Mortal Kombat from Warner Bros, we hope to a see a change soon. While the nineties film was mostly a miss, Mortal Kombat did inflict a fatality at the box office when compared to the rival film at the time, Street Fighter.
The film will introduce Cole Turner, a new boxing character, and fan favorites like Sonya Blade, Raiden, and Liu Kang back in action. Surprisingly enough, there is no word at this time about Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
Shaft - June 14, 2019
Known for his work with Barbershop, Fantastic Four, and Think Like A Man, director Tim Story is at the helm for a reboot of Shaft. Starring Samuel L. Jackson as John Shaft II and newcomer Jessie T. Usher in the titular role as John Shaft Jr., Son of Shaft is slated for release on June 14, 2019.
Jessie T. Usher first kicked off his career with appearances in television series like Without a Trace, Hannah Montana, and Numb3rs. Usher has also starred as Lyle in the television series Level Up and Cam Calloway from Survivor's Remorse. In recent years, Usher has starred in films like Independence Day: Resurgence, Almost Christmas, and Ride.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu - May 10, 2019
Directed by Rob Letterman, the upcoming Pokémon: Detective Pikachu isn't here to play any games. Since Pikachua is voiced by the hilarious Ryan Reynolds, many fans of Pokémon and Marvel have already started creating mashup fanart with Pikachu dressed in Deadpool's suit.
Actor Justice Smith, who starred in the Netflix series, The Get Down, is set to star as the lead alongside Reynolds as Pikachu. Amusingly enough, actor Karan Soni, who played Dopinder in the Deadpool films, is also cast as Jack in the film. Whether you're on board with this serious departure from the original Pokémon source material or not, this film is bound to be an amusing rollercoaster ride.
What Men Want - January 11, 2019
The upcoming What Men Want is a remake based on the 2000 romantic comedy, What Women Want, starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. Directed by Adam Shankman, this upcoming reboot is set to star Taraji P. Henson as a leading sports agent, Ali Davis.
Henson is known for her work as Cookie Lyon on the hit television series Empire, and for her role as Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures. The film touches upon gender inequality in the workplace. In a new trailer, Henson’s character, Davis gets skipped over for a promotion, and she discovers her ability to hear men's uncensored thoughts.
Possibility: Big Trouble In Little China
Originally directed by John Carpenter, Big Trouble in Little China was first released back in 1986. Starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, and James Hong, the film was poorly received in theaters but has since become known as a cult classic over the years.
The new film is set to star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the lead, but according to Seven Bucks Productions, the movie won't be a traditional remake. Instead, the movie will "continue the story" of the original film, and will be set in the same universe. Carpenter had some biting words to say about the upcoming film, and we’ll have to see what new developments are in store.
DUMBO - March 29, 2019
Directed by Tim Burton, Disney is set to revisit the magic of Dumbo with a film-adaptation of the classic movie. Starring Michael Keaton, Eva Green, Colin Farrell, and Danny DeVito, this Burton-directed film is bound to explore a more darker side of the classic animated film.
Recently, fans were given a look at the first official trailer and brand new movie poster highlighting an adorable-looking Dumbo. Unlike some of the other film-adaptations from the Mouse House which draw from faithful reiterated plots, Dumbo is set to follow a completely new storyline, including new additions to the original list of characters.
HELLBOY - April 12, 2019
Known for his work with Stranger Things, actor David Harbour is set to star as Hellboy in the upcoming reboot. Although the film was initially slated for a January 11 release, Summit Entertainment announced that the film would be pushed back until April 12, 2019.
Featuring a script by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, as well as Andrew Cosby and Christopher Golden, the film is helmed by director Neil Marshall. Actress Milla Jovovich, who is known for her work with the Resident Evil films, is set to co-star in the film. Actors Ian McShane and Daniel Dae Kim are also cast in the movie.
Pet Sematary - April 5, 2019
Written by Stephen King, Pet Sematary is an award-winning horror novel from the eighties, and was adapted into a film in 1989. Next April, fans of the horror genre can look forward to this upcoming reboot of Pet Sematary.
Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, the film also employs writers Jeff Buhler and David Kajganich. The movie is slated to star Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz as Louis and Rachel Creed, with John Lithgow as Jud Crandall. This past Halloween, Paramount Pictures began unrolling some of the marketing material leading up to the film, including a poster and an official trailer for the movie.
Possibility: Scarface
For years, rumors have surfaced about an upcoming Scarface remake in the works, but the film has certainly met its fair share of challenges along the way. Directors David Yates, Pablo Larrain and David Ayer have all been connected to the project, but most recently, director Antoine Fuqua is set to helm the upcoming film.
Fuqua has mentioned an interest in actor Denzel Washington nabbing the lead role, but other news has said Diego Luna is rumored to star in the film. While we’re not sure of any additional details at the moment, stay tuned for more updates and developments as they are revealed
Aladdin - May 24, 2019
Disney is ready to take audiences to a whole new world with its upcoming live-action adaptation of Aladdin. Fans of the original animated classic have been captivated by the story for decades, with the film’s popularity sparking a hit Broadway musical.
Leading up to the announcement of the film’s release, the casting process was a difficult journey. Newcomer Mena Massoud is set to star as the film's lead, alongside Naomi Scott, who also plays Kimberly from the recent Power Rangers reboot. Earlier this year, production of the film officially wrapped, and Massoud posted his gratitude for the journey. In October, fans were given a closer look at the film with the first official trailer.
Jacob's Ladder - Feb 1, 2019
Directed by David M. Rosenthal, the upcoming remake of Jacob's Ladder is scripted by Jeff Buhler and Sarah Thorp. The original psychological thriller explored a strong theme of post-traumatic stress disorder, including how a war veteran experienced intense bouts of dissociation.
Best known for his roles as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy and Holden in The Cabin in the Woods, actor Jesse Williams is set to star in the upcoming reboot. Joseph Sikora, Karla Souza, Nicole Beharie, and Michael Ealy are also joining the cast for the remake. Jacob’s Ladder will climb into theaters on February 1, 2019.
Possibility: Highlander
Lionsgate Films has officially announced that a Highlander reboot is in the works. A cult classic, Highlander was first released in 1986 and has sparked a television spinoff series and additional sequels. Earlier this year, Lionsgate revealed that writer Ryan Condal has written the script, and director Chad Stahelski is purportedly taking the reins.
Director Stahelski is known for his work with the John Wick films, with John Wick 3: Parabellum set for release on May 17 of 2019. Although there haven’t been any additional details regarding casting or a potential release date at this time, be sure to keep posted for more updates about the upcoming Highlander film.
MIB - June 14, 2019
Director F. Gary Gray, known for his work with The Italian Job, Straight Outta Compton, and The Fate of the Furious, is set to helm the untitled Men in Black spinoff. The film has already amassed a star-studded cast, with Marvel alumni Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson as the main leading roles. Hemsworth has already promised that the film will be “epic and fun” like the original film, featuring actor Will Smith.
Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, and Rebecca Ferguson are also set to join the cast. While more details are pending, the new Men in Black film is set to blast into theaters by next summer.
The Addams Family - October 11, 2019
With a motley crew of unique characters, The Addams Family has delighted audiences for years. MGM has announced an upcoming animated remake of The Addams Family, including directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon at the helm. Vernon, who is no stranger to animated giants, has also directed Shrek 2, Monsters vs. Aliens, and most recently, the wild antics of Sausage Party from 2016.
The upcoming animated version of The Addams Family has Chloë Grace Moretz set to voice Wednesday, Charlize Theron as Morticia, and Oscar Isaac as Gomez. Actor Nick Kroll will lend his voice for Uncle Fester, and Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard will voice Pugsley.
Masters of the Universe - December 18, 2019
Rumors of an actual film version of Masters of the Universe have swirled around for years, but nothing truly set in stone. Next year, fans of the adventures of He-Man and the evil Skeletor will be excited to finally see the upcoming film adaptation of Masters of the Universe. While many casting details remain unconfirmed at this time, brothers Adam and Aaron Nee are slated to direct.
With a reported release date of December 18, 2019, it looks like Masters of the Universe will have plenty of box office competition with the release of Star Wars: Episode IX, Jumanji 3, and Cats hitting theaters on the same date.
Possibility: The Crow
Originally based on a comic created by James O'Barr, new details have been announced regarding the upcoming film adaptation of The Crow. Aquaman and Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa was set to star in the lead role, but other casting details had yet to be announced.
The remake of The Crow was set to soar into theaters on October 11, 2019, but after losing star Jason Momoa and director Corin Hardy, the movie was pulled from Sony's release slate. Director Alex Proyas originally took the helm of the first film, which starred the late Brandon Lee. The actor tragically perished on set during the film's production, and The Crow has since become known as a cult classic.
Grudge - August 16, 2019
Originally based on a Japanese horror film called Ju-on: The Curse, The Grudge has continued to enthrall horror fans for years. Sony had initially reported that Grudge would be released during August 2019 but has shifted the release date to June 21, 2019 instead.
Directed by Nicolas Pesce, actors Demian Bichir and Andrea Riseborough are set to star in the upcoming reboot of The Grudge. It remains to be seen how this will all play out at the box office, given that Disney's Toy Story 4, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and the upcoming Men in Black spinoff are all set for a similar release date.
Possibility: Labyrinth
Director Fede Alvarez, known for his work with The Girl in the Spider's Web, Evil Dead, and Don't Breathe, is now set to direct an upcoming reboot of the classic eighties fantasy film, Labyrinth. The 1986 cult classic has been a fan favorite for years, with the late David Bowie starring as Jareth, the Goblin King.
Last month, Alvarez revealed that he and Jim Henson's daughter, Lisa Henson, have confirmed that there is a script, and they have been in recent discussions regarding the project. We'll certainly provide more details regarding the upcoming Labyrinth adaptation as soon as they are announced.
CHARLIE'S ANGELS - November 1, 2019
The newest iteration of Charlie's Angels is slated to be released on November 1, 2019. The film includes Twilight actress Kristen Stewart and upcoming Aladdin star, Naomi Scott. Newcomer Ella Balinska, who has appeared in Casualty, is set to round out the trio. The film will be loosely based on the seventies television series, and deviate from the other Charlie's Angels films, starring Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore.
Director Elizabeth Banks has been confirmed to helm the film, while also juggling a role as Bosley. John Forsythe was the original voice of Bosley, while Bill Murray played him in the 2000s films.