Honestly, keeping track of the House of Mouse is a full-time job these days. If you've been scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen a dozen "leaked" posters for movies that don't actually exist. No, they aren't making a live-action Ratatouille starring Tom Holland. But what they are doing with new disney movies 2025 is actually more interesting, and maybe a little more chaotic, than the rumors suggest.
2025 is the year Disney tries to prove they still have the "magic," whatever that means now. We’re looking at a massive slate that leans heavily on nostalgia while desperately trying to launch new franchises. It’s a mix of live-action remakes that have been stuck in production purgatory, Pixar taking a rare swing at original sci-fi, and Marvel basically trying to reboot its entire reputation.
The Live-Action Gamble: Snow White and Lilo & Stitch
Most people think the live-action remake trend is slowing down. It’s not. It's just getting weirder.
First up is Snow White, hitting theaters March 21. This one has been a lightning rod for controversy for basically three years. You’ve got Rachel Zegler in the lead and Gal Gadot playing the Evil Queen. After several delays and a whole lot of internet discourse about the "seven dwarfs" vs. "magical creatures," the movie is finally landing. It’s a musical, it’s got new songs from Pasek and Paul (the Greatest Showman duo), and it’s basically the ultimate test of whether the classic remake formula still prints money.
Then there’s Lilo & Stitch on May 23. This one feels different.
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Unlike the hyper-realistic Lion King, they seem to be going for a slightly more "plush" look for Stitch. It's a theatrical release, which is a bit of a pivot since it was originally rumored for Disney+. They’re filming in Hawaii, and Chris Sanders is back voicing the blue guy. Honestly, if they nail the relationship between Lilo and Nani, it could be the sleeper hit of the summer. People have a massive soft spot for this story.
Pixar’s Big Swing: Elio
Pixar is in a strange spot. They had a monster hit with Inside Out 2, but their original stuff has struggled lately. On June 13, we get Elio.
The plot is basically every kid's dream and nightmare: an 11-year-old boy accidentally becomes the intergalactic ambassador for Earth because aliens misinterpret a phone call. It looks gorgeous. It’s got that signature Pixar "heart," but it's also high-concept sci-fi. If Elio succeeds, it proves Pixar can still build new worlds. If it doesn't, expect a lot more Toy Story sequels in our future.
New Disney Movies 2025: The Marvel and Sequel Slate
If you’re a Marvel fan, 2025 is basically "The Year of Sam Wilson." Captain America: Brave New World drops on February 14. Yeah, a Captain America movie for Valentine’s Day. It’s a political thriller. Anthony Mackie is officially the guy with the shield now, and Harrison Ford is playing Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (who is definitely turning into Red Hulk).
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Then we have Thunderbolts* on May 2. That little asterisk in the title is driving theorists crazy. Is it a secret Avengers movie? Probably. It’s a "suicide squad" style team-up with Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes. It feels like Marvel is moving away from cosmic gods and back to gritty, street-level fights.
- Tron: Ares (October 10): Jared Leto is the lead here. It’s the first Tron movie in 15 years. This one isn't about a human going into the computer; it's about a program (Ares) coming into the real world.
- Freakier Friday (August 8): Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back. It’s a direct sequel to the 2003 hit. This time, they’re dealing with multiple generations of body-swapping.
- Zootopia 2 (November 26): The first one made a billion dollars. The sequel adds Ke Huy Quan as a snake named Gary. It’s the big Thanksgiving release.
The James Cameron Factor
We can’t talk about 2025 without mentioning Avatar: Fire and Ash. Coming December 19, this is the third trip to Pandora. Cameron is introducing the "Ash People," a more aggressive, volcanic tribe of Na'vi.
Say what you want about the "cultural impact" of Avatar, but the second movie made over $2 billion. Never bet against James Cameron. He basically owns the December box office. This movie will be the biggest thing on the planet for at least a month.
What This Means For You
So, what should you actually care about? If you’re a parent, Zootopia 2 and Elio are your big wins. If you’re a millennial fueled by nostalgia, Freakier Friday and Lilo & Stitch are the ones to watch.
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The strategy here is clear: Disney is leaning into "sure things" while trying to fix the Marvel brand. They’ve cut back on the number of shows and movies to focus on quality—or so they say.
Next Steps for Your Watchlist:
- Mark your calendar for February 14th if you want to see if the new Captain America can carry the franchise.
- Watch the original Lilo & Stitch again; the live-action version is going to rely heavily on your memory of the 2002 classic.
- Keep an eye on the Elio trailers. Original Pixar movies usually live or die by their second trailer, and that will tell us if it’s a Coco-level masterpiece or just another Lightyear.
Disney is trying to find its footing. 2025 isn't just about movies; it's about whether the studio can still dominate the cultural conversation without just repeating the past.