New Year, New Releases: Disney’s 2020 Film Lineup

by The Cowl Editor on January 16, 2020


Arts & Entertainment


by: Madison Palmieri ’22 A&E Staff

GRAPHIC BY SARA CONWAY ‘21/THE COWL

With the new year comes a new lineup of movies, television shows, albums, and other forms of entertainment to be released over the course of the next 12 months. Disney, in particular, will release a number of new films in theaters in 2020. Ranging from reboots to adaptations to entirely new material, there is sure to be much for viewers to enjoy.

The first Disney film of the year to be released, Onward, is a collaboration with Pixar that will come to theaters on March 6. Marvel actors Chris Pratt and Tom Holland lend their voices to the leading roles, a pair of teenage elf brothers on a magical quest. With the actors’ talents and the unique ability of Pixar films to evoke emotion, Onward is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

Three weeks later, on March 27, the live-action remake of Disney’s 1998 film Mulan will be released in theaters. Chinese actress Liu Yifei will star as the titular character. Based on the success of recent re-imaginings of Disney classics, such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, the film will likely induce nostalgia in fans of the original animated film and introduce a new generation to the beloved story.

Avid Disney fans must then wait an entire month for a new theatrical release, but will be rewarded with the premiere of the much-anticipated Black Widow standalone film on May 1. Avengers actress Scarlett Johansson will reprise her role as the titular character, promising fans a deeper look at the character and her story than has been portrayed on screen so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

At the end of the month, Disney’s book-to-screen adaptation of Artemis Fowl hits theaters on May 29. Based on the beloved children’s series by Eoin Colfer, the film will star newcomer Ferdia Shaw in the title role alongside Judy Dench and Josh Gad.

The summer months bring three more family-oriented releases. Soul, in theaters June 19, follows a middle school music teacher who goes on a journey to discover what makes everyone unique. Jungle Cruise, releasing on July 24, will feature Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in a cinematic adaptation of the popular Disney World attraction. In addition, The One and Only Ivan, in theaters Aug. 14, will bring to life the bestselling children’s book based on true events.

Another exciting offering from Marvel Studios comes to theaters on Nov. 6 with the release of The Eternals. The film will tell the story of some of the most powerful heroes in the universe and feature an all-star cast including Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, and Kit Harington.

Disney will finish the year with another  adaptation of classic tales. Gigantic, based on the story of Jack and the beanstalk, hits theaters on Nov. 25. Whether a casual fan or a Disney die-hard, the studio’s 2020 films will surely offer something for everyone.