Fans eagerly awaiting the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film ‘Moana’ will have to hold their excitement a little longer, as Disney has announced the rescheduling of its release date to July 10, 2026. The Disney film slate update, as reported by Variety, brings a mix of anticipation and patience to moviegoers worldwide.
The rescheduling comes amidst a flurry of announcements regarding Disney’s upcoming project timelines. A notable addition to the theatrical lineup is the Star Wars movie titled ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ set to premiere on May 22, 2026. This new chapter in the Star Wars saga is a cinematic continuation of the popular Disney+ series ‘The Mandalorian,’ and it promises to captivate audiences with the further adventures of the titular bounty hunter and his endearingly companion, Grogu, also known affectionately to fans as ‘Baby Yoda.’
Disney’s decision to move forward with ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ on the big screen indicates a strategic shift in the Star Wars franchise’s direction. Since the release of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ in 2019, which concluded the Skywalker saga, Disney has focused primarily on expanding the universe through streaming content, with series like ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ garnering significant attention.
Originally allocated to an untitled Star Wars film helmed by Taika Waititi, known for his directorial work on ‘Thor: Ragnarok,’ the release date for ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ signifies Disney’s confidence in the character-driven story that captured the hearts of fans during its serial run.
Further stirring the excitement in the sci-fi genre, Disney also revealed that ‘Tron: Ares’ is slated for an October 10, 2025, release. This movie, which serves as a standalone sequel to the revolutionary ‘Tron’ (1982) and its sequel ‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010), will star Jared Leto alongside Greta Lee, who rose to fame with ‘Past Lives.’ It marks another return to the visually stunning and narratively unique world of Tron, under the direction of Joachim Ronning. ‘Tron: Ares’ is set to face off against Paramount’s animated adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ sparking a potential box office clash of fantastical worlds.
In the realm of dramatic cinema, ‘The Amateur,’ featuring acclaimed actors Rami Malek and Rachel Brosnahan, will launch into theaters on April 11, 2025, a delay from its initially planned November 8, 2024, release. Adding diversity to Disney’s portfolio, the horror-comedy ‘Nightbitch,’ starring Amy Adams, will enjoy a limited release starting December 6, 2024. Distributed under Disney’s indie label, Searchlight Pictures, ‘Nightbitch’ marks an intriguing foray into genre-blending cinema.
Moreover, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is confirmed to once again lend his voice and charismatic portrayal to the demigod Maui in the live-action version of ‘Moana.’ As the world awaits this feature’s new release date in 2026, animated enthusiasts will be pleased to know that ‘Moana 2’ will grace screens on November 27, 2024, entering a competitive schedule alongside Universal’s highly anticipated musical, ‘Wicked.’
Regarding other family favorites, ‘Toy Story 5’ has secured a launch on June 19, 2026, reuniting audiences with the gang from Andy’s room in yet another heartwarming adventure. This next installment is poised to reignite the magic that has made Toy Story one of the most cherished animated series.
Disney’s recent schedule reshuffling underscores the studio’s commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment across different mediums and genres. With an array of sequels, new stories, and groundbreaking adaptations, Disney continues to navigate the evolving landscape of film and streaming with a discernible eye for what captivates their diverse audiences. Fans will undoubtedly mark their calendars, eager for the next wave of Disney magic to hit the silver screen.
