Walt Disney Studios has reshuffled its release schedule, bringing changes to the debut dates of several highly anticipated films. The live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit ‘Moana’ was initially set for a 2025 release. However, Disney has announced that fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their favorite Polynesian heroine embark on her quest in the live-action format, as the release has been postponed to July 10, 2026.
Variety has reported that this delay in ‘Moana’s live-action release comes amidst a series of announcements from Disney outlining their movie premiere timetable. Within these announcements, Disney revealed the launch dates of two other major titles: ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ and ‘Toy Story 5.’ Both movies are slated for 2026 releases, with ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ hitting theaters on May 22, followed by ‘Toy Story 5’ on June 19.
‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ is particularly noteworthy as it branches out from the successful Disney+ series ‘The Mandalorian.’ The show’s popularity has sparked Disney’s interest in broadening the ‘Star Wars’ storyline, with a larger focus on theatrical releases. This new direction for the Star Wars saga is evidenced by the fact that Disney’s last major box office release from the franchise was ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ in 2019. Since then, Disney has concentrated its efforts on streaming series such as ‘The Book of Bobba Fett’ and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’
In a surprising twist, the release date for ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ was initially intended for an untitled Star Wars film by director Taika Waititi, known for his work on ‘Thor: Ragnarok.’ It appears plans have evolved, with the ‘Mandalorian’ spinoff now taking center stage.
Tron enthusiasts are also in for a treat, as Disney has marked October 10, 2025, as the premiere date for ‘Tron: Ares,’ a standalone sequel to ‘Tron’ (1982) and ‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010). Jared Leto and Greta Lee, the breakout star of ‘Past Lives,’ are confirmed to star in this cyber odyssey under the direction of Joachim Ronning. ‘Tron: Ares’ will compete directly with Paramount’s animated adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
In the realm of drama and comedy, ‘The Amateur,’ which features Rami Malek and Rachel Brosnahan, is scheduled to open on April 11, 2025, delayed from its previous November 8, 2024, date. Further diversifying its release slate, Disney’s indie label, Searchlight Pictures, will be offering a horror-comedy ‘Nightbitch,’ starring Amy Adams. The film is slated for a limited release on December 6, 2024.
The live-action ‘Moana’ will witness Dwayne Johnson reprise his beloved role as the demigod Maui, further expanding the Moana universe which will also see the animated sequel ‘Moana 2’ release on November 27, 2024. The sequel is positioned for a box office clash with Universal’s film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical ‘Wicked.’
‘Toy Story 5’ is bound to reignite nostalgia and excitement for fans of the franchise. Set for a mid-year release, it enters the summer blockbuster season, promising to draw audiences of all ages into theaters.
This strategic planning of release dates indicates an exciting and diverse array of films audiences can look forward to in the coming years, showcasing Disney’s commitment to both preserving beloved franchises and exploring new avenues to entertain its global audience. The years 2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be landmark periods for the studio as it aims to deliver on its promise of engaging storytelling and cinematic magic.
