A new rumor points to a shift in Disney’s live-action remake strategy, with several sequels now facing uncertain futures. Reports indicate that several high-profile live-action sequels, including Aladdin 2, may no longer be moving forward as planned.
Aladdin 2 and other live-action sequels possibly shelved by Disney
According to a recent mailbag article by Skyler Shuler on The DisInsider, at least three major projects, Aladdin 2, Maleficent 3, and The Jungle Book 2, are no longer in active development.
Shuler was responding to fan questions about upcoming Disney films when he confirmed, “Aladdin 2, Maleficent 3, Jungle Book 2, and Queen of Hearts have been shelved.” While he provided a positive update on Cruella 2, he cast doubt on the future of several other high-profile sequels.
Maleficent 3 was previously reported to be moving forward, with Angelina Jolie confirming her involvement and screenwriter Linda Woolverton returning. However, despite early development, the project now seems to have stalled. The first Maleficent film earned over $758 million globally, while its 2019 sequel brought in around $491 million.
Disney began developing Aladdin 2 after the 2019 live-action film grossed over $1 billion worldwide. In 2020, the studio announced plans for a sequel with Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Will Smith expected to return. Director Guy Ritchie expressed enthusiasm about continuing the story. However, by 2023, Massoud stated he had “no idea” where the project stood (via ScreenRant).
Disney announced The Jungle Book 2 shortly after the 2016 film’s release, attaching Jon Favreau as director and Justin Marks as screenwriter. Development reportedly slowed when Favreau shifted his focus to The Lion King. By 2018, updates stopped, and the sequel lost visible momentum.
Disney also introduced a live-action Queen of Hearts origin story in 2024 with Julia Hart as director. Since the announcement, the studio has not released any further updates, leading to speculation that the project may have been shelved.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
