Disney’s Renaissance Revival

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will become part of Disney’s world when he writes the music for the remake of the 1989 underwater fantasy, which has not yet named its cast or director, alongside returning composer Alan Menken.

THE LION KING

After raking in nearly $1 billion with last year’s live-action remake of The Jungle Book, Jon Favreau will have another go with Disney, directing Atlanta’s Donald Glover, above, as Simba. James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa.

ALADDIN

Disney issued a casting call for multitalented Middle Eastern actors to star in its Guy Ritchie–directed take on the 1992 musical. The remake will face no less scrutiny than the original for how it handles controversial cultural elements.

MULAN

Whale Rider director Niki Caro will become the fourth woman to solo-direct a $100 million movie when she helms Disney’s take on the legend of a woman who becomes a warrior in ancient China, due November 2018.