Lots of Live Action Updates From Walt Disney Motion Pictures

The last week or two has seen a plethora of Disney/Star Wars/Marvel news come flying at us. Little bits here and there as production of many properties, as well as new projects, begin to ramp up. We at WDWforGrownups.com, thought it would be best to give a rundown on some of the that might be important but didn't necessarily need stand alone articles. And so, on with the omnibus...





As reported by Scott Mendelson, at Forbes.com, Maleificent's opening weekend saw incredible numbers for a new, unproven storyline and possible new avenue of movie's to come out of the Disney Studio. When one takes into account both home and abroad sales, the Angelina Jolie spectacular raked in an impressive $170 million in ticket sales. This is better than any Angelina Jolie movie to date, and is very surprising to many who feel that this 'female-centric' film did as well as most 'male-centric' over the blockbuster season. How does this bode for a possible string of villain specific movies, time will tell if Disney takes this as a trend and creates a brand.

Also out this week, in Disney Studios specific news, three more live action properties received the green light. We have all seen the teaser trailer for the new, live action Cinderella movie but in case you haven't you can watch it below:





With the success of Maleficent, two more properties have been linked to directors and are now in the beginning stages of story and casting; Jon Favreau has linked himself with the R. Kipling story of The Jungle Book while Bill Condon has been tasked to bring the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast to the big, live action, screen. We will, of course, keep you all up to date as we hear more about these movie developments.

From the camp at Lucasfilms, information on Star Wars Episode VII has slowed as production is in full swing and J.J. Abrams pulls in the reins but that doesn't mean there isn't important news. Announced this week, Tony To who was Disney Studios EVP Production is moving to Lucas Films to take the role as Head of Development and Production. To will still be part of the multicultural deal with China's Shanghai Media Group even as he begins his new role with LucasFilms.


Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie Join Star Wars VII Cast


While from the set of the new Star Wars Episode VII, another casting addition has found its way to our ears. Lupita Nyong'o, from 12 Years a Slave, has been brought on in an as yet undisclosed role. This, along with the addition of Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie, definitely increases the female star power of the new Star Wars franchise. As soon as we learn who these two actress will be playing, we will bring that information to you our readers.

Last but certainly not least in the Disney juggernaught is Marvel news. The Hollywood Reporter has posted a brand new trailer for the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, due out this August.





This new 'teaser' gives voice to our favorite, crazy raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) while also giving the first real treat of the new villain Ronan the Accuser. The new trailer giving audiences a much more, desperate and serious feeling to the film then the more sarcastic and snarky first trailer that came out earlier this year. The more we see of this movie, the more epic it seems and I for one cannot wait to dive into a grand space adventure.

We would love to get your opinion on this new movie omnibus! Little snippets of Disney-related movie news all wrapped up in a tidy bow all in one place. Are you as excited for some of these news items, like the Star Wars or the Guardians of the Galaxy movie? Tell us what you think in a comment below - we would love to hear from you!

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Wow! He sure earned his keep on this post. Thanks so much to regular contributor Erik H. for this guest post updating us on all the live action excitement that's been going on at Walt Disney Motion Pictures.