Disney Confirms Release Dates for Nine Major Sequels
Disney’s upcoming slate is packed with sequels that promise to bring back beloved characters and expand iconic franchises. From animated classics to superhero epics, the House of Mouse is betting big on nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
I’m thrilled to dive into this lineup, which spans Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more. Let’s break down the nine major sequels Disney has confirmed, ordered by their release dates, with details on what to expect from each.
Freakier Friday (2025)
Set for release on August 8, 2025, ‘Freakier Friday’ brings back the body-swapping chaos of the 2003 hit. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return as the mother-daughter duo, joined by new faces like Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons.
This time, the story adds a twist with three generations swapping bodies, promising more laughs and heart. Chad Michael Murray and Mark Harmon also reprise their roles, making this a nostalgic treat with a modern spin.
Tron: Ares (2025)
Hitting theaters on October 10, 2025, ‘Tron: Ares’ revives the sci-fi saga nearly 45 years after its debut. Jared Leto stars as Ares, a program crossing into the real world on a dangerous mission, with Greta Lee and Evan Peters in key roles.
Jeff Bridges returns as Kevin Flynn, tying this sequel to the original. The film explores AI themes, blending cutting-edge visuals with the franchise’s retro charm.
Predator: Badlands (2025)
Predator: Badlands strikes on November 7, 2025, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Elle Fanning stars as Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android, alongside Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as a young Predator.
Set in a future wasteland, this standalone flips the franchise by making the Predator a hero. Expect gritty action and a fresh spin on the sci-fi classic.
Zootopia 2 (2025)
‘Zootopia 2’ arrives on November 26, 2025, reuniting Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). The duo tackles a new case involving a mysterious reptile, testing their detective skills.
Building on the 2016 original’s vibrant world, this sequel dives deeper into Zootopia’s urban jungle. Expect sharp humor and timely themes, perfect for families during the holiday season.
Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025)
Avatar: Fire and Ash lands on December 19, 2025, continuing James Cameron’s Pandora epic. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Kate Winslet return, joined by newcomers Oona Chaplin and David Thewlis.
The Sully family faces the fiery Ash People, a new Na’vi tribe, in a darker, grief-driven story. Stunning visuals and new biomes promise another box-office titan
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)
The Devil Wears Prada 2 struts into theaters on May 1, 2026, 20 years after the original. Meryl Streep reprises her role as Miranda Priestly, with Aline Brosh McKenna and David Frankel returning as writer and director.
While Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt’s returns aren’t confirmed, rumors swirl about their involvement. This sequel dives back into the cutthroat fashion world with sharp wit and style.
The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026)
Star Wars returns to theaters with ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau, it follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Baby Yoda, introducing new characters like Sigourney Weaver’s pilot and Jeremy Allen White’s Rotta the Hutt.
This film spins off from the Disney+ series, blending bounty-hunting action with emotional stakes. It’s the first big-screen Star Wars story since 2019, kicking off a new cinematic era.
Toy Story 5 (2026)
‘Toy Story 5’ lands on June 19, 2026, directed by Andrew Stanton. Woody, Buzz, and the gang return, voiced by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and others, for a new adventure tackling modern challenges.
Pixar aims to recapture the franchise’s emotional magic after the heartfelt ‘Toy Story 4’. Details are slim, but expect a mix of humor and tears for all ages.
Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ hits on December 18, 2026, directed by the Russo Brothers. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Doctor Doom, leading a massive cast of over 20 MCU heroes, including the Fantastic Four and X-Men.
This epic replaces the planned ‘Avengers: Kang Dynasty’, promising a multiversal showdown. Its delayed release ensures polished storytelling for Marvel’s biggest team-up since ‘Endgame’.
Ice Age 6 (2026)
‘Ice Age 6’ arrives on December 18, 2026, the first under Disney’s banner. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg return as Manny, Sid, Ellie, Diego, and Buck.
No plot details yet, but the prehistoric crew’s chemistry guarantees laughs. This sequel follows the franchise’s enduring appeal, 24 years after the original.
Frozen 3 (2027)
‘Frozen 3’ is set for November 24, 2027, continuing Elsa and Anna’s journey. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel return, with directors yet to be confirmed, building on the global success of the first two films.
The story remains under wraps, but expect more magical adventures in Arendelle. Disney’s banking on this fairytale’s charm to kick off 2027 strong.
Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)
Closing the list, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ releases on December 17, 2027. Also directed by the Russo Brothers, it follows ‘Doomsday’, with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom likely central to a multiversal clash.
This film could unite every Marvel hero, from Spider-Man to mutants, for a historic finale. It’s poised to reshape the MCU, capping Phase Six with epic stakes.
Avatar 4 (2029)
Slated for December 21, 2029, Avatar 4 continues James Cameron’s Pandora saga, following Avatar: Fire and Ash. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña return as Jake Sully and Neytiri, with most of the core cast expected to reprise their roles.
The film features a significant time jump, exploring new regions of Pandora. Cameron has teased a deeper focus on the Na’vi’s culture, with groundbreaking visuals already in production to keep the franchise’s stunning legacy alive.
Which of these sequels are you most excited to see, or is there another Disney project you’re hoping for? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
