The D23 fan event has once again showcased Disney's prowess in the film industry, with a lineup of highly anticipated movies that are set to dominate the box office in 2028. With a mix of sequels, reboots, and original content, Disney is poised to have a killer year at the box office.
One of the most notable aspects of Disney's 2028 slate is the return of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With three MCU titles dated for 2028, it's clear that the franchise is far from being in superhero fatigue. Marvel's untitled X-Men movie, directed by Kevin Feige, is set to be a summer blockbuster, with a star-studded cast that includes Hugh Jackman and a host of other talented actors. The success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which was a co-production between Marvel and Sony, has shown that it's not just about the IP, but about making great movies.
Disney is also continuing to bring classic animated films to the big screen in live-action. While Tangled only got a brief teaser at the D23 event, it's clear that Disney is committed to bringing these beloved classics to life. The live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 is set for the Memorial Day weekend, and the studio is also developing a spin-off of Cinderella, as well as a punk rock version of Cruella 2 and a Beauty and the Beast-verse title, Gaston.
Animation remains a key part of Disney's strategy, with the studio planning to release sequels to landmark hits like Frozen 3, Incredibles 3, and Coco 2. The original Walt Disney Animation title, Hexed, is also set to be released, with a focus on an independent female lead and a talented cast that includes Walton Goggins and Hailee Steinfeld.
However, one area that remains uncertain is the future of the Avatar franchise. While Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 are still on the release calendar, the fate of the Na'vi remains unknown. The success of the Avatar films has been impressive, with the threequel grossing over $1.48 billion, but the studio is taking a cautious approach to the next installments.
Finally, the Star Wars franchise is also set to get a reboot with Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling. The film is set to be a comedic and story-driven adventure, with a nod to the drag race aura of American Graffiti and Star Wars: Phantom Menace. The pressure is on for Levy and Gosling to deliver a fresh and exciting addition to the Star Wars universe.
Overall, Disney's 2028 lineup is a testament to the studio's commitment to delivering high-quality content that will resonate with audiences around the world. With a mix of sequels, reboots, and original content, Disney is poised to have a killer year at the box office.
