Every upcoming live-action Disney remake in the works
By Rachel Roth
The Sword in the Stone
Perhaps one of Disney’s lesser known films, the final one released by the studio before Walt Disney’s death, the live-action remake of The Sword in the Stone will be directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and written by Bryan Cogman. Loosely based on T.H. White’s Arthurian inspired novel of the same name, it told a lighthearted version of the legend of King Arthur and his rise to become King of Camelot.
Unfortunately for people who dislike streaming services, the movie will move directly to Disney’s streaming service, Disney Plus meant to launch next year. Production started on September 24 in Belfast, Ireland, the perfect place to film a King Arthur story.
Merlin Saga
Not technically a remake, but the character Merlin appeared in Disney’s The Sword in the Stone and since it’s being made by Disney as well, starring the same character, I’m going to label it a remake/spin-off. Currently in development, Ridley Scott will reportedly direct the film titled Merlin Saga, that’s about a young Merlin set before Arthur’s time based on T.A. Barron’s 12-book “Merlin” series. Scott’s is producing the film and Philippa Boyens is in charge of the screenplay.
If all else fails, at least the film will be marvelous to look at in a very Scott-like fashion. The production designer for Prometheus and The Martian, Arthur Max will work his magic for Merlin Saga. Then on top of that, the cinematographer from Alien: Covenant and All the Money in the World, Dariusz Wolski joined the crew to make sure everything is vividly stunning.
Every since the BBC series Merlin starring Colin Morgan ran from 2008-2012, the character has become incredibly popular. He’s appeared in several King Arthur films and been the star of two miniseries, Merlin and Merlin’s Apprentice, that both starred Sam Neill.
Honestly, Merlin is a criminally unused character. The history of Merlin alone could make a hundred films. Originally a pagan king, he wasn’t always considered a wizard nor did he initially have a part in King Arthur’s legend.
Just a brief Merlin history for those who want to know; Merlin is based on a Welsh bard named Myrddin, who was the primary inspiration for a character in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s work “The History of the Kings of Britain”. Myrddin Wyllt (Myrddin the Wild) was a legendary “madman” poet and seer, who went insane after seeing his people slaughtered. He ran off into the woods and lived like an animal where he foresaw the future of society.
One strangely accurate prophecy that Mryddin foretold was about global warming and the formation of modern politics. He described the melting of ice, sweltering heat of the air and a world where men chose their own kings who lie to sway the people. Another Merlin inspiration was Emrys, a fictional character based on the 5th century historical war leader, Ambrosius Aurelianus.