How old do you think the Disney original animated film “Frozen” is? If you think it’s just been a few years since its release, then you’d be mistaken, as it’s now sitting pretty at 11 years old. This proves that it’s one of those landscape-defining films that truly shaped a day, a year, or even a decade; films with staying power so potent that we often forget how old they really are.
Which is why the legendary films on this list are getting much-deserved remakes, prequels, and sequels for newer generations of filmgoers to enjoy. Here’s the latest film scoop you need to know.
Ian McKellen In Andy Serkis’s “Lord Of The Rings”?
Ever since the masterpiece that is Peter Jackson’s LOTR trilogy hit screens back in the early 2000s, people have been in love with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien (now more than ever). Even today, fans are re-watching and enjoying this franchise and are perhaps even excited to watch the new animated “The War of Rohirrim” movie.
But one thing they are absolutely ecstatic for are the two new live-action films from Peter Jackson that are on the way, with the first reportedly arriving in 2026. It has also been reported that Andy Serkis, known for his role as Gollum, will not only reprise his role, but will also direct the first film. Not only that, there are rumours that cast members of the original will also be joining the fray. With that in mind, many are wondering if Sir Ian McKellen, known for his role as Gandalf, will be returning to the role.
In an interview, the veteran actor shared that he has been approached about reprising his role as the iconic Istari in the tentatively titled “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”. He shared that he hopes he’ll have the opportunity to be the White Pilgrim once more.
“Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating … I can’t tell you any more than that. I’ve just been told there are going to be more films, and Gandalf will be involved, and they hope that I’ll be playing him.” — Ian McKellen.
After the 85-year-old actor fell off a stage during a recent theatrical performance, leading to hospitalisation, McKellen is more aware of his own mortality. He reiterated that idea, saying that the writers better be quick and get the script ready so that he can be in front of the camera one more time.
Director Andy Serkis has actively avoided talking about characters or actors when interviewed, since the script is yet to be completed. Of course, though time is of the essence, fans are a little sceptical of rushed scripts and acknowledge that a masterpiece takes time; they do not want a repeat of the Hobbit trilogy for sure.
Anya Taylor-Joy Wants To Be Elsa In Live-Action “Frozen”
You read that header right; the Emmy-nominated “Queen’s Gambit” actress and “The Menu” movie star, Anya Taylor-Joy, is queueing up to be the first in line for consideration for the role of Elsa, if Disney ever decides to green light a live-action remake of the smash hit “Frozen”.
“I would love to do a musical because I’m a bit addicted to hard work. I like having an impossible mountain to climb. The idea of having to be able to sing, dance, and act at the same time would just really thrill me,” the 28-year-old said in a new interview with Vogue Hong Kong, when asked about her dream Disney role.
She went on to talk almost exclusively about the “Frozen” role as one she’d like to perform, were she ever given the chance to lead a live-action musical movie. “I think Frozen would be pretty great. It would be very fun to shoot ice out of your hand,” she added, referencing Elsa’s ability to manifest ice from her hand. “Also, you’d just be the favourite at every kid’s birthday party. All of my siblings have children now, so I would love for them to be able to say, ‘My auntie is Elsa.’ That would be pretty sick.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced back in November of 2023 that Frozen 3 and 4 were officially in the works. However, there is no news about a live-action Frozen remake; the possibility isn’t out of the question, though. Fairly recent films such as “Mulan” and “Aladdin” were remade. The most recent Disney flick rumoured to be receiving a live-action adaptation is 2016’s “Moana,” supposedly slated for a July 2026 release.
Legendary To Bring Back “Pacific Rim” Prequel TV Series
Straight from the epic studio that brought us the 2013 sci-fi action movie “Pacific Rim,” Legendary Entertainment has expressed interest in returning to the kaiju-riddled world of Pacific Rim, this time for the small screen. According to Variety, the renowned film production company has made a deal with Eric Heisser, the writer for hit stories such as “Arrival” and “Bird Box,” to pen the upcoming series that is reportedly going to be an origin story.
“Eric is a multitalented, prolific creator whose track record of critical and commercial successes speaks for itself. We are thrilled to launch our partnership with Eric, Chronology, and Carmen, with a new entry in the epic, globally popular ‘Pacific Rim’ universe. We are certain their vision will make for an enthralling expansion to Legendary’s beloved franchise.” — Jason Clodfelter, president of Legendary Television.
In the 2013 big screen blockbuster directed by Guillermo del Toro, humans don enormous mech suits called Jaegers to defend Earth from terrifying kaiju monsters. This was followed by the 2018 sequel “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” which was made without the guidance of del Toro. In 2021, Netflix introduced a spinoff of an anime series, titled “Pacific Rim: The Black.”
Being a prequel, we can expect the TV series to perhaps touch on the earlier years of the kaiju invasion. We might also see Marshal Stacker Pentecost, originally played by Idris Elba in the 2013 film, in his prime kaiju-fighting days, or perhaps even further than that.
Source: CinemaBlend [1], [2], Entertainment Weekly, Variety, IGN
