Disney Confirms 18 Divisive Movies Following Major Corporate Overhaul

After months of nonstop speculation, Disney has officially found its next CEO. And while leadership changes usually spark conversations about theme parks or Disney+, this one feels tied to something even bigger.

Because Disney isn’t slowing down.

Instead, the company appears ready to charge forward with 18 upcoming projects that are already stirring major controversy. Some are sequels to stories people thought were finished. Others are live-action remakes that instantly bring out the “why are we doing this?” crowd.

And honestly, Disney doesn’t seem nervous about the backlash at all. If anything, the company looks like it’s prepared to embrace it.

A Major Leadership Change Sets the Tone

Bob Iger has been the face of modern Disney for years. He helped guide the company through massive expansions, huge acquisitions, and a long era of dominance in entertainment. But he also became closely tied to Disney’s growing dependence on sequels, reboots, and remakes.

Now, that chapter is nearing its end.

Bob Iger is scheduled to step down, and Josh D’Amaro is set to take over as CEO on March 18, 2026. The announcement immediately drew attention because D’Amaro isn’t a behind-the-scenes executive. Disney fans know him well from his years tied to the Parks division, and he has spent plenty of time in the spotlight.

The message feels clear: Disney wants confidence, energy, and momentum. And based on what’s coming next, it looks like the company plans to keep moving full speed ahead.

Disney’s Film Strategy Isn’t Resetting

Even with a new CEO on the horizon, Disney’s movie approach doesn’t appear to be shifting at all. In fact, it feels like the studio is doubling down on the same strategy it’s leaned into for years.

During Iger’s time, Disney announced project after project that instantly split audiences. Fans have argued for years that Disney has become too reliant on nostalgia, familiar characters, and franchises that already had satisfying endings.

But financially, the formula has worked. Sequels and remakes continued to generate significant revenue, even when online reactions were adverse.

Now, as far as the public can tell, many of these projects remain on track under Dana Walden’s leadership. That means D’Amaro is stepping into a role where the movie slate already feels locked in.

Pixar Keeps Revisiting Its Biggest Hits

Pixar has always built its reputation on original storytelling, which is why its future of sequels keeps frustrating longtime fans.

Toy Story 5 (2026) is the most prominent example. Many fans still believe Toy Story 3 (2010) ended the franchise perfectly. Others argue Toy Story 4 (2019) already pushed things too far. So a fifth movie feels less like a creative necessity and more like Disney refusing to let the franchise rest.

Incredibles 3 (possibly 2028) also sparks mixed reactions. The original The Incredibles (2004) remains one of Pixar’s most beloved films, but Incredibles 2 (2018) didn’t land the same way for everyone.

Then there’s Coco 2 (TBD). The original Coco (2017) is considered a modern classic, and many fans feel a sequel could dilute what made it so emotional in the first place.

Animation and Live-Action Remakes Stir More Debate

Disney Animation isn’t escaping the sequel wave either. Frozen 3 (2027) is confirmed and will almost certainly be a massive hit, but plenty of fans still feel the story has already reached its natural ending.

Zootopia 3 (TBD) is also being discussed. While it hasn’t been confirmed, the franchise has always sparked debate online, and another installment would likely bring that same conversation right back.

Meanwhile, Disney is also reviving nostalgia through Phineas and Ferb 3 (TBD, possibly 2028), another project that excites longtime fans while also fueling complaints about Disney recycling old properties.

And of course, live-action remakes continue to trigger backlash. A Tangled live-action film (2027/2028) has fans nervous, while Hercules live-action (possibly 2027 or 2028) and Moana live-action (2026) add even more fuel to the argument that Disney is moving too fast.

Disney’s Future Slate Feels Unavoidable

Beyond those, Disney is moving forward with villain sequels like Cruella 2 (TBD) and Maleficent 3 (possibly 2027), as well as long-awaited projects like Princess Diaries 3 (TBD) and Sister Act 3 (TBD). The studio also has Aladdin 2 live-action (TBD) and the Three Men and a Baby remake, both confirmed in 2020 but still unclear on progress.

Even Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027) shows Disney’s willingness to expand anything it owns, while Avatar 4 (2029) and Avatar 5 (2031) remain massive future bets.

With Josh D’Amaro stepping into the CEO role, Disney’s strategy looks simple: keep building on franchises, no matter how divided the audience becomes.

And whether fans love it or hate it, this slate guarantees one thing.

Disney’s next era will be loud.