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10 Perfectly Cast Live-Action Disney Roles That Everyone Loved

Disney movies are something that always takes us back to our childhood days. It feels great that those classic movies are not getting live-action remakes. They have got an updated script, characters, and outstanding visual effects. But what is better here are the performances by the lead cast. The choice for the lead roles has been always the best in terms of some characters. It is something that can pull a large number of audiences to the theaters. So let’s have a look at those perfectly cast live-action Disney roles.

1. Will Smith as Genie – Aladdin

Will Smith is an actor who is known for his comic timings and he has also done a lot of comedy roles throughout his career. He played the role of Genie in 2019’s Aladdin which was a live-action remake of the animated film of the same name. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 2019. Most Disney fans consider it as one of Will Smith’s best roles. Of course, Smith could not do it exactly and perfectly like the original one. But despite that, he was loved by the audience. A sequel to the film is already in development.

2. Donald Glover as Simba – The Lion King

The Lion King is probably another one of Disney’s best stories loved by children after The Jungle Book. Although a sequel of The Jungle Book was announced, director Jon Favreau decided to first make The Lion King a live-action remake. One of the characters in the film was Simba. It needs someone who has soft and gentle tones and can match perfectly with the loud roars. So Atlanta actor Donald Glover was the perfect man to play this role. His take on Simba was gentle-hearted as well as commanding. This made The Lion King one of the most beloved Disney remakes.

3. Emma Watson as Belle – Beauty and the Beast

Perfectly Cast Live-Action Disney Roles

2017’s Beauty and the Beast was able to make huge collections at the box office. Although being criticized and being controversial for certain reasons, it still remains one of Disney’s best live-action remakes. The character of Belle was played by Emma Watson. We have known her playing the role of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. Watson was completely perfect for this role. The main reason was her singing voice and a few reports also say that she took voice lessons to hone her skills.

4. Emma Stone as Cruella – Cruella

Cruella is the latest entry in the list of Disney’s live-action remakes. The film is running in theaters and you can also access it on Disney+ at an extra cost “Premier Access” title. The film has received mixed reviews. But many have agreed that Emma Stone has portrayed the character in the best way. Disney has already announced a sequel to Cruella. The best thing about Cruella is the costumes and Stone’s ability to make anything she wears look good. She has given the character proper poise and narcissism because of which makes us love the villain.

5. Oakes Fegley as Peter – Pete’s Dragon

The live-action remake of Pete’s Dragon was released in 2016. Oakes Fregley was an unknown child actor at that time. He was given the challenge to play the role of Pete. He was an orphaned boy in the forest who befriends a dragon. Bryce Dallas Howard was also playing a major role and was seen as a park ranger. But it was Fegley who carried the whole story. Pete’s curiosity and wonder also made him a multi-dimensional character. It is not the most memorable film on the list of live-action remakes. But most people have considered it better than the original.

6. Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter – Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp has played a large number of roles throughout his career. He has experimented on everything through his roles. The live-action remake of Alice in Wonderland was released in 2010. Depp was seen playing the role of Mad Hatter. He gave the character a quirky personality with a few mischievous undertones. He did it exactly like how Ed Wynn did in the 1951 original. A few fans have also called Mad Hatter one of their favorite Disney characters. Depp reprised his role in the sequel. But unfortunately, the sequel bombed at the box office.

7. Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin – Christopher Robin

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor has played different kinds of roles in his career. Star Wars fans know him from the prequels of the early 2000s. But he has also played some memorable roles in Angles & Demons, Doctor Sleep, and recently in the Netflix series, Halston. He was considered the perfect fit for 2018’s Christopher Robin. He was perfectly cast for the role. The character was now an adult businessman and recalls his adventures as his child. It is a nod to the classic Winnie the Pooh stories that captured the imagination of the kids over the years.

8. Lily James as Cinderella – Cinderella

Perfectly Cast Live-Action Disney Roles

Lily James was seen playing the lead role in Disney’s Cinderella released in 2015. She was previously seen playing a major role in Downtown Abbey. A few things from the original film were ignored here. But the live-action remake of the classic Disney princess is still remembered today. The live-action remake lacked the colorful songs and the magic of Disney like the original film. But it was Lily James who carried the movie on her own shoulders. Cinderella is still considered one of the best Disney live-action remakes.

9. Scarlett Johansson as Kaa – The Jungle Book

2016’s The Jungle Book was one of the most highly anticipated live-action remakes of the year. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film was an unexpected hit at the box office. Various well-known actors voiced the animal characters but the scariest one among them was the python Kaa. The character needed a voice that can give a scary feeling. So it couldn’t be anyone better than Scarlett Johansson. Johansson added a more sinister and goofy take on the role. It has become one of the best voiceover roles done yet by Johansson.

10. Bill Murray as Baloo – The Jungle Book

Baloo is one of the most loveable characters in The Jungle Book. He is not rude and is friendly to everyone he meets. The character was played by Bill Murray in the 2016 live-action remake of The Jungle Book. Murray gave the character some human antics. It made Mowgli climb the tree to get him, honey, in exchange for saving his life from Kaa. The character is not silly but is loveable in comparison to the original one. This makes him more believable. Apart from that, the whole film had the best cast and so it is considered as one of the best Disney live-action remakes.

So these were all the perfectly cast live-action Disney roles. Which of them is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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Anupal Sraban Neog

Born and grew up in Guwahati, Assam. Wish to see a discrimination free India at some point. Love to travel and explore new places. Binge watching web series is my favorite time pass activity. A Cinephilia and an ardent follower of Marvel and DC.
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