Disney has already started filling its 2028 movie calendar, and the lineup points to a year built around some of its biggest film franchises.
During its official fan event D23, Disney has confirmed the dates for a variety of sequels and originals set for 2028. According to Deadline, Disney currently has 14 release dates listed for 2028, excluding films from 20th Century Studios and Searchlight. The dates could still change, but the studio’s plans already show a clear focus on established franchises alongside new properties.
Marvel Takes a Major Role
Marvel is set to have three films in 2028. The first is X-Men, scheduled for May 5. The new film will feature Adam Driver, Inde Navarrette, Christopher Abbott and Samara Weaving.
Hugh Jackman also appeared during the D23 presentation, though there was no indication that he will return as Wolverine.
Ghost Rider is also planned for 2028, with Ryan Gosling playing Johnny Blaze and Shawn Levy directing. Disney has not announced an exact release date.
Then comes Black Panther 3 on December 15. That puts the film in the key holiday period and makes it one of Disney’s biggest releases of the year.
The Marvel schedule also suggests that the studio is continuing to put more emphasis on individual filmmakers and casts rather than relying only on established characters.
Tangled Joins Disney’s Live-Action Slate
The live-action Tangled will arrive March 31, 2028. Disney showed only a short preview at D23, including Rapunzel and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel. The film follows the studio’s continuing effort to bring animated favourites into live action.
The strategy is also expanding beyond direct remakes. Disney has projects such as Gaston and Stepsisters in development, taking characters and worlds from familiar films in new directions.
That approach gives the studio more room to create stories around its existing library rather than simply reproducing earlier movies.
Pixar Is Mixing Sequels With New Stories
Pixar will release Incredibles 3 on June 16, 2028. The film will follow Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack as they become more independent and develop their superhero abilities.
It arrives about 10 years after Incredibles 2, which earned about $1.2 billion worldwide.
Pixar will also release Ghost Market on March 10. The original film follows a young boy who encounters a supernatural world connected to a hidden food shop on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The restaurant serves spirits caught between life and death.
The project gives Pixar an original property to build alongside its established franchises.
Disney Animation Is Planning Further Ahead
Disney’s animation slate continues to rely on major sequels, but the studio is leaving longer gaps between them.
Frozen 3 is scheduled for November 24, 2027. Coco 2 is planned for November 2029, while Incredibles 3 arrives a decade after its predecessor.
At D23, Disney revealed a new villain for Frozen 3 and showed that the story will explore more of Elsa’s past.
The studio also previewed Hexed, an original animated film about a young woman discovering magical abilities while facing a coven. Hailee Steinfeld, Walton Goggins and Jodie Foster are among the voice cast.
Star Wars Remains a Question Mark
One of the notable gaps at D23 was Star Wars. Disney did not announce a broader theatrical slate for the franchise. Its next major film is Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling.
The film will move away from the Skywalker story and introduce new characters and settings.
That allows Lucasfilm to reset the theatrical side of the franchise. It also means the film will have to attract audiences without leaning heavily on familiar Star Wars characters.
Disney also appears to have moved away from an Adam Driver-led Ben Solo film. Lucasfilm executive Dave Filoni said the project is not currently moving forward.
Disney’s 2028 slate currently has superheroes, animated sequels, live-action fantasy, family franchises and an original supernatural story. That gives the studio multiple ways to bring audiences into theatres—but it also means several of its biggest bets will be competing for attention in an increasingly fragmented entertainment market.
