It’s been 14 years since Disney Channel’s animated series “The Proud Family” has graced the television screens of our childhood. Actor Tommy Davidson––voice of Oscar Proud––recently announced that the beloved series will return with 14 new episodes through the upcoming Disney+ streaming service. Although Disney hasn’t confirmed the news yet, we are hoping it will end up among the list of childhood favorites being reimagined exclusively on the latest service––keeping up with the ever so popular trend of reboots in recent years.
The Disney+ Twitter account released a video announcing the arrival of the streaming service, which will be available in the U.S. on November 12. The service will rely on Disney heavyweights Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar as well as National Geographic and programming from Fox. In addition to Disney’s signature collection of classics, the Disney Channel series and original movies we all know and love will make an appearance.
Recognized as one of the most popular Disney Channel franchises, “High School Musical” will also be returning to the spotlight with a new adaptation 13 years after the Wildcats danced on screen for the first time. The new documentary style show “High School Musical: The Musical” revolves around students at East High putting on their own production of the first “High School Musical” installment. As far as musical numbers go, the series will include a brand new rendition of a song from the first film along with an original song. There hasn’t been confirmation of old cast members returning to East High, but we can only dream.
Being one of Pixar’s first films, “Monsters Inc.” isn’t a stranger to being readapted as we’ve seen with 2013’s prequel “Monsters University.” Set to premiere at some point in the second year of the launch, Mike Wazowski and Sulley will return with the animated series “Monsters at Work.” Picking up six months after the original film, the show will feature returning characters as well as some new ones––so don’t worry because Roz will hopefully keep up with her hilariously snarky comments.
Continuing the wave of live action versions of Disney classics, the latest to join the movement is “The Lady and the Tramp.” Premiering on the opening day of the streaming service, the new take of the 1955 animated film will feature Tessa Thompson voicing Lady and Justin Theroux voicing Tramp. Amongst other talents lending their voices include Janelle Monáe, Sam Elliot and Yvette Nicole Brown. Unlike all the previous live action installments that involve an all animal cast, the film will include a real life component––actual rescue dogs.
Other remakes outside the Disney sphere arriving exclusively to Disney+ include three throwback films from 20th Century Fox. Starring Hilary Duff and Steve Martin, 2003’s “Cheaper by the Dozen” will be interesting to see being readapted to this generation. Similarly with “Night at the Museum,” there hasn’t been any further information regarding old cast members coming back. Known as one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, “Home Alone” will also be put into this category. Unlike the other films mentioned, the 1990 film’s star Macaulay Culkin recently expressed his interest on Twitter regarding the news with the caption, “Hey @Disney, call me!”
Because the current state of popular culture is heavily involved with the ideas of rebooting the shows and films of the past, it is understandable that Disney is taking this route with their exclusive content on Disney+. Although it is wonderful that newer generations will be exposed to the stories we grew up with, there also needs to be just as much––or even more––new material to work with. However, if you aren’t into the new reboots coming out, there’s always the original versions to fall back on. Regardless of your preferences toward reboots or the originals, Disney is about to get you ready for all the binging your heart desires.
Rylee Jackson can be reached at ryleejackson@sagebrush.unr.edu, or on Twitter @rybyjackson.
