Disney confirms 'The Jungle Book' sequel

Disney studio has confirmed sequels of "The Jungle Book", "Maleficent" and is planning to make spin-offs "Cruella", and "101 Dalmatians".

Actress Angelina Jolie is set to return for "Maleficent" sequel with Linda Woolverton, the screenwriter on the first film, handling script duties. "The Jungle Book" director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Marks are returning for another trip into the wild, reports variety.com.

The company also confirmed that it is moving forward with Ava DuVernay's adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time", "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" with director Lasse Hallstrom ("My Life as a Dog") and writer Ashleigh Powell attached.

In addition, Disney said it is planning a sequel to "Mary Poppins" with actress Emily Blunt and "Hamilton" creator Lin Manuel-Miranda starring and Rob Marshall ("Chicago") directing.

Given that these films are still in various stages of planning, it is possible that certain projects could fall out.

Not only has "The Jungle Book" been a critical and commercial success, but the studio has also reaped big profits with "Cinderella", "Alice in Wonderland", and "Maleficent".

The studio has staked out release dates, but did not say which product would be reserved for which slot.

--IANS

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