Over the past few years, we've seen a rise in movie remakes. Reviving the films we loved as kids gives us new opportunity to introduce them to our own children. Reboots like Man of Steel and Oz The Great and Powerful have not only rekindled nostalgia in adults, but also created new fans out of the next generation.
Luckily, even more of the movies we watched with our own parents are scheduled to be remade in the future. Here are a few new takes on old favorites you may not know about, coming soon to a theater near you.
Annie (2014)
It looks like our favorite singing redhead is getting her own remix. Oscar-nominated Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) will play the adorable orphan, while Jamie Foxx is in talks to play her millionaire father, Daddy Warbucks. With the film being produced by Will Smith, his wife Jada Pinkett and Jay-Z, the musical numbers are sure to deliver. Negotiations are still playing out, but the film is slated for a 2014 holiday release.
Drop Dead Fred (2014)
What happens when your imaginary friend likes to cause trouble? Fans of this 1991 comedy will know the answer. I can remember watching this film over and over -- I think I counted 17 viewings at one point. This fun adventure into growing up is set for release in 2014 with Russell Brand attached as Fred. Dennis McNicholas, Saturday Night Live head writer, is set to write the jokes that are sure to make us laugh.
The NeverEnding Story [TBA]
This is still very tentative, but Leonardo DiCaprio and legendary producer Frank Marshall are taking on the challenge of producing the remake of this (almost untouchable) children's classic. We hope they will succeed in cutting down the red tape that threatens to delay remaking this 1984 treasure. Word about casting or voices is still hard to find, but we're hoping for a 2014 or 2015 release.
Short Circuit [TBA]
I doubt there is anyone who doesn't recognize "Johnny 5" and know that he is ALIVE. You can still hear references made to quotes from Short Circuit 27 years after its original release. Hop director Tim Hill has started development on a remake he believes is just in time for the age of robots. Hill has said he will change the robot's appearance and update him to a more modern, armored AI model. Will we still love Number 5? Only time will tell.
Jumanji (2015/16)
This 1995 film took families on a thrilling jungle adventure with just a roll of the dice -- and made children everywhere take a closer look at their own board games. So far only a writer has been secured (Zach Helm, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium), but we hope it will only be a matter of time before we see who will replace the iconic Robin Williams as lost game player Alan Parrish.
Kenda is the Editor-in-Chief of Remaking June Cleaver where she blogs about technology, entertainment, healthy living, and more. To read more by Kenda, visit RemakingJuneCleaver.com or follow her on Twitter @RemakingJune.
