Upcoming Disney Movies Based On Theme Park Rides: Reports And Rumors
Disney has a long history of turning beloved stories into iconic theme park attractions. From walking through Arendelle to flying the Millennium Falcon, fans can step directly into their favorite movie worlds. But sometimes, that creative process flows in the opposite direction. The massive success of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise proved that a popular ride can inspire a blockbuster film series.
While not every attempt has been a home run, Disney continues to mine its rich library of theme park attractions for cinematic inspiration. Several projects are currently in various stages of development, from confirmed sequels to rumored adaptations. Here’s a look at the upcoming slate of movies based on Disney park rides and what we know about them so far.
Jungle Cruise 2: A Sequel in the Works
Despite a challenging release during the pandemic, Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt found its audience. The film, which combined action-adventure with the pun-filled humor of the classic attraction, was successful enough for Disney to greenlight a sequel shortly after its 2021 debut.
The chemistry between Johnson’s skipper Frank Wolff and Blunt’s Dr. Lily Houghton was a highlight, and both stars are expected to return for the second installment. While progress has been slow due to the busy schedules of its A-list leads, Johnson has repeatedly confirmed that Jungle Cruise 2 is a project he and the studio are committed to making. The first film left plenty of room for another adventure, and fans are eager to see where the La Quila riverboat heads next.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Next Chapter
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise remains the gold standard for ride-to-movie adaptations, so it’s no surprise that Disney is actively developing the next voyage. However, the future of the series is sailing in uncertain waters. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that two different scripts are currently in development.
One script reportedly reboots the franchise with a fresh cast and story, moving away from Captain Jack Sparrow entirely. A version of this was once attached to star Margot Robbie, though that specific project has since been shelved. The other script would serve as a continuation of the original saga, potentially bringing back Johnny Depp as the iconic pirate captain. Bruckheimer has expressed a desire to have Depp return, but the final decision remains one of the biggest questions in Hollywood. Whichever direction Disney chooses, it’s clear they aren’t ready to let this treasure chest of a franchise sink to the bottom of the sea.
Tower of Terror
One of the most intriguing projects in the pipeline is a film based on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Marvel star Scarlett Johansson is attached to produce and potentially star in the movie. This wouldn’t be the first adaptation of the spooky elevator drop—a made-for-TV movie starring Steve Guttenberg and Kirsten Dunst was released in 1997.
The new Tower of Terror film has some creative hurdles to clear. The ride’s connection to The Twilight Zone television series adds a layer of licensing complexity. More importantly, the story of the attraction itself is quite thin, centering on five hotel guests who mysteriously vanished from an elevator struck by lightning. In a recent interview, Johansson acknowledged this challenge, stating that her team is working hard to crack the story. With her star power and producing acumen, this project has the potential to be a hauntingly good time.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The Wildest Movie in the Wilderness
Another classic “mountain” from Disney’s theme parks is getting the big-screen treatment. In 2022, it was announced that a film based on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was in development, with Margot Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, set to produce. Directing duo Bert & Bertie, known for their work on shows like Hawkeye and Silo, were attached to helm the project.
Since the initial announcement, news has been quiet. However, the ride itself has a more detailed backstory involving a cursed mining town, which could provide a solid foundation for a cinematic adventure. The concept of a runaway mine train in a haunted ghost town is ripe with potential for a family-friendly action-adventure film in the vein of The Mummy or National Treasure.
Space Mountain: A Trip to the Stars
The iconic indoor roller coaster, Space Mountain, is also on the docket for a movie adaptation. The project has been in development for several years, with the original script coming from Joby Harold (Obi-Wan Kenobi). More recently, screenwriters Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec (Heads of State) have taken over writing duties.
Like Tower of Terror, Space Mountain presents a significant creative challenge. The ride has no established characters or narrative, offering only the thrilling concept of a high-speed journey through the dark cosmos. Producer Jonathan Eirich has noted the difficulty of creating a story from scratch while ensuring it still feels like the beloved attraction. The blank slate gives the filmmakers immense freedom, but it also puts pressure on them to deliver a story worthy of the ride’s legendary status.
From confirmed sequels to mysterious new adventures, Disney is betting big that its theme park attractions can continue to inspire cinematic magic. The success of these upcoming films will depend on their ability to capture the spirit of the rides while telling compelling, original stories that stand on their own.
