Disney in its continuing pursuit of adapting all of its classic animated films into live-action remakes has tapped Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson as director of the live-action/hybrid remake of The Aristocats, according to Deadline.
This will be Questlove’s feature film directorial debut. In 2021, he directed the music documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which would go on to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. Questlove will also serve as Executive Producer and oversee the music of the film. The script is being written by Will Gluck and Keith Bunin.
The original 1970’s animated film is set in the heart of Paris, France where a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O’Malley, and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day.
The Aristocats is just one of many live-action adaptations in the works at Disney. Both Peter Pan & Wendy and The Little Mermaid are due for release in the next few months, with Snow White and Mufasa: The Lion King set for release in 2024. Also in the works but with no release dates are adaptations of Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Robin Hood, and Lilo & Stitch. Questlove’s The Aristocats does not have a release date yet.
