Disney’s plowing ahead with its plans to remake as many of its classic animated movies as possible in live-action/CGI and the latest on the production line is a reboot of 1955 canine love story Lady and the Tramp, which Charlie Bean (The LEGO Ninjago Movie) is directing from a script by Andrew Bujalski.
It was announced last month that Justin Theroux was voicing the lovable rogue the Tramp and now, Collider’s revealed that he’ll be joined by Thor: Ragnarok star Tessa Thompson as Lady. But that’s not all, as another Marvel actor’s been added to the cast, too.
Doctor Strange and Avengers: Infinity War‘s Benedict Wong will play Charlie, a British bulldog. Ashley Jensen (Sherlock Gnomes), meanwhile, is set for the role of Jackie, a gender-flipped version of Scottish terrier Jock, while the only live-action actor currently attached is Dope‘s Kiersey Clemons, who’ll be portraying Lady’s owner Darling.
Unlike other Disney remakes, though, this one isn’t headed to cinemas but is instead set for release on Disney’s upcoming streaming service. That’s a smart move from the Mouse House, as it makes sense to offer some exclusive content that’s worthy of release on the big screen.
Circling back to the topic of today’s article though, and given how popular Tessa Thompson seems to be these days, a role in the Disney machine seems like the logical next move for her career. Which, once again, is really taking off lately.
She’s already teaming up with Thor co-star Chris Hemsworth again for Sony’s Men in Black sequel/reboot, in which the pair will step into Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ shoes and play a new pair of alien-busting secret agents, and will also show up in Creed II, due for release this November.
As for Disney, other live-action remakes in the works alongside Lady and the Tramp include Dumbo, Aladdin, Mulan and The Lion King. Though at this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised if the studio adds a few more to their slate in no time at all.