Disney is reportedly shifting its live-action strategy to focus on early 2000s cult classics. After years of silence, the search for the Lost Empire is suddenly back on. Insiders suggest Atlantis: The Lost Empire has moved from “stalled” to “active development” on the studio’s internal slate. Tom Holland is still at the top of the list to lead the cast.
The Tom Holland Connection
The most persistent scoop involves Holland as Milo Thatch. According to industry insider DanielRPK, Holland has been at the top of Disney’s wishlist for years. While the original reports surfaced nearly five years ago, the interest has been renewed in late 2025. Disney is reportedly waiting for his Spider-Man and Avengers schedules to clear before moving into formal negotiations.
The project gained massive momentum recently following a viral “Concept Trailer” by filmmaker Jonathan Munoz. This high-quality fan trailer featured Holland’s likeness and reached millions of viewers across social media. This viral success proved to Disney executives that a massive, modern audience is ready for a high-stakes adventure.
A New Vision for the Empire
This remake is not being envisioned as a standard musical. Reports suggest Disney wants a “Del Toro-esque” scale for the underwater world. They are looking for a gritty, epic adventure style similar to Avatar. The goal is to revitalize the “experimental” era of Disney animation for a new generation.
The “New Plan” involves prioritizing “Legacy” properties that appeal to both Millennials and Gen Z. This shift follows the successful production of the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake. If Stitch performs well in 2026, Atlantis is set to be the next major tentpole. This marks a significant move away from traditional fairy tales toward high-concept sci-fi.
To keep up to date on all the latest Disney news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook!