Disney Sets Release Dates for ALICE IN WONDERLAND Sequel, Jon Favreau-Helmed JUNGLE BOOK

Disney has slotted two of its most highly anticipated films.

According to Deadline, the studio will release the sequel to Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND on May 27, 2016, and the Jon Favreau-helmed JUNGLE BOOK live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's novel on Oct. 9, 2015.

Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska are set to return for WONDERLAND 2, with Burton stepping down as director and James Bobin (THE MUPPETS) taking the reins.

In Burton's 2010 film starring Depp, Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter and more, "19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror."

THE JUNGLE BOOK, based on Kipling's 1894 collection of stories, originally premiered as a Disney animated feature in 1967, followed by a live action version directed by Stephen Sommers in 1994.

The story of Mowgli's adventures in the jungles of India has also recently been adapted as a stage musical. THE JUNGLE BOOK ran last month as a joint premiere by Chicago's Goodman Theatre and Boston's Huntington Theatre Company, produced by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions.

Favreau directed the first two Iron Man movies for Disney and is set to direct the upcoming pic Magic Kingdom. Other directing credits include Made, Elf and Cowboys & Aliens. Chef, which he produced, directed and starred in, is set for release in 2014.

As an actor, Favreau's recent credits include The Wolf of Wall Street, Iron Man 3, Identity Thief, People Like Us, Zookeeper, Couples Retreat, I Love You, Man and more.

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