Disney’s live-action remake of The Aristocats (expected 2026) brings the beloved 1970 animated classic into a modern and enchanting retelling while keeping the charm of the original intact. Here’s a spoiler-filled summary of what the movie is rumored to include:
The film begins in 1920s Paris, where Duchess (voiced and motion-captured by a renowned actress, possibly Emma Stone) and her three kittens, Berlioz, Toulouse, and Marie, live a pampered life with their wealthy owner, Madame Bonfamille (Maggie Smith). Madame plans to leave her fortune to her cats, which sets the stage for the drama.
Madame’s conniving butler, Edgar (played by a comedic villain like Ben Whishaw), overhears her plans and schemes to eliminate the cats to claim the inheritance. Using spiked milk, Edgar abducts Duchess and the kittens, leaving them stranded in the countryside.
The tone shifts to an adventurous and visually rich journey back home. The cats encounter Thomas O’Malley (Chris Pratt rumored), a streetwise alley cat with a heart of gold. His jazzy charm and worldly wisdom captivate Duchess and inspire the kittens.
The countryside is alive with vibrant characters, including a hilarious goose duo, Abigail and Amelia, and a feisty mouse, Roquefort, who aids the cats in evading danger. Musical numbers are reimagined, with “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” becoming a show-stopping performance led by Scat Cat and his jazz band, now set in a lively speakeasy.
The climax unfolds as the cats return to Paris, only to face Edgar’s final trap. In a thrilling chase sequence atop Parisian rooftops, Thomas and the cats outsmart Edgar with the help of their animal friends. Edgar’s fate is sealed when he’s accidentally shipped off to Timbuktu.
The film ends with Madame creating a sanctuary for animals in her mansion, inspired by her love for Duchess and her kittens. Thomas officially becomes part of the family, and the cats’ world is filled with jazz, love, and a sense of belonging.
The live-action Aristocats promises a nostalgic yet fresh take, blending humor, heart, and dazzling visuals.
