Top 10 Actors That Returned to Disney Roles
#10: Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud
“The Proud Family” (2001-05) & “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” (2022-)
The original run of “The Proud Family” was funny and had great characters. But most importantly, its strong focus on a Black family made it a vital show for many kids growing up. At its core was Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, a teen doing her best to deal with her over-the-top relatives and troublesome but lovable friends. “The Proud Family” ran for four years on Disney Channel before coming to a close with a TV movie. Throughout every appearance, Pratt always made Penny feel real and relatable. Thankfully, she and the majority of the original cast returned for the revival, “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.” Pratt's energy and enthusiasm for the character can still be felt.
#9: Billy Crystal & John Goodman as Mike & Sulley
“Monsters, Inc.” (2001), “Monsters University” (2013), & “Monsters at Work” (2022-)
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There are a lot of elements that made “Monsters, Inc.” work so well. The main secret to the success of the franchise is the fantastic chemistry between Billy Crystal and John Goodman. Crystal’s eccentric Mike played so wonderfully against Goodman’s grounded Sulley, we could just watch them for hours. Thankfully, Pixar and Disney obliged. The duo reunited 12 years after the original for 2013’s “Monsters University.” Crystal and Goodman fell right back into their characters while exploring how they had become such good friends. After going back, they also reprised their roles for the Disney+ series, “Monsters at Work”. The demand is still high to see these monstrous pals hang out.
#8: Raven-Symoné as Raven Baxter
“That’s So Raven” (2003-07) & “Raven’s Home” (2017-)
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For four seasons, Raven-Symoné wowed us and made us laugh in equal measure as teen psychic, Raven Baxter. She filled every episode with delightful hijinx, physical comedy and a bunch of ridiculous disguises. “That’s So Raven” was one of Disney Channel’s biggest hits in its heyday. After appearing in one episode of another spin-off, “Cory in the House,” Raven-Symoné returned to the role a decade after “That’s So Raven” ended. “Raven’s Home” follows the psychic, now a single mother of two children. Since one of them inherits her powers, even more hijinks ensued. Fans have enjoyed watching her navigate this next chapter in life. And as a bonus, she wasn’t alone. Several cast members, including Anneliese Louise van der Pol, also reprised their roles.
#7: Amy Adams as Giselle
“Enchanted” (2007) & “Disenchanted” (2022)
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Amy Adams has received praise for her dramatic work for years. Additionally, she showed she’s just as capable in a lighthearted role with Disney’s “Enchanted.” Giselle is a stereotypical Disney princess transported to the real-world New York City by an evil queen. Thanks to this fish-out-of-water plot, Adams had a lot of room to flex her comedic chops. She made Giselle incredibly easy to like and root for. After fans craved a sequel for years, it finally came in the form of 2022’s “Disenchanted”. Although the sequel as a whole wasn’t as positively received as the original, Adams as Giselle was still a definite high point. If she ever wants to return for a third outing, we’ll be ready.
#6: Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn
“Tron” (1982) & “Tron: Legacy” (2010)
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“Tron” distinguished itself amongst classic Disney movies with its unique concept and groundbreaking visuals. Jeff Bridges plays Kevin Flynn, a software engineer who’s sucked into a digital world and must escape. “Tron” became a cult classic after its debut in 1982. Decades later, the studio released “Tron: Legacy.” After Kevin Flynn goes missing in the Grid, his son Sam tries to find his dad within the digital world. Disney wisely brought Bridges back to play Flynn in a supporting role. The actor also played the film’s villain, Clu. This digital program stole Flynn’s likeness with plans to take over the real world. Watching Bridges pull double duty and reprise a classic role was awesome.
#5: Tim Allen as Scott Calvin
“The Santa Clause” franchise (1994-)
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1994’s “The Santa Clause” is a Christmas classic for innumerable families. After accidentally causing Santa’s death, Scott Calvin unknowingly takes up the mantle and is forced to do the job. Tim Allen brought his signature humor to the role. Since the movie was a sizeable hit for Disney, Allen went on to reprise the role for two sequels in 2002 and 2006 respectively. Unfortunately, the third movie wasn’t well received. It seemed like the franchise would end on a sour note. However, Disney revitalized the franchise with the Disney+ series, “The Santa Clauses.” Along with many other cast members, Allen returned as the unlikely Santa just in time for the holidays in 2022. And we can’t deny it was good to see him back.
#4: Bob Newhart & Eva Gabor as Bernard & Miss Bianca
“The Rescuers” (1977) & “The Rescuers Down Under” (1990)
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Based on Margery Sharp’s book series, 1977’s “The Rescuers” follows two adorable yet courageous mice named Bernard and Miss Bianca. As members of the Rescue Aid Society, the duo aims to free the helpless Penny from her treasure-seeking captors. It was one of Disney’s most critically and financially successful films in quite some time. That meant it was only natural that a sequel would be made. In fact, it was actually the first Disney animated film to get a sequel, Following several theatrical re-releases of the first, “The Rescuers Down Under” was finally released in 1990. It featured almost an entirely new cast. But Newhart and Gabor made fantastic returns as Bernard and Miss Bianca.
#3: Robin Williams as Genie
“Aladdin” (1992) & “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)
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Williams delivered one of the best voice acting performances of all time as the charismatic Genie in 1992’s “Aladdin.” However, he took a major pay cut on the condition that Disney not excessively rely on his voice and character in the marketing. When Disney defied that deal, Williams refused to sign on for the straight-to-video sequel, 1994’s “The Return of Jafar.” The character was instead voiced by Dan Castellaneta. When Joe Roth became the new Disney chairman, he issued a public apology to Williams in order to get him back for 1996’s “Aladdin and the King of Thieves.” The legendary actor made our wishes come true with his return.
#2: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Kathy Najimy as The Sanderson Sisters
“Hocus Pocus” (1993) & “Hocus Pocus 2” (2022)
Released in 1993, “Hocus Pocus” chronicled the resurrection of three witches in modern day Salem, Massachusetts. While it wasn’t initially a hit upon release, word of mouth and annual Halloween viewings turned it into one of Disney’s most beloved live-action films. It’s hard to say if it would’ve become such a classic without the incredible chemistry between the three leads. Each captured the uniquely zany personality of their character. Despite praise and the nostalgia that would take hold every Halloween season, Disney waited nearly 30 years to produce a sequel. It’s too early to tell if “Hocus Pocus 2” will become an annual watch like its predecessor. But we can safely say Midler, Parker, and Najimy haven’t lost what makes the Sanderson Sisters so engaging.
Before we return to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay, “The Mighty Ducks” (1992-) franchise & “Game Changers” (2021-)
He Was a Major Part of the Show’s First Season
Justin Bartha as Riley Pool, “National Treasure” franchise (2004-) & “National Treasure: Edge of History” (2022-)
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Dean Jones as Jim Douglas, “Herbie” franchise (1969-80; 1997-)
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Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh, “Winnie the Pooh” franchise (1966-)
The Legendary Animated Voice of Pooh Made a Sweet Return in Live-Action
#1: James Earl Jones as Mufasa
“The Lion King” (1994), “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” (2015), & “The Lion King” (2019)
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When Disney remakes one of its animated movies, it typically recasts a majority of the roles. Thankfully, they understood that if you can get James Earl Jones back, you better. He leant his deeply iconic voice to 1994’s “The Lion King” as Mufasa. The King of the Pride Lands tries to guide his son before he’s infamously betrayed by his brother, Scar. Jones appeared briefly in the 1998 straight-to-video sequel. He didn’t voice Mufasa again until the 2015 TV film, “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar.” Jones delighted fans when he returned to Pride Rock for the 2019 remake of the original movie. He still carried the regal dignity and booming cadence that made him so memorable in the first place.
