Night at the Museum Gets a Reboot at Disney, Coudl Blend wiht Park Tech

Get ready for another night of historical chaos! 20th Century Studios, now under the Disney umbrella, is reviving the Night at the Museum franchise. It’s been two decades since Ben Stiller first patrolled the halls as a museum guard discovering the exhibits come alive after dark, and a new adventure is in the works.

The reboot is being spearheaded by Dan Levine and Shawn Levy of 21 Laps Entertainment – the team behind the original films – with The Harder They Fall writer Tripper Clancy penning the script. While it’s currently unknown if Levy will return to direct, the project will introduce a fresh setting: a brand new museum populated with entirely new characters.

Interestingly, this revival arrives as disney consolidates its creative properties. For years, a similar concept – museum (or theme park) exhibits coming to life – was explored internally with Disney Parks as the central location. Now, with both franchises under one roof, the possibility of a crossover or spin-off feels more plausible than ever.

Could the new Night at the Museum lean into the technological side of bringing history to life? Disney’s Imagineering division is renowned for its incredibly realistic animatronics, and a new Walt Disney animatronic is slated to debut at Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. What if the exhibits aren’t animated by magic, but by advanced animatronic technology? This could push the franchise into exciting sci-fi territory, and many fans would love to see Ben Stiller return – this time as director – to guide that vision.

For more on upcoming releases, check out our coverage of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and Doctor Who.

How might the reboot’s potential focus on mythology and folklore differentiate it from the original films?

Disney Rebooting ‘Night at the museum’ Franchise: What We Know

The Return to the Museum: A New Chapter

Disney is officially moving forward with a reboot of the beloved Night at the Museum franchise. After years of speculation, the project was confirmed in early July 2025, signaling a return to the magical world where museum exhibits come to life. This isn’t a direct sequel, but a fresh take on the core concept, aiming to introduce a new generation to the wonder of history and the comedic chaos that ensues when it’s… animated. The reboot is being developed with skydance Media, the production company behind the original trilogy.

Key details of the ‘Night at the museum’ Reboot

Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently known about the Night at the Museum reboot:

Production Company: Skydance Media is partnering with Disney to produce the film. This collaboration leverages Skydance’s experience with the original films and disney’s expansive distribution network.

Creative Team: While a director hasn’t been officially announced as of July 10, 2025, sources indicate Disney is looking for a filmmaker with a strong comedic background and a passion for family entertainment. Writers are currently developing the script.

Casting: No casting announcements have been made.It’s unclear whether any original cast members, such as Ben Stiller (Larry Daley), will reprise their roles. The focus appears to be on building a new ensemble.

Storyline: Details are scarce, but the reboot is expected to feature a new protagonist and a different museum setting. the core premise – museum exhibits coming to life – will remain intact. Early reports suggest a focus on a younger protagonist discovering the museum’s secret.

Release Date: A release date hasn’t been set,but industry analysts predict a potential theatrical release in late 2026 or early 2027.

The original Night at the Museum trilogy (2006, 2009, 2014) was a meaningful box office success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide. Several factors contribute to the decision to reboot the franchise:

Nostalgia Factor: The original films hold a strong nostalgic appeal for audiences who grew up with them. A reboot taps into this existing fanbase.

Family-Amiable Content: Night at the Museum offers broad appeal as family entertainment, a market Disney consistently prioritizes.

Educational Value: The films subtly incorporate historical figures and events, making learning engaging and fun for children. This educational element aligns with Disney’s brand values.

Untapped Potential: The concept of a living museum offers endless possibilities for new stories, characters, and comedic scenarios.

Franchise Revitalization: reboots are a common strategy in Hollywood to revitalize established franchises and attract new audiences.

The Original Trilogy: A Brief Recap

Understanding the success of the original films is crucial to understanding the reboot’s potential.

1. Night at the Museum (2006): introduced Larry Daley, a down-on-his-luck father who takes a job as a night watchman at the Museum of Natural history and discovers the exhibits come to life.
2. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009): Larry and his son travel to the Smithsonian Institution, where they encounter new historical figures and face a greater threat.
3. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014): Larry, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ahkmenrah embark on an adventure to London to save the magic of the museum.

These films blended comedy, adventure, and historical elements, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

Potential New Directions for the Reboot

The reboot presents an opportunity to explore new themes and expand the Night at the Museum universe. Here are some potential directions:

Diverse Museum Settings: Moving beyond natural history and the Smithsonian, the reboot could explore museums dedicated to art, science, or even pop culture.

Global Locations: Setting the story in a museum outside of the United States could introduce new cultural perspectives and historical figures.

Focus on Mythology & Folklore: Expanding beyond historical figures to include mythological creatures and folklore characters could add a fantastical element.

Modern Technology Integration: Incorporating modern technology, such as augmented reality or virtual reality, could enhance the museum experience and create new comedic opportunities.

Stronger Female Lead: Introducing a compelling female protagonist could offer a fresh perspective and appeal to a wider audience.

Skydance Media’s involvement is a positive sign for the reboot. The company has a proven track record of producing prosperous family-friendly films, including the original Night at the museum trilogy. Their expertise in visual effects and action sequences will be valuable in bringing the museum exhibits to life. Skydance’s partnership with Disney demonstrates confidence in the franchise’s potential for continued success. They have also been involved in other successful franchises like Mission: Impractical and