Ratatouille (2026) – Live Action
September 1, 2025
From the very first frame, Disney’s live-action reimagining of Ratatouille does something extraordinary: it dares to touch one of Pixar’s most beloved stories and reintroduce it with fresh confidence, ambition, and cinematic elegance. Where most remakes are content to rely on nostalgia, this film insists on being more—a reinvention that respects the heart of the original while serving a new flavor all its own.
Tom Holland’s casting as Alfredo Linguini initially raised eyebrows, but his performance proves why he remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actors. He imbues Linguini with a nervous energy, a clumsy physicality, and a fragile sincerity that makes his growth believable. Holland doesn’t just play a bumbling cook; he plays a young man desperate to find his voice in a world that constantly tells him he doesn’t belong.
Zendaya, as Colette, becomes the film’s moral anchor. Sharp, confident, and fiercely independent, she radiates both warmth and discipline. Her chemistry with Holland creates sparks in the kitchen and beyond, grounding the story in a very human romance. She is more than a supporting character here—she is the embodiment of craft, resilience, and mentorship. Watching her balance vulnerability with command over the culinary battlefield of Gusteau’s kitchen is nothing short of captivating.

Then comes Dwayne Johnson’s unexpected but unforgettable turn as Chef Skinner. Rather than a comical caricature, Johnson redefines Skinner as a theatrical powerhouse—commanding the kitchen like a ringmaster while maintaining an undercurrent of insecurity and fear. His physicality makes him intimidating, but it’s the surprising flashes of humor and charisma that elevate him. Johnson proves once again that his presence can reshape even the most unlikely role.
But beyond the performances, what truly astonishes is how Paris itself becomes a character. The streets glow with soft golden light, the Seine glistens under the moon, and the kitchens burn with life. Director’s vision transforms the city into a place where dreams simmer and ambition is plated with artistry. The cinematography lingers on copper pots, rising steam, and delicate garnishes, making every meal look like a piece of art. This is cinema you can almost taste.
The film also dares to stretch the story beyond the animated original. It leans more heavily into themes of heritage, legacy, and the fragility of art in the face of commercialism. Linguini’s struggle is not just about proving himself but about honoring the weight of family, history, and identity. Colette, meanwhile, embodies the struggle of women in male-dominated industries, adding another layer of depth.

And then there is Remy—the heart and soul of Ratatouille. Brought to life with seamless CGI so lifelike you forget you’re watching an effect, Remy’s journey still carries that essential magic: the belief that anyone can create beauty if they have courage. His bond with Linguini is as moving as ever, balancing comedy and tenderness in equal measure.
The kitchen sequences are orchestrated with the precision of a symphony. Knives chop, pans hiss, spoons stir, and orders fly in a ballet of chaos and rhythm. Combined with a sweeping score that blends classical French undertones with modern energy, the film captures both the chaos and the poetry of cooking. These scenes are not merely background; they are the heartbeat of the film.
What lingers after the credits, however, is the message. “Anyone can cook” has always been more than a slogan—it is a manifesto about possibility, about seeing greatness where others see insignificance. This live-action version expands that truth, reminding us that art, whether on a plate or on a screen, thrives when we embrace risk and reject cynicism.

If the original animated film was about surprising children with wisdom, this reimagining is about surprising adults with wonder. It feels mature, cinematic, and alive, yet it never loses the mischievous spark of the original. Nostalgia might draw audiences in, but heart, performance, and sheer artistry will keep them spellbound.
Ratatouille (2026) is not just another Disney remake—it is an invitation to believe again, to dream again, and to taste the sweetness of courage. It’s a film that proves, once more, that greatness can indeed come from the most unexpected places.