Tag: elio

  • D23 2024: Disney Entertainment Showcase

    (L to R) Director James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington at D23 2024 presenting 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Director James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.

    D23 2024 finished off its first day on Friday, August 9th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California with a presentation showcasing the upcoming Disney movies and TV shows.

    The presentation included upcoming film and television projects from Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and kicked off with Walt Disney Animation.

    Bob Iger at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Bob Iger at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    But first, CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger took to the stage to address the arena full of fans. It was Iger’s first D23 in five years and he told the audience how much he missed them.

    “There is nothing more that we love then surprising you and filling your heart with love. The world needs to be entertained more than ever before, and we take that seriously. We have a lot to be proud of and more to look forward to.”

    Walt Disney Animation

    Moana 2

    (L to R) Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson presenting 'Moana 2' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson presenting ‘Moana 2’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    The presentation began with Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson performing “Who We’re Meant to Be” from ‘Moana 2’, surrounded by Hawaiian dancers.

    Johnson teased the sequels new villains and had this to say about the movie:

    “Maui is singing again. Singing in keys that don’t exist. This will be Maui and Moana’s biggest adventure yet.”

    ‘Moana 2’ will be in theaters November 27th and you can watch the new trailer below.

    Po3lmLRG eVhKz7FZ53AZP7EEDL6Yb6

    Zootopia 2

    'Zootopia 2' Photo: Disney.
    ‘Zootopia 2’ Photo: Disney.

    Actress Ginnifer Goodwin took to the stage to show footage from her upcoming sequel, ‘Zootopia 2’. She also announced that Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan is joining the cast as a snake named Gary.

    “Now, reptiles have a shady past, and Gary could send the crew on a whole new mission.”

    ‘Zootopia 2’ is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025.

    ySgIjSYPTLnkhYIvB5lCe4

    Frozen 3

    Jennifer Lee presenting at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Jennifer Lee presenting at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Next, CEO of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee announced that the long-awaited third installment of the ‘Frozen’ franchise will be release in 2027.

    “Coming out of ‘Frozen II’ we still have some questions.”

    She also revealed concept art from the new movie, which featured Elsa and Anna on horseback with Olaf riding along.

    538W6UV9lfrNd1SpYgjZy2

    Pixar Animation Studios

    ‘Dream Productions’

    'Dream Productions'. Photo: Disney.
    ‘Dream Productions’. Photo: Disney.

    CCO of Pixar Pete Doctor began by thanking the audience for their support of the box office hit ‘Inside Out 2’.

    “I want to thank all of you for going to theaters and making ‘Inside Out 2’ the number one animated movie of all time.”

    He also announced a new Disney+ series set in the world on ‘Inside Out’ called ‘Dream Productions’. The series is set between the original film and the sequel and Doctor screened footage for the audience.

    Doctor also announced another Disney+ series called ‘Win or Lose‘, and the new movie ‘Hoppers’, which stars Bobby Moynihan and newly announced villain, Jon Hamm.

    MplwkSP5GHQUTb12tEQNl3

    Toy Story 5

    'Toy Story 5'. Photo: Disney.
    ‘Toy Story 5’. Photo: Disney.

    Next, Doctor introduced the fifth installment in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise and had this to say:

    “We are excited for Jesse, Woody and what all the gang will do next.”

    Doctor then introduced the director and writer of the movie, Pixar-regular Andrew Stanton. Stanton revealed that the villain of the new movie will be technology.

    “Toys’ jobs are harder when the toys go up against what kids are obsessed with today, technology. This time around its toys vs. tech.”

    He also expressed his love for the franchise:

    “Toy Story holds a special place in my heart.”

    The movie is scheduled for summer 2026.

    6soIJRSMSLuWxYKRw3gHY5

    Elio

    (L to R) Zoe Saldaña and Yonas Kibreab at D23 2024 presenting 'Elio'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Zoe Saldaña and Yonas Kibreab at D23 2024 presenting ‘Elio’. Photo: Disney.

    Zoe Saldaña was on hand to present her upcoming movie, ‘Elio’ and show footage from the film. The new movie follows an eleven-year-old boy named Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) who accidentally becomes the intergalactic Ambassador of planet Earth after being beamed up to the Communiverse by aliens for making contact.

    The actress had this to say about the movie:

    “I felt a real connection to the character. It felt authentic. I can’t wait for you all to see it.”

    ‘Elio’ is scheduled for release on June 13th, 2025.

    nych8Y2Kfdm5g4LKNmJR03

    ‘Incredibles 3’

    Pete Doctor presenting 'Incredibles 3' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Pete Doctor presenting ‘Incredibles 3’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Finally, Doctor announced the long-awaited third installment of the ‘Incredibles’ franchise entitled ‘Incredibles 3’.

    Brad Bird is developing it now. We think the film is special and hope you enjoy it.”

    Lucasfilm

    Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

    Jude Law presenting 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Jude Law presenting ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Actor Jude Law presented the first trailer from the upcoming Disney+ series, which will be release this December. The series is told from the perspective of a group of kids who get lost in the vastness of space and are trying to find their way home.

    Law addressed the fans and expressed his joy to be part of the project:

    “I’m thrilled to share with you ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. It means a great deal for me to be part of the ‘Star Wars’ family’.

    You can watch the trailer below, which reveals Law’s character is a Jedi.

    9APDajVq SXAAx8HkXvEWGGAmRJ7yF1

    Andor’ Season 2

    Diego Luna from 'Andor' seaon 2 at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Diego Luna from ‘Andor’ seaon 2 at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Diego Luna presented footage from the second season of ‘Andor’, which revealed the return of ‘Rogue One’ actor Ben Mendelsohn as Orson Krennic.

    Luna had this to say about the new season:

    “This second part follows Cassian over four years to become the man who sacrifices himself in ‘Rogue One’”.

    The new season is scheduled for release in 2025.

    LcZEKvoeYEFJ4GSC1Kxol2

    The Mandalorian and Grogu

    (L to R) Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm and Jon Favreau appears at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California on August 09, 2024. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
    (L to R) Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm and Jon Favreau appears at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California on August 09, 2024. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.

    Director Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni surprised the crowd by presenting some exclusive footage from the upcoming feature film version of the Disney+ show. The footage featured the main characters on a new adventure, as well as ‘Star Wars’ familiars like At-Ats, snowtroopers and surprisingly, Babu Frick from the recent ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’.

    Favreau had this to say about the movie:

    “We are getting an opportunity to bring these characters to the big screen.”

    Filoni added:

    “We’re all excited to have ‘Star Wars’ back on the big screen.”

    Favreau mentioned that they just started filming a few weeks ago. The movie is scheduled to release in 2026.

    eaZX2E5uDRUrzMZDbzwwV4

    Marvel Studios

    Captain America: Brave New World

    (L to R) Anthony Mackie and Kevin Feige presenting 'Captain America: Brave New World' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Anthony Mackie and Kevin Feige presenting ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and actor Anthony Mackie presented footage from ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ but it was the same footage shown a few weeks ago at San Diego Comic-Con.

    The footage included a meeting between President Ross (Harrison Ford) and Sam Wilson (Mackie), where Ross asks Wilson to form a new Avengers team. Another scene reveals that the Celestial left behind after the events of ‘Eternals’ is made of Adamantium, the same metal that made Wolverine’s claws. The footage also reveals Giancarlo Esposito’s villain Sidewinder and ends with Ford’s Ross becoming the Red Hulk on the White House lawn in front of the press.

    Mackie had this to say about playing the iconic role:

    ‘The shield is very heavy. It’s an amazing honor.’

    ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ opens in theaters on February 14th, 2025.

    38PIIqJ72BWyVUfWZQqug4

    The Fantastic Four: First Steps

    'Fantastic Four: First Steps'.
    ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    With the film currently shooting, the cast was unable to appear but sent a video that features actor Joseph Quinn in his superhero costume.

    Again, the footage shown was the same from Comic-Con, but features the Fantastic Car, the team in their astronaut suits, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) teaching a science class on television, Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) in Thing form on a dating show, and a final scene of villain Galactus (Ralph Ineson) looking in on the Baxter Building where H.E.R.B.I.E. is vacuuming the living room.

    ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is scheduled for release on July 25th, 2025.

    z9uHs9M5vfCiKZCJCNg4I6

    ‘Ironheart’

    The cast of 'Ironheart' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    The cast of ‘Ironheart’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    First introduced in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, Dominique Thorne stars as Riri Williams in ‘Ironheart’. Director Ryan Coogler is producing the upcoming Disney+ miniseries and he talked about why he wanted to make the series.

    “I always loved the character. I always thought there was more to her story.”

    Also on hand were Thorne, Anthony Ramos and Alden Ehrenreich and Thorne talked about playing the role.

    “I have been having the best time playing Riri and I can’t wait for you to see the series”.

    The footage reveals that Riri is expelled from MIT following the events of ‘Wakanda Forever’ and makes an uneasy alliance with Ramos’ villain, The Hood.

    Daredevil: Born Again

    The cast of 'Daredevil: Born Again' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    The cast of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Kevin Feige presented the cast of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ including Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Wolf, Elden Henson and Jon Bernthal, and had this to say about the Disney+ revival of the former Netflix show.

    “We’re channeling the essence of the original series but forging a new path.”

    The footage sees the return of the Punisher and Bullseye, our first look at the White Tiger, and a confrontation between Matt Murdock and the Kingpin that reveals he knows who the Daredevil really is.

    The series will premiere on Disney+ March, 2025 and Cox revealed that they’ll begin shooting season 2 soon.

    UPLl9v8DcuODJ0OGYMYxF3

    Agatha All Along

    Kathryn Hahn from 'Agatha All Along' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Kathryn Hahn from ‘Agatha All Along’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Kathryn Hahn, Sasheer Zamata, Patti LuPone and others took to the stage in costume performing a musical witches’ chant form the upcoming Disney+ series, which is a spinoff of ‘WandaVision’.

    The group revealed the new trailer from the show, which you can watch below. The trailer shows Agatha trying to put her coven back together, and it also gives us our first glimpse of Audrey Plaza in the series.

    ‘Agatha All Along’ will premiere on Disney + September 18th.

    pP0kt0If ZYrKLdPjgzbRDTJ7q3EfX6

    Walt Disney Pictures

    Freakier Friday

    (L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan presenting 'Freakier Friday' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan presenting ‘Freakier Friday’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis reunited on stage with Lindsay Lohan to announce the title of their upcoming sequel to 2003’s ‘Freaky Friday,’ is ‘Freakier Friday’.

    Jamie Lee Curtis said this about the sequel:

    “We love these characters, and we love you. The only reason we are back is your love for this movie”.

    Lohan added:

    “It feels like we are picking up where we left off.”

    Lohan announced that actors Mark Harmon and Chad Michael Murray will also return.

    rBtDmSMFyDDrNjeX5V55g5

    Snow White

    (L to R) Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler presenting 'Snow White' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler presenting ‘Snow White’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot appeared to introduce the new trailer for the upcoming live-action remake, as well as screen an extended scene featuring the iconic ‘Whistle While You Work.’

    Zegler said this about the making the movie:

    “It’s been an honor of a lifetime. It’s been the most incredible experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”

    Gadot added:

    “It was lots of fun to do something different than I’ve ever done before. It was delicious and fun.”

    The movie is set for release in summer of 2025.

    JJt41ALQ VOMHHYwbyPuRdWgtbxSbL2

    Mufasa: The Lion King

    The cast of 'Mufasa: The Lion King' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    The cast of ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Award winning director Barry Jenkins was on hand to present the new trailer for the live action ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, which is a prequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 movie. Jenkins announced that Lin-Manual Miranda will write the music, as well as the return of Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon, respectively, who all appeared to greet the crowd.

    You can watch the new trailer below, and the film is scheduled for release on December 20th.

    ixajxfks j5102Q48KHBLhpCkVy1Dq

    Tron: Ares

    Jeff Bridges presenting 'Tron: Ares' at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
    Jeff Bridges presenting ‘Tron: Ares’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.

    Jeff Bridges, Jared Leto, Evan Peters and Greta Lee all appeared to introduce footage from the third installment of the ‘Tron’ series, ‘Tron: Ares’.

    Bridges, who starred in the original, had this to say about his return:

    “I’m Just a small part of this”.

    Lee explained that she plays Eve Kim, a programmer that helped create Ares, who’s now come into our world. The footage shows Leto’s Ares in the real world, and our first look at Bridges as Kevin Flynn.

    Leto said this about his character’s motives:

    “He’s a program looking to make the real world his, permanently”.

    Finally, it was announced that Nine Inch Nails will provide the music for the movie, which will be released on October 10th, 2025.

    WgcJH0Zv93ssQ3nT4Jtgz2

    Avatar: Fire and Ash

    (L to R) Director James Cameron, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña at D23 2024 presenting 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Director James Cameron, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.

    Oscar-winning director James Cameron revealed that the official title of ‘Avatar 3’ is ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. He also brought actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña on to the stage before showing concept art from the upcoming film. However, Cameron told the crowd it was too early to show footage.

    Cameron had this to say about the new movie:

    “It’s an insane adventure, and feast for eyes, but has high stakes. There are new characters that you will love, and love to hate. You’ll see more of Pandora than you ever seen before. The new film is not what you expect but what you want.”

    Worthington added:

    “We have been hard at work getting it done.”

    Saldaña finished by thanking the fans for their support:

    “We want to personally thank you for your support.”

    ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is scheduled for release on December 19th, 2025.

    FWuSGLyAAvtzTcYFpQsOf6
    D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa. Photo: The Walt Disney Company.
    D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa. Photo: The Walt Disney Company.

    Related Article: Disney Offers a Look at ‘Indiana Jones 5,’ ‘Avatar 2,’ and More!

  • ‘Barbie’s America Ferrera to make Feature Directorial Debut

    America Ferrera as Gloria in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    America Ferrera as Gloria in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • America Ferrera will direct her first film.
    • The ‘Barbie’ actor is to direct ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’.
    • The movie is based on a novel by Erika Sánchez.

    America Ferrera is certainly having a moment. An Oscar nominee for her excellent performance in ‘Barbie’ (featuring one of the most repeated and meme-able speeches in recent memory), she’s also seen her plan to start directing movies take a positive step forward.

    ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’, to which she has been attached as director for a couple of years now (more on that below), is set up at Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures. It’ll follow her small screen experience handling episodes of TV ‘Gentefied’ and ‘Superstore’.

    Related Article: Director Greta Gerwig Talks ‘Barbie’ and Working with Margot Robbie

    What’s the story of ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’?

    America Ferrera attends the World Premiere of 'Barbie' at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA.
    America Ferrera attends the World Premiere of ‘Barbie’ at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. Photo Credit: Eric Charbonneau.

    The story for the movie is drawn from Erika Sánchez’s New York Times bestselling novel, which follows Julia Reyes, a teen with a sharp tongue, a fierce wit and big dreams of becoming a famous writer, somewhere far, far away from Chicago and her traditional Mexican immigrant parents who just can’t understand her love for Whitman, Dickinson and the Ramones.

    They wish she was more like Olga, Julia’s sister, now eternally perfect since her tragic death. As Julia seeks to break free of her oppressive home, she tries to uncover her sister’s truth, and in the process gains a deep understanding of the wounds her family carries.

    Linda Yvette Chávez, who also wrote last year’s ‘Flamin’ Hot’ (and worked with Ferrera on ‘Gentefied’), is on script duty for the movie.

    What has happened to ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’ so far?

    America Ferrera at the 'Barbie' special screening and Q&A at Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood.
    America Ferrera at the ‘Barbie’ special screening and Q&A at Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Photo Credit: Eric Charbonneau.

    This is not the first time the book has been set up with Ferrera attached to direct. Back in 2021, Netflix took the rights for the film with Ferrera involved, but it ultimately got stuck in development limbo.

    Here’s what Ferrera said at the time:

    “Years ago, I fell in love with Erika L. Sánchez’ stunning novel, ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’. The depth, wit and searing intelligence of her writing, and her young Latina heroine, struck me to my core and left me wanting so much more. I am truly honored and humbled to direct Linda Yvette Chávez’s beautifully adapted screenplay. The opportunity to direct the work of these two incredibly talented Latina writers is a dream come true. I can’t wait to share this film with the many fans of the novel, and to introduce this funny, profound, and resonant story to the world.”

    What’s next for America Ferrera?

    America Ferrera at the 'Barbie' Sydney Photo Call.
    America Ferrera at the ‘Barbie’ Sydney Photo Call. Photo Credit: Caroline McCredie Photography.

    Though her post-‘Barbie’ time is likely to be taken up with this more than anything, Ferrera has a few other projects in the works as a producer including a TV series and several TV movies. She’ll be heard in Pixar’s 2025 sci-fi movie ‘Elio’, playing the mother of the title character, a boy who mistakenly becomes the chosen one to be Earth’s galactic ambassador.

    America Ferrera attends a 'Barbie' Fan Event in Seoul, Korea.
    America Ferrera attends a ‘Barbie’ Fan Event in Seoul, Korea. Photo Credit: Chang Ho.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Barbie:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Barbie’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy America Ferrera Movies on Amazon

    Y1EfkpdP
  • D23 Expo 2022: Disney Studios Presentation

    hq1Bc6mV

    Walt Disney Studios kicked off the first day of D23 Expo 2022 in style today with tons of advance looks at what the House of Mouse has in store for fans in the coming days, months, and years. You can watch Moviefone‘s exclusive backstage interviews by clicking on the video player above.

    The first D23 Expo in three years began with the president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, revealing the first-ever footage from ‘Hocus Pocus 2’.

    Bailey was joined by the wacky Sanderson Sisters themselves – stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – who appeared via video to show how their characters are back for the first time since 1993 for more soul-stealing Halloween action.

    Battling them this time around are aspiring witch Becca (Whitney Peak) and magic shop owner Gilbert (Sam Richardson).

    But the audience’s biggest applause went to the original film’s Billy Butcherson (‘The Shape of Water’s Doug Jones) upon his return from the grave. ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ hits Disney+ on September 30th. The trailer is in the video player above.

    SobUrjjSsYRoz7A0DQ3177

    Next up on the panel was another eagerly anticipated sequel, ‘Disenchanted’. Returning stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, and James Marsden took the stage, alongside Maya Rudolph, the film’s new villain. ‘Disenchanted’ finds Adams’ Giselle and hubby Dempsey moving to the suburbs with their infant and teenage children.

    “I was a huge fan of the original,” said Rudolph. “I can’t believe I got to be part of this… It’s not easy being mean to Amy Adams.” The new teaser trailer for the sequel is in the video player above.

    odm6ku5Ngp5gE2t9HtPhQ5

    As far as live-action remakes of Disney animated classics go, ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ was the first on deck today: with star Jude Law (Captain Hook) flanked by newcomers Alexander Molony (Peter Pan), Ever Gabo Anderson (Wendy), and Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Tiger Lily).

    Expect more empowered female characters this time around, including at least one Lost Girl among Peter’s Lost Boys.

    “Disney has worked very hard to give her more depth and a lot more character,” said Anderson of Wendy. “She and Peter are equals in this film.”

    Law added that Hook and Pan’s prior relationship is also fleshed out. “We got to mine their back story a little bit more. You get to understand their past,” he said, hinting that the two were once friends.

    Peter Pan & Wendy poster
    © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    gzaOhwvuTwRIVZDMXIneS1

    Another reworking of a Disney classic comes with March 10th’s ‘Haunted Mansion’, directed by ‘Dear White People’ creator Justin Simien. Today’s first look showcased stars Rosario Dawson and LaKeith Stanfield exploring the titular house with a priest played by Owen Wilson and a historian played by Danny DeVito.

    “I got to make sure all the little details, all the Easter eggs are there. Because I’m a nerd,” confessed Simien. He then joined another of the film’s stars – scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis – in a Doom Buggy rolling across the D23 Expo stage.

    Haunted Mansion
    © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    g1qSyAlek1cbFEreVbuFn2

    Few Disney films are so beloved as 1994’s ‘The Lion King’. And fans will get more of the film’s animal kingdom in the 2024 prequel ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.

    Director Barry Jenkins appeared to explain how “Mufasa is the origin story of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Land… It’s the real story of how Mufasa found his place in the circle of life. What you learn is that Mufasa is great because of the family and the friends he has with him.”

    Of course Disney Studios wouldn’t exist without its very first animated classic, 1937’s ‘Snow White’.

    Director Marc Webb is tackling the live-action 2024 remake, featuring Gal Gadot as the Wicked Queen and Rachel Zegler as its eponymous heroine. The two were touched by the warm response they received as they presented a first look at their characters.

    “Just your reaction means the world to us,” said Gadot.
    A visibly moved Zegler explained that, “Snow White is the girl you remember, but she’s definitely made for the modern age,” stating the film redefines what it means to be the fairest of them all.

    Rachel Zegler and Gal GAdot at Disney D23 Expo
    Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot at Disney D23 Expo 2022 Getty Images
    WT2uud2dk1C6xk7ZYnIAy

    While ‘Snow White’ is Disney’s first animated feature, 1989’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is responsible for the studio’s renaissance. As well as its renewed dedication to musicals, as Rob Marshall, director of May 2023’s live-action adaptation, reminded fans today.

    “It was very important for us to honor the original. We went to Alan Menken, who was divine to work with, and also our dear friend Lin-Manuel Miranda. They had never worked together before… There are four new songs. We still retain the beauty of the original score, written by the late great Howard Ashman as well.”

    Fans were treated to the film’s entire “Part of Your World” number, featuring a note-perfect Halle Bailey, who appeared on stage with Marshall.

    “Three days of filming ‘Part of Your World,’” said Bailey, “that was the most beautiful experience of my life. Just getting to sing a song I’ve loved since I was a child was so exciting.”

    “The camera loves you,” Marshall told Bailey. “But it’s more than that. [It] loves what’s inside. [It] loves what you bring.”

    The two then unveiled a teaser that recalled ‘Finding Nemo’ in the color and detail of its underwater world. You can find a teaser version of the clip in the video player at the top of the page.

    2UPucaisvBvg2Y72lPddd5
    Elemental
    Pixar’s Elemental © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    It was then time for Pixar Animation Studios’ turn in the spotlight, with chief creative officer Pete Docter introducing next summer’s ‘Elemental’.

    Director Peter Sohn spoke of how the film’s Element City was inspired by the culturally mixed New York of his childhood. Footage shown depicted the star-crossed romance of its fire-based heroine Ember (Leah Lewis) and her watery boyfriend Wade (Mamoudou Athie).

    Pixar also unveiled its first original long-form series in the form of ‘Win or Lose’, each episode of which follows the perspective of a different character connected to a co-ed softball team, the Pickles.

    With this year’s ‘Lightyear’, Pixar returned to the science fiction of ‘Wall-E’. Expect more in this vein soon, starting with ‘Elio’.

    Announced today at D23 with star America Ferrera on stage, the film’s title character is an 11-year-old boy who doesn’t feel like he fits in his world. His mom (Ferrera) runs a top-secret military project, which inadvertently results in Elio making first contact with alien life and becoming our planet’s ambassador to the rest of the universe. It’s due out in spring 2024.

    Last but by no means least on the Pixar slate – ‘Inside Out’ star Amy Poehler made a surprise appearance alongside Docter to announce ‘Inside Out 2’.

    Inside Out 2 logo
    Pixar’s Inside Out 2 logo. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    “Joy and the emotions are back for an all new adventure inside Riley’s head,” said a fittingly ebullient Poehler. “Only this time she’s a teenager!”

    New emotions will also appear in the film, as Kelsey Mann takes over the directing chores from Docter, with Meg LeFauve returning to write the summer 2024 release.

    To cap off the panel, Disney Animation’s chief creative officer (and Oscar-winning ‘Frozen’ director) Jennifer Lee greeted the D23 Expo audience to show what’s in store for the studio’s 100th anniversary next year.

    But first, Disney’s fan-favorite 2016 ‘Zootopia’ will get a spin-off series this November on Disney+. And attendees got an advance look at the aptly titled ‘Zootopia+’, consisting of six short ‘Zootopia’-style spoofs of everything from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ to ‘The Godfather Part II’.

    Perhaps Disney’s most unique offering at the Expo was ‘Iwaju’. Coming this year to Disney+, it finds the animation studio partnering for the first time in its long history with an overseas animation studio – Africa’s Kugali. Its three founders appeared today, describing their Afrofuturism fable and its characters as a love letter to their hometown of Lagos, Nigeria.

    Iwaju
    Disney’s Iwaju. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

    More sci-fi arrived with a new look at ‘Strange World’, described by Lee as “a film about family, legacy, and what we leave behind for the generations that follow.” Director Don Hall explained how the film chronicles three generations coming together on an alien planet in order to save their world.

    Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, and Lucy Liu introduced a rip-snorting clip of an exciting chase through ‘Strange World’s creature-packed planet.

    d2IDAdF7u26ptvJPhyOrb

    The Disney Animation segment, and indeed entire panel, concluded with the revelation of the studio’s 100th anniversary feature film – ‘Wish’. The tale of the star upon which so many Disney characters have wished throughout the past century, ‘Wish’ is co-directed by the attending team of Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn.

    Buck, who co-wrote the film with Lee, explained how ‘Wish’ explores a kingdom of wishes, in which wishes can literally come true. Offering a lush, animated watercolor style coupled with CG animation, it stars newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose as 17-year-old Asha, who pleas to the heavens for help, and gets an actual star from the sky, named Star, who communicates through pantomime.

    0OBaFTIbKyvccQ25W6MMJ4

    Disney “good luck charm,” actor Alan Tudyk appeared with footage of his character, a goat named Valentino who wishes to communicate with people. Finally, DeBose saw fans off with a sizzling live performance of “More for Us,” one of the film’s songs by Grammy winner Julia Michaels.

    Wish
    Disney’s Wish. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.