The Honda Center buzzed with excitement as Disney took over the stage during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, presented by Visa®. The evening was a dazzling display of what makes Disney magic endure, with surprise celebrity appearances, fresh film and series announcements, and show-stopping musical performances that left Disney fans from every corner of the world in awe. It was a powerful reminder of the company’s creative might and the deep, lasting bond that millions have with its iconic stories and characters.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, opened the night with a heartfelt nod to the fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and enthusiasm. He didn’t just thank them—he celebrated what makes Disney stand out as a global powerhouse of storytelling and innovation. “Our connection with fans, built on a century of storytelling, is more powerful now than ever,” Iger said. “It’s fueled by the incredible strength of our creative teams, the broad appeal of our brands and franchises, and the innovative experiences we create in our theme parks and beyond.”
Yvette Nicole Brown hosted the night with energy and charm, bringing Disney’s creative heavyweights into the spotlight. Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee, and Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige all took turns introducing the stars and creators behind Disney’s latest and greatest titles, both new and beloved.
Major Moments & Announcements from the Showcase
Walt Disney Animation Studios is bringing fan-favorite characters back to the big screen with a trio of new feature films set to hit theaters starting this fall.
Disney Animation’s “Moana 2” opened the showcase with a performance that thrilled the audience. Auli‘i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, took the stage alongside dancers and drummers from Nonosina Polynesia, delivering a lively and authentic Polynesian experience. The crowd was treated to the premiere of “We’re Back,” a brand-new song by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, one of several new tracks that will accompany Moana and Maui on their latest adventure. Following the performance, Dwayne Johnson, who voices the iconic demigod Maui, made a surprise appearance to greet fans and build anticipation. He unveiled a new trailer and poster for the film, both now available to the public. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, the highly anticipated sequel is set to open exclusively in theaters on November 27, 2024.
Fans erupted with excitement for the eagerly awaited sequel to “Zootopia,” the 2016 Oscar®-winning hit. “Zootopia 2,” set for release in November 2025, sees detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde back in action, this time chasing down a mysterious reptile whose arrival in Zootopia throws the city into chaos. Their investigation leads them to new and unexpected corners of the mammal metropolis, where their partnership is pushed to its limits. Ginnifer Goodwin, returning as the voice of Judy, made an appearance at D23, offering fans an exclusive preview of the film, which introduces a fugitive snake named Gary. Jason Bateman reprises his role as the sly fox Nick Wilde, while Ke Huy Quan joins the cast as the voice of Gary, and Fortune Feimster brings to life a beaver named Nibbles. The film is directed and written by Jared Bush, with Yvett Merino producing.
Jennifer Lee, the creative mind behind the Oscar-winning “Frozen” films, teased audiences with a glimpse of “Frozen 3,” slated to arrive in theaters in 2027. She shared concept art and brief details that left fans eager for more.
Meanwhile, the “Avatar” franchise continues to captivate global audiences. James Cameron, the mastermind behind the series, was on hand to reveal insights into the next installment, keeping the anticipation alive.
The D23 crowd burst into applause as James Cameron took the stage, set to be recognized as a Disney Legend. Joined by “Avatar” stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, Cameron unveiled the much-anticipated title of the third film in the blockbuster “Avatar” franchise: “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” This latest chapter returns audiences to Pandora, where Jake Sully (Worthington), now a Na’vi leader, and Neytiri (Saldaña) embark on another epic adventure while facing new challenges as a family. Directed by Cameron and featuring a stellar cast including Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, and more, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on December 19, 2025.
Following Cameron’s big reveal, Pete Docter from Pixar Animation Studios brought his own news to the excited crowd. After celebrating the success of “Inside Out 2,” which has now claimed the title of the highest-grossing animated film of all time, Docter shifted focus to what’s next for Pixar.
He announced that Pixar’s first original series, “Win or Lose,” will debut on Disney+ on December 6, 2024. The series, created by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates and produced by David Lally, offers a fresh take by exploring the perspectives of various characters—from anxious kids to overbearing parents and even a lovelorn umpire—as they prepare for a championship softball game. The voice of the coach is brought to life by Will Forte. Fans at D23 were thrilled to learn that a sneak preview of the first two episodes will be available at the D23 Backlot stage tomorrow.
Set to debut on Disney+ in 2025, “Dream Productions” is a newly announced series from the “Inside Out” universe. The show explores the studio inside Riley’s mind where dreams come to life, guided by acclaimed dream director Paula Persimmon, voiced by Paula Pell. The four-episode series, written and directed by Mike Jones and produced by Jaclyn Simon, features a talented voice cast including Richard Ayoade, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Alli Maki, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, and Phyllis Smith.
At D23, the audience got a first look at Pixar’s upcoming feature film “Elio.” Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, the film follows Elio, a space enthusiast with a vivid imagination, who is accidentally transported to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization that mistakenly identifies him as Earth’s leader. The film’s cast includes Yonas Kibreab as the voice of Elio and Zoe Saldaña as his Aunt Olga. Produced by Mary Alice Drumm, the movie also features Brad Garrett and Jameela Jamil. “Elio” is scheduled for theatrical release on June 13, 2025.
In 2026, Pixar will introduce “Hoppers,” a new film about Mabel, an animal lover who takes advantage of cutting-edge technology to transfer her consciousness into a lifelike robotic animal—a charming beaver. Directed by Daniel Chong and produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, “Hoppers” features the voices of Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm.
Nearly 30 years after audiences first met Buzz and Woody, their adventure continues with exciting news. At D23, the crowd was thrilled to learn about Disney and Pixar’s upcoming “Toy Story 5.” Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, who has been involved in every “Toy Story” film and directs this new installment, shared some intriguing details about the plot. This time, the toys face a new challenge as they encounter a technological threat that complicates their playtime. Co-directed by McKenna Harris and produced by Jessica Choi, “Toy Story 5” is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026.
Before concluding his announcements, Pete Docter revealed that Pixar Animation Studios is working on “Incredibles 3.” The film is being developed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker Brad Bird, bringing back the beloved Super-family for another thrilling adventure.
Disney on Broadway marked its 30th anniversary with an exciting showcase of performances and announcements from its popular stage musicals. The celebration featured highlights from “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and the upcoming “Hercules,” which will make its debut in London’s West End in summer 2025. Additional news included the development of a stage adaptation of “The Greatest Showman,” featuring songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with production details and cast to be announced later. Also revealed was the stage filming of “Frozen,” set to premiere on Disney+ in 2025, with Samantha Barks captivating the audience with a powerful performance of “Let It Go.”
Lucasfilm’s upcoming slate promises more out-of-this-world adventures, both on the big screen and streaming platforms.
Jude Law took to the stage to unveil a new “Star Wars” series coming to Disney+ on December 3, 2024. Titled “Skeleton Crew,” the series centers on four kids who stumble upon a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, only to find themselves lost in a perilous galaxy. Law, who plays the enigmatic Jod Na Nawood, was joined by co-stars Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, Tunde Adebimpe, Kerry Condon, and Nick Frost. The series, told from the kids’ perspective, features episodes directed by Jon Watts, David Lowery, the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Lee Isaac Chung. Executive producers include Christopher Ford, Jon Watts, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, and Colin Wilson.
Diego Luna also appeared at D23 to generate buzz for the second season of “Andor.” The new season will continue Cassian Andor’s journey over four years, leading up to the events of “Rogue One.” Fans can look forward to the season’s debut on Disney+ in 2025.
Director Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni provided a sneak peek of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” a feature film set in the “Star Wars” universe, slated to open in theaters on May 22, 2026. Starring Pedro Pascal and directed by Favreau, the film is currently in production and is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Favreau, Filoni, and Ian Bryce.
Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige also took the stage at the Honda Center, expressing enthusiasm for the overwhelming success of Marvel Studios’ latest release, “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Kevin Feige revealed Marvel Television’s upcoming series “Agatha All Along,” set to premiere next month. The show follows the notorious Agatha Harkness, who finds herself powerless after a mysterious goth teenager helps her escape from a twisted spell. At the D23 event, fans were treated to an exclusive, dark, and enigmatic trailer for the series. The mood continued as stars Kathryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp performed a new song titled “The Ballad of the Witches Road.” Written by Oscar®-winning duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who joined Feige and the performers on stage, the song is featured in the Disney+ series set to debut on September 18, 2024. The series is directed by Jac Schaeffer, Rachel Goldberg, and Gandja Montiero, with Schaeffer also serving as head writer alongside executive producers Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Mary Livanos, and Schaeffer.
Feige also introduced Anthony Mackie, who will make his debut as Captain America in “Captain America: Brave New World,” arriving in theaters on February 14, 2025. Mackie discussed the film and shared exclusive footage with the D23 audience. Directed by Julius Onah, the film sees Sam Wilson embroiled in an international crisis following a meeting with the newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross. The cast includes Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. Feige and Nate Moore are producing, with Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth as executive producers.
Set to premiere on Disney+ in March 2025, Marvel Television’s “Daredevil: Born Again” continues the saga of Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer with extraordinary abilities, and his adversary, Wilson Fisk, who is now deeply involved in New York’s political scene. The excitement was palpable at D23 as Feige introduced stars Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Jon Bernthal. The actors shared insights about the forthcoming series before unveiling exclusive footage to the audience. Dario Scardapane serves as head writer and showrunner, with episodes directed by Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Michael Cuesta, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, and David Boyd.
The crowd’s anticipation grew as they caught a glimpse of Marvel’s First Family and the retro-futuristic style of the upcoming film. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which has recently begun production in the UK, stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The film will feature Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, and the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige, and featuring a score by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.
Ryan Coogler took the stage to enthusiastic applause, as he and his team at Proximity are set to produce the new Disney+ series “Ironheart” in collaboration with Marvel Television. The series, debuting in 2025, was introduced by stars Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Regan Aliyah, and Alden Ehrenreich. They shared insights and exclusive footage, setting the stage for the show’s launch. Set in the aftermath of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Ironheart” follows Riri Williams (played by Thorne), a young, brilliant inventor who returns to her hometown of Chicago. As she innovates with her iron suit technology, she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Parker Robbins, also known as “The Hood,” portrayed by Anthony Ramos. The cast also includes Lyric Ross, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge serves as the head writer and executive producer, with Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes directing.
In other news, Rick Riordan, co-creator of Disney’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, joined stars Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood) to reveal a sneak peek of the upcoming second season. Produced by Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, the new season, based on “The Sea of Monsters,” is currently in production in Vancouver and will premiere on Disney+ in 2025. This season continues the adventures from Riordan’s best-selling “Percy Jackson” series.
Get ready for an epic summer in 2025 as Disney Branded Television, Disney Concerts, Disney Music Group, and AEG team up for the “Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour.” This electrifying tour will unite the stars of the “Descendants” and “Zombies” franchises for a series of high-energy performances across the country. Rita Ora, who stars in “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” took the stage to deliver a medley of hits from the film and share the exciting tour news. The tour promises a vibrant, interactive concert experience, celebrating the dynamic music of both franchises.
Confirmed for the tour are Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Dara Reneé, and Ruby Rose Turner from “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” along with Freya Skye and Malachi Barton from “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.” More names will be announced soon. Tickets will be available for purchase starting this November. For the latest updates and ticket information, visit www.descendantszombiestour.com
National Geographic has just given a sneak peek at their upcoming series, “David Blaine: Do Not Attempt,” set to make its debut in 2025 on National Geographic and Disney+.
At the D23 showcase, Disney Live Action dazzled audiences with a preview of their forthcoming blockbuster adventures, promising excitement on a grand scale.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King.” The showcase opened with an electrifying performance by Lebo M., who, along with a full choir, brought the iconic “Nants’ Ingonyama” to life. Director Barry Jenkins introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda, making his D23 debut, to share a special glimpse of a new film sequence featuring the heartfelt song “I Always Wanted a Brother.” The cast, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Theo Somolu, Braelyn Rankins, and Anika Noni Rose, was introduced, and Jenkins provided insights into the film’s fresh storyline. The narrative follows Mufasa from his days as a lost cub, finding solace in a lion named Taka. The audience got an exclusive look at the trailer and enjoyed a spectacular finale performance by Lebo M. and the choir, who delivered a new track titled “Ngomso.” Scheduled for release on December 20, 2024, “Mufasa: The Lion King” also features John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Keith David, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. The film is produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak.
Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Snow White” is gearing up to hit theaters on March 21, 2025. Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who star as Snow White and the Evil Queen, respectively, delighted the audience by unveiling a fresh teaser trailer and poster. Directed by Mike Webb and produced by Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, the film features new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and will reintroduce fans to classic characters like Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy.
The excitement continued with a preview of “Lilo & Stitch,” where a new logo was revealed amidst Stitch’s playful disruptions throughout the Honda Center. This live-action retelling, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, stars Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis. Scheduled for a Summer 2025 release, the film promises to bring the touching and comedic story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her alien friend to the big screen.
The energy was palpable as the cast of “TRON: Ares” took the stage, with Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jared Leto generating a roar of excitement. Leto, embodying his character Ares, made a grand entrance alongside an iconic Lightcycle. The audience was treated to a sneak peek of the film, complete with a dazzling laser show and a surprise reveal of Nine Inch Nails’ music on the soundtrack. Scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, “TRON: Ares” tells the story of Ares, a sophisticated Program who embarks on a risky mission from the digital realm into the real world, marking humanity’s first encounter with AI. Joachim Rønning directs, with Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger producing.
In a nostalgic twist, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan shared news about the sequel to their beloved film with the announcement of “Freakier Friday,” set for a 2025 release. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and produced by Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn, and Curtis, this sequel continues the story of Tess and Anna, now navigating the complexities of merging their families. The cast also features Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rosalind Chao. Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lohan are on board as executive producers.
Dwayne Johnson and Alan Bergman revealed an exciting new project centered around the exhilarating world of monster trucks. Embracing the global appeal of monster truck rallies, Johnson will produce the film through his Seven Bucks Productions.
Earlier today, the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event launched at the Anaheim Convention Center, showcasing an array of spectacular programming and immersive exhibits that brought fans closer to their favorite Disney stories.
Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino headlined the Music of Marvel panel, sharing the stage with fellow composers Christophe Beck and Laura Karpman, songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and music supervisors Dave Jordan and Justine von Winterfeldt. They discussed their most cherished scores, songs, and moments from Marvel Studios’ films and series. During the panel, Laura Karpman revealed that she will be composing the score for the upcoming feature film “Captain America: Brave New World,” while Michael Giacchino offered a preview of his score for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
Additionally, Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt honored Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez with a Diamond plaque for their hit song “Let It Go” from the “Frozen” Original Soundtrack. This accolade marks “Let It Go” as the first song from Walt Disney Records to achieve Diamond status, recognizing $10 million in sales.
Disney Experiences has revealed that Ron Clements’ memoir, Making Disney Magic… from a Mermaid to Moana: Tales from a Disney Animation Director, will hit the shelves in July 2025 through Disney Publishing. Featuring a foreword by his collaborator John Musker, this richly illustrated memoir delves into Clements’ storied career and his evolution from a budding animator to a leading figure at Walt Disney Animation Studios over the past 45 years.
In an electrifying performance, Simple Plan rocked the stage with a set of their greatest hits, plus a fresh take on “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from the upcoming Mickey & Friends pop-punk album, A Whole New Sound. Mickey Mouse himself joined the band on stage, adding to the excitement of the show.
At the Lucasfilm Pavilion, the new trailer for LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy was met with enthusiasm. The animated special, featuring the voice of Gaten Matarazzo as Sig Greebling, follows an ordinary nerf-herder who stumbles upon a powerful artifact and is thrust into a reimagined Star Wars galaxy. Here, the usual good guys and bad guys are flipped, and Sig must navigate this chaotic new world to restore order.
The voice cast includes Gaten Matarazzo, Tony Revolori, Bobby Moynihan, Marsai Martin, Michael Cusack, Ahmed Best, and Mark Hamill, who also serves as a consulting producer. Additional cast members announced include Naomi Ackie, Anthony Daniels, Kelly Marie Tran, Billy Dee Williams, Dee Bradley Baker, TC Carson, Trevor Devall, Jake Green, Jennifer Hale, Phil LaMarr, Ross Marquand, Piotr Michael, Kevin Michael Richardson, Helen Sadler, Matt Sloan, Matthew Wood, Sam Witwer, and Shelby Young. Directed by Chris Buckley, the special is produced by Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, Josh Rimes, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, and Keith Malone. LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy will be available on Disney+ starting September 13.
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