Disney’s Animation Studios Join AnimAID Fundraising Campaign

April 25, 2025

By Courtney Potter

“Togetherness, for me, means teamwork,” said Walt Disney. This ideal can often been seen at the heart of the stories we tell across the worlds of Disney… as well as in the camaraderie and support shown by (and to) fellow cast members, employees, and fans—especially in times of hardship—from all corners of the company.

Case in point: As part of its ongoing commitment in helping its hometown recover from the devastating wildfires earlier this year, The Walt Disney Company joined its animation industry colleagues at ASIFA-Hollywood in participating in AnimAID—a fundraising campaign to support those impacted. This incredible initiative looks to provide critical funds to artists and professionals working within the animation industry, many of whom lost their homes or faced displacement due to the disaster. The campaign kicked off at the 2025 ASIFA-Hollywood 52nd annual Annie Awards—and this week, AnimAID begins its next chapter, with an amazing online auction in partnership with Sotheby’s.

Featuring a veritable treasure trove of rare and one-of-a-kind pieces of animation history tied to some of the most beloved films and TV classics, the AnimAID auction includes items from Snow White, The Simpsons, Inside Out, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Wild Robot, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more! The lots include original drawings, paintings, animation cels, signed posters, maquette figures, and even some once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as voicing a character in an upcoming feature—all donated by animation studios including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, and Paramount, among others.

The pieces, many of which are being seen by the public for the very first time, are now available for bidding online via Sotheby’s, through April 30. Proceeds will directly benefit multiple animation families who have been affected by the disaster.

Every animation studio within Disney—including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, Marvel Animation, and Lucasfilm Animation—contributed to this campaign.

“I have a lot of friends who lost their homes in the L.A. fires,” says Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, “and it felt like the least we could do would be to contribute some of what we love doing anyway to those who need it. It is very unique and rare to be able to own some of the pieces that Pixar is donating. And I think this is the first time that every major animation studio—including Disney and Pixar and DreamWorks and Sony and Warner Brothers, et cetera—has come together to support a cause like this.”

Adds Meredith Roberts, executive vice president, Disney Television Animation, “Los Angeles is our hometown and the heart of the animation community. Many members of the Disney Television Animation family—and of neighboring studios—suffered catastrophic losses in the fires. Rallying the creative community to donate artwork felt like the most meaningful way we could support our own.”

The historic Walt Disney Animation Research Library not only helped locate items, but they’re also offering up the chance at an exclusive, in-person tour! So, what’s in store? “[The winning bidder will] get to see artwork that not too many people get to see,” Fox Carney, ARL research manager, tells D23. “They’ll get to visit our dimensional objects vault… Essentially, they’ll see how we identify, organize, and rehouse artwork every day, from the 100 years of our animation history; how we catalog it, photograph it, and digitize it so everybody within The Walt Disney Company can reference it and make [future work] as true to the originals as possible.”

Among the Walt Disney Company-related items available for bidding are a cel from the 1988 TV special Here’s to You, Mickey Mouse!; a cel from The Simpsons; and Frozen maquettes signed by directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.

“Here at Pixar, when we announced this, so many people came out of the woodwork to do anything they could to support the cause,” says Docter. “For example, if you like Elemental, that film’s director, Peter Sohn, has entered a drawing of Wade and Ember. If you like Inside Out 2, the artist who designed the character of Anxiety has a beautiful collage in the auction. We have Turning Red artwork from director Domee Shi. I can keep going. Just tons of great artwork.”

But that’s not all—items are being specially created just for this auction. For instance: “From me, I’m going to draw whatever the winner wants me to,” Docter adds. “Whatever they want, full color. That’s what I’m contributing, and I couldn’t love it more.”

On the Disney Television Animation side, “we donated one‑of‑a‑kind production artwork—from hand‑painted cels and backgrounds to original character designs and storyboards,” Roberts says, “spanning fan‑favorite series such as Gummi Bears (our very first show), Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, Darkwing Duck, DuckTales, Kim Possible, Sofia the First, and our current hit series Big City Greens. We also contributed exclusive, signed pieces created just for AnimAID by acclaimed artists including Bruce Smith (The Proud Family, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder); Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (Phineas and Ferb); and Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers (Prep & Landing).”

“This company started with animation,” Carney explains. “Animation is in our DNA. And the people who create animation made us who we are. I think this auction is our way of not only giving back and providing support and relief—but also honoring them and honoring that legacy.”

For more information on all the truly incredible items and experiences up for bid through ASIFA-Hollywood’s AnimAID fundraising campaign—and to make a bid yourself, for an extremely worthy cause—visit https://www.sothebys.com/AnimAID.

Rockhopper Record-Breaker: World-First Footage Captured for Nat Geo’s Secrets of the Penguins

April 25, 2025April 23, 2025

By the D23 Team

It’s Earth Month, and that means that National Geographic is back with another installment of its eye-opening Secrets Of franchise. This year, Nat Geo is exposing the incredible world of penguins—from emperor penguins surviving in Antarctica to industrious Galapagos penguins living above the equator.

To capture the lives of these amazing, resilient birds, National Geographic also had to be adaptive and create new methods for filming in the hard-to-reach places where penguins live. The series was filmed over two years—and over 70 personnel were deployed across nine locations around the globe, where an incredible 14-plus different camera systems were developed and used on land, underwater, and aerially.

Due to this amazing production, the Secret of the Penguins team was able to observe previously unseen penguin behaviors and capture exclusive, world-first footage of truly jaw-dropping moments! Check out this sneak peek of what’s in store for viewers of this latest Nat Geo series:

A large group of Emperor penguin chicks jumping off the ice shelf edge for their first swim in the dark blue waters of Atka Bay, Antarctica. The cliff is quite high and several penguins are mid-dive.

Emperor penguin chicks base-jumping off a 50-ft cliff

Emperor chicks have long been witnessed slipping into the water from the sea-ice’s edge, just several feet high. Capturing the bold leap of hundreds off a 50-ft ice-cliff was an incredible world-first moment, filmed in amazing detail.

An adult Gentoo penguin standing on its nest with its two young chicks. There are several other penguins in the background, set against a blue, cloud-filled sky.

Rockaroni chicks

In the Falkland Islands, the team captured very rare, mixed-species penguin pairs in unprecedented detail. These Macaroni and Rockhopper couples were followed through courtship into parenthood. In the wild, most mixed-species pairings are doomed to infertility and failure—but these penguins seem to, fortunately, buck the trend.

The team also filmed healthy Rockaroni chicks, sometimes also called Machoppers, for the very first time. While scientists aren’t yet ready to claim this as the emergence of a new species, it is a potential sign of evolution, and an exciting genetic adaptation for future generations.

An Emperor penguin in a snowstorm; their beak and upper body is covered with ice.

Emperor penguin parents practicing egg transfers with clumps of ice

Captured during winter, a bonded pair passed an egg-sized lump of ice between them. While it’s been recorded that other penguin species attempt to incubate false eggs, the passing of ice between emperors has never been filmed before, to Nat Geo’s knowledge.

Galapagos penguins hunting black-striped salema fish in the water off the coast of Galapagos Islands. Sun streams through the water on the upper left of the image.

A rockhopper penguin fights back against a sea lion

In the Falklands, the team captured a breathtaking and unplanned moment when a small rockhopper spun around to fight back against a true “goliath”: a giant Southern Sea Lion. Despite it being many times her size, the rockhopper screamed and flapped at the sea lion, shocking it into submission... and retreat!

Excited for more? Stream Secrets of the Penguins on Disney+ and watch all these incredible world-first moments get captured in real time, alongside the experts behind the camera at National Geographic.

Meet the Characters of Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

By Cassandra Pinkney

There are good guys. There are bad guys. And then, there are the Thunderbolts. Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* follows the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s least anticipated band of misfits as they team up against an enemy unlike any the world has ever seen (and that’s saying something). The film features a star-studded cast of some of the MCU’s fan favorites, as well as introducing—and reintroducing—characters that audiences will definitely love. Here’s a rundown of who’s who in Thunderbolts*.

Yelena Belova in a black Super Hero suit, with yellow text that reads “This is a Thunderbolt*”

Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
Yelena Belova is no fan of posers (which might be a problem for the Thunderbolts). After her mind control was broken by a former Black Widow, she and her sister, Natasha Romanoff, destroyed General Dreykov’s Red Room Academy. Belova made it her life’s mission to free all the other Black Widows, a mission which got interrupted after she disappeared for five years during the Blip. She learned from Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (remember that name) that Romanoff died because of Clint Barton, and Belova’s new mission was to hunt him down. However, she had a last-minute change of heart and decided not to complete her mission. Belova now finds herself drifting aimlessly through the world until a new enemy gives her a purpose.

Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) looking up while wearing a black shirt, with yellow text that reads “This is a Thunderbolt*” Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)
James “Bucky” Barnes has been a hero, a villain, and everything in between throughout his (deceptively long) life. Beginning his journey as Steve Rogers’ right-hand man, he was presumed dead after falling to his death while on a mission with the Howling Commandos. It was only when he resurfaced decades later as the Winter Soldier that Rogers realized that history’s most infamous assassin was his best friend all along. Breaking free from HYDRA’s brainwashing was Barnes’ first step on a long road to redemption, evident by the plethora of therapy sessions and political campaign stops that litter his path. Despite his efforts, his past always seemed to catch up with him, cementing his antihero status and securing him a spot on the Thunderbolts.

John Walker (U.S. Agent) in his Super Hero outfit, with yellow text that reads “This is a Thunderbolt*”

John Walker (Wyatt Russell)
John Walker was the quintessential All-American man. The high school football team captain turned three-time Medal of Honor recipient seemed like the perfect successor capable of taking on the Captain America mantle from Steve Rogers. But Walker’s stint in red, white and blue was short-lived. After the death of his partner Lemar Hoskins sent him into a blind rage, he was stripped of his title. Feeling disposed of by the government he devoted his life to, Walker decided he would do anything to feel like a hero again. (What else was he supposed to do with the Super Soldier Serum he took?) With a little help from Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (keep remembering that name), he rebranded himself as U.S. Agent, a “hero” for a post-Blip world and is a much ~~needed~~ tolerated member of the Thunderbolts.

Antonia Dreykov (Taskmaster) in her Super Hero outfit, with yellow text that reads “This is a Thunderbolt*”

Antonia Dreykov, Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)
Antonia Dreykov had a normal childhood, unlike the Black Widows her father trained as leader of the Red Room Academy. That all changed when she and her father survived an attempt on his life. General Dreykov implanted a chip into his daughter’s neck to control her emotions and trained her in the Red Room to become a ruthless Black Widow. Her talent for mimicking the fighting style of her enemy made her the head of the Black Widows and earned her the moniker Taskmaster. She broke free of her father’s control after Natasha Romanoff used Red Dust on her, allowing her to join a group of other freed Black Widows. There’s no telling what Dreykov’s path to redemption holds.

Bob from Thunderbolts* (2025) standing in a gray room with lights behind him and papers and boxes strewn over the floor. He is wearing a light bluish-gray inmate uniform and holding his hands up in a halting gesture.

Robert Reynolds, ****** (Lewis Pullman)
Robert Reynolds is a man known by many names, including ******, Bob, and perhaps most importantly, *** ****. After a life of ******** and ********, he became incredibly ****** ***** ****** * *****. Bob’s involvement with the Thunderbolts is characterized by his ********* *****, which ultimately leads to **** ** ********. How will he ******* ********* **** *******? That’s between him and the Thunderbolts.

Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) in his red Super Hero outfit, with yellow text that reads “This is a Thunderbolt*”

Alexei Shostakov, Red Guardian (David Harbour)
There are many rocky relationships between members of the Thunderbolts, but only one father-daughter duo in the form of Alexei Shostakov and Yelena Belova. Red Guardian was the Soviet Union’s first and only super soldier, a fact Shostakov will never let anyone forget. He often regaled his unwilling audiences with tales from his glory days (and he never let the truth get in the way of a good story). After helping his daughters free the Black Widows, Shostakov’s days are now spent “protecting you from boring evening” at Red Guardian Limo Service.

Ava Starr (Ghost) in a dark Super Hero suit, with yellow text that reads “This is a Thunderbolt*”

Ava Starr, Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
Following a quantum accident in her childhood, Ava Starr spent her life phasing between physical and intangible states. S.H.I.E.L.D. took an interest in her powers and trained her to become a ruthless stealth operative. Her abilities, though useful to some, cause Starr a great deal of pain. She tried to extract energy from the Quantum Realm to control her condition but was instead given a special suit to stabilize her pain to save Janet van Dyne, who was stuck in the Quantum Realm and needed that energy to survive. Still stuck phasing between the physical and the intangible, Starr must now use her powers to help the Thunderbolts.

Valentina Allegra De Fontaine wearing a dark suit and holding a glass of champagne while talking to Yelena Belova.

Valentina Allegra De Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine likes having powerful people on her side and will use whatever means necessary to get them there (told you she would be important). As noted earlier, she convinced John Walker to become U.S. Agent after the hearing which stripped him of his Captain America title and assigned Yelena Belova to track down Clint Barton when she visited her sister’s grave. She also wanted to get her hands on Wakanda’s vibranium supply and used her ex-husband Everett Ross to help her do so. De Fontaine does not believe that there are “good” and “bad” people, but that there are “bad” and “worse” people (how cheerful).

Well, that’s our roundup of the Thunderbolts, the MCU’s least expected Super antihero group. See them in action in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, only in theaters May 2.

Meet the Characters of Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*
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How Andor Season 2 Changed the Way Diego Luna Sees Rogue One

April 22, 2025

By Zach Johnson

Lucasfilm's Andor returns for its highly anticipated second and final season on Tuesday, April 22, only on Disney+. A prequel to the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), the critically acclaimed thriller series tells the story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a key player in the Rebel Alliance.

Andor creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy — who co-wrote the billion-dollar blockbuster Rogue One — once again brings his clear, creative vision to the series, which won a Peabody Award and was nominated for eight Emmys^®, including Outstanding Drama Series.

According to Gilroy, having a previously established ending for the titular character was surprisingly freeing. "It's having the ending, it's having the structure, it's having the boundaries of Season 2 and the leadup to Rogue One that make it possible for the show to be good," he said. "That restriction, that framework, really allows you to swing within that."

Whereas Season 1 spanned a single year, Season 2 will cover four years of storytelling. The 12 episodes will release in four "chapters," consisting of three episodes each, and chart Cassian's growth into the hero who will eventually make the ultimate sacrifice to steal the plans for the Death Star — paving the way for the events of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977).

Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) sits at an outdoor table in Lucasfilm's Andor Season 2.

An Epic Conclusion

While some characters' "fates are known," Gilroy teased, "some are up for grabs."

What that will ultimately mean for characters such as Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Saw Gererra (Forest Whitaker), Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) remains to be seen. But, Gilroy said, they all have an important role to play amid the Empire's rise. "All of our characters are so fascinating and they're so intertwined with one another," he explained. "They're all tribally connected, and they inevitably lead to each other, in a way."

As for Cassian? "It's interesting, because Season 1 covered just one year of his life, but there's so much that he witnessed, so much he went through. There is a lot for him to take in, to digest," Luna said. "In the second season, we're going to see four years of his life, and there's still a lot of growth needed for him to get to the point where we see him in Rogue One. One thing that's very interesting is that he has an awakening, but now he has to find out what he's capable of. He has to understand what's going on around him; it's not an easy moment in the history of this galaxy far, far away to actually understand what's going on."

Perrin Fertha (Allistair Mackenzie), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) appear in Lucasfilm’s Andor Season 2, only on Disney+.

The Adventures Continue

When Andor concludes on May 13, Luna believes fans will see Rogue One in a different light.

"It has changed the way I see Rogue One; I'm positive of that," Luna said. "Rogue One is about events, but you don't get to know the characters, what's behind their choices. And now you will. You will know what he means when he talks about sacrifice, when he talks about doing terrible things for the rebellion. You'll understand, because you'll know what he's thinking, who he's dreaming of, who he is thinking of — and what he's leaving behind."

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires Teaser and Premiere Date Revealed

April 22, 2025

By Zach Johnson

This is the place to be, all right.

Just over a year since Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, announced that a fourth ZOMBIES movie had been greenlit, Disney today released the first official sneak peek at ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the next chapter in the smash-hit, music-fueled franchise. The teaser reunites Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly as beloved zombie-cheerleader power couple Zed and Addison and introduces Freya Skye and Malachi Barton as the latest supernatural arrivals: Nova, a fierce Daywalker, and Victor, a proud Vampire.

Previously, Zed and Addison brought human and monsterkind together in their hometown of Seabrook. Now, a new adventure dawns when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires. Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With the help of Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney), they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds—before an even greater threat endangers them all!

Rounding out the cast are Julian Lerner as Ray, Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Mekonnen Knife as Vargas, Lisa Chappell as Vampire Eldress, and Jonno Roberts as Commander Bright.

The highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie will premiere Thursday, July 10, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and will stream globally the next day, Friday, July 11, on Disney+. ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires will also be available on Disney Channel On Demand.

Addison, played by Meg Donnelly, and Zed, played by Milo Manheim, must convince monster rivals Victor, played by Malachi Barton, and Nova, played by Freya Skye, to put their differences aside in ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

Beloved for its high-energy song-and-dance elements, the ZOMBIES franchise expands with a fourth installment that packs nine new original songs and two reprises of fan-favorite hits, “Someday” and “Ain’t No Doubt About It.” The movie features next-level dance sequences, choreographed by Dondraico Johnson, and an original score composed by Tom Howe.

Paul Hoen returns to direct the fourth film, having directed the previous three. With a screenplay by David Light, Joseph Raso, and Josh Cagan, ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires is executive produced by Hoen, Manheim, Donnelly, Light, Raso, Jane Fleming, and Mark Ordesky. Mahita P. Simpson is co-executive producer alongside co-producer Cagan and producer Skot Bright. The movie is a production from Night Zone Productions Limited.

Zombie Eliza, played by Kylee Russell, and werewolf Willa, played by Chandler Kinney, sit around a campfire at Camp Rayburn in ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires brand extensions will include a cross-category product line of apparel, accessories, costumes, fashion dolls by Mattel, and more. In addition, later this summer, the Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour will visit over 43 arenas across North America, celebrating the music from ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires alongside songs from the hit Disney Channel Original Movie franchises Descendants and ZOMBIES.

ZOMBIES, ZOMBIES 2, and ZOMBIES 3 are currently streaming on Disney+.

Addison, played by Meg Donnelly, and Zed, played by Milo Manheim, open their eyes wide in the poster for ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, premiering in July 2025.

Every Announcement from Star Wars Celebration Japan

April 21, 2025

By the D23 Team

This past weekend, Star Wars Celebration brought a galaxy of fun to fans in Tokyo with three days of nonstop excitement celebrating all things Star Wars, from films to series to theme park attractions. This year’s event was the biggest international Star Wars Celebration ever—with over 105,000 guests from 125 countries in attendance; 26 hours of programming across three main stages; and a whopping 100 hours of fan panel and podcast content. If you missed any of the cosmically cool announcements from this weekend, don’t worry… we’ve gathered up the biggest moments so you don’t miss out on what’s coming next to a galaxy far, far away:

Star Wars: Starfighter
The weekend started off with a bang thanks to news of an all-new theatrical release exploring more of the Star Warsgalaxy. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni brought director Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling to the stage to discuss Star Wars: Starfighter, an all-new standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. The film, which will begin production this fall, will feature all-new characters and is set in a time not yet explored on screen. Color us intrigued! Star Wars: Starfighter is currently scheduled for theatrical release on May 28, 2027.

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
The celebration of Lucasfilm Animation’s 20th anniversary ended with an announcement many fans have been waiting for: a brand-new animated series! Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, starring Sam Witwer, is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
The day continued with even more animation announcements—Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is getting a third season! Debuting this fall on Disney+ and Disney Jr, upcoming episodes feature the Jedi kids embarking on a journey into the delightful world of droid care, where they’ll befriend the lovable and quirky droid owner of a local shop, Dotti, and three adorable new droid friends: Beepers, Dozer, and Gigi.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past
Ahmed Best took to the Star Wars LIVE! Stage to announce a new LEGO Star Wars animated sequel series, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild Galaxy – Pieces of the Past. In Pieces of the Past, a new threat rises in the galaxy, and Sig Greebling and Darth Dev must combine their powers of Force Building and Sith Breaking to stop it. Alongside Jedi Bob, Yesi Scala, and Servo, they will journey into the deepest corners of LEGO Star Wars lore, uncovering pieces of all the galaxies that have come before…

First Look at Star Wars: Visions, Volume 3
On Sunday, fans got a first look at Volume 3 of Star Wars: Visions, which will debut October 29, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. With Volume 3, the animated anthology returns to where it all began—with nine shorts from nine different anime studios to further demonstrate the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation.

Additionally, James Waugh, Lucasfilm’s senior vice president, franchise content and strategy—who also serves as an executive producer on Star Wars: Visions—announced that the series will continue with the creation of an all-new banner called Star Wars: Visions Presents, which will be used to tell longer-form Star Wars: Visions stories. Kenji Kamiyama joined Waugh on stage to announce the first title under the new banner: Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi. Kamiyama will serve as supervising director of the limited series, which will continue the story of Lah Kara that first debuted in Star Wars: Visions, Volume 1. Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi will premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
New Star Wars fun isn’t just coming to our screens—it’s also headed to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort! Starting May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will feature not just new locations, but new featuresand characters! For the first time ever, the crew will be in control of their own destination, which can include adventures on Bespin; the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor; or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant. Another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu during the mission!

These updates debut on the same day as The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters; however, the attraction’s storyline will follow a different path. In this all-new storyline, Hondo Ohnaka is sending you to team up with Mando and Grogu to track down a bounty and explore the galaxy. Sounds like a blast!

3 Fun Facts About the New Disney Solitaire Game

April 17, 2025

The all-new Disney Solitaire game invites fans to revisit some of their favorite Disney and Pixar scenes, featuring beloved characters like Aladdin and Elsa, in a beautifully designed “tripeaks” solitaire card game that is more than just fun… it is an enchanting celebration of Disney storytelling! Whether you’re a puzzle lover or just looking for a relaxing escape, here are three fun facts about Disney Solitaire that make this magical adventure worth discovering:

1. Each enchanted postcard tells a story from a different Disney and Pixar worldIn Disney Solitaire, every postcard captures a moment from an iconic Disney or Pixar film. With each level you complete, a little more of the scene is revealed, turning every play session into a rewarding step toward unlocking a beautifully animated “memory.” It’s the kind of game that feels like a comforting cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day—perfect for relaxing, unwinding, and reconnecting with beloved characters.

2. Moana, Simba, and Buzz Lightyear are just a few of the familiar faces…One of the most magical parts of Disney Solitaire is seeing, as you progress through the solitaire levels, which element of the scene you’ll unlock next. Each postcard scene features a different Disney and Pixar story, with appearances by favorite characters like Stitch, Hercules, Ariel, Remy, and many more. These familiar faces, and memorable settings inspired by the films, are part of the stories being rediscovered with every enchanted postcard. Whether you’re setting sail from Motunui or twirling under the chandeliers of the Beast’s enchanted ballroom, each scene feels like a heartfelt tribute to the characters and stories that have stayed with you.

3. Charming and challengingDisney Solitaire is easy to pick up and instantly fun to play, but there is more going on beneath the surface. Each level follows a fun “tripeaks” solitaire format, with a dash of strategy—using special cards, unique boosters, and thoughtful challenges that make every move feel meaningful. From special events and themed challenges to daily rewards, there’s always something exciting waiting. Whether you’re brand new to solitaire or a lifelong fan of the game, it offers a relaxing escape.Relive the stories you love!

From the first time we saw an alien experiment find his true family to that moment when a lion was taught the meaning of “Hakuna Matata,” these stories have shaped us in ways both big and small. Now, through the joy of this fun-filled solitaire game, we all can rediscover these memories in a whole new way.

Available now for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, Disney Solitaire is waiting to welcome you back to the worlds you love.

Cast & Crew of Andor Season 2 Share Their Favorite Droids

April 16, 2025

By the D23 Team

There are so many things to love about Star Wars, but nothing is quite so universally admired as droids. The ever-evolving array of jobs, appearances, and personalities that these droids bring to our favorite films and television shows make them a hot topic of conversation at any Star Wars event. With season 2 of Andor just about to premiere on Disney+, we asked the cast and crew which droids they would choose to be their companions. Here’s what they had to say:

Diego Luna (Cassian Andor)

“(In addition to co-pilot, K-2SO), I would have to say B2EMO. Classic.”

Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma)

“That’s so hard. I really love B2EMO, he’s just so beautiful. He has such a warm, charismatic character. I’m going to choose him because I love him… he’s like a puppy!”

Denise Gough (Dedra Meero)

“B2EMO. Although, I don’t know if he’d suit Dedra. She’d be like ‘Ugh, he’s so emotional!’”

Benjamin Norris

“C-3PO. I’m a comedy guy, and I just feel like he’d throw out some one-liners. I also feel like he’s kind of a hype man, and I’m a hype man—so we’d hype each other up!”

Tony Gilroy (Executive Producer/Showrunner)

“Oh my God, B2EMO. I mean, come on. That’s easy!”

John Gilroy (Co-Producer/Executive Producer)

“I would choose B2EMO. He’s loyal, a trustworthy friend. And very loveable.”

Dan Gilroy (Writer)

“I’ve always liked C-3PO! I fell in love with C-3PO when I was younger, and I’ve always loved him.”

Brandon Roberts (Composer)

“I’m going to go with R2-D2. C-3PO is a close second for comedic reasons, but I’m going with R2-D2.”

John Finklea (Music Editor)

“It’s got to be R2-D2 because he’s a mechanic, so he can fix anything that I might need to be fixed. And he’s a bit of a sass; he’s got a good sense of humor. It’d be great to have him around! He could fix anything that broke, and he’d talk back to you, too… I appreciate that in a droid.”

Watch Andor season 2, premiering April 22 on Disney+.

QUIZ: Can You Name These Planets and Moons From Star Wars?

April 16, 2025

The Star Wars galaxy is home to countless planets and moons that have set the scene for so many unforgettable stories. From the sunbaked sands of Tatooine to the swampy marshes of Dagobah, the galaxy is full of unique locales to explore on your next X-wing flight. Think you know your galactic geography? Put your knowledge to the test and see if you know where these iconic Star Wars moments took place.

QUIZ: Can You Find These Easter Eggs Across The Walt Disney Company?

April 10, 2025April 9, 2025

By Cassandra Pinkney

The Walt Disney Company is known for its Easter eggs (and no, we don’t mean the kind filled with candy). Eagle-eyed Disney fans know to look out for hidden references to Disney properties whenever they’re watching a film or television show or visiting a Disney Park. To celebrate the egg hunts that take place this time of year, find out if you know where to find these Easter eggs from around The Walt Disney Company!