By Courtney Potter
Gal Gadot Shares Trailer for New Short-Form Series with National Geographic
There’s an amazing new series coming from our pals over at National Geographic—and it’s being brought to us, in part, by one of today’s biggest stars… Recently, Gal Gadot took to her social media to introduce the first-look teaser for National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot—a sure-to-be-compelling new six-part short-form documentary series from executive producers Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jaron Varsano (My Dearest Fidel), and Academy Award®-winning director Vanessa Roth (Freehold), that follows the powerful stories of resilient young women around the world who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.
IMPACT will highlight inspiring young women living in communities marred by genocide, gang violence, poverty, discrimination, and oppression—and yet, against all odds, dare to dream, stand out, speak up, and lead.
Stay tuned for more news about the series—as well as the series itself—coming soon…
5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend
The first week of 2021 is in the books, which means it’s time to revel in some amazing TV/streaming-device viewing from around the worlds of Disney. So, what can you expect? Well, there’s a brand-new episode of Mira, Royal Detective on Disney Junior; the first two episodes of the new series Marvel Studios: Legends on Disney+; some gridiron action with this weekend’s NFL Wild Card MegaCast; and so much more.
Time for runDisney’s Virtual 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!
Speaking of this weekend… if you’re the running sort, you may already know—runDisney is (as we speak!) celebrating its Virtual 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend! This year, the weekend is bigger than ever, with runners taking to courses at home in all 50 states. See Faron Kelley, vice president of runDisney, kick off the whole shebang—with an assist from none other than Mickey Mouse—in the clip, above.
Featuring seven races and three challenges celebrating a star-studded cast of classic Disney characters, participants can look forward to all manner of virtual fun and excitement and, of course, fabulous collectible medals! Should you require some great race weekend tips, outfit ideas (because no runDisney marathon is complete without some sporty Disney-related attire), and even some running playlists from Walt Disney Records, hop-skip-and-jump over to this page, courtesy our friends at Disney Parks Blog.
Happy marathoning!
WandaVision Theme Song Fun with Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez
We’re just a few days away from the big premiere of Marvel Studios’ first series created exclusively for Disney+, WandaVision, starring Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany as Vision… and honestly? We cannot wait to see what it’s got in store for us! But one thing we now know is we can expect some fantastic theme songs throughout the nine-episode series, written by none other than Oscar®-winning songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Frozen).
The latest TV spot for the series, above, reveals one of those themes—which audiences will hear in several episodes, all of which span the 1950s to the early 2000s. “WandaVision is such a cool, strange, one-of-a-kind project,” Lopez recently said. “When the director, Matt Shakman—an old friend from my college days—pitched it to us, we didn’t have to think about it. We loved the bright feeling of American sitcoms mixed with the deep sense of unease the story had, and it was a really inviting challenge to help set that tone.” Adds Anderson-Lopez, “I grew up in the ’80s watching shows from every decade on the networks all day long. Episodes from I Love Lucy, Brady Bunch, and Family Ties shaped who I am and how I move through the world. So, this project was a dream come true.”
Look for WandaVision on Disney+ beginning Friday, January 15!
Now Available: First Books in Star Wars: The High Republic Series
Great news for fans of all things Star Wars! The first publishing works for Star Wars: The High Republic, an all-new epic series of books, novels, and comics, are now available. This galactically vast, interconnected saga ushers in a new era never before seen in the Star Wars galaxy. “We are so excited to be opening up such a rich, fertile era for our authors to explore,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said when plans for this project were first announced. “We’ll get to see the Jedi in their prime.”
The story begins with Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule, A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland, and The Great Jedi Rescue by Cavan Scott. All three books offer a variety of new characters and perspectives with tales crafted for fans of all ages. Also this past week, Marvel released the first issue of the Star Wars: The High Republic comic series, written by Scott with art by Ario Anindito and Phil Noto. The journey continues on February 2 with Into the Dark by Claudia Gray, followed by the first issue in IDW’s new comic run, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, written by Daniel José Older and illustrated by Harvey Tolibao.
The era of The High Republic takes place centuries before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and the prequel trilogy, during a golden age of the Republic, when the Jedi Order are in their prime. Noble and wise, the Jedi serve as protectors during a far more peaceful and prosperous time in the galaxy. The story begins as the Jedi face The Great Disaster, an intergalactic catastrophe that spins the galaxy in a dangerous new direction.
For more info on all things Star Wars: The High Republic, and to see highlights from this week’s celebratory live stream event, visit StarWars.com.
ICYMI: Foodie Guide for the 2021 Taste of Epcot Festival of the Arts
Have your taste buds been a-tinglin’? That’s because just this week, Walt Disney World Resort revealed the delicious eats you can expect during this year’s Taste of Epcot Festival of the Arts, running from this Friday, January 8, through Monday, February 22. If you’ll be finding yourself at Epcot at some point over the next two months, and you’re looking for a primer before you load up your proverbial plate with delectable morsels, D23’s got ya covered.
