Phineas and Ferb Trailer and Premiere Date Revealed

By Zach Johnson

Today is gonna be a great day, all right... because the band is getting back together!

Today, Disney Branded Television announced the highly anticipated new season of Phineas and Ferb will premiere Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD with two episodes, and the first episode will be available the same day on Disney Channel YouTube. The first 10 episodes of the season will premiere Friday, June 6, on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets, with additional markets to follow later this year. The episodes will also be available to stream on Disney Channel on Demand. A special sneak peek will debut Monday, May 26, at 11:35 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Channel YouTube. As part of today’s announcement, Disney Branded Television shared the first trailer and key art for the upcoming season of the five-time Emmy® Award-winning animated series.

Known for its history of celebrity cameos, the new season will feature new guest appearances from notable actors, musicians, and athletes, among others. They will join Vincent Martella and David Errigo Jr. as stepbrothers Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher, respectively, Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn, Caroline Rhea as Linda Flynn-Fletcher, Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus, Alyson Stoner as Isabella Garcia-Shapiro, and series co-creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire as Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh as Major Francis Monogram.

The return of Phineas and Ferb marks a major summer event for Disney—the leading destination for kids and family content—supported by a slate of exciting multiplatform content and merchandise throughout the year, including original animated shorts, music releases, and collectibles.

: A teal platypus named Perry aka Agent P wears a fedora and holds onto a jetpack.

New animated shorts will begin rolling out this summer on Disney Channel, Disney+, and other Disney-owned YouTube channels. Cartoonified with Phineas and Ferb will get a fresh twist as the dynamic duo interviews real-life celebrities reimagined and drawn in the series’ iconic animation style, while Agent P, Under C will follow Perry the Platypus, returning as his alter ego Agent P, as he takes on a new undercover mission to stop animal enemies from rival spy organization A.N.A.T.H.E.M.A. (the Alliance of Nefarious Animals That Has an Exceptionally Memorable Acronym). New episodes from the flagship short-form series include the Emmy-nominated How Not to Draw and Theme Song Takeover featuring Phineas, Ferb, and others.

And that’s not all!

Fans can also look forward to an exciting array of all-new apparel, collectibles, comics, and more. Select items are currently available, with additional releases coming soon, such as:

  • Fans can collect the first-ever Funko Pop! line inspired by the series.
  • This June, Marvel Comics will feature Phineas and Ferb characters in a new set of variant covers for issues of Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men, with original artwork from Povenmire and Eisner-nominated cartoonist Jacob Chabot.
  • Phineas and Ferb: Classic Comics Collection, Volume 3 will include more of the titular duo’s comic adventures in the original release order—many never collected in a trade paperback before (available now)!

In the Phineas and Ferb episode "Summer Block Buster," Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz (left) and his over-sized humanoid robot, Norm (right), dance side by side in a dark laboratory.

Phineas and Ferb is beloved for its original hit songs, and the brand-new Lofi: Phineas and Ferb album will be released Friday, May 9. It features 10 songs from the original series reimagined in a relaxing lo-fi style. The new season’s original soundtrack, including 13 songs, will become available Friday, June 6, on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and other digital platforms.

In Phineas and Ferb’s “Summer Block Buster,” Candace Fletcher shouts at the sky.

The BAFTA-nominated Phineas and Ferb is the most successful animated series for Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in Disney Television Animation history. It premiered officially in “Ferb-ruary” 2008 and became television’s No. 1 animated TV series of 2009 among Tweens 9-14, building to No. 1 among both Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in 2011, along with the franchise’s first of two television movies, Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension, ranking in TV’s top two movies for 2011. The series was a global franchise for Disney, a first for a Disney Channel animated property for older kids. By 2012, its popularity burgeoned with a live touring show and junior novels, with extensions across every consumer products category, including apparel, toys, video games, food, health, and beauty. In 2020, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe debuted on Disney+. All four original seasons and the films are available on Disney+.

Isabella Garcia-Shapiro, Phineas Flynn, Buford Van Stomm, Agent P, Ferb Fletcher, Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, Candace Flynn, and Baljeet Tjinder play musical instruments onstage in key art for Phineas and Ferb, returning June 2025 on Disney Channel, Disney+, and Disney XD.

QUIZ: Disney Channel Original Trivia!

By Cassandra Pinkney

Did you spend your after-school hours watching The Disney Afternoon? Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have “The Best of Both Worlds”? Did you practice drawing the perfect Mickey Mouse shape in the corner of your TV screen? If so, get ready to put your Disney Channel knowledge to the test!

What was the first television program to air on Disney Channel when it launched in 1983?(Required)
What kind of animal is Mr. Snuggles, Lizzie’s stuffed animal in Lizzie McGuire (2001)?(Required)
Which of the following Disney Channel stars was the captain of two Disney Channel Games (2006) winning teams?(Required)
In DuckTales (1987), what color hats do Huey, Dewey, and Louie wear?(Required)
What was Jim Cummings’ first voice role on Disney Channel?(Required)
What was the first thing Phineas and Ferb built on summer vacation in the original animated series (2007)?(Required)
Wade makes Kim Possible all the cool gadgets she needs for her missions in the animated series (2002). What did he use to create a laser weapon?(Required)
Which character from The Proud Family (2001) is named after the creator’s mother?(Required)
What was the most-watched Disney Channel Original Movie premiere?(Required)

General Member Offer: Free Book with a Nat Geo Kids Magazine Subscription

This Earth Month, inspire your favorite little explorer to love and protect our planet with Nat Geo Kids! This is the perfect time of year to nurture their passion for wildlife and adventure—and Nat Geo Kids has you covered.

To celebrate Nat Geo’s new series Secrets of the Penguins (coming to Disney+ April 21), D23 Members who purchase an annual subscription to Nat Geo Kids magazine will also receive a Nat Geo Kids Penguin Book (for Level 2 Readers). It’s the ultimate gift of education and screen-free entertainment for young explorers!

Designed for ages 7-12, Nat Geo Kids magazine is filled with thrilling stories, breathtaking visuals, and hands-on science activities. Each issue creates hours of fun with Weird But True! Facts, puzzles, games, and National Geographic’s iconic photography and engaging content.

If you have a younger child in your life that loves nature and animals, check out the Nat Geo Little Kids special offer for D23 Members! Designed for kids ages 3-6.

NOTE
All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Members must present their valid D23 Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

The Adventures Continue: Doctor Who Returns to Disney+ April 12

Doctor Who, the historically long-running BBC series, made its celebrated debut on Disney+ in 2024—bringing its timey-wimey adventure to a whole new audience and introducing Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education, Barbie) as the Doctor.

Allow us to explain (a bit) for those Doctor Who novices still out there: The Doctor is an alien—from a planet called Gallifrey—who’s lived for hundreds of years thanks to a process known as “regeneration.” With a spaceship called the TARDIS (“Time And Relative Dimension in Space”) that can take its occupants anywhere, to any universe, in any era, they want to go, the Doctor often befriends humans from Earth—who join up for untold fantastical events… and often saving whole planets (and species) along the way.

Now, as the series’ second Disney+ season is set to kick off on April 12, the Doctor has all new exploits up his sleeve: namely, meeting London nurse Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu, Andor) and beginning an epic quest to get her back to Earth. However, a mysterious force seems to be stopping their return… and this new TARDIS team must face great dangers, bigger enemies, and wilder terrors than ever before.

D23 was lucky enough to chat recently with Gatwa and Sethu about the upcoming season—what fans can expect, and even about their dream Doctor Who/Disney crossovers.

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in a promotional image for Doctor Who’s second season on Disney+. He is at the console in the TARDIS and is pointing (and looking intently) at something off screen to the right. He’s wearing a dark blue striped vest over a white t-shirt and a matching dark blue striped kilt.

“I’m very ready for fans to get to meet Belinda,” Gatwa tells D23, “and for them to see that partnership [with the Doctor], that relationship—the way that they show up for each other how they challenge each other. And the relationship forces them to relinquish control in some shape or form. They really see each other as equals, which is a beautiful thing to watch throughout the season.”

Adds Sethu, “There’s so much love between them. I loved that. I loved that there’s these two team players that are on a roller-coaster ride and they’ve got the same goal—which is to get Belinda home. But they’re learning so much about each other, and about the world, and relationships—and traveling through time and space!”

Something the pair is especially excited for is an early-in-the-season episode that features animation, a unique facet they think Disney fans will particularly enjoy. “They are going to love the animated elements,” explains Sethu. “In Episode 2, the bad guy is Mr Ring-a-Ding—a cartoon who goes out of control and is voiced by Alan Cumming, who is spectacular. But there’s truly something to look forward to in every episode.”

Adds Gatwa, “The whole season has so many universal themes. But the [Interstellar] Song Contest is another fun one.” Sethu concurs: “It’s so vibrant and so spectacular, visually—I think that is another good one.”

Varada Sethu in a promotional image for Doctor Who’s second season on Disney+. She is standing at the TARDIS console and is looking at the camera; she’s wearing a dark green velvet jumpsuit.

Considering the TARDIS can literally go anywhere in space and time, we had to ask Gatwa and Sethu where across the worlds of Disney they would take it and travel, if given the chance… and both answered with little hesitation: “Moana’s island,” admits Sethu. Says Gatwa, “I think I’d take it to [Tanzania] to see all the animals from The Lion King. I think I’d go see baby Simba… to see him being crowned, like when he’s lifted up by Rafiki—which, by the way, is my name in Swahili. Rafiki means ‘friend.’”

And what about someone from the worlds of Disney who would make a great companion for the Doctor? (Or for Belinda, for that matter.) “Across the whole Disney canon?” asks Gatwa, before considering a bit longer… Sethu has a quicker answer: “I would say the Genie from Aladdin, because he’s just so much fun. It’d be very entertaining!” Gatwa chuckles and winds up sticking with his previous answer, admitting, “I’d say Rafiki—he’d keep me on the straight and narrow!”

Don’t miss the new season of Doctor Who when it debuts on Disney+ beginning April 12, with episodes streaming weekly!

Disney Branded Television Shares First Look at Fifth Descendants Movie

By Zach Johnson

The next Descendants movie is officially in production — and today, Disney Branded Television shared a first look at the cast on the set of the music-and-dance-fueled film, which centers around the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and villains.

In the highly anticipated fifth chapter of the mega-popular film franchise, Descendants: The Rise of Red stars Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker reprise their roles as Princesses Red and Chloe, the daughters of the Queen of Hearts and Cinderella, respectively, and Leonardo Nam returns as Maddox Hatter. Also joining the cast of the upcoming film are Liamani Segura as Pink, sister of Red; Brendon Tremblay as Max Hatter, son of Maddox Hatter; Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal, son of Luisa Madrigal; Kiara Romero as Hazel Hook, daughter of Captain Hook; Joel Oulette as Robbie, son of Robin Hood; Zavien Garrett as Felix, son of Dr. Facilier; and Ryan McEwen and Dayton Paradis, twin sons of Mr. Smee.

“The love for the Descendants franchise runs deep, and the incredible response to Descendants: The Rise of Red last year proved just how much fans are invested in these characters and their stories,” Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television, said when the fifth Descendants movie was announced. “Our next movie will build on that legacy and deliver even more of the magic, music, and heart that make Descendants so special—brought to life by an amazing cast and creative team who continue to elevate this world in new and exciting ways.”

Picking up shortly after the events of Descendants: The Rise of Red, the fifth film explores what “happily ever after” is really like for Red and Chloe in the wake of their time-traveling adventures. Set primarily in present-day Wonderland, the sequel delves into the warning from the end of the last movie: “There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time.”

Executive producers Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh return to the Descendants franchise, with Kimmy Gatewood directing and co-producing the fifth chapter, from a script by co-executive producer Tamara Chestna and Dan Frey and Ru Sommer. Emmy Award winner Emilio Dosal is choreographing the music-and-dance sequences, a staple of the franchise.

In an exclusive interview with D23.com last summer, Davis shared her immense pride in being able to “re-launch the franchise with a new story, new characters, and a new set of talent,” adding, “Our Descendants talent is amazing and has connected with generations of fans by truly embodying their characters and putting their heart and soul into their performances. We have had iconic stars like Kristen Chenoweth, and now Rita Ora and Brandy, and next-generation talent like Dove [Cameron] and Sofia [Carson], and now Kylie and Malia — to name just a few! From singing, to dancing, to acting, they are such stars, and they have cemented their place in the hearts of fans all over the world.”

Fans of all ages can see their favorite stars take the stage when the North American “Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour” kicks off this summer, featuring performances by Descendants: The Rise of Red’s Cantrall, Baker, Dara Reneé, and Joshua Colley and ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires’ Freya Skye, Malachi Barton, and Mekonnen Knife.

Everything New Coming to Disney+ in April 2025

By Cassandra Pinkney

Spring is here and Disney+ is in full bloom with new releases! Animal lovers everywhere can look forward to Pets, a hilarious and heartwarming documentary about the incredible bonds between people and their pets. For the adventurers at heart, Doctor Who returns for a second season as The Doctor embarks on thrilling new adventures alongside a brand-new companion. Lucasfilm fans are in for a treat with Season 2 of Light & Magic, where they can get a closer look into how the studio has made its most iconic stories come to life. The month wraps up with the highly anticipated second season of Andor, which debuts with a three-episode premiere on April 22.

Tuesday, April 1
Lost Treasures of Rome (S2, 6 episodes)
National Parks: USA (S1, 5 episodes)
RoboGobo (S1, 24 episodes)
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Episode 7)

Thursday, April 3
Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America (S1, 3 episodes)

Friday, April 4
Kindergarten: The Musical (S1, 5 episodes)

Monday, April 7
David Blaine Do Not Attempt (New Episodes)

Tuesday, April 8
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Penultimate Episode)

Wednesday, April 9
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (S3, 4 episodes)

Friday, April 11
The Abyss 4K
Pets (Premiere)

Saturday, April 12
Titanic: The Digital Resurrection
To Catch a Smuggler (S8, 8 episodes)
Doctor Who (Season 2 Premiere)

Tuesday, April 15
Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again (Season Finale)

Wednesday, April 16
Big City Greens (S4, 7 episodes)
SuperKitties (S2, 3 episodes)

Friday, April 18
Light & Magic (Season 2 Premiere)

Saturday, April 19
Doctor Who (S2, E2)

Monday, April 21
Secret of the Penguins (S1, 3 episodes)

Tuesday, April 22
ABC News Live Special: Last Lands (S1, 4 episodes)
Andor (Season 2, Three-Episode Premiere)
Sea Lions of the Galapagos (Premiere)
Guardians of the Galapagos (Premiere)

Friday, April 25
Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium

Saturday, April 26
Doctor Who (S2, E3)

Tuesday, April 29
Andor (S2, 3 new episodes)

Wednesday, April 30
Chibi Tiny Tales: Shorts (S5, 7 episodes)
Mickey Mouse Funhouse (S3, 5 episodes)

General Member Offer: Free Toy with a Nat Geo Little Kids Magazine Subscription

Happy Earth Month! This April, we’re celebrating our wonderful planet with our friends at National Geographic, who have created a special D23 gift offer in honor of Secrets of the Penguins, coming to Disney+ April 21.

D23 Members who purchase an annual subscription to Nat Geo Little Kids magazine will also receive a Whale Pop-It Toy. It’s the ultimate gift to encourage a love of animals, nature, and adventure for little explorers ages 3-6!

Perfect for budding animal and nature enthusiasts, this engaging magazine introduces kids to the wonders of the nature world. Each issue is packed with captivating stories, stunning visuals, and interactive features that spark curiosity and inspire learning. From adorable animal facts to hands-on activities and games, it’s a delightful way to nurture a love for wildlife and exploration at an early age.

If you have an older child in your life that loves wildlife and adventure, check out the Nat Geo Kids special offer for D23 Members! Designed for kids ages 7-12.

NOTE
All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Members must present their valid D23 Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

Celebrate Earth Month with the ourHOME Collection on Disney+

Happy Earth Month, D23 Members!

We’re excited to share that Disney has been working on something extra special to celebrate our planet this Earth Month. Throughout April, the ourHOME campaign led by National Geographic will feature exciting new content releases; digital and experiential activations; and will showcase global efforts to protect, restore, and celebrate the natural world—allowing fans to discover there is even more to love about this place we all call home.

The ourHOME Collection on Disney+ is a specially curated array of captivating content that celebrates the beauty, awe, and wonder of our planet. With a selection of wonder-filled content from National Geographic and Disneynature, it’ll be easy to discover that there's more to explore, more to embrace, and more to love.

You can stream the ourHOME Collection all month long, but we’re especially excited for something special waddling to Disney+ on April 21:

National Geographic’s Secrets of the Penguins changes everything we ever believed to be true about these resilient birds. From the emperor penguins’ revelatory bonds of friendship to the gritty resolve of gentoos and rockhoppers and the astonishing ingenuity of the migrant penguins that reached deserts and far beyond, their incredible traditions and societies echo ours in ways we never dreamt possible... until now. Join award-winning wildlife cinematographer Bertie Gregory on this three-part series executive produced by National Geographic Explorer-at-Large and Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Cameron, and narrated by Blake Lively.

Ready to dive in? Check out the ourHOME Collection, now streaming on Disney+ and get inspired to protect, restore, and celebrate our beautiful planet!

D23 Members: 23% Off Iconic Blackwing 602 Pencils

The Blackwing 602 was the pencil of choice for award-winning creatives throughout the 20th century, including many Disney animators. Even Walt Disney himself was known to have a Blackwing or two on his desk...

Despite a cult following, they fell victim to cost-cutting measures in the 1990s and were discontinued—but not forgotten. Soon, analog-minded devotees began paying as much as $40 for a single pencil!

The Blackwing brand was revived in 2010 for a growing culture of artists, musicians, and everyday people looking to slow down and live mindfully.

Now, Blackwing has put together a special bundle for D23 Members. It includes a pack of Blackwing 602 pencils, a premium spiral notebook, a long point pencil sharpener, and a set of replacement erasers for the pencils.

We're giving D23 Members 23% off this special bundle from March 28 through April 11. During that same period, D23 Members can also use a special code to get 10% off anything else on the Blackwing website!

NOTE
Offers available 3/28 through 4/11/25. D23 Bundle and discount code exclusive for D23: The Official Disney Fan Club members. Discount code cannot be combined with existing offers. Restrictions apply; code not applicable on already discounted products, subscriptions, gift cards, and Audition set.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

In David Blaine Do Not Attempt, the Magician Exits His Comfort Zone

By Moss Cohen

Filmed in 11 countries across 5 continents over the course of 3 calendar years, David Blaine Do Not Attempt is a thrilling six-part series from National Geographic and Imagine Documentaries that follows world-renowned magician and endurance artist David Blaine exploring the world through the lens of magic.

In the series — currently airing back-to-back episodes on Sundays at 9pm E.T. on National Geographic, which are then available to stream next day on Disney+ and Hulu — Blaine seeks out real feats of magic at the intersection of physical and mental strength performed by extraordinary people. In each episode, Blaine immerses himself in the cultures, histories and hidden rituals that make these astonishing talents possible.

From being covered in 59 scorpions, to kissing one of the deadliest snakes in the world, to placing a knife so far down his nose that it borders the very edge of his nervous system, David Blaine learns and attempts — so you don't have to — while shining a light on a side of magic few have ever seen.

We spoke to Blaine about what compelled him to find ever more amazing feats of magic around the world, which attempt made him the most nervous, and the perfect place to make this series.

D23: What compelled you to make a show like David Blaine Do Not Attempt, that explores the world through magic?

David Blaine (DB): As a young magician, I was fascinated by performers whose acts were so extraordinary that they almost felt like fiction. I would read about them in books such as Houdini's Miracle Mongers and Their Methods and Ricky Jay's Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women. They were full of stories about people with seemingly superhuman abilities like "The Human Aquarium" or "The Living Fire Hydrant." Even just the names sparked my curiosity.  As I evolved as a magician, I came to realize these weren't tricks, they were real. These performers were pushing the limits of their own bodies. They had trained for thousands of hours — with passion, discipline, and through pain to create something magical. Filmed in some of the most extraordinary places on Earth, this show is a celebration of people with skills so incredible, beautiful, and unique — individuals I never imagined I'd have the chance to meet.

David Blaine is doused in oil and on fire as he walks along the Joatinga Bridge.

D23: What did you learn about how magic is shaped by the region and culture it's developed in?

DB: In India, I discovered the spiritual discipline of sadhus and gurus, whose devotion was driven by their faith.

In Southeast Asia, there is a deep connection to wildlife and the people I learned from turned instinctual fear into fascination.

In Brazil I was drawn to the passion, celebration, and the intensity.

In South Africa, I discovered people with talents that I didn't even know existed.

In Japan, precision, detail, and quiet mastery was a theme among those that I was inspired by.

And in the Arctic, resilience, and using their extreme environment to learn superhuman feats.

David Blaine pounds against a frozen-over hole in the ice.

D23: These feats of magic in the show go beyond sleight of hand and challenge your physical and mental fortitude. Why was it important to push yourself like this on the show?

DB: Aside from meeting fascinating people with incredible talents, I was constantly being challenged and learning skills that often took me out of my comfort zone, which always changes my perspective in new ways.

D23: Which real feat of magic made you the most nervous to try?

DB: Without question, the close encounters with some of the deadliest snakes in the world made me the most nervous. Usually I have much more control over a situation. This was very different than my normal.

David Blaine watches as Fiitz holds a Boiga snake.

D23: Why was National Geographic the perfect place to make this show?

Nat Geo was the perfect partner. Their support system, involvement, and consideration allowed us to strive to make this work in progress consistently better, as we searched the world to create something unique.

D23: David Blaine Do Not Attempt also streams on Disney+ and Hulu. Disney is also all about creating magic — how does this show fit into that?

DB: I've been fortunate to work with Disney throughout my entire career, starting with David Blaine: Street Magic [which aired on ABC] three decades ago, and having that kind of support has given me the freedom to try to create magic in a way that feels right to me.

David Blaine kisses a snake's head in David Blaine Do Not Attempt key art.