5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From a royal engagement to a battle royal, you won’t want to miss all the spectacular content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! On Tuesday, join in celebrating the milestone 25th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella with Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, followed by a presentation of the beloved musical on ABC. That same day, the series finale of Freeform’s Motherland: Fort Salem will have you on the edge of your seat! The campers are stirring up drama on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, with a new episode launching Wednesday on Disney+. And the new beginnings are in store on Thursday’s episode of Good Trouble on Freeform. Close out the week with a new episode of Eureka!, airing Friday, with a special guest stopping by Rocky Falls.

Actors and musical artists Brandy and Whitney Houston embrace while portraying Cinderella and Fairy Godmother, respectively. Brandy wears a light blue ball gown off her shoulders, matching gloves, and a silver tiara. Houston wears a gold dress with a high neckline and ornate beading.

Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20—Tuesday, August 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella with a double dose of magic. First, watch the ABC News special featuring members of the all-star cast—including Brandy, Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox—as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. Learn how the made-for-television musical started a revolution. After the special, The Wonderful World of Disney will present the original film at 9 p.m. ET/PT for the first time in more than two decades. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is available to stream on Disney+.

Actor Kandyse Mcclure looks to the left and wears a dark gray turtleneck top with a black blazer. Her surroundings are out of focus but behind her is a large window signaling daylight.

Motherland: Fort Salem—Tuesday, August 23, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
It all ends here. The series finale is upon us, and the Unit is gearing up for a climactic battle against the Camarilla with the help of a few allies. Meanwhile, Alder (Lyne Renée) races across the world to find the final piece of the First Song. Who will prevail?

Actor Sofia Wylie reads a letter and stands next to a desk. On the desk are piles of papers, including scripts and a container holding pens, pencils, and highlighters. Behind her is a large multi-pane window. She wears a light green cropped, long-sleeved T-shirt and white pants.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—Wednesday, August 24, on Disney+
Episode 5 picks up in the aftermath of Gina (Sofia Wylie) finding the letter E.J. (Matt Cornett) received from his father. Meanwhile, the campers heed the advice of Corbin Bleu and his documentary crew to stir up some drama at Camp Shallow Lake. Carlos (Frankie A. Rodriguez) instructs the gang on top reality TV star tactics, including crying on camera, running out of a room abruptly, and getting caught saying something scandalous near a hot mic. Will it be enough to keep Corbin’s helicopter grounded?

Actor Kara Wang smiles and sits on a brown, leather couch. She wears a white, long-sleeved sweatshirt emblazoned with blue and yellow butterflies, peace signs, and fruit, along with pants that feature yellow flowers and a bright pink stripe down the side of her leg. To her left is a small journal on the couch’s armrest.

Good Trouble—Thursday, August 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Speaking of drama, this all-new episode—intended only for mature audiences—has no shortage of it! As the FCGs become the latest victims of cancel culture, Davia (Emma Hunton) goes on a date with someone new. Meanwhile, Joaquin (Bryan Craig) learns more about his sister’s captor, and Sumi (Kara Wang) encourages Alice (Sherry Cola) to release her inhibitions.

An animated adult woman stand with both arms raised above her head. She wears a green shirt and leggings with a pink ballerina skirt and matching leg warmers. A group of children wearing brightly colored outfits stand facing her with some mimicking her arm position. Behind them is a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds and colorful jungle foliage.

Eureka!—Friday, August 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
American ballet dancer Misty Copeland stops by Rocky Falls in this week’s groovin’ new episode, voicing Rockanne, the dance teacher. The kids learn a new dance for school that comes easy to everyone except for Pepper (voiced by Kai Zen). Actress Ryan Michelle Bathé also guest stars in the episode as Sierra. The second story follows Barry (voiced by Devin Trey Campbell), who decides to be just like his dad—the town’s “fix-it man.”

Disney+ Day to Deliver Exciting Premieres and Special Perks

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ Day is just weeks away, and it promises to deliver even more excitement to subscribers with additional content premiering globally on Thursday, September 8, as well as celebrations across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products! Joining the previously announced titles are Thor: Love and Thunder and Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder; Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return; Remembering; Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances; Tierra Incógnita; Frozen and Frozen 2 Sing-Alongs; and Welcome to the Club, a new short from The Simpsons. In addition, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will join in the Disney+ Day festivities with perks for subscribers, including early entry to theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, celebratory photo opportunities, entertainment, culinary delights, and more. Disney+ Day special screenings will also return to select AMC Theatres September 8–19.

Disney+ Day Content Premieres

The Disney+ Day lineup will feature anticipated global premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Simpsons, and more. In addition to the previously announced Pinocchio, a new episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Cars on the Road, Growing Up, and Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory, new titles include:

The Disney+ Day poster for Thor: Love and Thunder. In the center are Thor, The Mighty Thor, King Valkyrie, Zeus, and Korg, who are looking in different directions. Behind them is a blue lightning bolt, with Gorr the God Butcher’s yellow eyes aglow inside it.

Thor: Love and Thunder
Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced—one of self-discovery. But his efforts are interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi), and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who—to Thor’s surprise—inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

Thor: Love and Thunder joins 15 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, which provides up to 26 percent more picture for an immersive at-home viewing experience. (No additional cost or device required. Content availability varies by region.)

Taika Waititi wears a multicolored hoodie, sunglasses, and a backwards hat as he operates a camera on the set of Thor: Love and Thunder.

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder
Join director and star Waititi and stars Hemsworth, Portman, Bale, and Thompson as they divulge the secrets behind the creation of Thor: Love and Thunder. Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, Assembled pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return
With never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, colorful personal stories, and meaningful moments, Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return showcases the making of Lucasfilm’s Original limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi, an epic story that begins 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. This insightful documentary from Lucasfilm and Supper Club explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen—and Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their respective classic roles. Director Deborah Chow, cast, and crew reflect on their journey to tell a new story with iconic Star Wars characters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia, while introducing new heroes and villains into the saga. Complete with visits to the creature shop, props department, and more, Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Returnshowcases the side of filmmaking that makes Star Wars titles so unique: respect and passion for the generation-spanning legacy and the beloved characters.

Prince Hans stands in a boat, facing Princess Anna in Frozen. He is wearing formal attire, and she is wearing a green gown. Behind them is the kingdom of Arendelle.

Frozen and Frozen 2 Sing-Alongs
Enjoy Sing-Along versions of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen and Frozen 2, which invite subscribers to fully immerse themselves in the music with onscreen lyrics.

Brie Larson is seated at a desk and writing. Beside her is a teapot and a teacup, and a light. Brie’s hair is tucked behind her ears and she is wearing overalls.

Remembering
Where do ideas come from—and where do they go when they’re forgotten? These central questions are brought to life in Remembering, an original short film by Emmy®-winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz. The story follows a writer (Brie Larson), who loses a very important idea when her phone rings. Personified as golden light, this lost idea is found by the writer’s inner child, who takes us on a journey through The World of Imagination. It is easy to lose touch with this world, but each of us can be inspired by it—if we just remember. With a first-of-its-kind companion Augmented Reality app, where the AR experience is triggered by the film’s moving image, select Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. can interact with the story by scanning the TV to extend The World of Imagination into their living room.

Welcome to the Club (a new short from The Simpsons)
With her heart set on becoming a princess, Lisa Simpson (voiced by Yeardley Smith) is surprised to learn being bad might be more fun.

Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances
Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances is a look back on the 20 most memorable dances of 30 seasons of Dancing with the Stars, chosen by the Pro Dancers. Hosted by Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, and Brandon Armstrong, we’ll see them count down to their most unforgettable performance—highlighting everything from the best Mirrorball-winning performances over the years, to iconic opening numbers, Emmy-winning dances, and unforgettable celebrity mishaps. It all leads up to season 31 premiering live on September 19, only on Disney+.

Tierra Incógnita (Original Series Produced in Latin America)
Tierra Incógnita follows Eric Dalaras (Pedro Maurizi), a teenager who discovers a hair-raising world while searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of his parents eight years before. Raised alongside his sister Uma (Mora Fisz) by his maternal grandparents, Eric decides to run away from home and go back to his childhood town, Cabo Qwert, to find answers where his parents were last seen: the Tierra Incógnita horror theme park. With his friends, his sister, and his aunt, Eric must overcome his fears in order to find answers and solve the mystery in a dark and unfamiliar world.

Previously announced Disney+ Day titles include:

In the teaser poster for Pinocchio, Pinocchio is in silhouette as he walks across a cobblestone street.

Pinocchio
Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his conscience; Cynthia Erivo stars as the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key stars as Honest John; Lorraine Bracco stars as Sofia the Seagull; and Luke Evans stars as The Coachman.

In this She-Hulk: Attorney at Law poster, She-Hulk is wearing a navy blue, long-sleeved shirt with white polka dots and a navy blue pencil skirt. She is carrying a briefcase and folders in one hand and glasses in the other. She is smiling off-camera.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
The fourth episode of Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, directed by Kat Coiro, will debut on Disney+ Day. The series follows Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases, who must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green, 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The series stars Mark Ruffalo, Tim Roth, Benedict Wong, Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Jameela Jamil, Jon Bass, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

The Cars on the Road poster features Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other fan-favorite characters.

Cars on the Road
The animated series follows Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. Along the way, every stop is its own adventure, with outrageous roadside attractions and colorful new characters.

The Growing Up poster features a man, in silhouette, illuminated in purple.

Growing Up
Created by Larson and Culture.House, this innovative, hybrid docu-series explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through 10 compelling coming of age stories. From Disney Branded Television, Growing Up uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking as one casted individual, ages 18-22, tells their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial, and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode is centered on a single young person and is anchored by a deeply personal interview that allows them to walk Disney+ subscribers through their childhood and teenage years. Alongside these interviews, creative cinematic reenactments help bring major inflection points to life.

Bertie Gregory smiles in the center of the poster for Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory. In the circular graphic, he is surrounded by images of himself scuba diving, operating a camera, rock climbing, etc. He is also surrounded by wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, lions, dolphins, bats, and more.

Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory
The face of a new generation of aspirational adventurers and natural history filmmakers, 29-year-old National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on epic and nail-biting journeys that push into the most spectacular and secretive corners of our wild world. Armed with leading-edge film technology, the Disney+ Original series Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory, from National Geographic, breaks the mold of the traditional natural history program by telling extraordinary, real-life animal stories and taking viewers with him for every beat of the action. For weeks at a time, the charismatic BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer immerses himself into the animals’ lives to capture the untold stories of iconic creatures living in some of the harshest environments on our planet. This season, Disney+ subscribers will see Gregory brave the icy worlds of Antarctica in search of the biggest gathering of whales ever filmed and coming face-to-face with specialist buffalo-hunting lions in Zambia. In this multipart adventure series, he will also take audiences on an ambitious odyssey across the globe, showcasing the natural world at a time when it faces its greatest challenges.

Disney Theme Parks, Experiences and Products Celebrate Disney+ Day

In celebration of Disney+ Day, guests at Disney theme parks will discover new ways to plus up their experience with special offerings. On Thursday, September 8, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will usher in the festivities with Disney+-inspired character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and more. Disney+ subscribers and their parties with theme park tickets and reservations are once again invited to enter the theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort 30 minutes before regular park opening on Thursday, September 8. Subscribers will enjoy complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital download(s) at select locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Resort theme parks that day.*

Fans are invited to join the celebrations digitally with Disney PhotoPass Lenses for Disney+ Day. These new limited-time lenses will be available to those celebrating in the parks or at home in the U.S. through Snapchat and the My Disney Experience app.

Disneyland Paris will delight guests with new surprises, including special entertainment, dedicated photo opportunities, and a blue-themed dessert on Thursday, September 8. For more fanfare, Disney+ subscribers* and their parties with theme park tickets and reservations are invited for the first time to enter Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris at 9 a.m. (30 minutes before regular park opening), only on September 8, 2022. Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate with guests visiting the park on Saturday, September 10.

During the August 29–September 5 Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise, members aboard the Disney Wonder will be treated to special gifts from Disney+ and nine exclusive shows and experiences supporting current and upcoming Disney+ titles.

Around the world, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing will celebrate Disney+ Day. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details on how to join in on the fun.

AMC Theatres Disney+ Day Screenings 

From September 8–19, select AMC Theatres will celebrate Disney+ Day with screenings of movies such as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, Lucasfilm’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Disney and Pixar’s Cars, and Disney’s Newsies. Tickets are $5 per screening and available to everyone. Attendees will receive a free Disney+ poster, while supplies last. A special concessions offer will be available for Disney+ subscribers. Tickets go on sale Thursday, September 1.

This year, Disney+ Day will lead into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, California, taking place on September 9, 10, and 11.

*Guests may be required to verify that they are a Disney+ subscriber by displaying their logged-in home screen on the Disney+ app via their phone to enter early and to receive special benefits at the parks. Please be sure to download the Disney+ app and sign in prior to arrival. 

The lineup for Disney+ Day

Celebrate World Princess Week in Style!

It’s World Princess Week! Every year we take this week to celebrate all the courageous, kind, and confident Disney Princess characters. These princesses don’t just inspire us, they inspire a lot of amazing products, too! Check out these great items and treat yourself and your loved ones like a princess, not just for a week, but all year long!

The cutest way to play princess? Disney nuiMOs of course! Rapunzel, Moana, Jasmine, Belle, and more nuiMOs plush are available with a selection of clothing from the Princess Trend Collection

Each outfit is inspired by a different Disney Princess, and the more you collect, the more you can mix and match to create your own unique style.

Feel like styling yourself? Check out these great options from Her Universe:

Her Universe Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Royal Dress
Twirl through your day with a smile and a song in this adorable dress! Inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this dress will have you looking like royalty. Features a sateen bustier top with a velvet lace-up ribbon through the bodice, princess seams and organza puffed sleeves, and a sateen skirt with a toss print of Snow White’s silhouette, colorful roses, and other visual icons from the film.

Her Universe Disney Sleeping Beauty Tulle Sweetheart Dress
We’ve seen this dress once upon a dream, and now it’s a reality! Made pink by Flora, this Sleeping Beauty sweetheart dress features a soft tulle layer over a full skirt and has an all-over design of Princess Aurora, roses, thorns, and other visual icons from the film.

Her Universe Disney Cinderella Bustier Tank Top
The Fairy Godmother just granted us the cutest bustier top to wear to the royal ball! Dance the night away with this Cinderella corset tank top, featuring a Regency era-inspired print of Cinderella’s silhouette, her magical carriage, and more.

But what about your room? These beautiful rugs from Safavieh may not be flying carpets, but they are machine washable… and inspired by some of your favorite Disney Princess characters.

Safavieh Disney Princess Collection Rug – Inspire
This rug comes straight from the illustrators’ sketchbooks, showcasing some of the most iconic Disney Princess fashion moments. From Ariel’s ball gown to Moana’s signature style, each detail stays clearly defined in high-resolution print technology and soft synthetic yarns. Machine washable for simple, no-nonsense care.

Safavieh Disney Princess Collection Rug – Assurance
This rug dreamily displays Moana, Rapunzel, and Snow White standing tall, strong, and fearless, looking ahead with grace and confidence. Softly stippled silhouettes repeat and overlap in artistic harmony. Rich turquoise tones enliven any room décor with captivating color. Machine washable for easy-care cleaning.

Safavieh Disney Princess Collection Rug – Enchanted
This rug gives your home whispers of timeless magic. It features gently mottled silhouettes of Disney’s most iconic princess characters across a soothing gray backdrop, celebrating decades of strong, empowered women in beautiful, décor-smart tones. Machine washable for easy-care maintenance, lasting comfort, and endless style.

Looking for something that will brighten up your kitchen? This Disney Collection by Rae Dunn is gorgeous!

Disney Collection by Rae Dunn “Cinderella” Mug with Glass Slipper Topper
Transform your morning coffee experience from ordinary to magical with this charming Rae Dunn Disney Princess mug. Each piece is sculpted from quality stoneware with a luster finish and features a ceramic lid topped with Cinderella’s glass slipper.

Disney Collection by Rae Dunn “‘Til the Last Petal Falls” Canister
Dreams really do come true! Every princess needs a castle, where she can create a magical table-scape with Rae Dunn’s NEW Disney Collection.

More of a gamer? Check out these great games that feature some of your favorite princesses!

Cookie Run: Kingdom
With a sweet candy sword and brave spirit, this courageous cookie inspired by Mulan joins Cookie Run: Kingdom! The Festival of Dreams and Wishes in-game event runs through September 13, 2022. Be sure to check out Cookie Run: Kingdom in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Mirrorverse
In the Mirrorverse, Merida, Tiana, and Mulan have been evolved by Stellar Magic into Guardians. Help these powerful Guardians defend the Stellar Mirror from the Fractured in Disney Mirrorverse, available in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store

Still looking for more? shopDisney has an amazing collection of Disney Princess products.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Returns to IMAX Theaters—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

See Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in IMAX Theaters Beginning Next Week

Excited for Andor’s sure-to-be-huge debut on Disney+? Celebrate by going to your nearest IMAX theater and seeing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on the big screen once again!

Our friends at Lucasfilm recently announced that IMAX will be showcasing both the film and exclusive, special footage from Andor in 150 IMAX theaters across the U.S. and Canada for one week only beginning on Friday, August 26. Tickets are on sale now at participating IMAX theaters and at fandango.com/RogueOneIMAX.

The poster for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story coming to IMAX theaters beginning on August 26. The Death Star is seen in white against a black background, and the silhouette of Jyn Erso and several other characters is seen against the Death Star, towards the bottom. The IMAX logo is at the top of the image, and the film’s title is below the Death Star.

The IMAX release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story follows a group of unlikely heroes, who, in a time of conflict, band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and, in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves. Andor takes place five years before the events of Rogue One, when the seeds of rebellion against the Empire were germinating; the special footage will offer audiences a look at the story, which explores a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor (Luna) and his journey to discover the difference he can make.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

Let’s see… what to watch from around the worlds of Disney during this lovely weekend in August: There’s the kick-off to a new season of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends; a new episode of Hamster & Gretel; fresh hilarity from Michael Strahan and the gang at The $100,000 Pyramid; and a lot more where that came from!

Disney Junior’s Firebuds to Debut on September 21

Mark those calendars: Disney Junior’s Firebuds, an animated comedy-adventure series from Disney Branded Television featuring a team of young first responders and their talking vehicle sidekicks, is set to premiere Wednesday, September 21, with a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior at 10:30 a.m. EDT. An initial batch of episodes will premiere the same day on Disney+ and on-demand platforms.

From Emmy® Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber Disney’s Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First), the music-filled series follows a group of friends—all children of first responders—who embark on adventures to help their community and learn what it truly means to be a hero.

The lead voice cast includes Declan Whaley as Bo, Terrence Little Gardenhigh as Flash, Vivian Vencer as Violet, Lily Sanfelippo as Axl, JeCobi Swain as Jayden, and Caleb Paddock as Piston. Lou Diamond Phillips and Yvette Nicole Brown also star as co-fire chiefs, Chief Bill Bayani and Chief Faye Fireson, respectively. Joining them this season is a true “who’s who” in recurring and guest star roles, including Padma Lakshmi, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Melissa Rauch, Patton Oswalt, Lisa Loeb, Natalie Morales, and more.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law—Meet MCU’s Relatable Super Hero

You will like her when she’s angry… Now that Jennifer Walters and her 6-foot-7-inch alter ego have debuted on Disney+, go behind the scenes to hear exclusively from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star Tatiana Maslany—as well as one of the series’ directors, Kat Coiro—right here at D23.com.

See How Magic Kingdom Park Decorates for Halloween

If you ask us, it’s never too early to start gearing up for the spookiest time of year… In fact, Magic Kingdom is already delighting in some tricks and treats! To that end, if you’ve wondered just how the incredible folks at Disney Parks get ready for all the fa-boo-lous fun, our friends at Disney Parks Blog offer a sneak peek at what goes into decorating Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort for Halloween.

Since decorating must be done when guests aren’t around, transforming the park happens overnight; a huge team of cast members works throughout the year prepping all the decorations, including Halloween-themed bunting, garland, and a lot of specialty crafted pumpkins, so it’s ready to go the very second the transformation can begin.

Don’t forget: Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, held on select nights from now through October 31, are currently on sale; click here for more information!

ICYMI: Cast Unveiled for Aladdin North American Tour

It’ll be shining, shimmering, and most definitely splendid when the next cast of the Aladdin North American tour heads out on the road, beginning in Schenectady, New York, at Proctors Theatre this October! Read up on who’ll be joining the Disney Theatricals tour, and find out more information, right here at D23.com.

D23 Expo to Kick off With Epic Opening Ceremony That Includes Disney Legends Awards

D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® will kick off Friday, September 9, with a fantastic spectacle that includes the Disney Legends Awards ceremony and an early look at Disney 100 Years of Wonder—an extraordinary celebration 100 years in the making. The opening ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Hall D23 inside the Anaheim Convention Center.

“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”

The incredible opening event, which will be streamed as part of D23 Expo [LIVE], will feature musical performances, special guests, and surprises for the audience, including a special performance by cast members from Disney On Broadway’s productions of Aladdin and The Lion King, and The North American Tour of Frozen.

The Disney Legends Award is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Disney legacy, and this year’s honorees include Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Emmy® Award winner Tamron Hall will host, bringing her signature warmth and humor to the fan-favorite ceremony.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 35-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.

The 2022 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

Anthony Anderson grew up in Los Angeles. While pursuing his acting career, he continued his education by attending the High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned first place in the NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards. His performance, along with a dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University. Anthony has appeared in more than 20 films, and his performance on Law & Order earned him four consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. He starred in and executive produced ABC’s Emmy-nominated sitcom black-ish, winning seven NAACP Image Awards and earning seven Emmy and three Golden Globe® nominations for his role as Andre “Dre” Johnson in the series. He also executive produced and appeared in the black-ish spinoff series grown-ish and mixed-ish. His recent credits include ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (2019), host of ABC’s game show To Tell the Truth (2016–), and Detective Kevin Bernard in Law & Order. In 2020 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kristen Bell is an award-winning actor, author, and producer, who landed her first role with Disney by lending her voice to Hiromi in the Studio Ghibli classic The Cat Returns, for the U.S. DVD release in 2005. Her voice-acting expertise would soon come in handy once again, for the two highest-grossing animated features of all time, Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019). Anna, the optimistic, comical, fearless princess (who became Queen) of Arendelle, was a spot-on role for the seasoned actor, whose singing talents and personality effortlessly shines through her performance of the character. Kristen reprised the role in Frozen Fever (2015), Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Once Upon a Snowman (2020), along with numerous video games, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Kristen also voiced Priscilla the sloth in 2016’s Oscar®-winning Zootopia and in the upcoming Disney+ series Zootopia+. She has also starred in several Disney live-action films, such as When in Rome (2010) and You Again (2010), TV specials such as Lady Gaga & The Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular (2013) and Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and myriad series from 20th Century Fox, including The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Photo credit: Kwaku Alston

Chadwick Boseman was fueled by purpose and sought to fulfill that through writing, directing, acting, and activism. His breakout performance came playing Jackie Robinson in 42, followed by his next role as James Brown in Get On Up. He then starred in the title role of Marshall, which followed a young Thurgood Marshall. Boseman joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the African Super Hero Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War before bringing the character to the forefront of his own solo film, Black Panther, which received critical acclaim, broke global box office records, and had a social and cultural impact felt globally. The film received seven Academy Award® nominations, including Marvel’s first-ever Best Picture nomination. Boseman won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture alongside the film’s ensemble. In 2019, Boseman starred in 21 Bridges. In 2020, he appeared in Da 5 Bloods, directed by Academy Award winner Spike Lee. In Ma Raineys Black Bottom, his captivating performance as “Levee” garnered an Academy Award nomination, and he won the NAACP Image Award and the Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards, among numerous others. On television, he most recently received an Emmy nomination for his work in the Disney+ animated series What If...?

Rob’t Coltrin joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1990 in the Show Set Design group and over time progressed through multiple disciplines—including show design, concept design, and art direction—before landing in his final role as an executive creative director. Early in his career he had a hand in the creation of several attractions that have delighted Disney fans for decades, such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. More recently, he was a major creative force behind some of our most ambitious projects, including Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and recent expansions at Tokyo Disney Resort. In addition to his boundless creative talents, Rob’t is also well known for his passion to elevate the work of fellow Imagineers and help further their careers. Even following his retirement in 2019, he continues to keep in touch with and inspire many of his friends and colleagues at Imagineering.

Patrick Dempsey is a two-time Golden Globe® nominee and SAG Award® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series. Early in his career he appeared in 1980s nostalgia films such as Touchstone’s Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and has since become a Hollywood star with numerous iconic television and film roles. Other Disney credits include an appearance on The Magical World of Disney as Kellin Taylor in A Fighting Choice (1986), the Hollywood Pictures film Run (1991), Touchstone’s Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Brother Bear 2 (2006) as the voice of Kenai, Enchanted (2007), and the upcoming Disney+ film Disenchanted (2022). He is perhaps best known to fans as Dr. Derek Shepherd in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, a role he portrayed for 11 seasons. Grey’s Anatomy won the 2007 Golden Globe for Best Television Series–Drama as well as the 2007 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. In addition to acting, Patrick is an avid racing enthusiast, participating in sports car events and produced the film The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019). In 2008, with the intention of giving back to the community where he grew up and where his mother first received cancer treatment, Patrick founded the Dempsey Center to help make life better for people managing the impact of cancer.

Robert Price “Bob” Foster began his Disney career in 1956, joining the Walt Disney Productions legal department. He later served as a member of the Park Operations Committee for Disneyland and was promoted to Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel in 1958. Two years later, he was named Assistant Secretary, Walt Disney Productions, and Resident Counsel for Disneyland. In 1963, Walt and Roy O. Disney selected Bob to head the land search for their top-secret “Florida Project.” Bob took extraordinary measures to ensure that the identity of Walt Disney Productions remained classified while initiating and executing the property research and acquisition effort. He acquired 43 square miles of land for what would eventually become the Walt Disney World Resort. Bob was later named Vice President (Legal), Secretary, and General Counsel for the Walt Disney World Co. and in 1970 was promoted to President of the Buena Vista Land Company. In this role, Bob was responsible for overseeing development of the resort community of Lake Buena Vista. In 1974, Bob retired from Walt Disney Productions as Vice President, Real Estate.

Josh Gad is a Tony Award®-nominated actor and singer who has warmed the hearts of countless viewers around the globe as Olaf, the loveable snowman from the 2013 box office hit Frozen and its popular follow-up, Frozen 2 (2019). To audiences’ delight, Gad has reprised the role numerous times, each time sharing more of the sun-loving character’s endearing personality and vivacious songs. Olaf has appeared in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO® Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), At Home with Olaf (2020), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and Olaf Presents (2021). Gad’s memorable performances in Frozen and Frozen 2 earned him two Annie Awards for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production. In 2017, Gad starred as LeFou, the memorable and iconic sidekick to Gaston, in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, and in 2020, he portrayed Mulch Diggums in Artemis Fowl. Some of his other notable Disney credits include Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), The Disney Family Singalong (2020), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), Modern Family (2011), and Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (2020). Gad’s Broadway talent is also showcased as both a creator and star of the Emmy-nominated 20th Television Animation musical series, Central Park (2020–).

Photo credit: Chad Meyer

Jonathan Groff has made memorable performances in theater, film, and television since his award-winning breakout performance in Broadway’s Spring Awakening (2006). Popular with Disney fans the world over, Jonathan voiced the character of Kristoff in both Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)—the top two highest-grossing animated films of all time—as well as in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and numerous video games, consumer products, and theme park experiences. He also appeared as Jesse St. James on the Emmy- and Golden Globe-award-winning television series Glee. Additional notable Disney television credits include The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic and Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2. Groff originated the role of King George III in the Pulitzer Prize-winning production of Hamilton on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his performance, and was part of the featured cast immortalized in the Emmy-winning Disney+ Original release of the hit show. Groff also received an individual Emmy nomination for his performance in the filmed production.

Don Hahn joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1976 in the Art Props Morgue. His animation career took off when he worked as an inbetweener on Pete’s Dragon (1977), and later as assistant director on The Fox and the Hound (1981). He was Production Manager of The Black Cauldron (1985) and The Great Mouse Detective (1986), then turned to producing on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Lion King (1994).  His other credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), Maleficent (2014), and the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017). He executive produced the Disneynature films Earth (2009), Oceans (2010), African Cats (2011), and Chimpanzee (2012). Don is also the author of several Disney Editions books, including The Alchemy of Animation, Before Ever After, and Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century. As director, Don has helmed such acclaimed documentaries as Waking Sleeping Beauty (2010) and Howard (2020). His most recent Disney credits include hosting the documentary Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives (2020).

Doris Hardoon joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1979 as a junior designer, then quickly rose through the ranks to lead designer, art director, and producer on a variety of groundbreaking projects around the globe. Included were EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney entertainment centers nationwide. She additionally served as executive art director, producer, and creative portfolio lead for projects including Hong Kong Disneyland, the proposed-but-never-built WESTCOT Center in Anaheim, and the unbuilt DisneySea in Long Beach. Doris left the Company in 2000 to pursue other innovative projects but returned in 2009 to help conceive, design, and build Shanghai Disney Resort. In her role as executive director and producer, Doris provided overall creative direction to her design and production teams, while establishing culturally relevant, “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese” elements in all aspects of her assignments. Doris is the 2022 recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements Award.

Idina Menzel is an accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, who rose to fame on the Broadway stage. Winning a Tony Award in 2004 for her legendary performance as Elphaba in Wicked, she famously went on to voice Queen Elsa in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen (2013) and reprised the role in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Frozen 2 (2019), along with numerous animated shorts, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Idina’s performance of the Oscar- and Grammy®-winning song “Let It Go” became an international phenomenon, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and helped launch Frozen and Frozen 2 on their way to becoming the two highest-grossing animated movies of all time. Idina also appeared as Nancy Tremaine in Enchanted (2007) and is soon to reprise the role in the Disney+ sequel, Disenchanted. As a songwriter, Idina’s original song “Dream Girl” (from 2021’s Cinderella) made it to the Academy Awards’ Best Original Song short list. Some of her notable Disney TV credits include Lisa King in ABC Studios’ Private Practice (2009), Disneyland 60: The Wonderful World of Disney (2015), Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II (2020), as well as the recurring role of Shelby Corcoran in Glee for 20th Century Television.

Chris Montan joined The Walt Disney Company in 1984, and within three years was named vice president of music for motion pictures and television. In 1997, Variety named him “musical supervisor of the decade” after he oversaw such classic and best-selling film soundtracks as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pretty Woman, Sister Act, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hercules. Chris was named President of Walt Disney Music in 1999 and was responsible for overseeing music for Disney and Pixar animated feature films, Disney Theatrical stage productions, and Disney Parks and Resorts, worldwide. He served as executive music producer for all of the Studios’ animated features during his tenure, working closely in the story development process as well as helping to select musical talent. His work has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning Best Original Cast Recording for Aida and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for Frozen, with additional films receiving 45 musical Academy Award nominations and 16 Academy Awards in the Best Original Song and Best Original Score categories.

Photo Credit: ABC/Nino Munoz

Ellen Pompeo leads the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, Grey’s Anatomy. As one of television’s most beloved actresses, Ellen’s turn in the title role continues to help elevate the series as ABC’s highest-rated drama and earned the actress a Golden Globe nomination in 2007. Audiences remain glued to screens week after week watching Dr. Meredith Grey and her colleagues face relatable and emotional hardships. In real life, Ellen similarly confronts adversity and works for positive change both on and off the screen. Whether it is encouraging women to pursue their dream careers—medical or otherwise—or advocating for normalizing gender and racial equality in the workplace, the actress has inspired generations. Some of Ellen’s other notable credits include Moonlight Mile (2002), Old School (2003), and Daredevil (2003). Next up, Ellen will star in and executive produce an eight-episode Hulu Original limited series currently titled Untitled Orphan Project through her production banner Calamity Jane, which she launched in 2011.

Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the groundbreaking ABC comedy series black-ish. The Emmy-winning show ran for eight seasons, during which she also served as a producer and director. For her role as Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, Tracee was nominated five times for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and won the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020 NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In addition, Tracee was honored and acknowledged at the 2016 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, receiving the Fierce and Fearless award. Her other Disney television credits include roles on grown-ish and mixed-ish—the latter of which she was both co-creator and executive producer—The Premise, and Private Practice. Tracee is the founder and CEO of PATTERN, a haircare brand that launched in 2019.

Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2022.

Including this year’s honorees, a total of 304 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Robin Roberts, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Ming-Na Wen, Betty White, and Robin Williams, among many others. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony in-person.

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo [LIVE]! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedules and talent are subject to change.

D23 Members Embark on a Historic Journey Through Walt’s Hometown

By Peyton Liebler and Emma Zomerman

D23 Members had the opportunity to visit Marceline, Missouri, for a tour of Walt Disney’s historic hometown this spring. They were able to experience signature elements of his boyhood that inspired some of the most foundational parts of the Walt Disney Company such as his dedication to family and his love of magic.

100 D23 Members arrived in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 1, 2022, to check in for their overnight stay, then boarded a bus the next morning to head into Marceline. As Walt himself said, “I’m glad I’m a small-town boy, and I’m glad Marceline was my town.” As D23 Members ventured closer to this little town, those words couldn’t be truer.

Upon arrival, D23 Members enjoyed a special welcome presentation from town officials which detailed the history of the town, and how Walt Disney’s history intertwined with Marceline. After the presentation, D23 Members were treated to a delicious lunch at the Marceline Community Center. 

After lunch, D23 Members visited E.P. Ripley Park, for the dedication of Midget Autopia. The attraction, which opened in 1957 at Disneyland Park, was designed only for kids to experience. However, this was not the intention Walt had when creating a park for the whole family, so, in 1966, the attraction closed at Disneyland and was donated to Marceline. During D23’s trip to Marceline, members were able to race along the winding paths following the dedication.

A guest sitting in an emerald green retro car with silver rim and white headlights with brown license plate on the front right of the car featuring Walt in big letters, Jul in the top left and Missouri above Walt. The guest is smiling and has short dark hair, a red and white striped tank top and a woven sun hat with red band and black Mickey ears on either side of the hat. The car is on the sidewalk with brick flooring on the left with brown beams reaching toward the ceiling. On the right side of the car are wood chips and green grass. The background features green trees and a blue sky.

Following the event, guests plotted their own adventures with an “on your own” scavenger hunt and a visit to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum with a shopping experience. It was amazing to see fans channel their inner Walt Disney as they explored and learned about his hometown.

Not only did guests get to tour the town, but they also had the opportunity to visit Walt’s childhood home and barn after their hometown experience. Adjacent to the barn, guests were transported to the Pollyanna Bazaar, which captured the true spirit of Pollyanna through themed décor and food. Guests participated in games, listened to live music, and enjoyed a peaceful dinner on the farm just as Walt would have wanted it.

Many guests sitting and standing outdoors. The circular tables have white table clothes with bright pink and green flowers surrounded by folding chairs with blue checkered covers. Lights and lanterns are hanging above the tables and guests in green, pink, red, and yellow. Behind the tables to the right is a large, rectangular white fabric banner with black text reading “Marceline The Glad You Were Here Town.” Several large green trees and a red barn can be seen in the back left of the photo.

As Walt reminds us, “Goodbye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be.” On behalf of the D23 team, we hope that the memories you made at this event stay in your heart as we know they will in ours.

A light wood background with a black and gold plaque featuring Walt Disney’s Marceline with D23 logo and the date of May 14, 2022, in gold lettering. Surrounding the plaque are signatures from D23 guests featuring names and small notes to Walt.

As an added bonus, our friends at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline are offering a 50% discount off admission for D23 Gold Members! Click here to find out more!

Funko and Loungefly Combine Forces for an Epic D23 Expo Booth

Two of the most popular brands for fashionable fans are coming together for the ultimate merchandise booth at D23 Expo 2022: Loungefly and Funko! Make sure to stop by their booth all weekend at D23 Expo for exclusive must-have merchandise. You can check out their full list of exclusive offerings on their D23 Expo blog post, which includes all-new Funko Pop! figures of Philharmagic Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, and Pilot Mickey on Walt’s Plane.

Get to Know Funko:
Funko is a leading lifestyle brand that provides connection to pop culture with a product line that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, games, housewares, and accessories. As the world’s largest proprietor of licenses, entertainment enthusiasts display their fandom through the lens of Funko products. Funko knows that everyone is a fan of something—and they have something for everyone. Collectors can find Funko products around the globe at a variety of retailers, comic book shops, and e-commerce sites. Funko also powers the Loungefly, Mondo, Funko Games, and Digital Pop! brands.

Get to Know Loungefly:
Loungefly is a consistent source of collectable fashion for fans of all kinds. Well-known for their innovative licensed accessories—including Disney, Hello Kitty, Harry Potter, Pokémon, Marvel, Star Wars, Peanuts, and more—Loungefly merges pop-culture passions and fashion. From casual fans to dedicated collectors, Loungefly’s mission is to provide their ever-growing loyal community with innovative and whimsical designs that allow you to express whatever fandom you’re a part of through your everyday wardrobe. Started in a small warehouse in 1998, Loungefly has become a premiere fan-focused accessory company known for quality and design. Based in sunny Southern California, Loungefly is available in specialty stores, boutiques, and e-commerce sites worldwide.

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo [LIVE] on September 9, 10, and 11. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Andie Hagemann

Our Spidey senses are tingling because an all-new season of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friendsdebuts Friday with guest star John Stamos on Disney Junior and Disney Channel. That same day, the sing-along version of Beauty and the Beast (2017) launches on Disney+. On Saturday, twin villains wreak havoc on a new episode of Hamster & Gretel, airing on Disney Channel, followed by a presentation of Cars 3 on Freeform. Close out the weekend with hilarious game show antics as a new episode of The $100,000 Pyramid premieres Sunday night.

Animated character Tony Stark points at his red glasses and wears a graphic T-shirt and yellow and red jacket. Behind him is a park with large, green-leafed trees and a pole with a banner.

Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends—Friday, August 19, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and Disney Channel
Season 2 of the animated series swings onto your TV this week with all new adventures and a special guest star! In the first story, Team Spidey must use their new glow tech to stop Electro from draining all the power in the city. Then, Spidey (voiced by Benjamin Valic) teams up with Tony Stark aka Iron Man (voiced by Stamos) to stop Black Cat after she steals Iron Man’s Armor.

Actor Dan Stevens, portraying Beast with CGI fur and horns, and actor Emma Watson, portraying Belle, look at a book held by Stevens. Stevens and Watson stand in a large, ornate library filled with leatherbound books, chandeliers, swinging ladders, and other objects.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along—Friday, August 19, on Disney+
Pull up a chair, as the dining room proudly presents… a new sing-along version of the 2017 live-action retelling of the classic tale. The beloved movie centers around an arrogant prince (Dan Stevens) who is cursed to live as beast until he finds the meaning of true love. The beast captures a clockmaker named Maurice (Kevin Kline) after the weary traveler stumbles onto the castle’s grounds. However, Maurice’s daughter, Belle (Emma Watson), offers to take her father’s place in captivity. With the enchanted servants aching to be “Human Again,” Cogsworth (voiced by Ian McKellen), Lumiére (voiced by Ewan McGregor), and Mrs. Potts (voiced by Emma Thompson) team up to set the pair up with the hopes of lifting the curse.

A male animated character wears a teal shirt and cape with navy blue pants and single orange lightning bolts cascading down each of his legs. His shirt is emblazoned with an orange thumbs down icon. He wears a navy blue mask with a pointy top that covers everything but his mouth and ears. The female animated character wears an orange shirt with a yellow belt and teal and orange gloves. She dons a teal cape, navy blue shorts, and navy and orange mask, covering the top half of her face. She holds a red cell phone in her left hand.

Hamster & Gretel—Saturday, August 22, at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
A super hero sibling rivalry blossoms as Gretel (voiced by Meli Povenmire) battles twin villains on her own. Will she be successful sans Hamster (voiced by Beck Bennett)? Then, Gretel’s “hero hunch” gets her into trouble.

Animated cars Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez race on a sandy beach with a blue sky behind them. McQueen is a bright red sports car and Ramirez is yellow.

Cars 3—Saturday, August 20, at 10:15 a.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Upon the advent of blazing-fast cars taking over the sport he loves, legendary racecar Lighting McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) soon finds himself pushed out of the limelight. McQueen turns to a young technician named Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo) to get him back on track—literally—so he can compete for the coveted Piston Cup.

Actor Yvette Nicole Brown sits at a table displaying  the clue “a drone” and 19 seconds on the clock. Across from Brown is a female contestant with her right arm in the air acting out the clue. Behind them are bright lights forms in triangle shapes.

The $100,000 Pyramid—Sunday, August 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
In the all-new episode, four new celebrities test their wits with the hopes of raising big bucks for their respective charities. First up, star of Disney+ series Big Shot and friend of D23 Yvette Nicole Brown plays against actor and comedian Pete Holmes. Then, Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris competes against actor and comedian Jo Koy.

5 Smashing Stories from Behind the Scenes at She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

By Andie Hagemann

A she-mazing new Super Hero is making her long-awaited debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Premiering Thursday, August 18, exclusively on Disney+, Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follows Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), a 30-something attorney handling superhuman-oriented cases who also happens to transform into a 6-foot-7-inch superpowered green hulk. The series features MCU veterans Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk; Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination; and Benedict Wong as Wong; as well as Ginger Gonzaga as Nikki Ramos; Josh Segarra as Augustus “Pug” Pugliese; Jon Bass as Todd; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Mallory Book; and Jameela Jamil as Titania. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is directed by Kat Coiro (Episodes 1–4, 8–9) and Anu Valia (Episodes 5–7) with Jessica Gao as head writer. Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Coiro, and Gao serve as executive producers. New episodes launch weekly on the streaming service.

Last week, Maslany, Gonzaga, Gao, and Coiro shared details on the new series with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and other media outlets during a virtual press conference.

Here are five highlights from that event:

Actor Tatiana Maslany stands in a courtroom with one sleeve of her dark grey suit jacket ripped, exposing her white blouse. Behind her Ginger Gonzaga and Josh Segarra are seated in wooden chairs and a large portrait hangs askew.

1. She-Hulk is unlike any other Super Hero in the MCU.

Jennifer navigates her newfound superpowers all while balancing her career and personal life.

“I think the beauty of television is—unlike the movies—we actually have time and space to really sit with a character and learn more about them and get to know them as a fully fleshed-out person,” Gao said. “[Maslany] was able to immediately make this [character] feel like a real human being. She has life experiences; she has relationships; she has a family; and she has friends. This is a real person who actually feels and processes things—and, like most people, has [daily] highs and lows.”

(Left to Right) Actors Tatiana Maslany, Ginger Gonzaga, and Josh Segarra sit around a large wooden table in a corner booth. On the table are beverages and a triangular menu. Behind them, three photos of buildings are hung in brown frames.

2. Maslany was the only choice to portray Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk.

Coiro and Gao revealed that no other actress was right to portray the multi-dimensional heroine. Maslany has plenty of experience portraying characters with multiple identities and many elements of the human experience, winning an Emmy® Award in 2016 for her performance as a panoply of characters on the series Orphan Black.

“What’s so interesting and different about Jennifer is that she maintains her sense of self,” Coiro said. “Yet, her sense of self is influenced by the way she presents when she changes; it’s a different way of walking through the world. This role required a nuance of performance that only Tatiana could give.”

Gao added, “I only knew [Maslany] as a dramatic actress, and she’s super funny!” The head writer shared the actress also has great instincts for characters and story. “There have been so many times where she pinpointed something that didn’t quite feel right, instinctively and also intellectually,” she said. “It forced us to work together to get it to a better place that was more real, smarter, and better. I’m eternally grateful.”

3. Coiro was a fan of the She-Hulk comics as a kid.

The character of She-Hulk, created by Disney Legend Stan Lee and John Buscema, was first introduced on February 10, 1980, in The Savage She-Hulk comic series. She became a member of the Avengers in 1982, was featured in the Fantastic Four series beginning in 1984, and has made appearances in other comics ever since. Coiro boasts a longstanding appreciation for the green Super Hero.

“I remember very vividly being a little girl and seeing the cover of the She-Hulk comics amidst this sea of male comics, and not knowing who she was or what this was, but I was moved by it,” Coiro said. “The idea of being large and in charge and taking control—taking up space—was something that really resonated with me.”

She continued, “I bought that comic book, and when this show came along, it was really the culmination of a real dream.”

4. Jennifer and Nikki’s friendship will make viewers green with envy.

Nikki is Jennifer’s closest friend and paralegal, providing unwavering support in both personal and professional matters. She’s the one Jen can turn to help her let loose, encouraging her to embrace her superpowers and the attention that comes with them.

“I love that there are female friends who actually care about each other, love each other, and have some sense of emotional immaturity,” Gonzaga said. “Jen is by the book; she’s safe and knows what she’s doing with her life. Meanwhile, Nikki is reckless and free, but in a fun way.”

She continued, “I always like to say that Nikki’s love language to Jen is trying to make her laugh—nothing’s too serious for Nikki and she thinks she can get out of any situation, especially if she has a 6-foot-7-inch Super Hero as a friend. My friend will clean up the pieces and I get the party started.”

Actor Mark Ruffalo portraying Bruce Banner/Hulk with CGI green skin and hair wears a white tank top and folds his hands in a prayer position. Actor Tatiana Maslany portraying Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk with CGI green skin and hair wears a dark gray tank top and folds her hands in a prayer position facing Ruffalo. Both are standing on a tropical beach with sand, ocean, and lushy foliage behind them.

5. Ruffalo brought sibling hijinks (and freakish flexibility) to set.

Ruffalo returns to the MCU as Bruce Banner/Hulk, who also happens to be Jennifer/She-Hulk’s cousin and her reluctantly accepted mentor. After she’s bestowed with her superpowers, Bruce teaches Jen everything she needs to know about being a Hulk, including the importance of spandex clothing.

“When Mark comes to set, we’re doing these very sibling-like things [as Hulk and She-Hulk, and as Bruce and Jennifer] in scenes like ripping each other, but we love each other very much, and the dynamic was very easy to bring to camera,” Maslany said. “It was just right. It made sense.”

Much like his character, portraying Bruce/Hulk for several years has afforded Ruffalo a unique expertise at all things Hulk. However, life didn’t imitate art with Ruffalo dictating how a Hulk should act to Maslany.

“Mark so open to whatever my process was coming to She-Hulk, he never was prescriptive,” she said. “One thing I did witness him do was a [kip up]. He was laying down on the ground outside as Bruce, and he got up as Hulk. It looked completely inhuman.”

Maslany continued, “I thought, ‘Oh, that is what 10 years of playing this character and physically embodying him, and like being so inside of him looks like. You get to do cool stuff like that.”

But, Coiro said Ruffalo confessed that he can only do the kip up as Hulk, and “would have trouble if he had to recreate it as Mark.”

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Introduces the MCU’s Relatable Super Hero

By Andie Hagemann

The nine-episode comedy series centers around Jennifer—a 30-something attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases... who also happens to transform into a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. With the help of her cousin Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and best friend and paralegal Nikki Ramos (Ginger Gonzaga), she learns how to embrace her newfound powers and boldness while navigating everyday life. The series, directed by Kat Coiro (Episodes 1-4, 8-9) and Anu Valia (Episodes 5-7), launches new episodes weekly on Thursdays.

Art imitated life as Maslany incorporated her own naivete about the Marvel Cinematic Universe into her portrayal of Jennifer/She-Hulk. “I wasn’t a big Marvel-head before this, so it was exciting to step into it and be totally fresh,” Maslany tells D23. “[Jennifer] is focusing on being a lawyer and trying not to be She-Hulk for so long; she doesn’t really know the world of Super Heroes and that’s a fun dynamic to play with.”

Actor Tatiana Maslany portrays Jennifer Walter/She-Hulk with CGI green skin and hair. She is walking while wearing a silver beaded ballgown.

Unlike Bruce Banner, Jennifer maintains consciousness when she transforms into She-Hulk. Jennifer isn’t tasked with years of learning how to be calm, cool, and collected like Bruce, who has adopted a Zen lifestyle post-Avengers: Endgame. Coiro, a longtime fan of She-Hulk, admires the character’s relatability in how she handles the mundane moments of everyday life as well as her new bigger, bolder presence in the world.

“She-Hulk is such a fascinating character,” says Coiro. “She embodies so many of the things that women struggle with. When [Jennifer] is She-Hulk, she takes up a lot of space in the room in a way that most women aren’t used to doing, and that can sometimes feel uncomfortable.”

Maslany adds, “[Jennifer] is thrown into this high-powered position that maybe she’s not willing [to take on], but it’s an incredible opportunity. She’s navigating the fact that being She-Hulk is what got her this great, big job, but she wants to be herself. It’s a fun dichotomy.”

(Left to Right) Actor Jameela Jamil portraying Titania sits at a wooden table and looks at a cell phone she is holding in her left hand. Jamil wears a teal blazer adorned with silver beads and sequins on each shoulder. A male actor sits at the table to her right with empty courtroom benches seen behind them.

As if a new job, identity, and superhuman clients weren’t enough to deal with, Jennifer is soon confronted with her first nemesis, Titania (Jameela Jamil)—a superpowered social media influencer who is determined to take down She-Hulk after the Super Hero lawyer humiliated her. “Titania is a villain but she’s very rooted in our modern culture; she’s larger than life and a public personality,” Coiro says.

Beyond the humor, Maslany and Coiro say She-Hulk: Attorney at Law challenges the perceptions of what a Super Hero can be.

“She’s really representative of exploring all the different sides of ourselves—from the plain to the powerful; from the befuddled to the confident,” says Coiro. This series—and Tatiana’s performance—is silly, fun, and entertaining. It’s ridiculous at times, but, at its core, it really is about embracing all the parts that make up a woman.”