Marvelous Details from the Ms. Marvel Press Conference

By Alison Statemann

When Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel debuts on Disney+ on Wednesday, June 8, the six-episode series will introduce viewers to the newest member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, also happens to be the first Muslim Super Hero. Late last week, cast members Yasmeen Fletcher (Nakia), Mohan Kapur (Yusuf), Matt Lintz (Bruno), Rish Shah (Kamran), Saagar Shaikh (Aamir), Zenobia Shroff (Muneeba), and Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan), took part in a virtual press conference to discuss the groundbreaking series. They were joined by Bisha Ali, head writer and co-executive producer; Sana Amanat, producer and writer; series directors and executive producers Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah; director and two-time Academy Award® winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; director Meera Menon; and executive producer Kevin Feige. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the conversation.

From left to right, Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and Executive Producer Sana Amanat work behind the scenes of Ms. Marvel at night.

How the Series Came to Be
The highly anticipated series is based on the iteration of Ms. Marvel first introduced by Marvel Comics in 2014. Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, came to life under the direction of Sana Amanat, now Executive of Production & Development for Marvel Studios; Stephen Wacker, a longtime Marvel editor; writer G. Willow Wilson; and artist Adrian Alphona.

“This is all very, very trippy. When Will and I were crafting this comic about eight years ago, we joked about how we’re like, ‘It’s not gonna get past issue nine. No one’s going to care.’ And lo and behold, Kevin Feige cared, which is amazing,” Amanat said.

Before Feige approached the creative team, the comic series took off with fans and critics alike, with the first issue reaching a rare seventh printing.

“The comic did really well. I think what I love about it the most is that it has people from different backgrounds, who had never really read comics before showing up in comic shops for the first time because of what this meant and what it stood for,” Amanat said. “A few years later when Kevin let us know that he wanted to make a show, I was thrilled.”

For Feige, Kamala was a natural choice for Marvel Studios to build on-screen content around.

“At Marvel, it’s such a privilege because not only are there reinterpretations every few years of existing, wonderful, characters, but every once in a while, there’s a new character that comes around that catches the audience’s imagination. And this character clearly did that,” he said. “Almost from the first few issues, people started asking us, ‘When is Kamala Khan coming? When is Ms. Marvel coming?’ So, it always seemed inevitable in a great way. When Disney+ came around, it gave us the opportunity to do what we really wanted to do, which was tell her full story in six episodes, and then have her transition into a feature.”

Ms. Marvel will make her big screen debut alongside Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, in The Marvels, coming to theaters in 2023.

Matt Lintz as Bruno, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, attend a festive event in a scene from Ms. Marvel. She wears traditional South Asian dress, and he dons a suit and tie.

A Distinct, Relatable World
While much has been written about Kamala Khan becoming the first Muslim Super Hero to join the MCU, it was important to the series creators and collaborators to incorporate this element into a fully realized portrait of Kamala and her world.

“I don’t think this series is shouting from the rooftops saying, ‘Watch me, it’s about representation,’” said Mohan Kapur, who plays Kamala’s father, Yusuf. “It’s a wonderful story of a community that’s so ethnically diverse and culturally rich. For me, coming from that region, I think it’s a fabulous opportunity, because we suddenly see, this is the Marvel universe telling a story about our milieu. And it’s so beautifully and so subliminally translated over scenes, like, you go to the mosque, you put your shoes over there, you come back, and your shoes are gone. That’s a real thing. You know, the process of entering a mosque, the festivals, the wedding ceremonies.

“This is not a political statement,” Kapur continued. “This is a story of one family, one girl, but it’s so beautiful. It’s a story of a family in a land that’s not their own, but they’ve called it their home and that’s beautiful.”

Iman, who grew up in a Pakistani Canadian household, said that she related strongly to Kamala not only because of her cultural background, but also because of her affinity for Marvel Super Heroes.

“She’s a 16-year-old kid with superpowers. Fine. We’ve seen that before, but she’s also a fan of every other hero within the MCU canon. That fascination and excitement is associated with real-life Marvel fans, so that’s why we relate to her,”  Vellani said. “I’m just excited that people can finally see what I saw when I picked up those comics for the first time and fell in love with Kamala and her world. It’s just so colorful. It’s truly a love letter to all the MCU fans.”

She added about Kamala, “She reacts how we would when she gets powers. I just love that part of her, and that’s why I fell in love with her. Her culture and religion were never the main thing of her personality. It was just some part of her life, how it was for me.”

“The Thrill of Our Lives”
While the cast and crew played it safe when it came to revealing any spoilers, they did offer a few tantalizing clues about what viewers can expect.

“Kamala Khan is going to go on this journey to reconnect with her family to understand why it’s so important for her to tell her own story and to craft that story and to feel that she could be that Super Hero that she always wanted to be, except that it would be her being the Super Hero as opposed to emulating someone else,” said Obaid-Chinoy, who directed episodes four and five. “On that journey of discovery, we as an audience are going to go on what I can safely say is going to be the thrill of our lives.”

Tune in to Ms. Marvel exclusively on Disney+ on June 8 to experience the beginning of Kamala Khan’s Super Hero journey.

Prometheus: 10th Anniversary Celebration

By Lynne Drake, Walt Disney Archives

This month, we celebrate the 10th anniversary release of Prometheus, originally released in the U.S. on June 8, 2012. Ridley Scott returned to the Alien universe to direct the fifth film in the franchise; this time, however, the story takes place in the sci-fi world before the events of his famed Alien (1979). Noomi Rapace stars as Doctor Elizabeth Shaw—alongside Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, and Guy Pearce—who is on a quest to discover the origins of mankind. Benedict Wong, who costars in the recent Marvel Studios release Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, also has a role in the film.

Prometheus was Scott’s first film shot digitally using 3D cameras, and features almost entirely practical sets created by Arthur Max, who has also partnered with Scott on other films including Kingdom of Heaven, The Martian, and most recently, The Last Duel. Practical effects were also used for the creatures created by Neal Scanlan and Conor O’Sullivan—examples of which now reside in the Walt Disney Archives collection. Filmed at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom, and in Iceland for the prologue and several climatic sequences, the film was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects.

Please enjoy an inside look at concept art from Prometheus (2012).

Meet the Characters of Ms. Marvel

By Alison Stateman

Viewers will meet the newest Super Hero to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Wednesday, June 8, with the premiere episode of Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel, debuting exclusively on Disney+.  Allow us to introduce Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, and the family and friends that anchor her life and support her as she transitions from a Muslim American teen to a Super Hero and future Avenger.

Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan stands at the ready in her colorfully decorated bedroom at her family home in Jersey City.

Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan
In Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan is 16-year-old Muslim American girl growing up in Jersey City. She’s a nerd, a gamer who writes fan fiction and most of all a huge fan of the Avengers, particularly Captain Marvel, who is her hero. Kamala spends her time hanging out with her best friends Bruno and Nakia and is close with her family. As Kamala begins to discover her new destiny, it puts a strain on her relationships as she struggles to understand her new reality.

“What’s interesting about Ms. Marvel is that she is so different and unique from all the other [Super] Heroes,” says Sana Amanat, executive producer of the series and Executive of Production & Development for Marvel Studios.“She’s just a teenager from Jersey City trying to figure the world out when she’s suddenly imbued with powers. And while her identity puts a different lens on this Marvel story, she is still so relatable.” 

Zenobia Shroff as Muneeba and Mohan Kapur as Yusuf
Family is the anchor of Kamala’s life. While her father Yusuf is much more open to his daughter’s creative aspirations and fascination with Super Heroes, her mother Muneeba is much more conservative and wants her daughter to follow a traditional path in life.

“Yusuf is a warm, caring, compassionate man, but his wife Muneeba definitely has the upper hand in the household,” Kapur says. “He adores Kamala and always encourages her to follow her dreams, although his wife tends to be a bit stricter. He understands where his wife is coming from, but he also understands it’s the 21st century and she’s a young teenage girl living in Jersey City. He tries to protect and soften things for her when Muneeba gets too overbearing and judgmental.”

“Muneeba is definitely the bad cop to Yusuf’s good cop,” admits Shroff. “She is much harder on Kamala. I think it’s one of those things where you get a teacher who says, ‘I was tough on you because I knew how great you could be.’ Muneeba knows Kamala’s potential and that there’s something special inside her, but she still wants to protect her from all that.”

“She’s the real prototype of the South Asian mother, highly protective, very loving, kind, but very fierce,” she adds.

Sagar Shaikh as Aamir
While Kamala stretches the boundaries of her family dynamic, her brother Aamir is her ally in softening her parents’ traditional values and expectations. “Aamir is Kamala’s pretty religious, self-proclaimed wiser older brother,” says Shaikh. “He’s kind of aloof and is not as funny as he thinks he is, but I think Kamala gets a lot of her quirks from him. They’re both kind of dorky in their own ways, but he chooses to focus on his relationship with his fiancée instead of Super Heroes and artistic pursuits. He’s kind of the middleman between Kamala and their parents.”

(From Left to Right) Yasmeen Fletcher as Nakia, Matt Lintz as Bruno, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan stand with their lunch on trays in their high school cafeteria

Yasmeen Fletcher as Nakia
“Nakia is Kamala’s best girlfriend since they were little kids, and they are a big part of each other’s support system,” explains Fletcher. “They have definitely leaned on each other growing up, which you can tell just from their conversations. Nakia is such a strong character and breaks a lot of the stereotypes for hijab girls… She’s opinionated and is willing to fight for anything that she believes in.”

Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan sits with her bestie Bruno, played by Matt Lintz, on the rooftop of Circle Q one late evening

Matt Lintz as Bruno
Kamala’s other bestie is Bruno Carrelli, a gifted student with a love for science and technical know-how, who develops a bit of a crush for his childhood friend.

“Bruno and Kamala have grown up together and been best friends since second grade,” says Lintz. “You see that in the first episode in the way he interacts with her family and when they hang out at the Circle Q, where he works. Bruno is very loyal to Kamala, especially when she gets her powers, which created a new dynamic between them from just two amazing friends going to school, having fun, and being big fans of the Avengers and Captain Marvel.”

Rish Shah as Kamran, an intriguing new student who has caught Kamala’s eye, stands in front of his black Porsche in the school parking lot

Rish Shah as Kamran
Kamala’s world begins to change when she meets Kamran at a party and finds an instant connection in their ability to bond about things she is struggling with in her own life.

“Kamran initially is just a random boy Kamala meets, and she is immediately infatuated by his charm and charisma,” says Shah, who plays Kamala’s love interest. “Kamran has always felt a lack of belonging and community. When he gets to know Kamala, he finds someone he can relate with in the sense of their culture, humor, and being able to talk about Pakistani things together and not having to hid that or feel embarrassed by it.”

Be sure to tune in to Ms. Marvel on Wednesday, June 8, on Disney+ to learn more about these central characters and Kamala Khan’s Super Hero transformation.

Disney On Ice Enters the Worlds of Frozen and Encanto!

By Sarah Sterling

For the first time (in forever), fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen and Encanto can experience these magical adventures like never before at Disney On Ice! Starting this September, you can journey to Arendelle and Colombia and sing along to the most memorable Disney tunes of all-time—all while enjoying unbelievable aerial acrobatics and, of course, ice skating!

Anna and Elsa stand back to back on a Disney On Ice stage. They are wearing ice skates and have a large staircase made of ice behind them.

Our warm-hug loving pal, Olaf, will narrate Anna and Elsa’s story from the first Frozen film. Travel back to Arendelle where Elsa has set off an eternal winter and Anna must fight her own frozen heart in a journey to bring back summer. Kristoff, Sven, and all the hilarious characters from Frozen will make an appearance in this first-of-its-kind performance.

Mirabel is jumping in the air while ice skating. Behind her is a screen showing the Casita from Encanto.

Next, guests will head to Colombia and the mystical Casita, home of the family Madrigal! Mirabel herself will narrate the story of Encanto, where she figures out how to save her home and her family’s magical gifts with help from her sisters Isabela and Luisa. Other Madrigal family members will also appear in this imaginative performance, including Tia Pepa, cousin Dolores, and the uncle we aren’t supposed to talk about, but will anyway: Tio Bruno! See the story come to life before your eyes as you learn that your uniqueness is what makes you magical!

Tickets for select Disney On Ice presents: Frozen & Encanto dates go on pre-sale today, June 7, with more releasing later this month. Click here to get your tickets now before they go on-sale to the public on June 14. Use this exclusive pre-sale code to purchase: DOISK8! You won’t want to miss this incredible experience inside the worlds of Frozen and Encanto! 

Discover when Disney On Ice presents: Frozen & Encanto is coming to a city near you:

Sunrise, FL: September 8-11, 2022
Miami, FL: September 15-18, 2022
Atlanta, GA: September 21-25, 2022
Charlotte, NC: September 29–October 2, 2022
Fairfax, VA: October 6-10, 2022
Hampton, VA: October 13-16, 2022
Hershey, PA: October 20-23, 2022
Worcester, MA: October 27-30, 2022
Newark, NJ: November 2-6, 2022
Atlantic City, NJ: November 10-13, 2022
Belmont Park, NY: November 16-20, 2022
Des Moines, IA: November 24-27, 2022
Greensboro, NC: December 1-4, 2022
Raleigh, NC: December 7-11, 2022
Fayetteville, NC: December 15-18, 2022
Philadelphia, PA: December 26-31, 2022
Cleveland, OH: January 6-15, 2023
Rosemont, IL: January 19-22, 2023
Minneapolis, MN: February 10-12, 2023
Detroit, MI: February 16-19, 2023
Boston, MA: February 22-26, 2023
Montreal, QC: March 2-5, 2023
Cincinnati, OH: March 9-12, 2023
Hamilton, ON: March 16-19, 2023
Wichita, KS: March 23-26, 2023
San Antonio, TX: March 30-April 2, 2023
Fort Worth, TX: April 6-9, 2023
Houston, TX: April 13-16, 2023
Cedar Park, TX: April 26-30, 2023
Little Rock, AR: May 4-7, 2023

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From a space ranger’s origin story to a Super Hero fan turned hero herself, this week’s slate of content is chock full of adventure! ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney returns with a presentation of the animated feature film Brave on Monday night. Kamala Khan makes her long-awaited series debut when Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel launches Wednesday, along with new episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol on the streaming service. On Friday, BUNK’D returns for its sixth season—in addition to a new special, Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear, launching that same day.

Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) holds her archery bow in front of her body in the animated film Brave.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Brave—Monday, June 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, on ABC
Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), the daughter of Scottish King Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), is determined to create her own path, defying longstanding Highland tradition. The courageous skilled archer seeks out an eccentric witch (voiced by Julie Walters) to grant her wish, which of course goes awry. Now Merida must find the true meaning of courage to reverse the curse.

Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) holds her arm out admiring her superpowers while wearing a Captain Marvel suit in Marvel Studios series Ms. Marvel

Ms. Marvel—Wednesday, June 8, on Disney+
This brand-new original series from Marvel Studios follows Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a Muslim American teenager growing up in Jersey City who is a superfan of Captain Marvel. An avid gamer often found writing fanfiction, Kamala feels like she doesn’t fit in at school, and sometimes at home. But when she gets her own superpowers—like the Super Heroes she’s long admired—life instantly becomes more interesting.

Dr. Jan Pol stands in a pen near a cow he is tending to in the National Geographic series Incredible Dr. Pol.

The Incredible Dr. Pol—Wednesday, June 8, on Disney+
Horses, pigs, and reindeers… oh my! Catch up on what Dr. Jan Pol and his team have been up to when 12 episodes from season 20 launch on the streaming service. While Dr. Pol specializes in large farm animals in Central Michigan, you never know who else might need his help. You won’t want to miss all the cuteness!

Disney’s BUNK’D stars Miranda May as Lou, Trevor Tordjman as Parker, Mallory James Mahoney as Destiny, Israel Johnson as Noah, Shiloh Verrico as Winnie, Luke Busey as Jake, and Alfred Lewis as Bill stand in front of a barn labeled Kikiwaka Ranch.

BUNK’D—Friday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, on Disney Channel
The season six premiere finds Lou (Miranda May), Parker (Trevor Tordjman), Destiny (Mallory James Mahoney), and Noah (Israel Johnson) arriving at the soon-to-be Kikiwaka Ranch in Dusty Tush, Wyoming, as Lou attempts to convince the owner to officially sell the property to her. Meanwhile, the counselors have their hands full with the spirited new campers.

Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) sits in the cockpit as he awaits launch in the feature film Lightyear.

Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear—Friday, June 10, on Disney+
Go to infinity… and beyond with this special coming to the streaming service ahead of Lightyear’s premiere on June 17. Animators and writers at Pixar explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from the toy in the Toy Story franchise to the star of his own film.

The Cast of Ms. Marvel Celebrates Their Milestone Series on the Red Carpet

By Tori Hunt

On Thursday, the cast and crew of the new Disney+ limited series Ms. Marvel from Marvel Studios walked the red carpet for the premiere at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The series introduces viewers to Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), the first Muslim Super Hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The cast and crew of Ms. Marvel gathers for a picture on the red carpet for the series premiere at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

In this new Marvel Studios series, Kamala Khan is your average Muslim American teenager from New Jersey with a love for comics and Marvel Super Heroes, especially Captain Marvel, until she discovers powers of her own. It’s not every day that we see a young heroine of color take center stage.

Ms. Marvel became the first of its kind when it was adapted from the 2014 Marvel comics, written by Sana Amanat, for Disney+. Featuring an  Muslim American girl, Ms. Marvel is not only a symbol of strength and perseverance but stands as a beacon of the South-Asian experience on mainstream television, inspired by Kamala’s Muslim American upbringing.

Vellani, the star of the series, dazzled on the carpet, and seemed still in shock that she is now a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “I feel like I’ve infiltrated it,” she told D23. “I feel like someone’s going to kick me out real soon when they figure out there is a bug in the system.”

Iman Vellani, who plays the titular role in the new live action series Ms. Marvel, poses in a purple, one-shoulder, ruffled gown, outside of the El Capitan Theatre

Vellani shared she relates to Kamala Khan in almost all aspects of her life. “How don’t I relate to her? I think we’re generally the same person,” she said. Executive producer Brad Winderbaum couldn’t agree more, saying, “Iman is Kamala Khan.”

Yasmeen Fletcher (Nakia) stuns in a black, textured gown on the red carpet of the premiere of the Disney+ limited series Ms. Marvel from Marvel Studios.

Kamala’s best friend on the show is Nakia, played by Upside Down Magic’s Yasmeen Fletcher. “Kamala and Nakia take comfort in each other and are there for each other in the most genuine friendship way possible,” Fletcher said. “Iman and I have that exact same friendship in real life.”

Directors and executive producers Adil El Arbi (left) and Bilall Fallah (right), playfully pose together at the premiere of Ms. Marvel at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

The show boasts several well-seasoned directors, including the unstoppable duo Bilall Fallah and Adil El Arbi. While they have worked on many blockbuster films together, directing a Marvel Studios series was their ultimate dream. “The cool thing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that you can tell the small story of her [Kamala Khan’s] family and friends—something very grounded—then at the same time put her into this larger MC Universe,” El Arbi said.

Being of Moroccan descent and being born in Belgium, Fallah and El Arbi related to Kamala Khan immediately upon reading the script. “It was the struggling with her parents, with her Pakistani culture, her American culture and not knowing what her place is. That is how it really related to our lives,” El Arbi said.

The first episode of Ms. Marvel will be available to stream on Disney+ starting on Wednesday, June 8.

Muppets & Pride Phone Wallpapers: Celebrating the Lovers, the Dreamers, and YOU!

No matter if you’re a human, and frog, or (as Gonzo lovingly identifies himself) a whatever… we all have a reason to celebrate our true colors, especially during Pride Month. Share your Rainbow Connection with these downloadable phone wallpapers featuring Kermit and Gonzo so that any time of year you’ll be reminded to keep believing and keep pretending.

 

The Walt Disney Company to be the Exclusive Entertainment Sponsor of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™

By The D23 Team

Today, The Walt Disney Company announced it will be the exclusive entertainment sponsor of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®. This year’s celebration kicks off with the Road to ESSENCE Festival with select activations taking place in Los Angeles on June 4; Washington, D.C., on June 11; and Chicago on June 19. It culminates with ESSENCE Fest, which takes place in person (in New Orleans) and virtually June 30-July 3, 2022.

ESSENCE Fest is one of the largest festivals in the country, drawing more than 500,000 attendees annually over the July Fourth weekend. ESSENCE Communications, Inc. is the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities.

This year, The Walt Disney Company invites Festival attendees to experience “The Power of Joy” and the many ways Black joy reflects itself at Disney and the communities it touches. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in culture-defining storytelling, engage in unforgettable entertainment, interact with some of today’s biggest stars, and enjoy all manner of culinary experiences.

“The Walt Disney Company is proud to serve as the exclusive entertainment sponsor at the premier celebration of Black culture,” said Latondra Newton, senior vice president and chief diversity officer of The Walt Disney Company. “ESSENCE Fest affirms and amplifies the Black excellence, creativity, and innovation that is reflected in our people, storytelling, and experiences.”

Added Jill Estorino, president and managing director of Disney Parks International, “ESSENCE Fest is the pinnacle of Black cultural celebration and reverence, and we’re excited to expand our decade-long partnership. When we talk about this year’s Festival, we look forward to being able to say two things—The Walt Disney Company showed up in full to super-serve Black audiences, and we strengthened the foundation for partnership with ESSENCE for years to come.”

As the exclusive entertainment sponsor, Disney will bring talent, exclusive screenings, and experiences from across the Company’s iconic brands and touchpoints, including ABC, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+, Disney Studios Content, Disney Television Studios, Disneyland Resort, ESPN, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Pixar, and Walt Disney World Resort. Specific programming, experiences, and talent appearances will be announced at a later date.

“At ESSENCE we believe in building strategic engagements with our partners that drive significant value and put them authentically at the intersection of the culture that our audience creates and influences every single day,” said Pauline Malcolm-Thornton, chief revenue officer, Essence Ventures. “We are thrilled to deepen our relationship and expand upon our journey with Disney to deliver and celebrate our theme of Black joy for ESSENCE Fest and beyond.”

Already announced performances include Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, and New Edition. Anyone can register to attend virtually and in person.

WATCHLIST: Your Ewan McGregor Streaming Roundup!

By Courtney Potter

This is the streaming guide you’re looking for...

Now that Ewan McGregor’s beloved Jedi is back in the new Disney+ limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi, we thought it only fitting to take a spin through some of McGregor’s other works from around the worlds of Disney and 20th Century Fox.

Why not add some McGregor Madness to your “Obi-Wan Wednesdays” by taking in one of these works before the latest Obi-Wan Kenobi episode drops on Disney+ each week, now through June 22?

Jedis Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), dressed in tan garb with his green lightsaber, and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), also dressed in tan with his blue lightsaber, are battling battle with Darth Maul (Ray Park)—dressed in ominous black robes wielding his red lightsaber, in a still from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) (1999)
It’s the film that introduced McGregor as a younger Obi-Wan—a character fans had originally met in 1977’s A New Hope (Episode IV) in the form of iconic actor Alec Guinness... In Episode I, we follow along as Jedi knights Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) rescue Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), ruler of a peaceful planet invaded by some very dark forces. As they escape, they meet one Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd)—a child prodigy who happens to be unusually replete with the Force.

Satine (Nicole Kidman) in a white dress and sparkly headdress, is holding hands and standing side-by-side with Christian (Ewan McGregor), who’s wearing a white shirt with a black vest and pants. They’re singing, and surrounded by fancy-dressed dancers on all sides, in an image from Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Set in bohemian Paris circa 1900, director Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge! (from 20th Century Fox) stars McGregor as Christian, an English poet who falls for Satine (Nicole Kidman), the tragic belle of the Moulin Rouge cabaret hall. (You realize Obi-Wan’s romantic interest in the animated series The Clone Wars is also named Satine, right?) The film features several lavish musical numbers set to both well-known pop songs and original tunes, including the Golden Globe®-nominated “Come What May.” FYI: You can watch Moulin Rouge! on Hulu with the optional Starz add-on.

In a still from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), dressed in a tan tunic and dark cape, is flanked by two very tall, thin alien beings in a glass-enclosed walkway. There are many soldiers dressed in red sitting at tables below the walkway.

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II) (2002)
Episode II finds Jedi apprentice Anakin (Hayden Christensen) assigned to protect now-Senator Amidala (Portman)—but in the meantime, he realizes his love for her is growing stronger... as is his dark side. At the same time, Obi-Wan (McGregor) discovers a secret clone army as the galaxy advances toward all-out war.

Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger), dressed in a white beaded gown and gloves, is leaning on a blue upholstered bed next to Catcher Bock (Ewan McGregor), clad in a tux, in an image from Down with Love.

Down with Love (2003)
McGregor stars in this 20th Century Fox rom-com, set in the 1960s, as Catcher Block—a writer for (the fictional) Know magazine, and a notorious ladies’ man, who vows to “expose” progressive women’s author Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger) for the “traditional girl” that she is... Much like the films Down with Love takes inspiration from, including Rock Hudson and Doris Day’s Pillow Talk, lots of comedic hijinks ensue! FYI: You can stream Down with Love on Hulu with the HBO Max add-on.

Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), in a tan sweater tunic, is looking at something just off camera, set against a blue background, in a still from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) (2005)
This particular trilogy wraps up as Clone Wars rage across the galaxy and a truly sinister Sith Lord seizes control of the Republic, corrupting Anakin (Christensen) and turning him into his dark apprentice, Darth Vader, in the process. Ultimately, Obi-Wan (McGregor) is Forced—see what we did there?—to confront his fallen friend in an epic lightsaber duel.

Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor) has shoulder-length graying hair that’s starting to thin, and he’s wearing a leather jacket with an army green button-up shirt underneath, in an image from season three of FX’s Fargo. He’s sitting at a desk in an office; there’s a coffee cup next to him, and several photo frames on a credenza behind him.

Fargo (Season 3) (2017)
McGregor starred in the third season of FX’s anthology series, inspired by the 1996 film of the same name and set in the same fictional Midwestern universe. The year is 2010, and probation officer Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor) and his parolee girlfriend Nikki (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) are dreaming of a better life. To that end, they attempt to steal a valuable vintage stamp from Ray’s more successful older brother Emmit (also played by McGregor)—the self-proclaimed “Parking Lot King of Minnesota.” Their plans, however, murderously backfire.

*Please note that this series is for mature audiences only.*

Lumiere (voice of Ewan McGregor) is an anamorphic golden candelabra, and he’s hanging off the stone wall inside the Beast’s castle in a still from Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast. There are lit candles coming out of the top of his head and from both of his arms.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)
This live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1991 animated classic costars McGregor as the voice of Lumiere, the charming maître d’ for the Beast (Dan Stevens) who—because of the witch’s curse—has been transformed into a candelabra. The film also stars Emma Watson as Belle, Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as LeFou, Kevin Kline as Maurice, and Emma Thompson as the voice of Mrs. Potts.

Amidst fog and sun-dappled trees in the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh (voice of Jim Cummings) is wearing his iconic red t-shirt, and is standing in front of several signs labeled “Danger: Heffalumps,” while holding hands with Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor)—who’s wearing a grey fedora and trench coat and holding a briefcase and umbrella.

Christopher Robin (2018)
Ever wondered what happened to Winnie the Pooh’s human friend after he left the Hundred Acre Wood? Such is the premise of Christopher Robin, starring McGregor as the now adult—and very career-minded—Christopher, living in hectic London with his wife and daughter. After a series of misadventures, it’s up to Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and all of Christopher’s magical friends to remind him that “sometimes doing nothing leads to the very best something.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is wearing a brown cape and cowl and is staring at something off screen, in an image from the Disney+ limited series. There are a few brightly colored, though out-of-focus, lights seen behind him, as well as a few people.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
The most recent entrant for this watchlist: The story of Obi-Wan Kenobi is set 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith... Joining McGregor and Hayden Christensen onscreen are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie. New episodes drop every Wednesday!

Pinocchio Trailer Wishes Upon a Star—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney’s Live-Action Pinocchio Set to Debut on Disney+ Day

Big news, friends and fans! The global celebration of Disney+ Day will return on Thursday, September 8—just before the mega-huge event we’re already starting to get ready for ’round these parts: D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, California! To mark the occasion, our pals at the streaming service will host special experiences for fans and subscribers, and will premiere lots of new content—including the return of a beloved Disney franchise, with the all-new live-action Pinocchio.

Directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis, this live-action retelling of the beloved tale is headlined by Tom Hanks as Geppetto—the wood carver who builds and treats the puppet Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character; and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also featured are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana (and her marionette Sabina), Giuseppe Battiston as Stromboli, and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.

Disney+ Day will feature the big premiere of Pinocchio as well as a host of other debuts from the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic… so stay tuned for more updates in the coming months. And mark those calendars, y’all!

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

With all six seasons of Glee now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, you pretty much have your weekend sorted, right? In case you need to pepper in a few other morsels of merriment, to wit: Sweet Home Alabama on Freeform this Saturday; the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony featuring Sara Bareilles on Sunday; and so much more.

First Look at 20th Century Studios’ The Princess

Earlier this week, 20th Century Studios released a dynamic new trailer for The Princess, directed by Le-Van Kiet. The original movie will stream beginning July 1, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S.; Star+ in Latin America; and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.

An action-packed fight to the death set in a fairy tale world, The Princess stars Emmy Award® nominee Joey King as a beautiful, strong-willed princess who refuses to wed the cruel sociopath to whom she is betrothed, and is subsequently kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her scorned, vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must protect her family and save the realm.

Also starring Dominic Cooper, Olga Kurylenko, and Veronica Ngo, The Princess was written by Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Coming to Disney+ This Month!

Sure, you saw the madness on the big screen—but soon you’ll have the chance to live it all over again any time you want via Disney+! Yes, just this week it was announced that Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be available exclusively on the streamer beginning Wednesday, June 22. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, and Xochitl Gomez offered up the news in the magical clip, above.

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.

Trevor: The Musical Debuts All-New Trailer

In celebration of Pride Month, Disney+ has revealed the trailer for Trevor: The Musical—a filmed version of the Off-Broadway stage production that follows a charming 13-year-old force of nature with a vivid imagination. As he deals with becoming a teenager in 1981, Trevor struggles to navigate his own identity and determine how and where he fits in a challenging world. After an embarrassing incident at school suddenly puts him under the wrong spotlight, Trevor must summon the courage to forge his own path. Trevor: The Musical will make its streaming debut Friday, June 24, on Disney+.

A deeply moving and funny story of self-discovery and the power of acceptance, Trevor: The Musical is about living your best life with lots of passion… and a touch of pizzazz! The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award®-winning short film Trevor, which ultimately inspired the founding of LGBTQ youth suicide prevention nonprofit The Trevor Project—the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQIA+ young people.

Thirteen-year-old Holden William Hagelberger stars as Trevor. The company includes Mark Aguirre, Aaron Alcaraz, Ava Briglia, Sammy Dell, Tyler Joseph Gay, Ellie Kim, Colin Konstanty, Brigg Liberman, Diego Lucano, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Isabel Medina, Echo Deva Picone, Dan Rosales, Aryan Simhadri, Yasmeen Sulieman, Sally Wilfert, Aeriel Williams, and Jarrod Zimmerman. Directed by Marc Bruni, Trevor: The Musical features a book and lyrics by Dan Collins and music by Julianne Wick Davis.

… And don’t forget to look for Disney+’s Pride collection, where Trevor: The Musical will join additional content featuring LGBTQ+ stories and characters; fan-favorite series grown-ish, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and Gravity Falls are featured, and films joining the collection this year include Better Nate Than Ever, West Side Story (2021), Eternals, Howard, and more!

ICYMI: A Chef on a Mission: We Feed People Highlights the Work of José Andrés and World Central Kitchen

Chef Jose Andrés and his World Central Kitchen project have been feeding people in times of crisis since 2010—and now, thanks to a new documentary directed by Oscar® winner Ron Howard, we get a behind-the-scenes look at just how Andrés and his team make it happen. Hear from the chef and Howard here at D23.com, and make sure to check out the documentary now streaming exclusively on Disney+.