Marvel 616 is Among the Exciting Nonfiction Projects Just Announced for Disney+

April 10, 2019November 8, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Disney+, The Walt Disney Company’s upcoming streaming service, set to launch in the U.S. later this year, has just revealed an incredible slate of nonfiction programming, including Marvel 616 (working title), an anthological documentary series that explores the intersection between Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters, and creators and the world outside our window. The series comes from Supper Club, the independent production company founded by David Gelb (Chef’s Table, Jiro Dreams of Sushi), Brian McGinn (Chef’s Table, Amanda Knox), and Jason Sterman (13th, Five Came Back), who have entered into an exclusive deal to create premium franchise-based and original-concept nonfiction programming for Disney+, as well as other platforms and networks across the worlds of Disney.

Marvel 616, produced in partnership with Marvel New Media, marks Supper Club’s first original series for Disney+, and they’ve assembled a diverse group of filmmakers to take us on a deep dive into the rich historical, cultural, and societal context that has become increasing woven into stories of the Marvel Universe.

Supper Club will also produce Earthkeepers, a cinematic documentary series that centers on the adventurous lives of the people changing the way we see the animal kingdom. Each episode will spotlight conservationists and the animals they’ve devoted their career to studying, giving us a greater sense of the personal trials and professional breakthroughs that come with protecting the planet’s most endangered species.

The additional original nonfiction series announced today for Disney+ feature fan-favorite talent, exotic locations, inspiring stories—and plenty of Disney magic. Here are all of the series we can’t wait to stream:

Be Our Chef
Angela Kinsey (The Office) presides over this delicious new competition series, which gives families the chance to create the next great Disney Parks dish. Be Our Chef invites families from diverse backgrounds to join a positive and playful Disney-inspired cooking competition at Walt Disney World. In each episode, two families will participate in a themed challenge based on their family traditions and the magic of Disney. The finalists will apply what they have learned to create a dish that represents their family through a Disney lens. The winner’s magical food creation will become a signature dish or treat served at Walt Disney World.

Cinema Relics: Iconic Art of the Movies(working title)
This anthology series that takes a unique look at beloved films—including Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Mary Poppins, The Muppet Movie, Tron, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit—through the props and costumes (now modern ‘artifacts’) that made them unique. We’ll hear from the craftspeople who created them, the actors who interacted with them, and the collectors/archives who own and cherish them in the show, which will be hosted by film historian/collector Dan Lanigan.

Encore!
Our toes are already tapping over this series—executive produced by Kristen Bell (Frozen)—which brings together former castmates of a high school musical, tasking them with re-creating their original performance in a high school reunion like no other. Emotions run high as the former students face faded friendships, former flames, self-doubt, and killer choreography. Through it all, these unlikely groups of friends—with the help of Broadway’s best—just might pull off a standing-ovation-worthy performance of beloved musicals such as The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Annie, and more.

Marvel’s Hero Project
Even in the Marvel Universe, not all heroes wear capes, and this new series (also produced in partnership with Marvel New Media) spotlights real-life heroes who are making remarkable, positive changes in their own communities. These inspiring kids have dedicated their lives to selfless acts of bravery and kindness, and now, Marvel celebrates them as the true Super Heroes they are.

(Re)Connect
Every episode of (Re)Connect focuses on one family with a modern-day, relatable issue that’s driving a wedge between them. Issues range from workaholic parents, overly competitive siblings, technology addiction, or a family secret that has recently been revealed. All of these families have reached a breaking point, and it’s time for them to disconnect from their busy lives, devices, and outside influences in order to address their issues head-on. With the help of a specialized expert, each family will go on a unique journey that organically ties to the issues they are facing in order to confront the family’s dilemma. Can they finally come together as a family to overcome their obstacles… and reconnect? Real-life husband and wife Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa are among the producers of this compelling new series.

Rogue Trip
Bob Woodruff and his 27-year-old son, Mack, take fans to all the places the average tourist wouldn’t typically visit—frequently overlooked (and even misunderstood) destinations whose hidden corners surprise, amaze, and inspire. It’s the family vacation most of us are unlikely to take—but now is our chance to venture to these amazing locales via Disney+.

Shop Class (working title)
Youthful ingenuity is on display in this new competition series that features teams of inventive students tasked with designing, building, and testing new contraptions to vie for the title of Shop Class Champs. In each episode, they’ll present their work to a panel of experts who will rate their projects based on engineering, design, and the final test of the build.

Untitled Walt Disney Imagineering Documentary Series
A Disney fan’s dream, this documentary series looks at the more than 65-year history of Walt Disney Imagineering through parallel storylines focused on the people, the craft, and the business. Oscar®- and Emmy®-nominated director and producer Leslie Iwerks is creator of the series that will feature exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from Disney parks around the globe.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Hannah Montana: The Movie

April 10, 2019

By Karina Schink

Ten years ago today, we got the best of both worlds when Hannah Montana went from being a television superstar to making her big-screen debut in Hannah Montana: The Movie. To celebrate, here’s a look back at the iconic Disney film, and a couple of facts we think might surprise you.

1. The film shot just a few miles away from Miley Cyrus’ childhood home.
It may be already well known that Miley Cyrus was born and raised in Tennessee, but what you might not know is that Hannah Montana: The Movie was not only shot on location in Tennessee, but just a stone’s throw away from Miley’s childhood home! One of the shoot’s main locations, Grandma Ruby’s farm, was on a 200-acre ranch just south of Nashville, only miles from the Cyrus family farm. One of the film’s stars, Emily Osment, recalled visiting Miley’s childhood bedroom,“We shot 20 minutes from where Miley grew up. Her room was decorated like it was in sixth grade when she left [For L.A.]. It’s adorable.”

2. Extensive stunts were used to create the famous “sabotage scene.”
While a Disney film based off of a Disney Channel series may not immediately bring stunts to mind, there were quite a few used in this film about the double-life pop superstar. The sabotage scene (yes, the one featuring some not-so-mild hot sauce), required extensive stunts and effects, a 3-D architectural model, and 700 pounds of walnuts.

3. The film had a slew of special guest stars.
We’re pretty sure you remember that infamous scene with Tyra Banks over a pair of shoes that sets Miley off on her trip back to her roots. But, do you remember catching Vanessa Williams, Barry Bostwick, Rascal Flatts, and a then-unknown Taylor Swift? Maybe it’s time to put “Crazier” on repeat again.

4. The writer penned several Disney Channel Classics
Screenwriter Dan Berendsen not only wrote Hannah Montana: The Movie for Disney, but also Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam; Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie; The Cheetah Girls: One World; Twitches; Halloweentown High; Up, Up, and Away; Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off; Stuck in the Suburbs; and Twitches Too. But, that’s not where his relationship with Disney ends. In fact, he also has developed, produced, and written for several ABC shows including Sabrina the Teenage Witchand Baby Daddy.

5. It was only the second theatrical film released based on a Disney Channel Original Series.
In 2009, Hannah Montana: The Movie was only the second film released based on a Disney Channel Original Series. Can you guess the other one? We’ll give you a hint. It was released in the early 2000s, featuring a high school teenager, as well as a miniature animation version of her. Did we help you get one step closer? Hey now, hey now, don’t worry, we’re sure you’ll figure it out your own way.

Stunning Marvel Studios Concept Art Every Fan Should See

April 9, 2019April 26, 2020

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Let’s take a look back at MCU movies in a new way! Our friends at Marvel Studios have rounded up a gallery of amazing concept art from films like Avengers: Infinity War, Thor: Ragnarok, Captain Marvel, and more! The journey from concept to screen is just as epic as the actual Marvel films—so check out the gallery below to see how artists imagined our favorite heroes’ most epic moments.

Marvel Cinematic Universe concept art — Key art for *Marvel’s The Avengers* by Ryan Meinerding.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Monsters At Work Coming to Disney+ in 2020

April 9, 2019April 9, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

There’s breaking news out of Monstropolis this morning. Disney+ has just revealed a monstrous lineup of actors who are lending their voices to Monsters At Work, the new animated series inspired by the world of Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film Monsters, Inc. Billy Crystal and John Goodman will reprise their beloved characters, Mike and Sulley, when the series premieres on the streaming service in 2020.

The series for families picks up six months after the events of Monsters, Inc.The Monsters, Inc. power plant now harvests the laughter of children to fuel Monstropolis—after all, laughter does generate 10 times more energy than screams do. We’ll follow a new monster, Tylor Tuskmon (voiced by Superstore’s Ben Feldman), an enthusiastic and talented mechanic on the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT) who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idols—Mike and Sulley—and making his way up to the factory Laugh Floor as a Jokester.

Crystal and Goodman won’t be the only familiar voices we’ll hear. Keep an ear out for John Ratzenberger, who will be voicing Yeti and a new character, Bernard; Jennifer Tilly, reprising the role of Celia Mae; and Bob Peterson, who in Monsters At Work will voice Roze, twin sister to his original Monsters, Inc. character, Roz.

Monsters At Work also stars Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as Val Little, Tylor’s lifelong BFF; Henry Winkler (Barry) as scatterbrained boss Fritz; Lucas Neff (Raising Hope) as an opportunistic plumber named Duncan; Alanna Ubach (Coco) as Cutter, a monster who always plays by the rules; Stephan Stanton (Star Wars Resistance) as Smitty and Needleman, the bumbling custodial team; and Aisha Tyler (Archer) will lend her voice to the role of Millie Tuskmon, Tylor’s mom.

The series, which is produced by Disney Television Animation, was developed by and is executive produced by Bobs Gannaway—a Disney animation veteran whose credits include Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Planes: Fire and Rescue. Ferrell Barron (Planes: Fire & Rescue) produces, and Kat Good (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero) and Rob Gibbs (Monsters, Inc.) direct.

Stay tuned for more news about Monsters At Work as it’s announced. (Don’t worry—you’ll hear our joyous screams!) Like Roz, we’ll be watching. Always watching. Always.

6 Disney Cliffhangers that Had Us on the Edge of Our Seats

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019

By the D23 Team

We’ve waited a whole year to discover what happens to our favorite Super Heroes in Avengers: Endgame after the shocking ending to Avengers: Infinity War. While we’re counting down the days till April 26, let’s take a look back at six times Disney films and television shows left us desperate to know what would happen next. Grab your popcorn and find yourself a comfy seat (or the edge of one, anyway) as we take a trip down memory lane.

This article contains spoilers for all of the shows and films mentioned below, so read on with caution!

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
Nowadays, Marvel movies are famous for their cliffhangers and plot twists, but back before Thanos made his deadly snap, fans were on the edge of their seats from one particularly chilly turn of events.

Captain America: The First Avenger introduced us to Steve Rogers, the scrawny kid from Brooklyn who—thanks to some top-secret science—was transformed into Captain America! This film was our first chance to fall in love with Cap’s heroism and kind spirit—but it was also a chance to experience the emotion and heartbreak the MCU has become famous for, as the ending of the movie brought us the famous scene of Steve giving his last goodbyes to his love, Peggy Carter, before crashing his plane, never to be seen again… or so we thought! Steve’s brave sacrifice (his plane was loaded with the Red Skull’s deadly bombs that needed to be neutralized) saved us all, but also kept him perfectly frozen, only to be discovered in the present day.

While Marvel was already playing with our emotions thanks to the final scene of Cap rushing into the streets of modern New York City only to discover he’s been comatose for 70 years, if you stayed through the end credits (as all good Marvel fans should!) you’d soon discover Nick Fury offering Cap a chance to save the world—with the Avengers! We were desperate to know what would happen when our favorite Super Heroes finallyteamed up to save the day in 2012’s groundbreaking Marvel’s The Avengers!

2. Andi Mack
“The Cake That Takes the Cake”

It was the “Um” heard around the world.

Who could forget the season 2 finale of Disney Channel’s Andi Mack?In the very appropriately titled finale “The Cake That Takes the Cake,” Bex and Andi conspire together to plan the perfect proposal for Bex to give to Andi’s dad, Bowie. But, before they can finish the plan, Bowie makes a startling announcement that foils everything, leaving all of us on the final word of the season, “Um.” What follows that jaw-dropping utterance by Andi isn’t the only thing Andi Mack fans have been waiting to hear about.

We’re all anxiously waiting to see what season 3 holds for Cyrus and Buffy, as well as Cece, now that she can settle into the role of grandmother instead of parent. (Actress Lauren Tom promises a whole new look, and we are so excited to fall in love with her all over again!)

3. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Stop reading if you don’t want Star Wars spoilers—also, maybe consider coming out from that rock you’ve been hiding under since 1980. (You’ve got a lot of Disney movies to catch up on!) Is this the most famous cliffhanger of all time? We might be a little biased, but the ending to The Empire Strikes Backis probably one of the most thrilling ever! Luke rushes to rescue Leia and Han from Darth Vader’s deadly ambush, but it’s too late! Han gets frozen in Carbonite after admitting that “he knows” Leia loves him. Luke duels with Darth Vader in the air shafts of Cloud City and discovers the truth—Darth Vader is his father. Leia and Luke use telepathy to communicate with each other. By the end of the film, they’ve lost a team member, Luke’s lost a hand, and we’ve lost any idea of what could happen in the next movie.

What seems like common knowledge now (after all, there’s a whole trilogy exploring Anakin Skywalker’s journey to the Dark side) was originally an Earth-shattering way to end a film—and still remains today one of the best cliffhangers in movie history.

4. Tangled: The Series
“You’re Kidding Me!”

Rapunzel, Eugene, Pascal, Cass, Lance, and Shorty find themselves stuck in the seashell-shaped “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” where Cass, Shorty, and Lance are magically turned into children. It’s up to Rapunzel and Eugene to look after them for the day, while Matthews, the inn keeper, plans to keep them trapped longer than expected.

The most painful part? We still don’t know how this all plays out for our ragtag fairytale team! We, for one, can’t wait to see where this misadventure leads the entire group.

5. Lost
“Exodus: Part 3”

As we looked through all of our favorite Lost cliffhangers, we found it almost impossible to pick just one. But of course, the three-part finale of season one is a classic. While we’re sure no Lost fans could ever forget that record-breaking premiere, here’s a little refresher of what the first cliffhanger finale of the debut season held.

“Exodus: Part 1, 2, and 3” are packed full of answers, and hints to more questions, for our island survivors. But the main question of the episodes, and perhaps the entire first season, is just what the cloud of smoke is. With the Monster closing in, Jack, Kate, Locke, and Hurley decide that the only way the stranded passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 can survive is to get down inside a mysterious hatch.

As the camera slowly goes down a seemingly endless tunnel underground, fans were left to wonder what Jack, Kate, Locke, and Hurley were looking at.

6. Avengers: Infinity War
We can’t end a list of our favorite Disney cliffhangers without the snap heard ‘round the world (universe). Last April, audiences everywhere were shocked when Thanos completed his collection of Infinity Stones and snapped half of everything out of existence! Black Panther, Spider-Man, Bucky—none of our favorites were safe from turning to dust, and our remaining heroes were left with the ultimate defeat.

Will our favorite heroes be brought back to life? Can the remaining Avengers defeat Thanos, even though he has all the power of the universe at his fingers? Will we be able to keep ourselves from crying during the movie? All questions will be answered soon, as long as we can make it to April 26!

Hades Breaks Through the Barrier in Descendants 3 Trailer

April 5, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Mal’s not exaggerating when she says “all of Auradon is in danger.”

On Friday, ABC’s Good Morning America gave fans their first look at a magical and magnificent new trailer for the highly anticipated movie Descendants 3, premiering this summer on Disney Channel. With a mysterious sleeping spell rolling across the kingdom, it’s up to the villain kids—Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Sofia Carson), Carlos (Cameron Boyce), and Jay (Booboo Stewart)—to save the day. That means they must close the barrier between Auradon and the Isle of the Lost—but nemeses Uma (China Anne McClain) and Hades (Cheyenne Jackson) have other plans.

Directed by Kenny Ortega, Descendants 3 also features Mitchell Hope as King Ben, Sarah Jeffery as Audrey, Brenna D’Amico as Jane, Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother, Thomas Doherty as Harry, Dylan Playfair as Gil, Zachary Gibson as Doug, Jedidiah Goodacre as Chad, Jamal Sims as Dr. Facilier, Jadah Marie as Celia, Anna Cathcart as Dizzy, Dan Payne as Beast, and Keegan Connor Tracy as Belle. The “threequel” follows Descendants (2015) and Descendants 2 (2017).

In addition to the trailer, Disney Channel also released a new poster to promote the DCOM.

Stay tuned to D23.com for all of the wickedly wonderful Descendants 3 news as it’s announced.

Avengers: Endgame Stars Celebrate the Launch of Avengers Universe Unites

April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

By Zach Johnson

The stars of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: assembled to celebrate a Super Hero-sized charitable initiative today, as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, and Brie Larson visited the Disneyland Resort to launch Avengers Universe Unites. The epic charity event supports The Walt Disney Company’s signature philanthropic commitment, Disney Team of Heroes, which delivers comfort and inspiration to seriously ill children around the world.

Downey, Hemsworth, Johansson, Renner, Rudd, and Larson teamed up in Disney California Adventure Park to celebrate the donation of more than $5 million to nonprofits supporting children with critical illnesses, including $1 million in cash from Disney to Starlight Children’s Foundation. The LEGO Group, Hasbro, Funko and Amazon together donated more than $4 million in Avengers: Endgame toys and products, which will be sent to hundreds of children’s hospitals throughout the country, as well as to Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in central Florida.

“The superheroes in Avengers personify traits like courage, perseverance, bravery and hope—the same traits countless kids and their families in children’s hospitals exhibit every day,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who joined the kickoff celebration. “We are grateful to have the Avengers cast take time out of their day to be a part of this effort to lift spirits and bring comfort to children during a difficult time.”

Kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim and Garden Grove joined the six actors to play at a larger-than-life LEGO® build at The LEGO Store in Downtown Disney, where they were treated to a visit by Amazon’s Treasure Truck stocked with Avengers: Endgame toys, including Hasbro action figures, Iron Man MK50 robots by UBTECH, and Funko POP! vinyl figures. “Nobody understands magical experiences better than Disney, and we’ve been proud to partner with them in bringing those experiences to kids in children’s hospitals for more than 20 years,” said Adam Garone, CEO, Starlight Children’s Foundation. “From delivering hospital care packages, to storytelling through Starlight Xperience virtual reality, to our recent Disney-themed Starlight Gowns, millions of seriously ill children have benefited from our amazing relationship together. And with this donation, even more kids will get to experience the magic of Disney.”

Everything You Need to Know About Star Wars Celebration Chicago

April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Soon, fans from across the galaxy will travel to Chicago for Star Wars Celebration—and so will we. For padawans who aren’t making the journey to the Windy City, The Star Wars Show LIVE! presented by Geico will stream panels, interviews and more directly from the show floor. Also, be sure to follow D23 on social media for real-time updates, coming at you faster than lightspeed! And you won’t want to miss actress and D23 favorite Ashley Eckstein do a mini social takeover on Saturday. Finally, come back to D23.com Monday for a fun, comprehensive recap of the buzziest moments.

The five-day celebration will take place from April 11–15 at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive). Sharing in the excitement of new books, comics, movies, and television shows, while also celebrating the vast history of the Star Wars universe, the exclusive event will include major announcements, celebrity guests, immersive exhibits, limited edition merch, meet-and-greet opportunities, fan-inspired activities, early screenings, panel discussions, and more. Star Wars Celebration will be open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Jedi Master VIPs also get 30 minutes early access.

David W. Collins and Amy Ratcliffe will return as hosts of the Galaxy Stage and the Behind-the-Scenes Stage, respectively. Warwick Davis, who brought Weazel and Wicket to life onscreen, will serve as the master of ceremonies; he last hosted the Celebration Stage in Orlando in 2017.

Star Wars Celebration attendees can take advantage of the new LIGHTSPEED Virtual Panel Reservations and LIGHTSPEED Lane Virtual Queuing, powered by ThinkGeek, which eliminate the need for overnight queuing and give fans the opportunity to see the panels they want and shop the Celebration Store with less waiting time.

And no matter how far, far away fans may be, they can join the festivities via their nearest screen or device, as hosts Andi Gutierrez and Anthony Carboni, co-hosts Max Scoville and Chastity Vicencio, and Jordan Hembrough and Ashley Eckstein stream live from StarWars.com and YouTube.com throughout the event.

ARE THESE THE DROIDS—ER, CHARACTERS—YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?
Dozens of actors will be making appearances, including Riz Ahmed (Bodhi Rook), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Paul Bettany (Dryden Vos), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Hermione Corfield (Tallissan Lintra), Michael Culver (Captain Needa), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Warwick Davis (Wicket W. Warrick/Weazel), Mark Dodson (Salacious B. Crumb), Anthony Forrest (Sandtrooper), Janina Gavankar (Iden Versio), Julian Glover (General Veers), Greg Grunberg (Temmin “Snap” Wexley), Kathy Kartwheel (HURID-327), Paul Kasey (Admiral Raddus and Ello Asty), Erin Kellyman (Enfys Nest), Ken Leung (Admiral Statura), Jett Lucas (Zett Jukassa), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine), Ian McElhinney (General Dodonna), John Morton (Dak Ralter), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Michael Pennington (Moff Jerjerrod), Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka), John Ratzenberger (Major Derlin), Orli Shoshan (Shaak Ti), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Alan Tudyk (K-2SO), Forest Whitaker (Saw Gerrera), and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian).

Meanwhile, voice actors scheduled to attend include Dee Bradley Baker (Glem), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Donald Faison (Hype Fazon), Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger), Jason Isaacs (The Inquisitor), Tom Kane (Master Yoda and others), Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), Scott Lawrence (Jarek Yeager), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett), Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla), Suzie McGrath (Tam Ryvora), Bobby Moynihan (Orka), Freddie Prinze Jr. (Kanan Jarrus), Greg Proops (Jak Sivrak, Garma and Fode), Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan), Christopher Sean (Kazuda Xiono), Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren), Catherine Taber (Padmé Amidala), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Myrna Velasco (Torra Doza), Sam Witwer (Darth Maul), and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).

(For pricing information regarding autographs and photo ops, click here.)

Other guests include puppeteers Dave Chapman and Brian Herring, the men responsible for bringing BB-8 to life; droid builders Lee Towersey and Josh Lee, who mechanized R2-D2 and K-2SO, respectively; electronic and development supervisor Matt Denton; and authors Jeffrey Brown, Katie Cook, Zoraida Córdova, Delilah Dawson, Alexander Freed, Claudia Gray, E.K. Johnston, Justina Ireland, Cavan Scott, and Timothy Zahn. Rob Bredow, executive creative director and head of Industrial Light & Magic, will also be autographing his new book, Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Making Solo: A Star Wars Story. Lorne Peterson, one of the founding members of Industrial Light & Magic who was hired to help create models for Star Wars: A New Hope, will make an appearance, as will creature performer Annabelle Davis (Thromba) and Penny McCarthy, who played both a Devaronian cantina patron and a band member in the film.

Plus, Mark Daniel (Celebration Stage warm-up host), Warwick Davis (Celebration Stage host), Dave Griffiths (Galaxy Stage DJ), Elliot Hansen (Celebration Stage DJ), Gus Lopez (Collecting Track host), Cameron Matthews (StarWars.com Stage warm-up host), Mark Newbold (Podcast Stage host), and Amanda Wirtz (Galaxy Stage warm-up host) will be there to rev up the crowds.

PANELS! UNLIMITED PANELS!
An exciting entertainment lineup will take place across eight stages in McCormick Place: Celebration Stage (Location: Wintrust Arena), Collectors’ Stage (Location: W474), Fan Stage (Location: W470), Galaxy Stage (Location: Skyline Ballroom), Podcast Stage (Location: W193), Star Wars Show LIVE! Stage (Location: Exhibit Hall), Twin Suns Stage (Location: W196), and University Stage (Location: W194). The Star Wars Celebration website has an interactive map.

Here are some of the most anticipated panels of 2019:

Friday, April 12

Star Wars: Episode IX (11 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy will appear live on stage to celebrate the culmination of the Skywalker Saga. Count on plenty of surprises and special guests as anticipation builds for the blockbuster finale, set for release on December 20, 2019.

Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series (1:30–2:30 p.m.)
Join ILMxLAB and Oculus for a preview of the first Star Wars story series designed for virtual reality. Learn all about the design, story, and technology that bring this new experience to life.

Saturday, April 13

Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life (11 a.m.–12:20 p.m.)
Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will share stories about what it takes to bring Star Wars to life and how guests can live their own Star Wars stories in Batuu. Expect a few surprises before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31 at Disneyland Resort in California and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Star Wars Rebels Remembered (12:45–1:45 p.m.)
The Ghost crew is far from forgotten! Take a walk down memory lane with executive producer Dave Filoni and voice actors Gray, Marshall, and Sircar. Spoiler alert: There are NO reboot plans.

Sunday, April 14

The Mandalorian (11 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Learn about the perilous world at the heart of the series, set to debut on Disney+, with executive producer/writer Jon Favreau and executive producer/director Dave Filoni. Disney+, The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, debuts in the U.S. later this year.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Sneak Peek (3:30–4:30 p.m.)
Filoni will invite special guests to discuss the return of the animated series, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Together, they’ll share an exclusive sneak peek at things to come.

Monday, April 15

Star Wars: Phantom Menace 20th Anniversary Celebration (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
Davis will host the can’t-miss event live from the Celebration Stage, sharing rare behind-the-scenes content and inviting special guests to share insights and memories from the film’s set.

Star Wars Resistance Season Two Sneak Peek (1:30–2:30 p.m.)
Preview new episodes of the animated series with executive producers Brandon Auman, Athena Portillo, and Justin Ridge, plus actors Faison, Lawrence, McGrath, Sean, and Velasco.

Visit Star Wars Celebration’s website for a complete guide to dozens of must-see panels.

NEVER TELL ME THE ODDS—ER, PRICE!
Star Wars Celebration will transport some of the most sought-after treasures in the galaxy to a single space: McCormick Place. Most items will only be available to fans who attend the event, although select products will be available to purchase from Amazon, Target, and other retailers.

Save up your Imperial Credits and explore the floors to find merchandise like ACME Archives’ “The Hopeful” Art Print by Jerry Vanderstelt, Aquarius’ Character and Vehicle Magnets, Beeline’s Rancor and Jedi Luke Geeki Tikis Set, Diamond Select Toys’ Hera Syndulla Mini Bust, Fantasy Flight Games’ Star Wars: Legion Limited Edition Darth Vader Commander Expansion, Funko’s Watto POP!, Hallmark’s Boushh Itty Bitty, Hasbro’s Star Wars: The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi on Episode I Cardback, Koto, Inc.’s R2-R9 and R2-B1 ARTFX Statues 2-Pack, Kotobukiya’s ARTFX Darth Vader Bronze Version, LEGO’s Darth Vader Bust, Loungefly’s Animated Boba Fett Edition Backpack, NECA’s Jabba the Hutt Chia Pet (Limited Edition of 500), Po-Zu’s Star Wars Celebration Sneaker, Reed Exhibitions’ Darth Maul Souvenir Jacket, Regal Robot’s Jabba’s Dais Gargoyle Magnet, Seven20’s Aunt Beru’s Diner Mug, Seven20’s Walk-N-Roar Chewbacca Plush With Collectible Millennium Falcon Pin, Wilson’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 20th Anniversary Football, and dozens of other collectibles.

HOW YOU GET SO BIG EATING FOOD OF THIS KIND?
Fans can purchase meals in the 2nd Level Food Court in McCormick West, as well as in the Marriott Marquis Chicago and around the McCormick Place convention center area. Chicago also has wonderful restaurants and eating places for Star Wars Celebration after-hours meals.

HELP ME, OBI-WAN KENOBI: YOU’RE MY ONLY HOPE!
The Star Wars Celebration Mobile App is the best source for up to the minute information, maps and more. Still have questions? Look no further than the Star Wars Celebration FAQs.

Tickets are still available for Monday, April 15. Star Wars Celebration Chicago teamed up with Lyte to form an authentic, safe ticket exchange. Fans may return their sold-out ticket types to Lyte, or they may make a reservation to buy a ticket from Lyte after a ticket type has sold out.

Avengers: Endgame Tickets Now on Sale—Plus More in News Briefs

April 4, 2019

By Courtney Potter

It’s almost time to join the Avengers for “whatever it takes,” and their colleagues at S.H.I.E.L.D. return to ABC this summer… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Avengers: Endgame: The Wait is Almost Over…

While it’s true that we don’t know much about what Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame has in store (and honestly, we prefer it that way—no spoilers!), we do know this: Tickets for the film are now on sale! So if you’d like to avoid waiting in long lines at your local cineplex once it’s rocketed onto screens, you might just wanna go ahead and pre-purchase yours—available anywhere movie tickets are sold… don’t say we didn’t warn you!

And get this: Twelve theaters in North America (11 in the States and one in Canada) will offer fans the chance to experience the Marvel Cinematic Universe like never before during an incredible Marvel Studios’ 22-Movie Marathon! Starting Tuesday, April 23, fans will be able to see every film in the MCU, culminating with Avengers: Endgame at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 25. Check out Marvel Studios’ 22-Movie Marathon for more information.

Plus, just in case you needed another teaser trailer to further whet your anticipatory appetite, take a gander at the brand-new clip above—released in honor of the film’s on-sale fiesta. Avengers: Endgame opens in theaters everywhere April 26. See ya there!

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
April 5, 2019
Lunch with a Disney Legend–Linda Larkin
April 6, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: The Lion King on Broadway
April 6, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – GOLD FAMILY EXCLUSIVE
April 13, 2019
Join D23 for a Special Screening of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi!
April 15, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
May 1, 2019

May 4, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King at Walt Disney World
May 6, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
May 11, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King on the Lot
May 16, 2019
D23 Celebrates Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World
June 1, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Return to Walt’s Chicago
June 8, 2019
Lunch with a Disney Legend – Paige O’Hara
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
March 1-April 23, 2019
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
March 6-June 3, 2019
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Summer 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at Disneyland Resort
Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort

Studios
April 17, 2019
Penguins opens in U.S. theaters
April 26, 2019
Avengers: Endgame opens in U.S. theaters
May 24, 2019
Aladdin opens in U.S. theaters
June 21, 2019
Toy Story 4 opens in U.S. theaters
July 19, 2019
The Lion King opens in U.S. theaters
August 9, 2019
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
March 3, 2019
American Idol kicks off second season on ABC (8–10:01 p.m. EST)

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Returns This Summer

Speaking of the MCU, we’re pleased to report that Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will be returning to the ABC airwaves in just a few months’ time. Some of your favorite agents made the announcement at the recent WonderCon convention in Anaheim—read more about the show’s return, and get a ton of inside scoop, right here at D23.com.

Two Big Epcot Festivals Announce Delightful Details

Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort is supremely cool for oh, so many reasons—including their amazing annual festivals, some of which have been going on for decades. So color us ecstatic regarding the following update… New details were just revealed this week for two such fan favorite events: the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays!

The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run August 29 through November 23, making it the longest Food & Wine Festival in the park’s history—at a whopping 87 days! As in years past, look for all manner of tasty dishes, fine dining events, and appearances by top celebrity chefs. Plus, the festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run from August 29 until November 19 and will feature a memorable lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing, and Latin artists. (Do note that the concert series will conclude a few days earlier than the festival, in order to set the stage for the return of Epcot’s beloved Candlelight Processional!) Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for more information in the coming months at TasteEpcot.com.

And speaking of Candlelight, the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will delight guests beginning November 29 and run through December 30. This seasonal celebration invites young and young at heart to discover holiday cheer across all 11 World Showcase pavilions and throughout the park. Special entertainment, storytellers, yummy favorites at Holiday Kitchens, and shimmering holiday decor are all part of the magic. The Candlelight Processional—a truly “must-do” event for many Epcot fans—will feature nightly retellings of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a choir and live orchestra.

Stay tuned for more info on Epcot’s upcoming festival fun as it’s released!

Five Times the Aladdin on Broadway for Fifth Anniversary

If you’re a fan of Aladdin on Broadway—the musical based on Disney’s 1992 animated hit—or if you’re just a fan of fabulous theatrical performances in general, you positively must check out the video from the show’s recent fifth anniversary celebration… featuring five actors who’ve played the production’s show-stopping Genie—including Tony® winner James Monroe Iglehart. Check it out here at D23.com.

Party with Your Favorite Villains at Magic Kingdom’s Disney After Hours

Our good pals over at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have started offering some supremely cool events for guests, once the sun’s gone down and the park gates have closed… On the West Coast, it’s known as Disneyland After Dark (the next event is at Disney California Adventure park in late April; more info here)—and at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s known as Disney After Hours. And just this week, Magic Kingdom park revealed that all our favorite villains will play a huge part in their next nighttime event, running from June 6 to August 8 on 10 select evenings.

Open to a limited number of guests, Disney After Hours offers shorter wait times at more than 20 attractions and experiences—including Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and many more. Disney After Hours tickets allow entry as early as 7 p.m., so there’s time to enjoy some fireworks before the main festivities even commence. And yummy snacks like ice cream and popcorn are included in the cost of admission!

Disney Villains After Hours will include some incredible, exclusive entertainment—namely, a brand-new Disney Villains stage show called “Villains Unite the Night,” featuring fan favorites Hades and Meg from Hercules. Plus, the amazing Maleficent the Dragon float (from Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade) will be “let loose” for the very first time at night, breathing fire as she slinks through the park. Don’t forget to look for exclusive Disney Villains merchandise, as well as wickedly tasty food and beverage offerings. And of course, guests are encouraged to come bedecked with attire inspired by your favorite baddie.

Tickets for Disney Villains After Hours will be available beginning April 29—for more info, check out the event page at DisneyWorld.com.

Amphibia Brings Brenda Song Back to Disney Channel

She previously co-starred on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody—as well as in a slew of Disney Channel Original Movies—and now she’s back, lending her voice to a brand-new animated series. Hear more about what to expect from Amphibia, debuting this summer on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW, right here at D23.com.

Meet Two Rising Stars at Disney TV Animation

Speaking of Amphibia, and Disney TV animation in general—two Disney animators have made it onto a very special list. Animation magazine recently released its annual rundown of up-and-coming animation professionals (dubbed the “Special 16”) taking the world by storm… and the creator of Amphibia, Matt Braly, made the list! The CalArts graduate first turned Disney heads as a storyboard artist for Disney Channel’s Gravity Falls—and now, he’s produced his own highly anticipated series for the Company.

But that’s not all: Disney TV animation’s own Dana Terrace, creator of the upcoming Disney Channel series The Owl House (slated to debut in early 2020), was highlighted as a member of the “Special 16” as well! She, too, started working in storyboards for Gravity Falls, and has now created a series that follows a rough-around-the-edges mother figure resembling her own quirky female relatives.

Take a look at the full list here, and make sure to keep an eye out for these rising stars.

Every Way You Can Celebrate Earth Month with Disney

April 4, 2019

By D23 Team

Every April, The Walt Disney Company celebrates Earth Month as a way of honoring the wonderful place we call home. Whether you’re marveling at the beauty of nature or practicing ways to reduce plastic waste, there are countless ways to be part of the Earth Month celebration with us! All over the world, you can join Disney in spending this month working to make our world a little bit better—and more magical! How will you be celebrating the Earth?

Walt Disney World
Guests at the Walt Disney World Resort can celebrate Disneynature’s Penguins while learning more about the impact plastics can have on marine environments. The nonprofit organization Washed Ashore has created a striking nine-foot-tall sculpture of an Adélie penguin made completely from recycled marine trash, such as bottle caps, plastic utensils, and even golf balls. You can see the sculpture in person during the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival from now through June 3 in Epcot’s Future World. A second enormous penguin sculpture is also on display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in celebration of Earth Month, April 1–30.

Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort cast members are getting creative to showcase their love of the environment in the fourth annual Environmentality Art Challenge. Individuals and teams are building, sculpting, painting, or drawing their own project that illustrates why Environmentality is important to them. The art challenge finalists will be on display at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail April 8–22. Guests and employees vising the resort are invited to see these amazing creations in person and cast their votes to help determine the winner.

Disneyland Paris
Throughout April, enjoy a special projection pre-show featuring jaw-dropping scenes from Disneynature films, all projected on Sleeping Beauty Castle! Marvel at the beauty of nature every evening from March 30 to April 30, 2019 with clips from Bears, Born in China, The Crimson Wing, Oceans, and other favorites. You’ll have a roarin’ good time before you enjoy the dazzling Disney Illuminations spectacular.

Shanghai Disney Resort
At Shanghai Disneyland, guests can enjoy stunning photos of wildlife as part of the WildAid Wildlife Photo Exhibit. Once again, Shaghai Disneyland has partnered with the environmental nonprofit WildAid, this time with a photo gallery of some of our favorite stars of nature.

Movie Theaters Everywhere
From April 17–23, everyone is invited to waddle on over to their nearest movie theater to see Disneynature’s Penguins. For every ticket sold in its opening week in North America, Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network to help protect penguins across the southern hemisphere. Meet Steve, Penguins’ leading bird, at Nature.Disney.com/Penguins, and learn more about the film and the Disneynature label, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Avengers: Endgame: The Wait is Almost Over…

Save the Date! Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Returns This Summer

Two Big Epcot Festivals Announce Delightful Details

Five Times the Aladdin on Broadway for Fifth Anniversary

Party with Your Favorite Villains at Magic Kingdom’s Disney After Hours

Amphibia Brings Brenda Song Back to Disney Channel

Meet Two Rising Stars at Disney TV Animation

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar: