How Andor Season 2 Changed the Way Diego Luna Sees Rogue One

By Zach Johnson

Lucasfilm's Andor returns for its highly anticipated second and final season on Tuesday, April 22, only on Disney+. A prequel to the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), the critically acclaimed thriller series tells the story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a key player in the Rebel Alliance.

Andor creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy — who co-wrote the billion-dollar blockbuster Rogue One — once again brings his clear, creative vision to the series, which won a Peabody Award and was nominated for eight Emmys®, including Outstanding Drama Series.

According to Gilroy, having a previously established ending for the titular character was surprisingly freeing. "It's having the ending, it's having the structure, it's having the boundaries of Season 2 and the leadup to Rogue One that make it possible for the show to be good," he said. "That restriction, that framework, really allows you to swing within that."

Whereas Season 1 spanned a single year, Season 2 will cover four years of storytelling. The 12 episodes will release in four "chapters," consisting of three episodes each, and chart Cassian's growth into the hero who will eventually make the ultimate sacrifice to steal the plans for the Death Star — paving the way for the events of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977).

Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) sits at an outdoor table in Lucasfilm's Andor Season 2.

An Epic Conclusion

While some characters' "fates are known," Gilroy teased, "some are up for grabs."

What that will ultimately mean for characters such as Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Saw Gererra (Forest Whitaker), Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) remains to be seen. But, Gilroy said, they all have an important role to play amid the Empire's rise. "All of our characters are so fascinating and they're so intertwined with one another," he explained. "They're all tribally connected, and they inevitably lead to each other, in a way."

As for Cassian? "It's interesting, because Season 1 covered just one year of his life, but there's so much that he witnessed, so much he went through. There is a lot for him to take in, to digest," Luna said. "In the second season, we're going to see four years of his life, and there's still a lot of growth needed for him to get to the point where we see him in Rogue One. One thing that's very interesting is that he has an awakening, but now he has to find out what he's capable of. He has to understand what's going on around him; it's not an easy moment in the history of this galaxy far, far away to actually understand what's going on."

Perrin Fertha (Allistair Mackenzie), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) appear in Lucasfilm’s Andor Season 2, only on Disney+.

The Adventures Continue

When Andor concludes on May 13, Luna believes fans will see Rogue One in a different light.

"It has changed the way I see Rogue One; I'm positive of that," Luna said. "Rogue One is about events, but you don't get to know the characters, what's behind their choices. And now you will. You will know what he means when he talks about sacrifice, when he talks about doing terrible things for the rebellion. You'll understand, because you'll know what he's thinking, who he's dreaming of, who he is thinking of — and what he's leaving behind."

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires Teaser and Premiere Date Revealed

By Zach Johnson

This is the place to be, all right.

Just over a year since Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, announced that a fourth ZOMBIES movie had been greenlit, Disney today released the first official sneak peek at ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the next chapter in the smash-hit, music-fueled franchise. The teaser reunites Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly as beloved zombie-cheerleader power couple Zed and Addison and introduces Freya Skye and Malachi Barton as the latest supernatural arrivals: Nova, a fierce Daywalker, and Victor, a proud Vampire.

Previously, Zed and Addison brought human and monsterkind together in their hometown of Seabrook. Now, a new adventure dawns when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires. Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With the help of Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney), they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds—before an even greater threat endangers them all!

Rounding out the cast are Julian Lerner as Ray, Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Mekonnen Knife as Vargas, Lisa Chappell as Vampire Eldress, and Jonno Roberts as Commander Bright.

The highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie will premiere Thursday, July 10, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and will stream globally the next day, Friday, July 11, on Disney+. ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires will also be available on Disney Channel On Demand.

Addison, played by Meg Donnelly, and Zed, played by Milo Manheim, must convince monster rivals Victor, played by Malachi Barton, and Nova, played by Freya Skye, to put their differences aside in ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

Beloved for its high-energy song-and-dance elements, the ZOMBIES franchise expands with a fourth installment that packs nine new original songs and two reprises of fan-favorite hits, “Someday” and “Ain’t No Doubt About It.” The movie features next-level dance sequences, choreographed by Dondraico Johnson, and an original score composed by Tom Howe.

Paul Hoen returns to direct the fourth film, having directed the previous three. With a screenplay by David Light, Joseph Raso, and Josh Cagan, ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires is executive produced by Hoen, Manheim, Donnelly, Light, Raso, Jane Fleming, and Mark Ordesky. Mahita P. Simpson is co-executive producer alongside co-producer Cagan and producer Skot Bright. The movie is a production from Night Zone Productions Limited.

Zombie Eliza, played by Kylee Russell, and werewolf Willa, played by Chandler Kinney, sit around a campfire at Camp Rayburn in ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires brand extensions will include a cross-category product line of apparel, accessories, costumes, fashion dolls by Mattel, and more. In addition, later this summer, the Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour will visit over 43 arenas across North America, celebrating the music from ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires alongside songs from the hit Disney Channel Original Movie franchises Descendants and ZOMBIES.

ZOMBIES, ZOMBIES 2, and ZOMBIES 3 are currently streaming on Disney+.

Addison, played by Meg Donnelly, and Zed, played by Milo Manheim, open their eyes wide in the poster for ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, premiering in July 2025.

Every Announcement from Star Wars Celebration Japan

By the D23 Team

This past weekend, Star Wars Celebration brought a galaxy of fun to fans in Tokyo with three days of nonstop excitement celebrating all things Star Wars, from films to series to theme park attractions. This year’s event was the biggest international Star Wars Celebration ever—with over 105,000 guests from 125 countries in attendance; 26 hours of programming across three main stages; and a whopping 100 hours of fan panel and podcast content. If you missed any of the cosmically cool announcements from this weekend, don’t worry… we’ve gathered up the biggest moments so you don’t miss out on what’s coming next to a galaxy far, far away:

Shawn Levy, Ryan Gosling, Dave Filoni, and Kathleen Kennedy stand on stage at Star Wars Celebration Japan.

Star Wars: Starfighter
The weekend started off with a bang thanks to news of an all-new theatrical release exploring more of the Star Warsgalaxy. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni brought director Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling to the stage to discuss Star Wars: Starfighter, an all-new standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. The film, which will begin production this fall, will feature all-new characters and is set in a time not yet explored on screen. Color us intrigued! Star Wars: Starfighter is currently scheduled for theatrical release on May 28, 2027.

The logo for Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, featuring red text with the name “Maul” in a handwritten-style font against a black background.

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
The celebration of Lucasfilm Animation’s 20th anniversary ended with an announcement many fans have been waiting for: a brand-new animated series! Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, starring Sam Witwer, is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
The day continued with even more animation announcements—Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is getting a third season! Debuting this fall on Disney+ and Disney Jr, upcoming episodes feature the Jedi kids embarking on a journey into the delightful world of droid care, where they’ll befriend the lovable and quirky droid owner of a local shop, Dotti, and three adorable new droid friends: Beepers, Dozer, and Gigi.

The poster for LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past, featuring LEGO depictions of Jaxxon, Chewbacca, and Ahsoka Tano. Standing in front of all three of them is Sig Greebling, a LEGO minifigure holding an orange lightsaber.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past
Ahmed Best took to the Star Wars LIVE! Stage to announce a new LEGO Star Wars animated sequel series, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild Galaxy – Pieces of the Past. In Pieces of the Past, a new threat rises in the galaxy, and Sig Greebling and Darth Dev must combine their powers of Force Building and Sith Breaking to stop it. Alongside Jedi Bob, Yesi Scala, and Servo, they will journey into the deepest corners of LEGO Star Wars lore, uncovering pieces of all the galaxies that have come before…

The logo for Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, featuring white text with the phrase “The Ninth Jedi” stylized to look handwritten. The logo is set against a black background.

First Look at Star Wars: Visions, Volume 3
On Sunday, fans got a first look at Volume 3 of Star Wars: Visions, which will debut October 29, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. With Volume 3, the animated anthology returns to where it all began—with nine shorts from nine different anime studios to further demonstrate the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation.

Additionally, James Waugh, Lucasfilm’s senior vice president, franchise content and strategy—who also serves as an executive producer on Star Wars: Visions—announced that the series will continue with the creation of an all-new banner called Star Wars: Visions Presents, which will be used to tell longer-form Star Wars: Visions stories. Kenji Kamiyama joined Waugh on stage to announce the first title under the new banner: Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi. Kamiyama will serve as supervising director of the limited series, which will continue the story of Lah Kara that first debuted in Star Wars: Visions, Volume 1. Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi will premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Concept art of the city planet Coruscant, featuring a cityscape lit up at night, with a glowing street far below the towering buildings.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
New Star Wars fun isn’t just coming to our screens—it’s also headed to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort! Starting May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will feature not just new locations, but new featuresand characters! For the first time ever, the crew will be in control of their own destination, which can include adventures on Bespin; the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor; or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant. Another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu during the mission!

These updates debut on the same day as The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters; however, the attraction’s storyline will follow a different path. In this all-new storyline, Hondo Ohnaka is sending you to team up with Mando and Grogu to track down a bounty and explore the galaxy. Sounds like a blast!

3 Fun Facts About the New Disney Solitaire Game

The all-new Disney Solitaire game invites fans to revisit some of their favorite Disney and Pixar scenes, featuring beloved characters like Aladdin and Elsa, in a beautifully designed “tripeaks” solitaire card game that is more than just fun… it is an enchanting celebration of Disney storytelling! Whether you’re a puzzle lover or just looking for a relaxing escape, here are three fun facts about Disney Solitaire that make this magical adventure worth discovering:

1. Each enchanted postcard tells a story from a different Disney and Pixar worldIn-game screen from Disney Solitaire showing a partially unlocked postcard scene featuring Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian on an ocean background. The screen includes the level and score. In Disney Solitaire, every postcard captures a moment from an iconic Disney or Pixar film. With each level you complete, a little more of the scene is revealed, turning every play session into a rewarding step toward unlocking a beautifully animated “memory.” It’s the kind of game that feels like a comforting cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day—perfect for relaxing, unwinding, and reconnecting with beloved characters.

2. Moana, Simba, and Buzz Lightyear are just a few of the familiar faces…In-game screen from Disney Solitaire showing the different scenes on the “memory lane”—including The Lion King, Moana, and Beauty and the Beast. One of the most magical parts of Disney Solitaire is seeing, as you progress through the solitaire levels, which element of the scene you’ll unlock next. Each postcard scene features a different Disney and Pixar story, with appearances by favorite characters like Stitch, Hercules, Ariel, Remy, and many more. These familiar faces, and memorable settings inspired by the films, are part of the stories being rediscovered with every enchanted postcard. Whether you’re setting sail from Motunui or twirling under the chandeliers of the Beast’s enchanted ballroom, each scene feels like a heartfelt tribute to the characters and stories that have stayed with you.

3. Charming and challengingIn-game screen from Disney Solitaire showing the traditional card gameplay with a “special” card on the screen. Puzzle pieces are coming together to form a picture of Mrs. Potts and Tinker Bell is in the left corner behind a treasure chest. Disney Solitaire is easy to pick up and instantly fun to play, but there is more going on beneath the surface. Each level follows a fun “tripeaks” solitaire format, with a dash of strategy—using special cards, unique boosters, and thoughtful challenges that make every move feel meaningful. From special events and themed challenges to daily rewards, there’s always something exciting waiting. Whether you’re brand new to solitaire or a lifelong fan of the game, it offers a relaxing escape.In-game scene from Disney Solitaire, in play with Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon walking across a log with a waterfall in the background. Relive the stories you love!

From the first time we saw an alien experiment find his true family to that moment when a lion was taught the meaning of “Hakuna Matata,” these stories have shaped us in ways both big and small. Now, through the joy of this fun-filled solitaire game, we all can rediscover these memories in a whole new way.

Available now for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, Disney Solitaire is waiting to welcome you back to the worlds you love.

Cast & Crew of Andor Season 2 Share Their Favorite Droids

By the D23 Team

There are so many things to love about Star Wars, but nothing is quite so universally admired as droids. The ever-evolving array of jobs, appearances, and personalities that these droids bring to our favorite films and television shows make them a hot topic of conversation at any Star Wars event. With season 2 of Andor just about to premiere on Disney+, we asked the cast and crew which droids they would choose to be their companions. Here’s what they had to say:

Diego Luna (Cassian Andor)

“(In addition to co-pilot, K-2SO), I would have to say B2EMO. Classic.”

Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma)

“That’s so hard. I really love B2EMO, he’s just so beautiful. He has such a warm, charismatic character. I’m going to choose him because I love him… he’s like a puppy!”

Denise Gough (Dedra Meero)

“B2EMO. Although, I don’t know if he’d suit Dedra. She’d be like ‘Ugh, he’s so emotional!’”

Benjamin Norris

“C-3PO. I’m a comedy guy, and I just feel like he’d throw out some one-liners. I also feel like he’s kind of a hype man, and I’m a hype man—so we’d hype each other up!”

Tony Gilroy (Executive Producer/Showrunner)

“Oh my God, B2EMO. I mean, come on. That’s easy!”

John Gilroy (Co-Producer/Executive Producer)

“I would choose B2EMO. He’s loyal, a trustworthy friend. And very loveable.”

Dan Gilroy (Writer)

“I’ve always liked C-3PO! I fell in love with C-3PO when I was younger, and I’ve always loved him.”

Brandon Roberts (Composer)

“I’m going to go with R2-D2. C-3PO is a close second for comedic reasons, but I’m going with R2-D2.”

John Finklea (Music Editor)

“It’s got to be R2-D2 because he’s a mechanic, so he can fix anything that I might need to be fixed. And he’s a bit of a sass; he’s got a good sense of humor. It’d be great to have him around! He could fix anything that broke, and he’d talk back to you, too… I appreciate that in a droid.”

Watch Andor season 2, premiering April 22 on Disney+.

QUIZ: Can You Name These Planets and Moons From Star Wars?

The Star Wars galaxy is home to countless planets and moons that have set the scene for so many unforgettable stories. From the sunbaked sands of Tatooine to the swampy marshes of Dagobah, the galaxy is full of unique locales to explore on your next X-wing flight. Think you know your galactic geography? Put your knowledge to the test and see if you know where these iconic Star Wars moments took place.

After the Death Star is destroyed in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) (1977), where does the Empire find the Rebel Alliance’s new base?(Required)
Han Solo boasts about travelling this hyperspace route in the Millenium Falcon in less than 12 parsecs. What celestial body is this “run” named after?(Required)
In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) (2019), Rey uses Ben Solo’s wayfinder to find an old Sith stronghold. Where does the pair fight Emperor Palpatine?(Required)
In Season 1, Chapter 6 (“The Prisoner”) of The Mandalorian (2019), a Twi’lek named Xi’an asks Din Djarin about a bounty hunting job from his past. What Outer Rim territory set the scene for this dirty deed from his past?(Required)
Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance celebrate their victory after destroying the second Death Star in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) (1983). What’s the lunar locale for this party, complete with plenty of Ewoks?(Required)
In “Kassa,” the first episode of Season 1 of Andor (2022), where is Cassian Andor seen searching for his missing sister?(Required)
Queen and future Galactic Senator Padmé Amidala defends her home world against the Trade Federation army in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) (1999). Where does she, with the help of some Jedi, fight this battle?(Required)
In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)(1980), Han Solo asks his old friend Lando Calrissian for help evading the Empire. Where do Han, Leia, and Chewbacca plan to lay low before Lando is forced to turn them in?(Required)
What is the fiery setting where Anakin Skywalker tells Obi-Wan Kenobi about the “peace, freedom, justice, and security” he has brought to his new empire?(Required)

QUIZ: Can You Find These Easter Eggs Across The Walt Disney Company?

By Cassandra Pinkney

The Walt Disney Company is known for its Easter eggs (and no, we don’t mean the kind filled with candy). Eagle-eyed Disney fans know to look out for hidden references to Disney properties whenever they’re watching a film or television show or visiting a Disney Park. To celebrate the egg hunts that take place this time of year, find out if you know where to find these Easter eggs from around The Walt Disney Company!

Where can you hear a Disney character sing the infinitely catchy tune “It’s A Small World (After All)” after being captured by the film’s villain?(Required)
What part of The Walt Disney Company commonly incorporates the Easter egg “A113” into its films?(Required)
In what Marvel Studios film can you find a display of posters featuring prominent scientists, including Bruce Banner (also known as the Hulk)?(Required)
Aside from Cinderella and Prince Charming’s nuptials, where else can you spot the King from Cinderella (1950) attending a wedding?(Required)
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) (2015), Finn’s stormtrooper number is FN-2187. Where does this number first appear?(Required)
What Pixar film does Cars (2006) pay homage to in the form of Lightning McQueen’s racing number and tires, as well as the Piston Cup Championship sponsor, Dinoco?(Required)
What Marvel Studios film contains a D23 Easter egg?(Required)
RX-24 was a pilot droid in Star Tours at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort before getting reprogrammed. Where can you now find this droid—now known as R-3X—and what job does he have?(Required)

Rami Malek on Why The Amateur Is ‘Extremely Satisfying’

By Bruce C. Steele

Oscar® winning actor Rami Malek is not only the star of The Amateur, he’s one of the film’s producers, making the movie a true passion project. Based on a bestselling novel by Robert Littell, the 20th Century Studios film focuses on Charlie Heller, a brilliant analyst for the CIA who has never served as a field agent. But when his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), is killed in an international incident, and the CIA declines to track down those responsible, Charlie decides to seek justice on his own. He is the titular “amateur,” going up against an array of hardened professionals.

It’s a thriller, certainly, with edge-of-your-seat action and high tension, but it’s also a portrait of a man who pushes himself to the limits to achieve what he believes must be done. In some ways, that description also fits Malek, who spent years developing The Amateur and getting it made, with director James Hawes (One Life) and an impressive cast that includes Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Bernthal.

Malek sat down with Disney twenty-three for a one-on-one chat that became a story that appears in the Spring 2025 issue of the publication. What follows here are additional excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Malek began his journey on The Amateur when he read an early draft of the screenplay not long after he won the Best Actor Academy Award® for Bohemian Rhapsody (2018).

Rami Malek: “I read it and I liked it, but I thought it needed a bit of work. So I took a beat and came back to it, because it kept scratching at the back at the back of my head as to how to make it something special. It just never really left my mind. And so I went to [producers] Hutch [Parker] and Dan [Wilson] and said, ‘Can we work on this and get it to a place where it exceeds all the expectations of what we’ve seen in this genre before?’”

Malek describes the movie’s protagonist, Charlie Heller, as “someone who’s dealt with an immense amount of grief and is motivated by it.”

RM: “He sees things that are quite unjust and begins to speak truth to power and then takes matters into his own hands. He wishes he could emulate versions of the action heroes that he might see in his daily life at the CIA or on-screen [in movies], but essentially he discovers a natural strength.”

In some sense, Charlie remains “the amateur” throughout the film.

RM: “That’s important, because if you glorify him or take him to a place beyond being an amateur, we lose the reason why we initially wanted to tell this story. We kept that as a kind of North Star for us, that Charlie will always be the amateur. It’s the acute professionalism that he discovers in his soul and his brain that makes him exceptional.”

In some ways, Malek says, being an amateur gives Charlie a small advantage: The people opposing him don’t take him seriously.

RM: “That’s something that we collectively deal with on a day-to-day basis—this idea of being underestimated. So rather than it being a story about vengeance or revenge, it’s more an acute examination of integrity and courage.”

Charlie’s resourcefulness is also designed to surprise moviegoers. The film’s action sequences are unique to its protagonist’s skill set.

RM: “The ingenuity behind [the action] is fun. The calculation, the mathematics of it all, the ability to think outside the box. We forced ourselves to find the most ingenious ways of causing harm to individuals that perhaps deserved it without simply firing a weapon directly at them. There’s something extremely satisfying in those moments.”

Coincidentally, it was at an event for The Avengers (2012) that Malek first met Laurence Fishburne, who plays the mysterious Colonel Henderson in the film, a character first seen as a spy-craft trainer for Charlie. More than a decade later, Malek was happy finally to be opposite Fishburne on a movie set.

RM: “He’s extraordinary. There’s a reason he plays a mentor in many films—[including] some from this genre. He’s also an extremely sensitive, soulful human being. [Casting him] was an extraordinarily massive win for [the production] as a whole and for myself.”

Similarly, Malek adds, casting Rachel Brosnahan as Sarah, Charlie’s wife, was a “truly special moment.”

RM: “I knew we would have chemistry. I didn’t know that it would be that good.”

See The Amateur, from 20th Century Studios, only in theaters beginning April 11.

Rami Malek and Rachel Brosnahan appear in a scene from The Amateur as Charlie Heller and his wife, Sarah Heller. They are standing face to face, body to body, and Charlie has his arms around Sarah’s waist. We see them from one side, with Charlie on the left. Sarah has her hands on each side of Charlie’s face. Both are slightly smiling and looking happy. To their right is what appears to be the nose and propeller of a small airplane and beyond them is a wooden wall with gaps between the boards, as if the inside of a large shed or garage.

BDX Droids: Disney’s Perfect Marriage of Creativity and Technological Achievement

By the D23 Team

It’s hard to miss the BDX droids lately.

In March, the droids — which have greeted guests at Disneyland Resort and onboard the Disney Wish — appeared alongside CEO Bob Iger at The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders; charmed Austin, Texas at Disney’s SXSW featured session with director Jon Favreau (who put them in next year’s Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu); and returned to the stage at Nvidia’s recent GTC developers conference.

The droids represent the perfect marriage of Disney’s storytelling with incredible innovation. They are both lifelike and technologically advanced. We spoke with Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, to learn more about the technology behind the droids and how they were brought to life.

Two individuals dressed in Star Wars-themed attire stand on a street in Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge, interacting with three small, colorful BDX droids. The droids, each with a unique color scheme (green, blue, and orange), have a robotic yet whimsical design, featuring boxy bodies, jointed legs, and expressive "eyes" on stalk-like structures. The background showcases the immersive Star Wars setting with industrial-style architecture, pipes, and weathered walls.

What is the technological breakthrough that the BDX droids represent?

The BDX droids are a big leap forward — not just for robotics, but for how we bring beloved characters to life in the real world. They’re the first of a new generation of expressive, free-roaming robots we’ve developed at Disney that can learn to move and balance like living beings. Thanks to reinforcement learning, they train in simulation before ever taking a real step. But beyond the tech, what really sets them apart is that spark of personality — they’re full of life, and they make people smile. That’s what we’re really after: emotional connection through technology.

How was your team able to make them so lifelike?

We always start with the character. Technology is just the tool — we use it in service of story and emotion. With BDX, that meant thinking about how they move, how they emote, and how guests might engage with them in a meaningful way. From their physical proportions to the way their heads tilt or how their feet land, every choice was made to support believability. And then we added a human touch: a puppeteer behind the scenes who brings out the nuances that make them feel alive.

How does Disney developing the technology used for these droids contribute to advancing the broader robotics industry?

At Disney, we’re not building robots for factories or fulfillment centers — we’re building robots that make you feel something. That’s a very different challenge. We’re bringing emotional intelligence into the field of robotics, and we’re doing it at scale. In the process, we’re sharing new ways of thinking with the broader robotics community. It’s a reminder that the future of this industry isn’t just about what robots can do — it’s about who they can be.

How is the technology that’s been created for the droids going to be applied in the future? Will the technology be adaptable to future developments?

Everything we do is part of a continuum. Audio-Animatronics were the cutting edge 70 years ago — and we’re building on that legacy every day. Our Robotic Character Platform is modular, flexible, and designed to evolve. The core tech — reinforcement learning, expressive motion, character-driven design — can be adapted for lots of different characters and experiences. We’re already working on what comes next, and I think people are going to be surprised by how far this can go.

Two BDX droids, designed with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, walk on a paved surface in Disneyland. The foreground droid features green and white accents, while the background droid has orange and white detailing. Both showcase intricate mechanical designs, including articulated legs and antennae, with people visible in the blurred background.

How does this cutting-edge reinforcement learning used for robotics create ever-more immersive storytelling from Disney?

Reinforcement learning lets us do something pretty amazing: we can train hundreds of versions of a robot in simulation before we ever build one physically. That means faster iteration, smarter movement, and more time to focus on what really matters — creating a compelling character. It shortens the path from idea to emotional connection, and that’s a big deal for us as storytellers.

Disney has a legacy of innovating in service of story. How do these droids take that innovation to the next level?

BDX is a great example of our ethos in action: story first, technology in service of that story. What’s new here is the level of responsiveness, physicality, and charm we can now achieve in real-time, guest-facing environments. It’s not a trick or a one-off moment — it’s an evolving character platform. And we’re just at the beginning.

Add to Basket: Magical Must-Haves for Easter and Spring

By: Andrea Agustin

Spring has officially sprung, and that means it’s time to get ready for an egg-stra special Easter celebration! Whether you’re filling baskets with goodies, planning an egg hunt, or looking for the perfect festive outfit, we’ve rounded up the best Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars products, and beyond, to make the season exceptionally magical!

1. Mickey and Friends

Hop into spring in style with Mickey Mouse Sneakers for Kids by Janie and Jack, featuring adorable Mickey embroidery and a comfy design, perfect for Easter outings and egg hunts! Pair the fun with the Sparkle and Sing Minnie Mouse plush toy from Just Play. Kids can sing along with Minnie Mouse as she plays music and lights up! Stay cozy in the Daisy Duck Collegiate Pullover Sweatshirt from Disney Store, a fashionable nod to everyone’s favorite sassy duck.

Collage of six products includes at top left a pair of white and cream kids sneakers with a Mickey face embroidered on the side. Top middle is a purple sweatshirt with an image of Daisy Duck and “Daisy” written in block lettering. Top right is a Minnie Mouse plush in a multicolored dress, pink shoes with hearts on them, and a multicolored bow with a heart. Bottom left is a Spider-Man Dino-Webs Crawler vehicle and action figures that include Spider-Man and a dinosaur. Bottom middle is a SuperKitties 5-piece figure set with the different characters in their colored costumes and masks with purple packaging. In the bottom right corner is a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playset featuring a house with slide and a Mickey figurine in a red car.2. Disney Jr. 

Get ready for some Easter fun with exciting toys from Disney Jr., perfect for little adventurers! Kids can imagine roaring into dino-chomping action with Spidey and his Amazing Friends Dino-Webs Crawler from Hasbro. The SuperKitties Hero Squad 5-Piece Figure Set from Just Play brings Ginny, Buddy, Bitsy, and Sparks together for a heroic adventure to save the day from Mr. Puppypaws. Plus, little builders can spin the Mousekedoer wheel, take on fun tasks, and zip around in Mickey Mouse’s iconic red car with the LEGO DUPLO Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Car.

3. Disney Princess

Make this Easter enchanting with these Disney Princess gifts! The Pocket POP! Easter Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel 3-Pack from Funko brings Belle, Cinderella, and Rapunzel together in adorable Pocket Pop! form, perfect for any Easter basket. Add a touch of music with Musical Minis from Jakks Pacific! Kids can celebrate 10 of their favorite characters and their signature songs. And for the ultimate Easter gift, the Disney Princess Easter Basket is overflowing with an assortment of goodies, including enchanting toys, sweet treats, and charming surprises!

Collage of six products including in the top left Miniature Belle, Cinderella and Rapunzel mini character figures on an Easter themed background featuring a basket and eggs. The top middle features 10 small Disney character figures on pedestals including Mirabel, Elsa, Olaf, Belle, Ariel, Asha, Rapunzel, Moana, Maui and Simba. The top right is a Princess Easter basket with various items with packaging in pink and blue hues. The bottom left is a clear hair tie with a Slinky charm and a red hair tie with a Forky charm. The bottom middle is a yellow and red Woody water bottle with “Howdy” written on it and a blue and green Buzz Lightyear water bottle with “Buzz” written on it. Bottom right is a red Lightning McQueen toy vehicle.

4. Pixar

Rev up the fun with Pixar surprises! Add a playful touch to any hairstyle with the Toy Story Hair Accessory Set from Disney Store, featuring Slinky Dog and Forky charms. Stay hydrated on all your springtime adventures with the Toy Story Woody & Buzz Plastic Water Bottle Set, perfect for little Space Rangers and cowboys alike. And for racing fans, the Global Racers Cup Drift and Race Lightning McQueen Toy Vehicle from Mattel is ready to zoom into action because Easter wouldn’t be complete without a little Ka-chow!

5. Marvel

Gear up for an epic Easter with Marvel! Hop into the holiday with the Pocket Pop! Easter Hulk, Spider-Man and Iron Man 3-Pack from Funko. Plus, enhance your Super Hero’s day with action-packed Marvel goodies as we continue to celebrate timeless matchups with the Super Heroes VS Villains product collection! Action awaits with the Iron Man Mech vs. Ultron set from the LEGO Group and Spider-Man Marvel VenomVersus Liquid Shifter action figure from Hasbro.

Collage of six products including at upper left, Miniature Hulk, Spider-Man and Iron Man pop figures on an Easter themed background featuring a basket and eggs. Top middle is an Iron Man Mech vs. Ultron LEGO set with the characters ready to face off. Top right is a Spider-Man Venom vs Liquid Shifter action figure. Bottom left is a Grogu plush dressed in a spring outfit with yellow, blue and pink colors. Bottom middle is a Star Wars assorted egg hunt bag featuring Darth Vader and the Mandalorian characters on the packaging with multicolored eggs in the bag. Bottom right is The Mandalorian-inspired milk chocolate egg that includes a green Grogu marshmallow.

6. Star Wars

Easter just got even more exciting with Star Wars-themed surprises! Cuddle up with the Grogu Easter Plush, showcasing everyone’s favorite little Force-user in an adorable springtime look. Make your egg hunt even more epic with the Star Wars Mix 36 Count Egg Hunt Bag, filled with candy and stickers featuring iconic characters. And, for a sweet bounty, the Mandalorian-inspired Milk Chocolate Egg with Marshmallow is a delicious hot cocoa treat worthy of any Easter celebration!

7. Winnie the Pooh

Celebrate sweet springtime fun with the LEGO DUPLO Winnie the Pooh’s Birthday Party building set, where little builders can join Pooh and his friends for a party complete with balloons, presents and endless imagination! Stay cozy on breezy spring days with the Winnie the Pooh Pullover Sweatshirt, perfect for honey-loving dreamers. And, for a truly heartfelt gift, the Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Floral Bouquet Plush brings friendship and flowers together in an adorable bundle that’s as soft as it is sweet! All available from the Disney Store.

Collage of six products including on the top left a Winnie the Pooh Lego set with Piglet, Tigger and party accessories including a honey pot. Top middle features a yellow sweater with Winnie the Pooh looking up and white flowers. Top right is a plush bouquet with Pooh, Piglet and an orange flower. Bottom left is a Softee Dough kit with Stitch and accessories featuring Stitch and Angel on the packaging that has a green and purple background. Bottom middle is a Stitch plush in tie-dye bunny costume and green bowtie. Bottom right is a Stitch figurine with pink bunny ears and cotton tail standing on grass with a blue and pink background featuring multicolored shapes on the pink portion.

8. Stitch

Unleash your creativity with the Stitch Figure Making Kit from Softee Dough, including vibrant colors to mold everyone’s favorite mischievous experiment. Snuggle up with the Stitch Bunny Plush from Disney Store, dressed in pastel tie-dye and a bowtie, making him the cutest cosmic bunny around. And, for a collectible touch, the Holiday with Stitch Easter Figurine from Enesco captures Stitch’s playful charm in a keepsake beautifully detailed with a white cotton tail and fluffy pink bunny ears.

No matter your favorite character, let this guide help you hop into the season with some festive, fresh finds—the hunt for the best Disney Easter goodies is on!