By Jeffrey Epstein
In just a few weeks, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open to guests at Disneyland Resort, and Disney twenty-three had the chance to go behind the scenes to provide fans with a look at the spectacular 14-acre land. The exclusive photos were so breathtaking that D23 expanded this issue to showcase even more of the Black Spire Outpost, with three rich stories that feature exclusive interviews with the Imagineers behind the epic project. Readers will get the lay of the land in the story “A Galaxy Not So Far Away,” explore the two groundbreaking attractions in “Shift Your Setting to Thrill!,” and get swept up in the immersive environments and new technologies in “Living on the Edge.”
In addition to the cover featuring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the summer issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, has a second, striking cover featuring young Simba from director Jon Favreau’s reimagining of The Lion King, which opens this July. Favreau, along with stars Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, and Shahadi Wright Joseph, talk about bringing the beloved tale to the big screen in an all-new way. Plus, Disney Legend Tim Allen shares heartwarming stories about the making of Toy Story 4, and the stars of Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott, talk about stepping into a whole new world for a thrilling take on this classic magic carpet ride.
Plus, to celebrate Disney Theatrical’s 25th anniversary, stars of its original Broadway productions—including James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin), Kara Lindsay (Newsies), Josh Strickland (Tarzan), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), and Patti Murin (Frozen)—share their favorite memories. And Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald takes readers on a spirted ride through 50 years of Haunted Mansion, including a look at the new additions to Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris.
Also included in the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three:
- Director Kenny Ortega lets the bad times roll in this summer’s Descendants 3
- Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline fondly remembers Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith
- Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Bob Chapek gives us a look inside his impressive office
- Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-May.