disney gallery the mandalorian

Go Behind the Scenes of The Mandalorian with Disney+—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney+ to Debut Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian on May the Fourth

Amazing news, Star Wars fans: There’ll be an all-new, and truly unique, way to celebrate Star Wars Day—otherwise known as May the Fourth—this year, with the debut of Disney+’s brand-new series Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian.

Executive producer and Disney Legend Jon Favreau invites The Mandalorian’s cast and crew to share an unprecedented look at the making of the series, which quickly became a pop culture phenomenon after premiering in November 2019. The eight-episode documentary series pulls back the proverbial curtain, exploring different facets of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Favreau himself. Topics this season include the filmmaking process; the legacy of Disney Legend George Lucas’ Star Wars; how the cast brought their characters to life; the series’ groundbreaking technology; the artistry behind the show’s practical models, effects, and creatures; and so much more.

Look for Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian on Disney+ beginning Monday, May 4—after which, new episodes will air every Friday. And don’t forget: May 4 also brings the final episode of the Emmy® award-winning series Star Wars: The Clone Wars to Disney+. Make a day of it, you must…

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Halfway through April, and D23’s got another look at some of the coolest stuff to watch this weekend from around the worlds of Disney. From the Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance on ESPN, to the sure-to-be-incredible, multi-network, Lady Gaga-curated event One World: Together at Home, there’s something for every taste. Check out our rundown by clicking here!

No FastPass Needed: Ride Big Thunder Railroad at Home

It’s the wildest ride in the wilderness… of your living room. Yes, our good pals at #DisneyMagicMoments just offered up another virtual ride, in the clip above—this time, it’s Big Thunder Railroad, from inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!

In case you need a refresher (no judgment here), Big Thunder Railroad is a thrilling train ride into an abandoned mine shaft—an adventure that includes evading boulders, dodging explosions, and swooping through canyons in the mysterious town of Tumbleweed.

And here’s the best part: Along the way, you’ll learn some very cool facts about the ride itself. So take off your hats and glasses, remain seated please (just in case), and enjoy! Bonus points if you follow it up with making some churro bites—recipe courtesy Disney Parks Blog…

Disney Channel to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

There’s an important milestone coming up next week—both for the world at large, and for The Walt Disney Company… it’s the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, which works to save wildlife and build a global community that’s inspired to protect the magic of nature together. In honor of such a momentous occasion, Disney Channel is airing all manner of special programming—beginning Monday, April 20. Click here to read all about it!

Try the Grey Stuff (Virtually) with Disney Cruise Line’s Beauty and the Beast

Here’s a very special show you’d normally only get to see aboard the Disney Dream—but now, you can pop some corn and watch whilst relaxing on the couch. (Or bed, or hammock, or bathtub… Truly, the streaming world is your oyster!)

In a first-of-its-kind video, Disney Cruise Line welcomes you to “be their guest” and take a front row seat for scenes from their award-winning, Broadway-style production of Beauty and the Beast. Check it out, above, and then make sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog for a few other ways to boost all that Beast-ly fun… including a napkin-folding tutorial, and the recipe for a yummy Enchanted Rose Pizza.

ICYMI: ABC Announces Dates for Their Big Summer Premieres

ABC’s super-fun summertime TV fest, “Summer Fun & Games,” is just around the corner—and D23 has all the info you need to mark up that viewing calendar of yours… including the premiere date for the final season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Say it ain’t so!) Take a gander by clicking here.