New Release Date for Obi-Wan Kenobi Announced—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi Now Premiering on May 27

Yes, it’s true: You’ll have to wait two extra days in order to see the sure-to-be-thrilling premiere of the Disney+ limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi… but you’ll get two whole episodes now, instead of one! Series star Ewan McGregor recently took to the Internet to announce the news—that the two-ep premiere date is shifting to Friday, May 27—in the clip above.

Set 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the story of Obi-Wan Kenobi centers on Obi-Wan (McGregor), who faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

The series also features Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie. Mark those calendars and activate those lightsabers (safely, of course)!

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

Did the first three months of this year fly by at serious speed, or is it just us? It’s now the first weekend of April—and as per usual, there’s a ton of fabulous worlds-of-Disney content to fill your viewing calendar with. We’ve got a read on what you can expect from new episodes of Raven’s Home, Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, American Idol, and so much more.

Disney Character Greetings Return to U.S. Sites This Spring

Here’s some fantastic news, if you’re soon heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, taking a seaworthy sojourn on Disney Cruise Line, or visiting the splendor of Aulani Resort in Hawaii: Disney character greetings are coming back!

As early as April 18, traditional character greetings will be reintroduced at Disney sites around the United States (and nearby oceans, natch). Guests will soon be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. Get into the spirit with the new clip above, courtesy our friends at the Disney Parks Blog.

During the past two years, Disney Parks and Resorts have taken a gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols; recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities to bring back some of the most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. So, while not all locations will be available immediately, it’s anticipated that reopening will happen in phases throughout the spring and early summer.

This exciting milestone continues highlighting all the amazing entertainment that’s already returned, or is just over the horizon—including the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Walt Disney World; beloved nighttime spectaculars like World of Color and Fantasmic! arriving soon at Disneyland; and Disney Cruise Line once again delighting guests with fireworks at sea and Broadway-style productions on every ship.

Which character would you want to (re)meet first? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Just Announced: New Jim Henson Disney Original Documentary

Muppet connoisseurs—or just fans of amazingly creative people in general—listen up: There’s a new documentary on the horizon that you won’t want to miss.

As announced earlier this week, Disney Original Documentary will team with Academy Award®-winning director Ron Howard, Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, and Imagine Documentaries’ Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes to produce a feature documentary on Disney Legend Jim Henson. Made with the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, the documentary will be a definitive portrait of the man—presenting a fascinating and intimate look at his illustrious career creating treasured characters and revolutionizing television and film.

Pulling from never-before-seen personal archives, the documentary will give audiences an exciting first-person view into the life of one of the world’s most inspiring and iconoclastic creators through exclusive home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries.

In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and all of Sesame Street’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Ernie. He also created beloved fantasy films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, which included iconic characters and technological advances that pushed the boundaries of the time. Tracing his life and work, the documentary will follow how the brilliant innovator came to shape the childhoods of generations to come.

Stay tuned for more info on the film in the coming months.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Returning to Walt Disney World Resort

It’ll be a rip-roarin’ good time come June when the beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue returns to Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Read up on all the fun (and delicious grub) you can expect when the show reopens this summer, right here at D23.com.

Premiere Date Revealed for Only Murders in the Building Season 2

More mystery and (hilarious) mayhem are almost upon us, as Hulu just announced its hit series Only Murders in the Building will return on Tuesday, June 28, for its second season.

Series regulars Disney Legend Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez will reprise their roles in season two, which picks up following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger (Jayne Houdyshell). Charles (Martin), Oliver (Short), and Mabel (Gomez) race to unmask her killer; however, three (unfortunate) complications ensue: the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide; they are now the subjects of a competing podcast; and they have to deal with a bunch of New York neighbors who all think they committed murder!

Take a gander at the new season’s trailer, above—and tune in for all the fun this summer!

ICYMI: Disney Oscar Wins and Magic Galore…

The Walt Disney Company took home six Academy Awards last weekend, and the ceremony itself was chockablock with plentiful Disney magic. In case you need a refresher, read up on all the Oscars we took home here—and relive moments like the amazing live performance of Encanto’s “We Don’t Take About Bruno” here.