By Courtney Potter
Disney+ welcomes a kind and quirky new character, and Frozen on Broadway welcomes several new cast members… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!
We’re Wishing Upon This Stargirl First-Look Trailer and Cast Interviews…
Based on the critically acclaimed New York Times best-selling young adult novel by Jerry Spinelli, Disney+’s upcoming Stargirl follows an unassuming high schooler named Leo Borlock (Graham Verchere) as he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the free-spirited new girl at his high school (Grace VanderWaal). Known as Stargirl, her unconventional ways change how the entire school—not to mention Leo—sees themselves… and the world. Check out the brand-new trailer for the offbeat coming-of-age story, directed by Julia Hart, above.
But wait, there’s more: D23 was lucky enough to visit the set of the film in New Mexico, and spoke to several members of the cast; click here to hear from Verchere, VanderWaal, and more! And make sure to fall under Stargirl’s spell beginning March 13, only on Disney+.
Arendelle Welcomes a New Anna, Elsa, and Hans in Frozen on Broadway
As the hit Disney Theatricals musical Frozen approaches its second anniversary on Broadway, the show is ever so thrilled to announce a trio of new stars joining the company! McKenzie Kurtz will make her Broadway debut starring as Anna, and Ciara Renée (Pippin, Big Fish, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) will star as Elsa—replacing original Broadway stars Patti Murin and Caissie Levy. Additionally, Ryan McCartan (Wicked, Heathers: The Musical, Disney Channel’s Liv & Maddie) will join the cast as Hans, replacing current cast member Joe Carroll. The new stars will begin performances Tuesday, February 18, with Levy, Murin, and Carroll playing their final performance Sunday, February 16.
Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, has joined Disney Theatrical hits The Lion King and Aladdin on the Great White Way. Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has emerged as the biggest hit musical of the last two Broadway seasons—breaking four house records at the legendary St. James Theatre, where it is currently celebrating its second smash year. And don’t forget—the North American tour of Frozen is playing the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, California, now through February 2!
For more information, make sure to (let it) go and visit FrozenTheMusical.com.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
| D23 and Walt Disney Archives January 17, 2020 Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical January 31, 2020 Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets February 8, 2020 D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th on The Walt Disney Studios Lot February 15, 2020 D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th at Walt Disney World February 16, 2020 D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th Near Washington, D.C. August 9, 2020 Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23 Parks January 17, 2020 Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disneyland park January 17—February 9, 2020 Lunar New Year returns to Disney California Adventure park January 17—February 24, 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts February 28—April 21, 2020 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort March 4—June 1, 2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort March 4, 2020 Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios |
Studios March 6, 2020 Onward opens in U.S. theaters March 27, 2020 Mulan opens in U.S. theaters May 1, 2020 Marvel Studios’ Black Widow opens in U.S. theaters May 29, 2020 Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters Television February 9, 2020 (8:00 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT) The Oscars® air live on ABC. February 14, 2020 (8 p.m. EST/PST) ZOMBIES 2 premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW February 16, 2020 (8 p.m. EST/ 7 p.m CST) American Idol returns to ABC Disney+ January 17, 2020 Diary of a Future President premieres February 7, 2020 Timmy Failure premieres March 13, 2020 Stargirl premieres |
Black Widow Confronts Her Past in a New “Special Look” Clip
Can you believe it? Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) begins in just a few months’ time with Marvel Studios’ Black Widow. During the College Football Playoff National Championship on ESPN this past Monday, fans got a “special look” at the upcoming film, in which two-time Oscar® nominee Scarlett Johansson reprises her title role.
In Marvel Studios’ latest action-packed spy thriller, Natasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her background when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must reckon with her past as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.
Also starring Florence Pugh as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina—and directed by Cate Shortland—Black Widow debuts in a cineplex near you May 1.
ICYMI: Every Disney Oscar® Nominee for 2020
Speaking of Johansson and her Oscar noms, awards season is upon us—and all our pals from around The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of brands are so excited for the incredible 23 nominations in 15 categories for this year’s Academy Awards®. D23.com has a rundown of the excitement; click here to see the full list!
Eighth Annual Magic of Storytelling Campaign Celebrates Huge Milestone
Book lovers the world over, we have excellent news: The eighth annual Magic of Storytelling campaign kicked off this week, during which Disney will celebrate its whopping 75 millionth book donation to First Book—a nonprofit that provides new free and affordable books to educators and organizations serving children in need. The Magic of Storytelling campaign aims to inspire families’ imaginations; cultivate a lifelong love of reading in kids; and bring new books to underserved communities across the country.
And here’s the best part—we can all get involved! From now through March 31, families and fans can take a “shelfie” (so cute, right?) with a favorite book or in front of a bookshelf and publish it on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #MagicOfStorytelling; purchase any book on shopDisney.com; or place a bid in one of First Book’s Charitybuzz auctions… and for each of these actions, Disney will donate a new book to First Book!
Open to legal U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older. No purchase is necessary to enter. To learn more, and to access the official rules and information, visit MagicOfStorytelling.com.
Star Wars and Frozen Seasons Now Delighting Guests at Disneyland Paris
Should you find yourselves “across the pond” in the next several months, do make sure to schedule some time at Disneyland Paris—not only for the oodles of fun you can have there on the daily, but also because there are two special experiences beginning this very weekend!
The return of Legends of the Force – A Celebration of Star Wars reunites all of the iconic characters from a galaxy far, far away for exciting shows and encounters throughout the day and night. Through March 15, an imposing First Order March brings stormtroopers up close, while Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren can be spotted interacting with guests. Even more adventure awaits at Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, featuring a new sequence from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Lightspeed to Disneyland Paris for this limited-time event, post haste.
Plus, a sparkling new float inspired by Frozen 2 made its first appearance this weekend as part of the resort’s newest show, Frozen 2: An Enchanted Journey. Now the tallest float at Disneyland Paris, it includes the silhouette of the mystical Nokk and everyone’s favorite characters from both Frozen films. But that’s not all: Guests will even hear new music from the hit sequel! In addition to the new show, Frozen: A Musical Invitation is open to guests of all ages at Walt Disney Studios Park, and new merchandise and food are on sale across the resort through May 3. C’est magnifique!
