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

By Andie Hagemann

From sleepover shenanigans to holiday hijinks, you won’t want to miss all the electrifying content debuting on your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend. Warm up your singing voices because the sing-along version of Mary Poppins Returns premieres Friday on Disney+, while a brand-new episode of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends airs on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. On Saturday, a new episode of Hamster & Gretel debuts on Disney Channel. Last but not least, on Sunday, don’t miss new episodes of America’s Funniest Home Videos and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, both airing on ABC.

In a scene in Mary Poppins Returns, actor Emily Blunt portrays Mary Poppins. She wears a matching red suit jacket and skirt, a navy bowtie with white polka dots, a white blouse with navy polka dots, and navy gloves with white polka dots. She stands on a staircase and looks to the foot of the stairs. Three paintings of flowers hang on the wall behind her in brown wooden frame.

Mary Poppins Returns (Sing-Along Version)—Friday, November 11, on Disney+
Now an adult with three children, Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) learns that his house will be repossessed in five days unless he can pay back a loan. His only chance at salvation is to find a missing document certifying the shares his father left him. However, Michael and his sister, Jane (Emily Mortimer), receive the surprise of a lifetime when their former nanny, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), arrives to save the day and take the Banks family on a magical adventure. The film’s star-studded cast includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, Julie Walters, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Disney Legends Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury. And now, you can sing along to all the toe-tapping musical numbers!

In a scene from the animated series Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Spider-Man/Spin/Miles Morales, Spider-Man/Peter Parker, and Ghost-Spider/Gwen Stacy stand side-by-side on a stage and behind a microphone. Peter stands with his arms extended and holds a Christmas tree-shaped object in his right hand. The stage is decorated with large cutouts of candy canes, Christmas trees, and snowflakes, and large presents are placed on the floor to the left of Gwen.

Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends—Friday, November 11, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 12:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
This brand-new holiday-themed episode features not one but two festive stories! In “Halted Holiday,” all roads to the city are block on Thanksgiving Day and Team Spidey—Spider-Man/Peter Parker (voiced by Benjamin Valic), Spider-Man/Spin/Miles Morales (voiced by Jakari Fraser), and Ghost-Spider/Gwen Stacy (voiced by Lily Sanfelippo)—helps clear the traffic. Scott Porter guest stars as Gwen’s dad, George Stacy. Then, in “Merry Spidey Christmas,” Team Spidey uses their Glow Webs to save Christmas after baddies try to ruin all the holiday fun. This story includes the rockin’ new original song “Merry Spidey Christmas,” written and performed by the series’ songwriter and composer, Patrick Stump.

In an episode of the animated series Hamster & Gretel, Gretel, a young girl stands on a bench in a mall cafeteria. She holds a green slushie in her left hand and wears a teal blouse, an orange skirt, a yellow belt, green shoes, and a blue harness holding a hamster. Sitting on a bench opposite Gretel is Bailey, a young girl who wears red-framed glasses, a yellow turtleneck, green shorts, and yellow shoes. The two girls look at another girl who wears an orange T-shirt, a blue skirt, orange shoes, and an orange harness holding a mouse. Behind them are small stalls selling different foods.

Hamster & Gretel—Saturday, November 12, at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
First, in “Grounded,” a meat monster takes over the city, but its pint-sized super hero is grounded. Can Gretel (voiced by Meli Povenmire) elude her punishment to save her town? Then, in “Sleepover with the Enemy,” Gretel becomes suspicious of a new student in her class. Is her gut instinct correct?

In an episode of America’s Funniest Home Videos, host Alfonso Ribeiro stands with his hands placed in front of him. He wears a blue and green plaid suit with a blue button-down shirt and a blue tie. Behind him is a large screen reading “AFV” and a stage adorned with bright blue lights.

America’s Funniest Home Videos—Sunday, November 13, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, this all-new episode is chock-full of hilarity including kids who don’t understand old technology or how to insert a letter into a public mailbox. Meanwhile, it’s a whodunit when twins blame each other for flooding a bathroom.

In an episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, actors and comedians Paul Scheer, Luenell, and Mary Lynn Rajskub stand behind a large desk with digital screens displaying red, yellow, and blue, respectively. Scheer leans forward on the desk and wears a navy suit with a white button-down shirt. Luenell wears an animal print long-sleeve shirt with gold accents and black, thick-framed glasses. Rajskub wears a blue blouse, an orange blazer, and thin wire-framed glasses. The large screen behind them reads “Wheel of Fortune.”

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune—Sunday, November 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Big money is in store for this next group of funny celebrities competing for their selected charities! This week’s episode includes actor Paul Scheer, playing for SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition; comedian Luenell, playing for Make-A-Wish®; and actress Mary Lynn Rajskub, playing for Harvest Home L.A.

The Proud Family Train Hops on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in New Chibi Tiny Tales Short

By the D23 Team

Hold on to your mouse ears because a beloved animated family is hopping on the “wildest ride in the wilderness!”

On Saturday, November 12, Disney Branded Television unveils the second of three all-new adorable Chibi Tiny Tales shorts pairing an iconic Disney Parks attraction with a fan-favorite animated Disney Channel series. This time, the Prouds take center stage, embarking on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad… with a twist. The shorts will be available for viewing on Disney Channel, Disney Channel YouTube, and DisneyNOW. 

The brand-new story follows the Oscar, Trudy, Penny, BeBe, and CeCe Proud, who are running late to a snack convention. To save time, an impatient Oscar hilariously steers the car onto the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to briskly cruise to their destination!

To whet your appetite, here’s an exclusive clip:

Quiz: Which Zootopia Town Do You Belong In?

By Victoria Hunt

Zootopia+ officially launched on Disney+ on November 9 and we can’t contain our excitement! Whether you like to take it slow in the countryside or prefer the excitement of a bustling metropolitan city, everyone will identify with a town or neighborhood in Zootopia. Take our quiz below to find out where you’d fit in best.

What is your ideal transportation?

2. What does your ideal day look like?

Which Disney Park do you want to hit next?

Which Disney sidekick are you taking with you?

Name a Disney attraction that you never get tired of:

Lastly, pick a 2000s Disney movie to watch:

Which Zootopia Town Do You Belong In?
Bunny Burrow

Judy, a bunny, stands in front of her parents. Her mom is wearing a pink dress and her father is wearing a plaid button-down shirt and denim overalls.

You’d be right at home amongst the residents of Bunny Burrow. You prefer the slower moments in life, like relaxing on the porch with a big glass of sweet tea. The hustle and bustle of a big city is not your speed. You’d much rather take a stroll and enjoy nature.
Savanna Central

If relaxing with a good book sounds like an absolute snooze-fest to you, Savanna Central is your type of city. Your extroverted nature will thrive with the endless possibilities that are at the tip of your fingers in this metropolis.
Sahara Square

You are the type of person who works hard and plays harder. Sahara Square is known for its warm weather and bustling nightlife. You’d fit right in with the other desert-dwelling mammals lying poolside, soaking up some rays.
Tundra Town

Snow animals are walking through the snow-covered streets. The buildings in the town have traditional Russian architecture. A snowflake statue is on the right side of the street.

You appreciate the simple things in life that make the everyday magical. The coldest borough, Tundra Town is known for its winterscape and gorgeous architecture. Despite the consistent freezing temperatures, you’ll find residents enjoying strolls through the downtown all year long.
Little Rodentia

Judy towers over the miniature town of Little Rodentia holding a large donut. The buildings reflect classic New York architecture.

Little Rodentia is for those of us who enjoy community. Stop into your favorite corner store to grab a few groceries (or a big block of cheese) and run into a neighbor or two. Little Rodentia is the type of town that makes you want to sip on some coffee, work on a crossword puzzle, and gossip with your friends at the local café.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Films Dubbed in Native American Languages

By the D23 Team

Native American Heritage Month celebrates the incredible contributions of diverse Native American and Alaska Native communities to U.S. history and culture. And speaking of culture, one way The Walt Disney Company has been expanding its own content is to make more of it available to Native American communities by offering films dubbed in several Native American languages.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere you can take a favorite streaming device!), here are several dubbed films currently available to stream—on either Disney+ or Hulu—and some interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits on how each dubbed version came to be:

A still from the 1942 animated film Bambi; in the forest, Bambi the deer is on the left, and a butterfly is resting on his tail. To his right are three rabbits looking up at him with smiles on their faces.

Bambi in Arapaho on Disney+
Disney’s 1942 animated classic was first dubbed in Arapaho in the early 1990s, when this language had had approximately 1,000 speakers. Unfortunately, there are now fewer than 60 speakers—so the film is a helpful way to preserve the language. The process was initially driven by Dr. Neyooxet Greymorning, currently a professor at the University of Montana.

When the dubbed version of the film was recently added to Disney+, the folks at Walt Disney Studios Mastering made extra sure the physical film was in good working condition, ready to be digitally mastered for streaming use. You can find the Arapaho version as a bonus feature on the streaming service.

In a still from 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, Luke Skywalker (Disney Legend Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Disney Legend Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) are standing together looking off-camera to the right. Han is holding a blaster-type weapon in his hand and pointing it at someone; Luke is also holding a blaster but is pointing it upwards.

Star Wars: A New Hope in Navajo on Disney+
This version of Disney Legend George Lucas’ 1977 blockbuster, the first of its kind, came about in 2013—and it’s all thanks to Star Warsfan Manuelito Wheeler, who emailed and called Lucasfilm consistently over a 16-year period to see if they’d be interested in making a Navajo-language dub of the film. His amazing persistence paid off; as he told our friends at StarWars.com in 2021, “This project, it welcomed Native people to be part of the Star Wars universe… Now, our Navajo young people just have this attitude of like, ‘Oh wow, cool.’ They’re excited about it. ‘Yeah! That’s what we do now. We can do it.’ Star Wars has the ability to do something like that.”

Look for the dubbed version of the film as a bonus feature on Disney+.

In a still from 2003’s Finding Nemo, Marlin the clownfish (on the left) is talking to Dory the blue tang fish (on the right). There are corals surrounding them.

Finding Nemo in Navajo on Disney+
This 2003 Disney and Pixar animated hit was Disney’s second film to be dubbed in Navajo, in 2016—and, like Star Wars: A New Hope, exclusively features members of the Navajo Nation who’d never worked as actors before! Alongside Navajo linguists, the cast worked with Rick Dempsey, senior vice president of Disney Character Voices, to bring their roles to life.

This version of the film also features an original song by Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump—who is not Native American, but who sang the song in phoneticallyNavajo. Find this version as a bonus feature on Disney+.

In a still from 2022’s Prey, Naru (Amber Midthunder) is in a forest and is looking at someone whose legs we see to the right of the image. It appears to be raining. Naru has long dark hair and her arms are outstretched in a way that makes her look ready to do battle.

Prey in Comanche on Hulu in the U.S. / on Disney+ and Star+ internationally
This 2022 release from 20th Century Studios—the newest entry in the Predator film franchise—has the distinction of having its Comanche dub recorded by its original cast… who all learned their lines in multiple languages for just this reason. Jhane Myers, Prey’s executive producer, is Comanche (and Blackfeet) herself, and she spoke frequently of the importance of authenticity in the runup to the film’s release: “I’ve never seen a feature fully in my language,” Myers said at the time. “And one thing we do as Native people when we watch films, we watch to see if they can get one or two things right… For me to have the language in there, that was most important—and we pitched it that way to the studio.”

You can find the dubbed version of Prey on Hulu (on its own tab on the “details” page), and as a bonus feature on Star+ in Latin-American countries and Disney+ (Star) elsewhere internationally.

The World Premiere of The Santa Clauses Transforms Walt Disney Studios into the North Pole

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Christmas came early! Don’t look at your calendar; just fill your eyes with the festive fun from the world premiere of The Santa Clauses. The new Disney+ Original series follows Scott Calvin (Disney Legend Tim Allen) as he considers retiring from his holly jolly day job to be a better father and husband. But can he find someone to fill his iconic snow boots?

The series premieres Wednesday, November 16, on Disney+ with two episodes, and to celebrate on Sunday, Disney+ transformed the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank into the North Pole, rolling out a snowy white carpet for the series premiere. 

One theme from the cast and crew that was emphasized all night? This series is here to spread holiday cheer. “We wanted to bring a little joy to the world,” explained executive producer Jack Burditt, dressed in a Santa-themed Hawaiian shirt perfect for a California Christmas.

Executive producer Jason Winer added, “The show is about reconnecting with each other, and it’s also about learning to emphasize giving instead of receiving.”

Part of the reconnecting includes the Clauses themselves. Winer explained, “At the end of the last movie, 16 years ago, Mrs. Claus went into labor, and now that kid is a 16-year-old almost-man. So, now Santa has a family. We’re exploring the idea of the Clauses as a family, and that’s what makes this a series instead of a movie.”

Actor Austin Cane poses in front of a dark blue backdrop with Disney+ and The Santa Clauses branding.

Speaking of that 16-year-old almost-man, newcomer Austin Cane gave us the inside scoop on his character, Cal: “He’s the son of Santa Claus and he’s a little odd kid who’s never left the North Pole and doesn’t know much about the real world.” Just because all he knows is snowy slopes and elves doesn’t mean he’s afraid to explore. Cane explained, “He’s up for anything! He’s an emotional wreck, but he’s up for anything!”

Laura San Giacomo poses with Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, and several elves in front of a gold, light-up reindeer and a dark blue backdrop with Disney+ and The Santa Clauses branding.Also joining the franchise is Laura San Giacomo, who plays La Befana—also known as the Christmas Witch! “La Befana is the Christmas Witch who comes on the Epiphany, which is January 6 in the Italian tradition,” San Giacomo told us. “She brings sweets and candy to the good little boys and girls in a sock or stocking and coal to the ones who have not been so good.” How does one prepare to play a literal witch? For San Giacomo, it involved not just a lot of research into Italian fables and history: “I also watched a lot of Italian cooks cooking to get into the mood.”

In The Santa Clauses, the Calvins now have two children: Cal, who was the child Mrs. Claus carried in The Santa Clause 3, and Sandra, who was born during the time between the third film and now. Who was the perfect choice to play Allen’s onscreen daughter? How about… his actual daughter?!

The Allen family—Elizabeth Allen-Dick, Tim Allen, and Jane Hajduk in front of a Christmas tree and a dark blue backdrop with Disney+ and The Santa Clauses branding.

“I can’t explain how convoluted that process was,” Allen told us about his daughter’s casting. “It was supposed to be a little gift—to be an elf!” That small elf role quickly turned into Elizabeth Allen-Dick getting a bigger part as Sandra Calvin. “It was indescribable,” Allen said of acting alongside his daughter.

For Allen-Dick, Christmas is a big deal. She told reporters how every year she watches all three Santa Clause films and wakes her parents up at 6 a.m. on Christmas. You can imagine how she must feel having Santa Claus as her dad. “I don’t have a word for it,” she told us. “I guess the best I can say is that it’s an honor. It’s an honor to have a dad who inspires so many people.”

Allen expressed a similar sentiment to the fact that, for many people, he is literally Santa Claus: “I’m overwhelmed. I’m humbled by it. It wasn’t my intention. The movie was written well, directed well, and produced well. I’m grateful to be part of it.”

Mrs. Claus holds hands with Elizabeth Mitchell, who poses with her foot kicked up.

The Claus family isn’t complete without Mrs. Claus! Elizabeth Mitchell was in a merry mood on the carpet, telling us, “I think that to have this all come back up again has been such a gift.” She was delighted to return to the role, explaining, “It’s a joy! I never thought it would happen.”

While we know some general details of the series—the trailer hilariously reveals that Peyton Manning interviews to be Santa, for one—there’s still much that’s unknown to fans. Burditt teased, “All the writers are just fans of the series. We all love the movies but there’s questions I felt we all had: Was there a Mrs. Claus before? Did the guy who fell off of Scott Calvin’s roof have a wife?”

That’s right—the series is diving into the lore of the Santa Claus universe. “This is interesting—can Santa retire? Do we even know?” Burditt asked.

We can’t wait to watch the series to find out—and Allen is just as impatient. “I can’t wait for people to see it,” he told us. “That’s why I do anything.”

Check out more of the merriment from the Santa Clauses world premiere in the gallery below.

Get an Exclusive Discount on Tickets to “Wild Hope” by National Geographic Live with Ami Vitale

The National Geographic logo with yellow rectangle frame with the word “LIVE” to the right, advertising NatGeo’s speaker series. Along with it is a photo of photographer Ami Vitale dressed as a panda bear. She is laying on her stomach in a forest, leaning on her elbows and holding a large camera. She is wearing a complete panda costume, including a mask that covers her face.
Where: SeattleSymphony.org
What: $35 tickets using code: WILD
Dates: 11/13/22-11/15/22

National Geographic Live is returning to Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Washington, from November 13 through November 15 with photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale. For three nights only, Vitale will share her journey as a National Geographic Explorer through first-person accounts of the unsung heroes and communities protecting our wildlife across the globe.

This special presentation titled “Wild Hope” will cover stories on the reintroduction of northern white rhinos and giant pandas back to the wild, as well as Kenya’s first indigenous-owned and run elephant sanctuary. You won’t want to miss this intimate look at Vitale’s award-winning work.

Ami Vitale stands in an alley between buildings holding her camera. She is submerged in green murky water that reaches all the way up to her hips and she is wearing a purple patterned shirt and smiling at the camera. Behind her is a man wearing a blue striped polo shirt, also smiling, and behind him there is a blurry image of a child hanging out of a building window.

Ami Vitale, is one of the most versatile photographers working today, known for sharing powerful stories that drive change but also inspire us to push boundaries and have an impact in our daily lives. She has lived in mud huts and war zones, contracted malaria, and donned a panda suit—keeping true to her belief in the importance of “living the story.” Today, she focuses on our fragile relationship with the natural world and finding solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges.

: A man in an olive-green poncho and hat stands face to face with a rhino in a grassy field. He is mouth to mouth with the rhino, nearly kissing, and holding a striped rainbow umbrella above them.

Get tickets for National Geographic Live’s “Wild Hope” for just $35 using promo code “WILD.” The code is valid for all Orchestra level seating and can be entered at the top of the shopping cart page once a performance is selected. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories from National Geographic photographers, scientists, and filmmakers, along with exclusive footage and unforgettable imagery highlighting our world’s surreal natural beauty and the enduring power of the human spirit.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Don’t miss all the spectacular content debuting on your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! From hilarious new shorts to an inspirational new series, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. On Wednesday, all episodes of Zootopia+ and Save Our Squad with David Beckham premiere on Disney+. Catch a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy airing Thursday on ABC, followed by the series finale of Atlanta on FX. A brand-new episode of Raven’s Home premieres Friday on Disney Channel.

Zootopia+—Wednesday, November 9, on Disney+

Return to the bustling metropolis of Zootopia in this brand-new collection of short-form stories that explores the lives of some the city’s most intriguing residents. From Fru Fru, the fashion-forward arctic shrew to Clawhauser, the sweet-toothed cheetah, you won’t want to miss these hilarious adventures (and equally comical misadventures!).

In a still from Disney+’s Save Our Squad with David Beckham, from left to right, a young boy stands with his hands on his hips. He wears a navy-blue zippered jacket with a thick white stripe down the arms and matching pants. Former soccer star David Beckham stands to the right and smiles; he wears a black beanie with a large logo, black windbreaker jacket, black pants, and a gray hoodie. They stand on a soccer field with a large goal behind them.

Save Our Squad with David Beckham—Wednesday, November 9, on Disney+

Former soccer superstar David Beckham returns to his roots in East London to help the Westward Boys’ under 14 squad, who are in danger of relegation. Beckham has a tall task in front of him—as this desperate squad has yet to win a game this season. Follow the Westward Boys, their coaches, and their families on their quest from failure to redemption when all episodes debut at launch.

In a still from ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, from left to right, actors Midori Francis, Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, and Alexis Floyd each sit solo at large desks. Francis, Shum, Kane, and Floyd wear white medical coats and blue scrubs. The tables are covered with large white machinery and metal lights. Actor Scott Speedman stands facing the group and leans on a desk. He wears dark blue scrubs.

Grey’s Anatomy—Thursday, October 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC

After life-changing news rocks Grey Sloan, an intense thunderstorm hits Seattle. The attending surgeons and interns work together to save an injured reporter and family affected by the storm. Elsewhere, a beloved author undergoes a risky surgery, and complications from the storm arise.

In a still from FX’s Atlanta, actor Donald Glover sits in a diner booth with orange leather seats. He wears a navy-blue tuxedo with black lapels and a white button-down shirt. The table in front of Glover holds a white plate and two clear water glasses.

Atlanta—Thursday, November 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX

The series finale is here—which means it’s time to say goodbye to the award-winning story of Earn (Donald Glover) and friends. Season 4 kicked out with Earn, Alfred ‘Paper Boi’ Miles (Brian Tyree Henry), Darius (LaKeith Stanfield), and Van (Zazie Beetz) back in Atlanta after their European tour. But the question is, has Atlanta changed, or have they? This series is intended for mature audience only.

In a still from Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home, actors Issac Ryan Brown, Emmy Liu Wang, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Raven-Symoné, and Rondell Sheridan stand in a line and hold the person in front of them. Brown grasps the door knob as they all attempt to unlock it.

Raven’s Home—Friday, November 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel

Alice (Mykal-Michelle Harris) and Ivy (Emmy Liu Wang) create a safety plan for the family in the event of an emergency, but the Baxters aren’t eager take part. The girls decide to trick the family into rehearsing. However, things don’t go smoothly as they wind up locking themselves and the whole family in the basement.

5 Things You Need to Know About Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

By Zach Johnson

In Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the people of Wakanda are grieving the loss of their king, T’Challa (Disney Legend Chadwick Boseman), all while Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers. And, in the wake of T’Challa’s death, an even more dangerous threat emerges from the hidden undersea nation of Talocan: Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía). As the Wakandans try to embrace their next chapter, they must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) to forge a new path for their kingdom.

Before the film opens in U.S. theaters on November 11, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club attended a virtual press conference with the cast and filmmakers behind the action-adventure. Below are five things fans should know before they see the movie.

In a still from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri (Letitia Wright) wears white ceremonial funeral garb and makeup. She has a sad expression on her face. In the background are mourners, also wearing white.

1. Rather than recast T’Challa after Chadwick Boseman’s death, the story was revised.
A sequel to the Oscar®-winning film Black Panther was announced at D23 Expo in 2019. Boseman died from colon cancer a year later, prompting the filmmakers to debate how—or even if—they should proceed with the follow-up. “The shock turned into, ‘What do we do? What should we do? Should we do anything?’” producer Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, recalled. “Relatively soon, it was determined that this amazing ensemble of characters and this world that had been created onscreen needed to continue. Ryan pours everything—all of himself—into everything he does, and he’d been working for almost a year on a version of the movie with T’Challa in it.”

2. The actors channeled their own grief into their performances.
Shuri, the brilliant inventor and princess of Wakanda, is bitter after losing her brother, T’Challa. Wright says she had a “heart-to-heart conversation” with Coogler about how to take “a gentle step forward, because it’s so raw.” Ultimately, Wright said, “We were able to bring something that felt real, that felt truthful. I was able to really give my heart to it and give Shuri a full arc. Hopefully people resonate with that and find some healing, alongside us, with it.” Whereas Shuri is angry, Nakia “is a little further along in terms of her processing,” Nyong’o added: “It’s not like she has it all figured out. In the first film, Ryan described her as T’Challa’s oasis, and that really resonated with me. So, when I was reading this script and thinking about where she is, I realized that what she once was to T’Challa she now has the opportunity to offer Shuri. It made a lot of sense in terms of the structure and architecture of the story; we’re talking about the exploration of grief. It’s really grounding to have someone who is befriending of that change—both for the people in the story, and also for an audience. The fact that she was T’Challa’s love, in a way, allows an audience to know, ‘It’s okay.’”

In a still from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) is underwater. He wears a gold headdress and jewelry.

3. To the Wakandans, Namor is a threat—but to his people, he’s a god.
As M’Baku says in the film, Namor’s people do not call him general or king; they call him K’uk’ulkan, “the feather serpent god.” He has not concerned himself or his people with the affairs of the surface world—until the Wakandans exposed the world to Vibranium, the strongest metal known to man, unknowingly making Talokan a target. Now, Huerta Mejía said, Namor wants to “destroy” anyone who opposes him. “Ryan found a way to make him human, to justify why people do that kind of thing,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s OK or not. Maybe it’s not an excuse, but it’s an explanation.”

4. Shuri meets her match—and makes a new friend.
Dominique Thorne makes her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Riri Williams, a brilliant inventor and student at MIT—and according to Wright, she makes quite a first impression! “I’m really excited for Dominique and the performance you guys are about to see,” Wright said. “She’s incredible, and Riri is so much fun. And I love the fact that we get a beautiful opportunity to see another Black young girl be a genius at school, doing her thing, inspiring so many. That was a cool connection [between us].”

5. Female characters are front and center in the story.
“These were the characters who were most affected by T’Challa’s passing, so we focused on the people who were appropriate,” producer Nate Moore said. “It’s not about pushing women forward or holding men back; it’s about telling the story that is organic. Sometimes maybe from the outside, there’s a thought that there are agendas at play. It’s just telling good stories, you know? We are blessed with an amazing cast who breathe life into these characters and makes you want to see what’s happening with Shuri, or Okoye, or Nakia, or Ramonda. To not highlight them would have been a disservice to the story. The movie’s better for it—because if we would have wedged in some new male characters just to have that voice, that would have been performative.”

Where to See a Sneak Peek at Disney’s Strange World—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Sneak Peek at Strange World Coming to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line

Ready to go adventuring? Guests visiting select Disney Parks can soon get an early look at scenes from Strange World, the latest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. A special sneak peek of the film began playing today, November 4, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort—and sneak peeks of footage from the film will also be coming soon to Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line.

Two of the film’s voice-actor stars, Jake Gyllenhaal (Searcher Clade) and Gabrielle Union (Meridian Clade), helped make the fun announcement:

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original, action-packed adventure Strange World introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they try and navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog, and a slew of ravenous creatures.

Directed by Don Hall (Oscar-winning Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) with co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer, Raya and the Last Dragon)—and produced by Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled)—Strange World releases to theaters on November 23!  

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

It’s true—we’re just about a week away from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s debut in U.S. theaters on November 11… so in anticipation, we’ve put together a slate of Marvel Studios content to help you reacquaint yourself with Black Panther—not to mention celebrate the life and legacy of late Disney Legend Chadwick Boseman. Click here for what to add to your weekend watch list! 

New Disenchanted Trailer Asks What Happens After “Happily Ever After”?

Earlier this week, Disney+ released a truly magical new trailer for Disenchanted, the all-new musical comedy… and sequel to the fan favorite Enchanted!

It has been more than 10 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city. So, they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy-tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for; suburbia has a whole new set of rules—as well as a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy! Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

The film, which reunites original cast members Adams, Dempsey, Disney Legend Idina Menzel, and James Marsden, also stars Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jayma Mays. Directed by Adam Shankman, Disenchanted features new songs from Disney Legend Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. Look for the film to debut Friday, November 18, exclusively on Disney+!

A promotional image for Marvel Day at Sea 2023 on Disney Cruise Line features multiple images of Super Heroes and Villains—including Shang-Chi, the Mighty Thor, Black Panther, Ms. Marvel, Captain America Sam Wilson, and more. The Disney Cruise Line logo is seen toward the bottom of the image, in white; beneath that is the red and white Marvel logo, beneath which it reads “Day at Sea.”

Marvel Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in 2023

Marvel fans, assemble! As announced this week, favorite Super Heroes and Villains will make your vacation that much more epic when Marvel Day at Sea sailings begin again on Disney Cruise Line in early 2023.

Setting sail January through March from Miami, Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films, and animated series with the excitement of a Disney cruise. During this one action-packed day aboard the Disney Dream, guests will get to experience all-day entertainment including meet-and-greets; stage shows; film and TV screenings; special merchandise; themed food and beverage offerings; and activities for every member of the family.

For the first time ever, more than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new heroic encounters and live entertainment throughout the event—including the debut of Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Kate Bishop, and more! Plus, the sailings will feature a brand-new take on “Heroes Unite,” the signature nighttime spectacular featuring special effects, stunts, and pyrotechnics, as well as a cool new “Strange Academy: A Spellbinding Spectacular” show in the Walt Disney Theatre.

But that’s not all: Young recruits will get to sharpen their skills during an all-new, interactive training experience with Captain America Steve Rogers, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Kate Bishop held on the upper decks and in the kids’ club.

For more information on all the amazing fun to expect during Marvel Day at Sea—as well as upcoming itineraries—visit Disney Cruise Line.

Thrilling New Avatar: The Way of Water Trailer from 20th Century Studios

We’re soaring ever closer to the debut of Avatar: The Way of Water, James Cameron’s highly anticipated first follow-up to his Academy Award®-winning Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time… and to tide us over (pun intended), 20th Century Studios just released a brand-new trailer, above.

With Avatar: The Way of Water, the cinematic experience reaches new heights as Cameron transports audiences back to the magnificent world of Pandora in a spectacular and stirring action-packed adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of Avatar, this new film begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their children), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Directed and produced by Cameron, the film stars Zoe Saldaña (Neytiri), Sam Worthington (Jake Sully), Sigourney Weaver (Kiri), Stephen Lang (Colonel Miles Quaritch), Cliff Curtis (Tonowari), Joel David Moore (Norm Spellman), CCH Pounder (Mo’at), Edie Falco (General Ardmore), Jemaine Clement (Dr. Ian Garvin), and Kate Winslet (Ronal).

Avatar: The Way of Water opens in theaters on Friday, December 16.

Jingle All the Way to Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas

Yes, we know—we only just finished up the candy and tossed out the carved pumpkin (responsibly)… but it’s now November, which means all holidays, all the time!!! (Sorry, that was our outside voice.) Case in point: The good folks at Freeform have announced the return of 25 Days of Christmas, their yearly yuletide watchfest of epic proportions. For a full rundown on what to expect—including their new “25 Days of Christmas Past” channel on ABC.com—click here.

The logo for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. At the top of the image is the red and white Marvel Studios graphic; below it, it says “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in a shiny silver font.  

Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast Debuts This Week

Proximity Media, in collaboration with Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment, announced a six-episode podcast about the making of the highly anticipated film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, opening in U.S. theaters November 11.

Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast—which debuted with its first episode this week—explores this next chapter in the story of Wakanda and honors the remarkable legacy of Disney Legend Chadwick Boseman. Ta-Neshisi Coates, National Book Award-winning author, journalist, and writer for Marvel Comics’ Black Panther, serves as host and writer. Proximity Media’s Head of Audio Paola Mardo serves as producer as well as executive producer alongside Proximity’s founders Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian.

The first episode features a conversation between Coates and director and co-writer Ryan Coogler; the two artists and friends reflect on the cultural impact of Black Panther, the legacy of Boseman, and his inspiration to the cast and crew. “There is no storyteller I admire more than Ryan Coogler,” said Coates, who makes his podcast-hosting debut. “Any chance to partner with him, Proximity Media, and Marvel, is a worthy one. For that opportunity to be a chronicle of the making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was simply too good to pass up.”

Subsequent episodes will be available weekly in January 2023, celebrating the five-year anniversary of the release of the first Black Panther film. Guests will include cast and crew, including stars Angela Bassett and Dominique Thorne; score and soundtrack composer and producer Ludwig Göransson; production designer Hannah Beachler; director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw; co-writer Joe Robert Cole; producers Kevin Feige and Nate Moore; and more. Each episode, in tandem with guests’ conversation, will weave host narration, Göransson’s original score, film clips, and field recordings.

In this promotional image for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming appearance in the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, three photos from the 2021 parade appear at the top—on the left, the Disney Cruise Line float with NYC buildings in the background; in the middle, a closeup of Minnie Mouse in her Disney Cruise Line finery; on the right, a shot of the Disney Cruise Line dancers and the float during a break in the parade route. Underneath the images, against an orange background, it says “Disney Cruise Line Returns to the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” There are several brown and yellow leaf graphics surrounding the words.

Disney Cruise Line Makes Return “Sailing” to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Lest we forget about Thanksgiving, our pals at Disney Parks Blog just shared the cool news that Disney Cruise Line will return to the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Last year, Disney Cruise Line debuted an all-new cruise ship float, inspired by the whimsical style of the Disney Wish, during the iconic holiday tradition—and that same vessel will sail down 34th Street again later this month…

In addition to the float, the festivities include a live performance inspired by one of the new Broadway-style shows on board the Disney Wish, “Disney Seas the Adventure.” Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy will lead a cast of performers and iconic Disney characters in this show-stopping number.

Be sure to tune in for the fun, when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on Thursday, November 24, from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones on NBC.

New Look at Willow, Coming Soon to Disney+

Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment recently released a sneak peek at their all-new, swashbuckling adventure series Willow. Based on Disney Legend George Lucas’ fantasy-adventure film, the Original series debuts in just a few weeks’ time, exclusively on Disney+.

The story began when aspiring sorcerer Willow Ufgood, played by Warwick Davis, was whisked away on a journey to protect an infant empress, Elora Danan, and vanquish the evil Queen Bavmorda from their world of Andowyne… Now, the tale continues with Davis reprising his titular role, as he leads an unlikely crew of heroes on a quest to protect Andowyne from an even larger foe than they had imagined possible!

The Willow series also stars Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, and Joanne Whalley. Watch for it to debut on the streaming service on November 30.

ICYMI: Disney Receives 86 Children’s & Family Emmy® Award Nominations

It’s the first-ever Children’s & Family Emmy® Awards… and Disney came away with an incredible 86 nominations across its content brands and studios. Before the statuettes are handed out on December 10 and 11 in Los Angeles, click here for the complete list of nominations. We bet a few of your favorites made the cut!