From TRON to Disney Character Voices and More! Can’t Miss Presentations at D23 Expo

By the D23 Team

We’re almost a month away from D23 Expo, when Disney fans will unite to celebrate all things Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, Disney Animation, and so much more! As part of the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, all three days will be packed with programming showcasing all corners of the worlds of Disney. We’ve already announced the biggest panels happening each day and the presentations Disney history nerds need to attend—but don’t lock in your schedule yet, because we’re revealing even more panels that Disney fans will want to watch for can’t-miss moments and unforgettable celebrations:

D23 Expo Mousequerade
Friday, September 9, 6–7:30 p.m., Premiere Stage
The popular Mousequerade costume contest returns, hosted by Nina West and featuring a star-studded panel of judges including Yvette Nicole Brown (Big Shot, Disenchanted), Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano and creator of Her Universe), and Ally Maki (Toy Story 4, Home Sweet Home Alone). The contest will feature new categories including “Off the Screen,” “Imagine That!,” “Magical Mashups,” and “Cast of Characters,” as well as an all-new fan-favorite award voted on by the audience! Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the unparalleled creativity and innovation of Disney fans’ inspired costumes!

Join the Muppets as they ring in 30 years of Holiday Cheer, celebrating The Muppet Christmas Carol!

Magic in the Air: 30 Years of The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, September 10, 1 p.m., Premiere Stage
Yuletide comes early this year as we celebrate 30 years of the ultimate Holiday classic- The Muppet Christmas Carol- with filmmakers, The Muppets, and a few surprises!

D23 Disney Stars Trivia Showdown
Saturday, September 10, 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 11, 5 p.m., D23 Expo Live Stage
Join the iconic Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Hairspray on Tour) as she hosts hopeful celebrity contestants and audience members through a kaleidoscopic world of Disney trivia and challenges!

Back to the Grid: 40 Years of TRON presented by Enterprise
Sunday, September 11, 12 p.m., Backlot Stage
Lightcycles, recognizers, and solar sails, oh my! Join us for a look back at Tron, featuring artwork, footage, and photographs from the digital frontier. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of how the film came to life with talent, artists, and filmmakers—and dive into the continuous impact of this groundbreaking film.

Conversations with Disney Character Voices
Sunday, September 11, 6–7 p.m., Premiere Stage
Providing the perfect voice to characters has been a Disney signature since Walt first gave voice to Mickey Mouse. Join Rick Dempsey, Senior Vice President of Character Voices, and some very special guests, as we go “behind the mic” for stories and fun conversations with some Disney favorites.

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

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How Disneyland Resort Is Creating Extra Cheer This Holiday Season

By Zach Johnson

There’s snow place like Disneyland Resort during the holiday season! And from November 11, 2022, through January 8, 2023, The Happiest Place on Earth will once again transform into The Merriest Place on Earth, helping to spread joy all season long!

In Disney California Adventure park, holiday décor will shine bright, with a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street and automotive holiday embellishment in Cars Land. Plus, the nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” will fuse nostalgic holiday music with memorable moments from beloved Disney animated films.

Disney Festival of Holidays will once again highlight a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. Festival marketplaces across the park will serve a hand-crafted menu. The Sip and Savor Pass* will also be available for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating marketplaces and dining locations. Throughout the festival, guests can also enjoy nightly holiday concerts at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park. Speaking of Paradise Gardens Park, Mirabel from Encanto will greet guests in the area!

A drummer smiles wide as he bangs on his drum during the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party at Disney California Adventure park. He is wearing a patterned gold and red outfit, which matches his drum. He stands next to two other drummers, wearing similar outfits, and six Mariachis, wearing red jackets, red pants, white shirts, and hats with gold trim. Behind them are Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, wearing rainbow fiesta attire. They are surrounded by palm trees near Paradise Gardens Park.

This year’s entertainment lineup will include “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” a procession of Disney and Pixar characters dancing and marching along to the rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. The “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party will feature Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in festive attire, accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, percussionists, and giant mojiganga puppets.

The yuletide spirit will shift into high gear in Cars Land with two fan-favorite seasonal attraction transformations: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. And for guests tracking Santa Claus, he’ll greet them at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail!

The holiday fun doesn’t end there. Disneyland park will once again be adorned with festive holiday décor, including the iconic 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. In Town Square, guests should look out for Disney characters wearing their holiday finest—including a few brand-new outfits! And, of course, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will enchant from day to night with sparkling icicles and twinkling lights.

Anna, Elsa, and Olaf from Frozen—along with Mickey, Minnie, Santa, and many other friends—will celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily musical procession of floats, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, and more.

Golden fireworks crackle over Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle during the “Believe... in Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular. The castle is illuminated in blue and purple lights as dozens of guests stand before it.

In the evenings, the festivities will continue with the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, which features magical “snowfall” and colorful projections on Main Street, U.S.A., and the façade of “it’s a small world.” Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and other characters will appear during nightly holiday dance parties at the Tomorrowland Terrace.

Two Disneyland attractions will bring back fan-favorite seasonal transformations. “it’s a small world” Holiday will take guests around the world as dolls and toys representing children enjoy the distinctive holiday traditions of their respective countries. Over in New Orleans Square, Jack Skellington and his friends will cause a collision between Christmas and Halloween when Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday!

In the Downtown Disney District, discover dazzling décor, photo opportunities, festive musical entertainment, and special offerings from shops and restaurants. With a breadth of boutiques to explore, Downtown Disney District will be an ideal destination for guests to find holiday gifts for the whole family! Plus, all three Disneyland Resort hotels will showcase themed Christmas trees and feature performances from convivial carolers and visits from Santa Claus. The Disneyland Resort culinary team will also display its annual gingerbread house display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Of course, guests can make their holiday visits even more magical this year with convenient and time-saving tools in the Disneyland app.* The Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ services can help plan and maximize guests’ days. Food and beverage items from select quick-service dining locations can be ordered ahead of time with Mobile Order, and guests can save time at select shops with Merchandise Mobile Checkout.

 

*The Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass will expire on January 8, 2023. It will not be valid at any other event or at any other time. Passes are nonrefundable, subject to restrictions, and not valid for theme park admission. Both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry.

**Message, data, and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Marvel Makes an Epic Return to D23 Expo with a Thrilling Lineup of Panels, Events, First Looks, and More

By the D23 Team

Super news, super fans! With just over a month until Disney’s highly anticipated D23 Expo presented by Visa in Anaheim, California, kicking off September 9, Marvel is unveiling a can’t-miss lineup of panels, stage events, guest appearances, exclusive merchandise, giveaways, and more! Throughout the weekend at D23 Expo, fans won’t want to miss Marvel’s panels and stage events diving into what’s next for Marvel Studios, a celebration of 60 “Beyond Amazing” years of Spider-Man, an exciting current look at Marvel Games, and more. Start planning your powerful weekend of epic adventure with everything Marvel has in store for the Ultimate Disney Fan convention:

The Show Floor

Fans will be able to explore the Marvel Studios Pavilion on the show floor to experience an awesome costume display, exclusive giveaways, a photo activation, and other surprises. Elsewhere on the show floor, the shopDisney booth will spotlight exciting Marvel merchandise featuring the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, along with a variety of other products at retailer booths during the show.

Panels

Marvel DRAW Live!
Friday, September 9, 2–2:30 p.m. PT and Saturday, September 10, 1:30–2 p.m. PT | D23 Expo Live! Stage
Join Brian Crosby, Marvel’s Director of Themed Entertainment, for a real-time, step-by-step tutorial session on how to draw some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains! 

Hall D23 Presentation
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m. PT | Hall D23
As previously announced, filmmakers, celebrity talent, and surprise guests from Marvel Studios will join Lucasfilm and others onstage in Hall D23 to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials, and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what’s in the works. 

Marvel Comics: Celebrating 60 Years of the Amazing Spider-Man
Saturday, September 10, 2–3 p.m. PT | Backlot Stage
Celebrate sixty spectacular, sensational, web-slinging years of Spider-Man! From his humble debut in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, he wall-crawled his way to international super-stardom. Now, join Marvel’s Executive Spider-Editor Nick Lowe and Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski as they team up to trace the comics history of the web-head across six decades—and BEYOND! Tantalizing trivia about the webbed wonder will be shared in this can’t-miss panel, so be sure to swing by! Fans attending will also receive a special exclusive giveaway (while supplies last), to be revealed in the coming weeks!

Signings with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Nick Lowe
Saturday, September 10, 5:30–6:30 p.m. PT | Talent Central
Swing by Talent Central to meet Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Spider-Editor Nick Lowefor a signing opportunity!

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

Additional event details, including D23 Expo plans for Marvel Games, will be released in the coming weeks and made available on the D23 Expo app. Stay tuned to Marvel.com and D23Expo.com for more information!

Schedules and talent are subject to change.

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How Marvel Studios Is Branching Out with I Am Groot

By Zach Johnson

Who wood say no to more Baby Groot?

I Am Groot stars everyone’s favorite little tree, Baby Groot, from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, and debuts Wednesday, August 10, on Disney+. Baby Groot takes center stage in this tree-mendous collection of five original shorts, which explores his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. Kirsten Lepore wrote and directed the shorts, in which Vin Diesel reprises his voice role as the adorable sapling and Bradley Cooper returns in one short as the voice of Rocket, the cybernetically and genetically augmented woodland creature. I Am Groot executive producer and Guardians of the Galaxy franchise director James Gunn also makes a special voice cameo.

“We were really excited to have the freedom to examine Groot’s childhood and drop in at different points in that timeline,” Lepore tells D23. “It’s set between the end of Guardians of the Galaxy all the way to the post-credits of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, so there was a lot for us to play with in that time frame, which we hadn’t seen before this.” Each I Am Groot short was inspired by “the things most kids get into,” she explains, ranging from bath time to dress-up. The trick was “putting a great spin on it.”

Against a blue sky, Baby Groot is standing, mouth agape, and looking down at out-of-focus blue insects. He is surrounded by desert spires.

But how did I Am Groot come to be? Groot first appeared on screen in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy as an old, wise, humanoid tree creature. At the end of the film, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his friends, and Baby Groot—a seedling about 10 inches tall—was born from the splinters. In 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Baby Groot solidified himself as a scene stealer as he fought alongside Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Cooper), and Mantis (Pom Klementieff). Then, in late 2020, executive producer Brad Winderbaum handpicked Lepore, an Emmy® Award-winning director and animator, known for stop-motion and short-form content, to create I Am Groot .

“We wanted to bring Baby Groot back to the screen for a long time—since Guardians 2,” Winderbaum tells D23. “But in the [subsequent] films, he’s grown up, like a tree does. But there’s that period of time where he’s just a kid, and that always seemed exciting to explore. For us, the question was: How—and in what way? Something that we’re striving to do at Marvel in general, but particularly on the animation side, is find ways to tell new stories and to push the frontier of things—to use different media or different styles of animation, dictated by the type of story we’re telling. So, early on, when Kevin [Feige] and I were batting around Baby Groot concepts, we started thinking about the early cartoons that were made by Disney Animation—those early Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck cartoons, the ones that I remember watching as a kid, dating back to the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s. In thinking about directors who could bring that short-form situational humor to the screen, Kirsten very quickly became the only choice because of how much she’s excelled in that in her past work.”

Baby Groot is sitting, smiling, and looking at a green wire board. He is inside a spaceship, and behind him are various mechanical panels, some of which are illuminated in blue, green, red, and yellow.

And, according to Lepore, the possibilities for I Am Groot storytelling are unlimited. “It’s just so fun getting to know him,” she explains. “Even if it’s just three minutes, we learn so much by seeing him in these different scenarios. We learn so much about his character and how he behaves. I know that a lot of people really love Baby Groot, so I’m excited to give them more and help them get to know this guy a little bit better.”

The fun will continue even after I Am Groot debuts on Disney+, as Marvel Studios recently announced that a second collection of five shorts are in the works. “I can’t give away any of the details,” Lepore admits, “but they are all super fun and in the same spirit as the first collection. You’ll get to see Groot in a lot of different, exciting scenarios!”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

This week’s lineup is jam-packed with unlikely friendships. Break out your cerulean sweater for the return of The Devil Wears Prada to Hulu. Go to infinity… and beyond with the streaming debut of Lightyear, followed on Wednesday by the two-episode premiere of FX’s Reservation Dogs Season 2! A TV legend stops by on this week’s episode of Generation Gap, and Star Wars pals go on holiday (or at least try to) in LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation, premiering Friday.

Actress Anne Hathaway types on a large white computer while sitting at a desk.

The Devil Wears Prada—Now streaming on Hulu
Andrea “Andy” Sachs (Anne Hathaway) dreams of becoming a professional writer and is willing to do just about anything to achieve her goal. The recent college graduate moves to New York City and lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the editor-in-chief of the prestigious fashion magazine Runway.However, Andy quicky realizes the job is much more than she bargained for due Miranda’s excessive demands and temperamental behavior. Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Adrian Grenier also star in this beloved classic.

Buzz Lightyear (left) steers a spaceship while his crew and the robot cat Sox brace for impact

Lightyear—Wednesday, August 3, on Disney+
The definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) blasts on to the streaming service this week. The animated film follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s stranded on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. Alongside a group of ambitious recruits and a purrfect robot cat, Sox (voiced by Peter Sohn), Buzz attempts to get the crew back home. However, the mission is threatened by Zurg (voiced by James Brolin) and his army of ruthless robots.

Actresses Devery Jack and Elva Guerra stand on a grassy hill with a bright blue sky and large tree in the background

Reservation Dogs—Wednesday, August 3, on Hulu
The highly anticipated second season debuts with two episodes. While the town recovers from a destructive tornado, Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis) tries to reverse a curse. Then, Elora (Devery Jacobs) and Jackie (Elva Guerra) embark on a road trip that quickly takes a turn for the worse. New episodes launch weekly on the streaming service.

Two contestants on ABC’s Generation Gap give each other a high-five

Generation Gap—Thursday, August 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
This week’s episode is chock-full of giggles, and host Kelly Ripa has a tough time holding in the laughter. Esteemed sitcom actress Marla Gibbs stops by the show and has the contestants in stitches when she hilariously changes her name to “Fibs.”

LEGO versions of Rey, Chewbacca, and C3PO gather around Finn

LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation—Friday, August 5, on Disney+
Finn plans a surprise vacation for his friends, but his scheme is soon thwarted after he’s separated from the group. Alone on the Halcyon starcruiser, Finn is visited by three Force spirits—Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Princess Leia—who each share their own stories of vacations gone wrong. The special features the voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown, Thomas Lennon, Paul F. Tompkins, Kelly Marie Tran, Billy Dee Williams, and many more!

“Journey Into Storytelling” with Immersive Experiences from Abbott Elementary, Cruel Summer, National Treasure, and More at D23 Expo 2022

By the D23 Team

Disney General Entertainment is bringing more than 30 fan-favorite programs under one roof at this year’s D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa. Through interactive activations on the show floor as well as presentations, panels, and talent appearances, fans will immerse themselves in the wonders of storytelling from some of the most iconic and culture-defining shows across every genre on television and streaming, created by content brands ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, and Onyx Collective.

The three-day extravaganza kicks off September 9 in Anaheim, California, and includes immersive activations in the Disney General Entertainment “Journey Into Storytelling” pavilion, along with a dynamic schedule of exciting announcements, sneak peeks, engaging panels, and special appearances by the stars from some of today’s most cherished shows today.

Panels and Presentations
Exciting panels include a sneak peek into ABC Entertainment’s upcoming special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration as well as a fan experience celebrating The Simpsons’ reign as the longest-running animated series of all time. Additional programming will take place on the Disney Bundle Stage. More details to come.

“Journey Into Storytelling” Pavilion
Through the “Journey Into Storytelling” experience on the show floor pavilion, there is a story for everyone. Fans are invited to immerse themselves in the various worlds of their favorite programming, or perhaps even discover their new favorites, with interactive experiences from Abbott Elementary, American Born Chinese, American Horror Story, Cruel Summer, Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory, Fire of Love, Good Morning America, Grey’s Anatomy, The Kardashians, Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, National Treasure: Edge of History, Only Murders in the Building, and ZOMBIES 3. There will be photo and video activations along with gamification throughout the pavilion.

Fans of daytime television favorites Live with Kelly and Ryan and Tamron Hall can take center stage for a photo and video moment where they will feel like they’re part of the show at these fun photo booth opportunities—located in Hall B of the D23 Expo show floor. In addition, fans can see Tamron Hall in-person moderating various panels across D23 Expo.

“Journey Into Storytelling” Immersive Experiences:

ABC News:

Good Morning America (ABC and Hulu) TSS Shot
Begin the journey seeing your name in lights on the famed ABC News’ Good Morning Americamarquee—a must-have photo op.

Disney Branded Television:

American Born Chinese (Disney+) – Mythical Staff Maneuvers
Learn how to master the staff alongside the mythical Chinese heroes featured in Disney Branded Television’s American Born Chinese.

National Treasure: Edge of History (Disney+) – Clue Room Zoom
Gear up for an archeological adventure by searching for clues in the secret tunnel of the pyramid with Disney Branded Television’s National Treasure: Edge of History.

ABC Entertainment:

Abbott Elementary (ABC and Hulu) – Sub for a Day
Step into a day in the life of a substitute teacher at Abbott Elementary and see how you would respond in some iconic scenes!

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC and Hulu)
Do as the world-class staff of Grey Sloan Memorial do when they need a boost: strike a superhero pose or dance it out!

Freeform:

Cruel Summer (Freeform and Hulu) – Y2K Room
Enter this experience to take a turn on Dance Dance Revolution to your favorite throwback hits, pose in the Y2K-era bedroom and get a glimpse at the lake life in a cool airstream photo op from the upcoming season of Cruel Summer.

FX:

American Horror Story – Horror Scare Moment (FX and Hulu)
Be the star of your own nightmare while celebrating 11 award-winning seasons of FX’s American Horror Story.

Hulu Originals:

Only Murders in the Building – Arconia Silhouettes
Become a resident of the famed Arconia with your very own Mabel Mora-style portrait with Hulu Originals’ Only Murders in the Building.

The Kardashians – 7th Sister
Think you have what it takes to be a Kardashian? Give it your best strut.

Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers – Skyhook Slo Mo
Fulfill your Laker’s legacy with your very own attempt at the skyhook inspired by Lakers legends. 

National Geographic Content:

Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory (Disney+); Fire of Love (Disney+); Limitless with Chris Hemsworth (Disney+)

Push your own limits by becoming an explorer at some of the most stunning environmental settings around the world with National Geographic.

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

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American Idol Returns to ABC in Spring 2023—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

This... is American Idol Returning for a Sixth Season to ABC!

Yes, it’s true: The iconic star-maker competition series American Idol will be welcoming back music industry legends Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie as judges—as well as veteran host Ryan Seacrest—when it returns for a sixth season on ABC in spring 2023!

Think you’ve got what it takes? The show’s quest to discover America’s next singing sensation kicks off in just a few days’ time, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar.

Auditions will take place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C, and start with the annual “First 500” event, where hopefuls can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else. “Idol Across America” offers singers the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition.

“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

  • “First 500” VIP Event (Aug. 3)
  • Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug. 5)
  • Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug. 8)
  • Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 10)
  • Connecticut, New Jersey, New York (Aug. 12)
  • Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 15)
  • Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee (Aug. 17)
  • Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug. 19)
  • Open Call: Nationwide (Aug. 22)
  • Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug. 24)
  • Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug. 26)
  • Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. (Aug. 29)
  • Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont (Aug. 31)

For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and a chance to audition virtually in front of an American Idol producer, please visit AmericanIdol.com/auditions... and good luck!

More details on specific dates, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions are available on the website. Contestants must be at least 15 years old to audition and may do so on any “Idol Across America” date regardless of your location.

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

The final weekend of July is here (doesn’t it feel like we just watched fireworks and grilled hot dogs?), and as we mosey our way into August—which also means D23 Expo is right around the corner!—there’s some great stuff to catch from around the worlds of Disney. Keep this week’s new-Beyonce-music fun going by celebrating the second anniversary of her Black Is King visual album on Disney+; take in a new episode of The $100,000 Pyramid on ABC; and so much more.

Wakanda Forever Prologue EP Now Streaming

Following last weekend’s huge debut of the truly breathtaking Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teaser trailer at San Diego Comic-Con, the Wakanda Forever Prologue EP has officially become available to the public. Fans can now stream the EP on all major music streaming services—including Apple Music and Spotify—as well as check out the stunning visualizations of three songs on YouTube, including the one for “No Woman, No Cry,” above.

The project is produced by Oscar®-, Grammy®-, and Emmy®-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and also features “A Body, A Coffin,” performed by Ghanian artist Amaarae, and “Soy,” performed by Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan.

Commenting on the inspiration behind this prologue, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler and Göransson told Marvel.com, “This prologue is an aural first glimpse of Wakanda Forever. The sound world for the film began with extended trips to Mexico and Nigeria. We spent our days working with traditional musicians who educated us about the cultural, social, and historical contexts of their music... The instrumental score and soundtrack for Wakanda Forever both organically grew from these sessions and workshops. They are conceived together as a singular entity to create an immersive and enveloping sound world for the film.”

Stay tuned for more info about Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as we get closer to the film’s release on November 11.

How a Star Wars Fan Created a New Droid for Obi-Wan Kenobi

KP-1, an astromech consisting of three distinct, modular sections that form a cone shape, might just be the droid you’re looking for... and he made his small screen debut in Obi-Wan Kenobi “Part V.” Only he wasn’t created by the Lucasfilm Art Department; he comes to a galaxy far, far away thanks to an unlikely source: Star Wars fan Camille Manet!

The 25-year-old from Paris, France, entered and won the Build My Droid contest from Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Force for Change initiative and FIRST, whose goal is to inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and the creative arts—part of Disney’s commitment to empower the next generation to dream about their future, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.

Manet’s entry was a droid that looked very Star Wars but was also new and filled with personality. Build My Droid offered contestants the chance to see their droid brought to life in a future Star Wars project—but little did Manet know at the time that the project would be Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi! “Obi-Wan was my favorite character as a kid and still is,” she recently told StarWars.com. “I was actually really moved to learn that it would be in Obi-Wan Kenobi precisely because of that.” Check out a behind-the-scenes look at the droid in the clip, above.

Now that KP-1 is known to the Star Wars galaxy, Manet has one wish for her droid: “I hope that it brings joy to people too, because that’s what Star Wars does,” she says. “I hope it makes other people happy—just as happy as it made me.”

Jimmy Kimmel, on left, and Norman Lear, on right, are seated in white chairs and talking into microphones, in front of a pink-hued background. Jimmy is wearing a black suit and tie, and Norman is wearing a black sweater and pants and a white fedora, and a cane is resting next to him against the chair.There is a table between them, on which sits a vase of pink flowers.

ABC to Celebrate Norman Lear’s 100th Birthday with Exclusive Special

It’s not very often a pioneer of television (or any human, let’s be honest) lives to be 100 years old... but in the case of iconic TV producer Norman Lear, he hit that very milestone this week! And later this year, his friends at ABC will celebrate said milestone—and his incredible career—with a star-studded special.

Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter will pay homage to the man behind some of television’s greatest stories, including All in the Family, One Day at a Time, and ABC’s Emmy® Award-winning Live in Front of a Studio Audience… (produced with Jimmy Kimmel), and feature an impressive lineup of celebrity guests and musical performances to be announced closer to the premiere.

“Norman’s illustrious career is revered by so many, and we are honored to be celebrating his legacy with this special night of entertainment,” said Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment. “We have been lucky to work with Norman on a number of projects over the years, and it’s only fitting that his centennial birthday be marked by the biggest names in Hollywood raising a glass to toast, and perhaps gently roast, the television icon.”

Produced by Done+Dusted, in association with Walt Disney Television Alternative, Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter is scheduled to air on Thursday, September 22, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on ABC, and will be available the next day on Hulu.

ICYMI: Let It Go… to Summer Camp—High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Returns!

The East High Wildcats are about to spend a fun-filled (and sure-to-be-tuneful) summer at Camp Shallow Lake, and D23 recently spoke exclusively with several of the show’s cast members—including Frankie Rodriguez, Dara Reneé, and Saylor Bell Curda, as well as creator and executive producer Tim Federle—about what to expect. Ready to “get’cha head in the game”?

Inside the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 3 Premiere

By Zach Johnson

There was “Something in the Air” at The Walt Disney Studios Lot Wednesday as Disney+ celebrated the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 3 premiere with a star-studded red carpet event. In addition to creator and executive producer Tim Federle, cast members in attendance included Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Olivia Rodrigo, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Larry Saperstein, Joe Serafini, Kate Reinders, Olivia Rose Keegan, Saylor Bell Curda, Adrian Lyles, Corbin Bleu, Meg Donnelly, Jason Earles, Aria Brooks, Liamani Segura, Ben Stillwell, and JoJo Siwa. As if that wasn’t enough star power, Monique Coleman also showed up to support her High School Musical trilogy co-star Bleu, while Trevor Tordjman, Pearce Joza, Carla Jeffery, Emilia McCarthy, and Kingston Foster came out to support their ZOMBIES 3 co-stars Cornett and Donnelly. In addition, dozens of famous faces from various Disney+ and Disney Branded Television series turned out for the celebration.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club talked to the series’ stars on the red carpet, where they shared insights into the third season, set at Camp Shallow Lake, where they’re staging a high-stakes production of Frozen—all while filming a drama-filled docu-series. This season will also show the budding romance between E.J. (Cornett) and Gina (Wylie), whose dynamic is like a “roller coaster,” according to Wylie. “You don’t just want to see a couple thrive. You want to see them go through the ups and downs and prevail in the end,” she said. “It’ll be interesting to see whether they can do that.”

The cast and creator/executive producer of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series pose for a group photo on the Season 3 premiere red carpet. Back row, left to right: Larry Saperstein, Joe Serafini, Frankie Rodriguez, Olivia Rodrigo, Dara Reneé, Matt Cornett, Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, and Adrian Lyles. Middle row, left to right: JoJo Siwa, Olivia Rose Keegan, Meg Donnelly, Saylor Bell Curda, Liamani Segura, Kate Reinders, Tim Federle, Aria Brooks. Front row, left to right: Jason Earles, Corbin Bleu, Ben Stillwell. They are posing in front of a black backdrop featuring a red and white High School Musical: The Musical: The Series logo and a white Disney+ logo.

Speaking of romance, Carlos (Rodriguez) and Seb (Serafini) are still going strong... even though they’re spending two weeks apart while Carlos is at camp with some of his fellow Wildcats. “Seb is back at the farm, doing his family chores,” Serafini told D23. “I’m sure he’s hanging out with Big Red [Saperstein] at Salt Lake Slices. He’s hanging in there!” Rodriguez added, “They've been together since Season 1, so I think this time apart is a healthy thing. It gives Carlos time to figure himself out, so that’s really great.”

Nini (Rodrigo) doesn’t attend Camp Shallow Lake or stay home in Salt Lake City this season. Instead, she travels with her moms to California to mull her future. Nervous about what comes next, Nini turns to Miss Jenn (Reinders) for some friendly advice. “Miss Jenn gives Nini a safe space to say whatever’s on her mind and whatever’s in her heart,” Reinders said. “Miss Jenn’s a true supporter of whatever that may be for Nini.”

New episodes from Season 3 of High School Musical: the Musical: The Series will stream Wednesdays, only on Disney+. The series was recently greenlit for Season 4. Before you stream the next episode, see more photos from the premiere event below:

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

By Andie Hagemann

Adventure is out there… and also available from the comfort of your couch, with these stellar titles coming to your TV and assorted streaming devices this weekend! On Friday, The Villains of Valley View’s Colby is caught in a shapeshifting loop that puzzles his super hero family; meanwhile, celebrate the debut anniversaries of Jungle Cruise and Black Is King by binge-watching both features on Disney+. Watch an adorable puppy find his forever home in the latest episode of Roman to the Rescue, followed by two Bachelor Nation stars duking it out for charity on The $100,000 Pyramid on Sunday.

In a still from The Villains of Valley View, Reed Hortsmann, Kayden Muller-Janssen, and Isabella Pappas stare at John Gowans who is dressed like a teenager with a beanie and bold patterned sweatshirt and slacks.

The Villains of Valley View—Friday, July 29, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Colby (Malachi Barton) finally shapeshifts back into his 13-year-old self, but things quickly go awry as he realizes he’s stuck in a shape-shifting loop. As he toggles between his young and old forms, the family frantically searches for remedies. Will they find a solution, or will Colby be stuck traversing different generations forever?

Actor Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt lock arms while passing through a dark jungle at nighttime in a still from Jungle Cruise.

Jungle Cruise—Saturday, July 30, on Disney+
All aboard! Celebrate the first anniversary of this adventurous film inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction. Jungle Cruise follows brilliant scientist and explorer Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt), who enlists charismatic skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) to transport her down the Amazon River in a search for an ancient tree that holds magical healing powers.

In a still from Black is King, Beyoncé stands in the center of a group of people all wearing bold animal print dresses and coats and front of an ornate fireplace and mirror.

Black Is King—Sunday, July 31, on Disney+
Sunday marks the second anniversary of this breathtaking visual album by Grammy® Award-winner Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Inspired by the music of The Lion King: The Gift, Knowles-Carter reimagines the lessons from Disney’s global phenomenon for today’s youth in search of their own crowns.

Roman McConn sits on red blanket while hugging a large dog on his lap and surrounded by yellow and green-leafed trees in a still from Roman to the Rescue.

Roman to the Rescue—Sunday, July 31, at 5 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD
Tiger is a big, adventurous puppy who loves to explore the outdoors—and the next dog spotlighted by 10-year-old dog rescuer Roman McConn. Mallory James Mahoney, star of Disney Channel’s BUNK’D, teams up with McConn to help find Tiger’s “forever kid” in this next installment of the heartwarming series.

Former Bachelorette star Tayshia Adams sits at a table across from a contestant on The$100,000 Pyramid, awaiting instructions from host Michael Strahan.

The $100,000 Pyramid—Sunday, July 31, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
This week’s episode kicks off with Bachelor Nation favorites Tayshia Adams and Matt James going head-to-head. Will it be the most dramatic competition yet? Then, Wendi McLendon-Covey, star of ABC’s The Goldbergs, plays against Reno 911! star Thomas Lennon—both competing for worthy charities.

Disney Parks Brings Can’t-Miss Panels, Sneak Peeks at the Future, and More to D23 Expo

By the D23 Team

One of the most anticipated parts of D23 Expo 2022 for Disney fans is discovering what Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has in store, both on the show floor and in panels and presentations. This year promises to be full of Disney Parks excitement—with new pavilions, captivating panel presentations, and exclusive retail experiences. D23 Expo attendees will be the first to learn about never-before-seen details of new themed lands, attractions, shows, and so much more!

Four cartoon-y, round-headed “DisneyMe” characters, each dressed in a different Disney-themed outfit: Jedi Robes, Belle’s yellow dress, a Mouse Ear hat, and a pirate hat. The characters are smiling and surrounded by sparkles while the text “The Quest starts on September 8. DisneyMe: D23 Expo Quest.”

Magic on the Show Floor
The Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion invites attendees to step into new stories, attractions, and adventures Walt Disney Imagineers are bringing to life around the globe. Fans will discover behind-the-scenes glimpses of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the transformation of EPCOT, new Frozen-themed experiences, Disney Cruise Line, live entertainment, and more.

Guests at D23 Expo will get first access to DisneyMe, an all-new digital avatar in the Play Disney Parks app. This experience empowers guests to express their Disney style by creating their own unique DisneyMe. To celebrate the launch of DisneyMe as part of Disney Uncharted Adventure on the Disney Wish, guests at D23 Expo will be invited to a quest that can only be completed at D23 Expo! Attendees will uncover specially designed Disney Wish and D23 Expo digital clothing and accessories for their DisneyMe around the show floor.

Starting September, D23 Expo guests will need to download the latest Play Disney Parks app to be ready to create their DisneyMe and join the DisneyMe D23 Expo Quest during the convention.*

Can’t-Miss Presentations

Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers
Friday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m., Backlot Stage
An inside look at the continuing development of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers — what it means in the Disney parks and how these stories continue to grow. Disney Imagineers are joined by Julie Kagawa to talk about her first two books in a series of novels that tie into the lore of S.E.A.

A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage 
Learn about the legacy of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab, including the work created by Yale Gracey for the Haunted Mansion and other early projects, plus a behind-the-curtain look at the present-day magical process that is so unique to Imagineering.

Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection
Saturday, September 10, 12 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Bob Weis and Leah and Leslie Sklar, the wife and daughter of the late Disney Legend and Imagineer Marty Sklar, as they discuss some of the treasures they’ve discovered while going through Marty’s collection from his more than 50 years with Walt Disney Imagineering.

Dreaming, Designing, and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish
Saturday, September 10, 4 p.m., Backlot Stage
Walt Disney Imagineers fresh off the launch of the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet—the Disney Wish—talk about their experiences bringing this ship to life. From the wondrously themed spaces, imaginative kids’ clubs, and the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, the ship brings to life fantastical stories you know and love like never before.

Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible
Sunday, September 11, 1 p.m., Premiere Stage 
For seven decades, the magic-makers at Walt Disney Imagineering have blended limitless imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences that bring together families and friends to form lifelong memories. Join Imagineers past and present as they discuss the core elements of storytelling and innovation that bring dreams to life for guests from all around the world. 

A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products
Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m., Hall D23
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will take to the Hall D23 stage for A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products to share a look at new details of highly anticipated projects in development around the world. The fan-favorite presentation is sure to feature see-it-here-first moments and special surprises.

The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed
Sunday, September 11, 4:15 p.m., Hyperion Stage
Disney Imagineers discuss the origin and continuing popularity of Duffy & Friends, including the newest friend who has become a global phenomenon—LinaBell!

Exclusive Shopping
D23 Expo is the place for fans to shop new and limited-edition merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, plus items celebrating Disney100 and D23 Expo. Attendees can visit the D23 Expo Marketplace for a new, immersive retail experience with products from shopDisney.com, Disney Store, and Disney Parks. The Walt Disney Imagineering Mickey’s of Glendale shop is returning to D23 Expo this year, this time with three unique retail spaces tailored to different categories and experiences: Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store, and D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale.

For more information on D23 Expo 2022, visit D23expo.com.

 

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage not available everywhere. Guests under 18 need their parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

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