Just a Little Hocus Pocus 2 on the Cover of the New Disney twenty-three

By the D23 Team

After Hocus Pocus arrived in theaters in the summer of 1993, the film developed a massive following—and in the ensuing years, its stars would sometimes hint to eager fans that a sequel was a possibility. That possibility has become a reality with Hocus Pocus 2 debuting on Disney+ September 30, and no one is more excited than the film’s original trio of spirited sorceresses: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. “Kathy, especially, acted as the keeper of the Black Flame Candle, forgive my pun,” Midler says when speaking exclusively to Disney twenty-three. “She was adamant about what the fans would and wouldn’t accept, and we sort of followed her lead.” The stars and creative team break down the magic in store for viewers this fall, and the spellbinding cover was created exclusively for the publication.

The magic of Pinocchio has enchanted audiences since the animated film’s debut in 1940. Director Robert Zemeckis and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Keegan-Michael Key discuss creating the dazzling new live-action imagining of the film, which also stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto and arrives September 8 on Disney+. Diego Luna talks about reprising his role as Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the new Disney+ series Andor. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star Tatiana Maslany reveals what it took to get green for her hilarious new Marvel Studios series coming to Disney+. And Larry the Cable Guy takes readers on a cross-country trip, unveiling the freewheeling adventures in store for Mater and Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) in Pixar’s new series for Disney+, Cars on the Road.

Plus, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor-like stamina is put to the test in the new Disney+ series from National Geographic, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, which explores human endurance and longevity. And the unofficial “Queen of Disney+”—Yvette Nicole Brown—takes us on a ride through her Disney favorites in a story shot by our photo editor, Derek Lee, at Disneyland Park for Disney twenty-three.

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking film TRON with stars Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner as well as the original film’s writer-director, Steven Lisberger. 

Also in the Fall 2022 issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • The sky-high journey of Walt Disney’s private plane, which will be on display and an exhibit presented by Amazon this September at D23 Expo in Anaheim, California
  • Four decades of EPCOT—from Walt’s initial vision to the astounding achievement it is today
  • A sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, which chronicles the adventures of one of the world’s most recognizable icons
  • Regular features including By the Numbers, D Society, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of August.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your Disney Princess knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Which Disney Princess was created to be left-handed to match her voice actress?

Correct! Wrong!

(A) Tiana was created to be left-handed to match her voice actress, Anika Noni Rose.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!
You are the ultimate Disney fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Don’t Miss These D23-Exclusive Thor Pins, Worthy of the Gods!

By Peyton Liebler

“Whoever holds these exclusive pins, should they be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” Celebrate six decades years of worthiness and thunder with some exclusive Thor 60th Anniversary Pins!

These pins are inspired by Thor, the Asgardian God of Thunder, who made their debut in Marvel Comics’ Journey into Mystery No. 83 in 1962. Thor has since become a staple of the Marvel universe, spawning several spin-off comic series, and becoming one of its most beloved characters. The mantle of Thor has additionally become an integral plot point within Marvel comics—and one of Mjölnir’s worthy wielders, Jane Foster, made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut this year as The Mighty Thor in Thor: Love + Thunder.

D23-Exclusive Thor 60th Anniversary Commemorative Pins

Prove your worthiness and celebrate 60 mighty years of one of Marvel’s greatest Superheroes, Thor! These D23 Gold Member-exclusive pins celebrate the God of Thunder and his electrifying debut in Marvel Comics in 1962. Displaying some of the vibrant colors of the Bifrost, these pins are truly the best way to summon the power of thunder and show off your Asgardian pride.

Our Thor 60th Anniversary pins, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, are available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney beginning Monday, August 8.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These sets are sold for $24.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin sets of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices

An Exclusive Friendly Neighborhood Pin Set Celebrating Spider-Man!

By Peyton Liebler

Enter the massive multiverse of web-slingers and show off your Spidey-pride: Celebrate 60 years of “Beyond Amazing” times with Spider-Man by getting your webs on this D23-exclusive pin set!

The set is inspired by your friendly neighborhood web-slinger, who made his debut in Marvel Comics’ Amazing Fantasy No. 15 in 1962. Spider-Man has since become a truly iconic Super Hero, and one of the most instantly recognizable characters in the world. Over the last six decades, Spider-Man has accumulated close to 600 complete comics and has been featured in countless others; the character has also made a significant impact in the “Multiverse of Marvel” and has had several unique iterations in both Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This pin set celebrates several of those variants, in addition to the original Spider-Man.

D23-Exclusive Spider-Man 60th Anniversary Pin Set

Swing into action and celebrate 60 amazing years of everyone’s favorite web-slinger, Spider-Man! This D23 Gold Member exclusive set of nine pins celebrates several iconic Spider-Man looks from his six-decade history—from Peter Parker’s debut in Marvel Comics in 1962, to Ghost Spider’s memorable run. Showing off some of Marvel’s most quintessential Spider variants, this pin set is sure to spin a web of interest and delight for any fan.

Our Spider-Man 60th Anniversary pins, offered in a limited edition of 1,200, are available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney beginning Monday, August 8.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These sets are sold for $99.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin sets of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

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.

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.

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.