D23 Celebrates Rising LGBTQIA+ Stars

By Victoria Hunt

This month we’re celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Disney recognizes this community’s significant impact on the entertainment industry and, in honor of Pride month, we are highlighting some of the most promising Disney stars that identify as queer.

Dove Cameron
Cameron’s first taste of stardom was on her Emmy® award-winning hit Disney Channel show Liv and Maddie, where she played teen twins leading very different lives. Outside of the show, Cameron has become the face of The Descendants film series playing the role of Mal, the daughter of Maleficent.

Just when you think she can’t get any cooler, she has also starred in Marvel Studio’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Ruby Hale.

In August 2020, Cameron took to social media to announce that she identifies as queer. She doesn’t label her sexuality, but finds herself somewhere within the spectrum. At only 26, she has already made an impression at Disney and is sure to only continue to do so in the years to come!

Auli’i Cravalho
This talented actress gave voice to the title character in the hit Disney 2016 animated film Moana. She was also cast as Ariel in The Wonderful World of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Live! Cravalho’s newest project is Hulu’s Crush (2022), where she portrays high school student AJ Campos, who catches the eye of Paige, an aspiring young artist forced to join her high school track team.

During the first few months of quarantine, when TikTok rose in popularity, Cravalho took the opportunity to come out to her fans through the social media platform. The 21-year-old native Hawaiian identifies as bisexual and remains open about her sexuality to her fans.

Frankie Rodriguez
Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has been groundbreaking in its portrayal of queer characters. Frankie Rodriguez, who plays Carlos on the show, identifies as gay on and off the screen, dating HSMTMTS’s costar Joe Serafini. He has also acted in Hulu’s Will and Grace reboot.

His performance in HSMTMTS was recognized with a nomination for The Queerties, an annual award honoring the LGBTQIA+ community’s brightest stars and innovators.

Joshua Bassett
Rodriguez isn’t the only Wildcat to positively affirm his identity. Bassett, who plays the role of Ricky Bowen on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, publicly came out in 2021 as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Like Dove Cameron, Bassett doesn’t feel a need to label his sexuality, but rather finds himself within the spectrum of sexualities.

He makes it a point to celebrate love of all kinds on social media with his large Disney fan base.

Jack Dylan Grazer
Jack Dylan Grazer, who voiced Alberto Scrofano in Disney and Pixar’s Luca (2021), has made a name for himself in the Disney universe and garnered fans of all ages. He also voiced Barney Pudowski in Walt Disney’s Ron Gone Wrong (2021).

In 2021, at just 17 years old, Grazer came out as bisexual to a fan on Instagram Live. He also identifies with both “he” and “they” pronouns.

All the “Buzz” on the Latest Lightyear Merch

By the D23 Team

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear is now in theaters, and there’s never been a better time to gear up before you go to infinity… and beyond! To prepare for liftoff, we’ve rounded up out-of-this-world products from shopDisney that will bring the wonder of Lightyear to the comfort of your home.

A young girl in a purple Lightyear shirt smiles as she holds a plush version of the character Sox, a robot cat, from Lightyear.

Sox Plush – Lightyear – 14”
Sox, Buzz Lightyear’s very own “personal companion robot,” is just waiting to become your companion, too. The cute and cuddly cat is reprogrammed here as a plush toy, complete with poseable features.

A young girl poses with a slight smile in a purple T-shirt featuring a 2D drawing of Izzy, Buzz Lightyear, and Sox.

Buzz, Izzy, and Sox T-Shirt for Girls – Lightyear
Bold graphics depict Buzz, Izzy, and Sox the cat on this soft, cotton-blend tee.

A young boy poses in a black T-shirt featuring stylized purple and blue artwork of Zurg, Buzz Lightyear, and the Star Command insignia.

Buzz Lightyear and Zurg T-Shirt for Kids – Lightyear
Bold graphics depict Buzz and Zurg with Star Command insignia on the front and sleeve of this cotton-blend tee.

A white, triangular belt bag with an illustration of the spaceship computer IVAN from the film Lightyear.

Lightyear Belt Bag
This triangular belt bag is inspired by IVAN, the spaceship computer featured in Lightyear. The simulated leather design is embroidered with graphic detailing, includes zip closure, and comes with an adjustable belt with side release buckle.

 

A posable Buzz Lightyear action figure (as he appears in the film Lightyear). He has one hand on his chest and the other at his side, holding a laser blade DX.

Laser Blade Buzz Lightyear Talking Action Figure – Lightyear
This large talking Laser Blade Buzz action figure features exciting lights, motion capabilities, and more than 30 sounds, bringing the action and thrills of the movie directly into your home!

LEGO® figures of Izzy and Buzz Lightyear, both without helmets, along with Sox the robot cat, face off against a very large LEGO figure of Zurg.

LEGO Zurg Battle 76831 – Lightyear
Recreate and reimagine this battle scene from Lightyear with this LEGO® playset. It includes a buildable Zurg robot with movable arms and legs, and minifigures with interchangeable accessories and weaponry, so fans can make their own battle stories.

A Minnie Mouse ear headband with an illustration of Sox the robot cat in orange on the right ear and an illustration of an orange planet with rings on the left ear. The bow is striped in pink, turquoise, and orange with the Star Command insignia in the center.

Lightyear Ear Headband for Adults
Blast off to infinity and beyond wearing this ear headband themed to Lightyear. Printed ears with Sox, and a striped satin bow, are complemented by a Star Command badge and glow-in-the-dark elements.

Black socks with green accents feature the logos for Buzz Lightyear’s XL-15 spaceship in orange and the Star Command logo in white.

Lightyear Glow-in-the-Dark Socks for Adults
Find your space feet when you don this pair of socks. The bold graphic design, which name checks Buzz’s XL-15 spaceship and Star Command, includes glow-in-the-dark green elements that will be visible in space.

A playset featuring Zurg, his purple fighter ship, Buzz Lightyear, and his white XL-15 spaceship.

Lightyear Hyperspeed Series Space Battle Pack
The Hyperspeed Series focuses on vehicles inspired by the high speed spacecraft featured in Lightyear. This two pack includes Zurg’s intimidating fighter ship with exclusive battle damage deco and Zurg figure, plus Buzz’s XL-15 spaceship and Buzz figure.

A black water bottle featuring the text, “The Last Space Ranger,” in purple, orange, and turquoise text along with a silhouette of Buzz Lightyear, all against a starfield pattern.

Lightyear Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Buzz Lightyear is heralded as “the last Space Ranger” on this stainless steel water bottle. This sleek canister features a profile of Buzz’s face, which glows in the dark—so you’ll be able to see it even in dark space!

Zurg is standing in front of an inter-dimensional portal, with text reading “Disney Mirrorverse.”

Disney Mirrorverse
Disney Mirrorverse is launching on June 23, with Zurg crashing into the new, action-packed mobile game! Download and play to enter new worlds with evolved Disney and Pixar characters like you’ve never seen them before!

 

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in July 2022

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ has a sizzling lineup for the month of July!

A new installment of Marvel Studios Assembled will premiere on Friday, July 1, chronicling the making ofDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Join director Sam Raimi and the cast as they recount their experiences bringing Marvel’s darkest story to life. From world- to universe-building, hear first-hand accounts from the cast and crew about what it took to design and create each unique and believable element of the film. That same day, several National Geographic titles will be added to the Disney+ library.

As part of the Disney+ Independence Day celebration, all six episodes of National Geographic’s America the Beautiful will stream on Monday, July 4. Narrated by Michael B. Jordan, the documentary tells the story of our homeland and its animals. Close out the week on Friday, July 8, when The Wonderful Summer of Mickey Mouse debuts. Watch as Mickey Mouse and his friends each recall the wild events leading up to the Annual Summer Fireworks Spectacular, as told from their varying points of view.

In the foreground, green-haired zombie Zed (Milo Manheim) wears a pink and green Seabrook football jersey. He has removed his helmet and is hugging blonde cheerleader Addison (Meg Donnelly), who is wearing a pink, green, and white uniform. In the background, Seabrook cheerleaders are waving pink pom poms in the air.

Are you already counting down until Friday, July 15, when the Disney+ Original movie ZOMBIES 3—the third chapter in Disney Branded Television’s hit ZOMBIES franchise—debuts on Disney+? It’s senior year at Seabrook, and the town has finally become a safe haven for monsters and humans alike. Zed (Milo Manheim) is on track to receive a football scholarship and become the first zombie ever to attend college. Addison (Meg Donnelly) is excited to mark the opening of the town’s brand-new “cheer pavilion” by inviting cheer teams from all over the world to compete in an “international cheer-off.” However, Seabrook is shocked by the arrival of a new group of intergalactic outsiders who show up to compete in the cheer-off. Though they begrudgingly allow the aliens to stay for the competition, the monsters and humans of Seabrook grow suspicious when they discover that the aliens may be looking for more than a friendly competition.

Five days later, stream two new Disney+ Original series. Siempre Fui Yo (It Was Always Me) follows the adventures of Lupe (Sevilla), whose life takes an unexpected turn when she finds out her father—El Faraón, Colombia’s greatest music star—has died, prompting her to leave her native Mexico and travel to Cartagena, Colombia, to attend his funeral. Once there, she quickly realizes that nothing is what it seems and decides to enroll in a musical contest to be close to her father’s entourage and look into his suspicious death. The Disney+ Original series Tudo Igual… Só Que Não centers on Carol (Gabriella Saraivah), whose life is at a crossroads. She faces the typical adolescent challenges, exploring new feelings and realizing that getting to know herself and respecting her emotions are the keys to happiness—even if she makes a few mistakes.

The cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season three pose against an orange background. They are seated on a truck bed and stacked green picnic tables. From left to right are Meg Donnelly as Val, sitting on a picnic bench and wearing a printed white top and red, white, and blue striped shorts; Saylor Bell Curda as Maddox, sitting behind Meg on a different picnic bench and wearing a flannel shirt over a black tee and denim jeans; Matt Cornett as E.J., standing with his legs crossed and wearing a blue tank top with a brown Camp Shallow Lake logo, paired with olive green shorts and brown hiking boots; Frankie Rodriguez as Carlos, sitting on the opposite side of Saylor’s bench and wearing glasses, a red and white patterned top, and white cuffed pants; Joshua Bassett as Ricky, reclining on the truck’s wheel and wearing a blue polo, gray cuffed shorts and sneakers; Julia Lester as Ashlyn, standing behind Joshua and wearing a denim jumpsuit, patterned socks and striped sneakers; Adrian Lyles as Jet, sitting behind Julia and wearing a denim jacket, green cuffed pants and sneakers; Dara Reneé as Kourtney, sitting below Julia and wearing a green leopard print top, a rainbow striped belt, a denim skirt, and red boots; and Sofia Wylie as Gina, standing on a picnic bench and wearing a pastel crocheted top, high-waisted purple shorts and white tennis shoes. Almost everyone is smiling and looking into the camera.

Another pair of Disney+ Originals will arrive on Wednesday, July 27. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series returns for its third season, in which the Wildcats head to Camp Shallow Lake, a California sleepaway camp, where they and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights, and a taste of the great outdoors. With a high-stakes production of Frozen on the horizon and a drama-filled “docu-series” in the works, the Wildcats will attempt to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold. In Light & Magic, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan is granted unparalleled access as he takes viewers on an adventure behind the curtains of Industrial Light & Magic, the special visual effects, animation, and virtual production division of Lucasfilm.

Each Wednesday, enjoy new episodes of Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel, leading up to the July 15 finale. Throughout the month, Disney+ will add a range of episodes and films to its library, from Mira, Royal Detective to World’s Biggest Great White? and beyond.

Here’s everything new you can stream on Disney+ in July:

Benedict Cumberbatch wears a red cape and a blue outfit while filming a scene as Doctor Stephen Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In front of him is A-camera operator Rodrigo Gutierrez, who is masked and squinting into the camera.

Friday, July 1
50 Shades of Sharks
The Birth of Big Air
The Good, the Bad, the Hungry
Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (Premiere)
Raging Bull Shark
Slaying the Badger
World’s Biggest Tiger Shark?
World’s Biggest Great White?

An American bison herd walks toward the camera in America the Beautiful.

Monday, July 4
America the Beautiful (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

Wednesday, July 6
Ms. Marvel (Episode 5)
PJ Masks (Season 5, 8 Episodes)

(Clockwise from top left) In a scene from The Wonderful Summer of Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy listen to their phones—an outdated model for Mickey, a smartphone for Daisy, a landline for Donald, and a tin can for Goofy. Minnie Mouse, wearing curlers and a purple robe, is in the center and speaking into her rotary phone.

Friday, July 8
The Wonderful Summer of Mickey Mouse (Premiere)

Wednesday, July 13
Chibi Tiny Tales (Season 1)
Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Season 4)
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 1, 4 Episodes)
Ms. Marvel (Episode 6) (Finale)

Friday, July 15
ZOMBIES 3 (Premiere)

A black and white logo for Siempre Fui Yo

Wednesday, July 20
Mira, Royal Detective (Season 2, 4 Episodes)
Siempre Fui Yo (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Tudo Igual… Só Que Não (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

Friday, July 22
Deadpool
Deadpool 2
Logan

Wednesday, July 27
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Season 3 Premiere) (Episode 301: “Happy Campers”)
Light & Magic (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

Getting Inventive with the Creative Team Behind Disney Junior’s Eureka!

By Andie Hagemann

“Innovative, inclusive, and enthusiastic” is how co-executive producer and story editor Erica Rothschild describes the title character of Eureka!, Disney Junior’s brand-new animated series.

Set in the fantastical prehistoric world of Rocky Falls, the series follows Eureka (voiced by Ruth Righi), a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. She designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. Eureka! premieres Wednesday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior. An initial batch of episodes will also premiere the same day on Disney+ and on-demand platforms.

Norton Virgien and Niamh Sharkey, who serve as co-creators and executive producers of the series, tell D23 that the immense success of Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins (for which Virgien served as a co-executive producer and supervising director) was part of the impetus for Eureka!. “Kids who watch that show get inspired to do more than they might have thought with their lives; you can be a doctor if that’s your dream,” he says. “Niamh and I were talking about what it would look like to create a new character who is in love with science, engineering, and inventing.”

Sharkey adds, “We thought she could be the world’s first Imagineer.”

Against a pastel blue and pink background is Eureka, a young girl, standing on the right side and looking at drawings of an invention to clean her pet woolly mammoth on Disney Junior’s series Eureka!

Casting Righi in the lead role initially came at the recommendation of a friend of Rothschild’s who worked with the actress on the Disney Channel series Sydney to the Max. “I vividly remember the moment when I was sitting on the curb outside of a playdate talking to her about the show, and she told me, ‘Oh, you have to look at Ruth,’” Rothschild says. “I’m so glad that conversation happened because I can’t imagine this show without Ruth.”

Virgien and Sharkey agree that Righi embodies the spirit of her character. “You really can’t underscore enough how much a great voice actor can bring to an animated character,” says Virgien. “So many different artists work on the animation, and it is the character’s voice that ties it all together and provides its spark. Ruthie is so sophisticated with her humor, she’s energetic, and such a fabulous singer, as well.”

Righi leads an all-star voice cast that includes Renée Elise Goldsberry and Lil Rel Howery as Eureka’s parents, Roxy and Rollo, respectively, and Javier Muñoz as her teacher, Ohm. Eureka’s fearless best friend Pepper is voiced by Kai Zen, with her comedic, yet cautious pal Barry voiced by Trey Campbell. Sharkey says this group of friends is “very unexpected,” explaining, “Pepper is just out there and crazy: running, jumping, and swinging from trees. While Barry is thoughtful and a little hesitant and empathetic with all the other kids, he’s special in his own way.” She adds Righi, Zen, and Campbell worked seamlessly with one another, much like the trio they portray.

Recurring guest roles are voiced by Ellie Kemper as the school librarian, Chee; Jack McBrayer as a pet kanga bird; Ryan Michelle Bathé as Barry’s mom, Sierra; and Wendell Pierce as Barry’s father, Sandy. Then, there are some very special guest stars. From Emmy Award®-winning actress Loretta Devine and world-famous drummer Sheila E. to renowned ballet dancer and best-selling author Misty Copeland, the young and young at heart will be thrilled with the slate of superstars stopping by Rocky Falls this season. Eureka’s grandmother Wanda is voiced by Devine, while Yurt, a traveling musician, is voiced by Sheila E., and Rockanne, a dance teacher, is voiced by Copeland.

Roxy crouches to sing to Eureka in the family’s brightly-decorated kitchen in Disney Junior’s Eureka!

“For Sheila E., we had an episode about a world-famous drummer that Barry idolizes coming to town,” Rothschild says, “so we put together our dream list of who we would want, and Sheila E. was at the top.” Sheila E. was equally enthused to be a part of the show. In fact, she recorded herself drumming in character, providing a reference for animators. She also recorded herself drumming—while adapting her skills to the proper level for a young drummer—as a reference for Barry. Rothschild adds, “In addition to being amazing and throwing her heart and soul into it for the voice recording session, she dressed up as her character.”

Copeland was another guest star the creators dreamed of for the episode titled “Dance, Dance, Evolution.” The ballerina made quite an impression on the series creators. “We kept bringing the character back because she was so good,” Rothschild says of the multiple episodes Rockanne will now be featured in this season.

Roxy, Rollo, and Eureka cuddle up around the family’s pet woolly mammoth while looking up at the stars in Disney Junior’s Eureka!

In addition to its star-studded cast, Eureka! is chock-full of life lessons and super-cool gadgets that may inspire its viewers to think less conventionally and start pursuing their own inventions. Sharkey says the unique Halloween costume Eureka creates in an episode debuting later in the season is one of her favorite inventions thus far. “[Eureka] creates a ‘Spikesaurus’ costume that actually fools a real ‘Spikesaurus,’” she says. “She is able to work in [advanced] mechanics but with this prehistoric twist.”

Virgien adds Eureka! incorporates a modern and kid-centric twist to one of the most important inventions in human history: the wheel. “In Eureka’s world, the wheel is invented so the kids can go skateboarding down crazy hills,” he says.

To watch Eureka create a lava-powered pizza oven, water-powered swing, the first-ever skateboard, and so much more, tune in to the series beginning June 22!

Disney Debuts Retail Experiences Including All-New ‘D23 Expo Marketplace’ at D23 Expo 2022

D23 Expo is the place for fans to shop never-before-seen, limited-edition merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and new items celebrating Disney100. D23 Expo 2022 will debut an immersive retail experience with the D23 Expo Marketplace – let’s go over everything you’ll be able to find at this one-of-a-kind shopping pavilion.

Various D23 Expo 2022 items. From left to right: A blue Disney100 x D23 Expo lanyard, the front and back of a silver reusable bottle that shows the Disney 100 logo on one side and the D23 Expo logo on the other, a blue baseball cap with Mickey Mouse on the front and the D23 Expo logo on the back, a women’s fit bright blue T-shirt featuring Mickey Mouse and the D23 Expo logo on the front and Disney 100 logo on the back neck collar, and a unisex fit T-shirt in a darker blue color with Mickey Mouse and the D23 Expo logo on the front with the Disney 100 logo on the back neck collar.

D23 Expo Marketplace 

No matter which part of the Disney universe is your favorite, fans of all ages and affinities will be thrilled by the D23 Expo Marketplace – a 27,000-square-foot shopping experience on the D23 Expo show floor. From limited-edition merchandise to the first items celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary, you can find it all at the D23 Expo Marketplace! Find the best items from shopDisney, Disney Store, and Disney Parks in one convenient location.

Mickey’s of Glendale

The Walt Disney Imagineering exclusive 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. The Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store will feature merchandise designed by Imagineers, including hats, T-shirts, accessories and more. This location will also exclusively feature collections celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s upcoming 70th Anniversary, making it a must-see for Imagineering aficionados and Parks fans!

Calling all pin traders – the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store is your place to find an assortment of limited-edition pins to add to your collection.

Finally, find official merchandise for D23 Expo 2022 at the D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale. Commemorate your time at this milestone event with Expo exclusive merchandise.

Disney Publishing 

Also returning to D23 Expo 2022 is Disney Publishing — the premiere destination where Disney readers can find first-to-market books. Guests will have the opportunity to meet a variety of beloved authors who will be hosting signings at this location. Appearances include Disney historian and author of 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime, Marcy Carriker Smothers, DisneyBound’s Leslie Kay, Shinji Takahashi and Mark of the Coatl’sJulie Kagawa, and Cautionary Tales’ Ridley Pearson.

With so much exciting merchandise to look forward to, we thought we’d highlight a few exclusive collections that will debut at the D23 Expo Marketplace this year.

Logo for World of Wakanda collection below red Marvel logo.

World of Wakanda: Inspired by the vibrant landscape of Wakanda, this collection from Marvel will celebrate the iconic film Black Panther. This collection will also be available on shopDisney.

Logo for Guided by the Light collection, designed by Ashley Eckstein. Features black and white sketched concept art of a man wearing a stylized hooded jacket and matching pants on the left. On the right there is a woman wearing a Star Wars branded jacket and shoulder bag that reads “Star Wars” in English and Aurebesh. The same “Star Wars” logo in English and Aurebesh is below the collection logo. 

Guided by the Light is a collection from Star Wars: The Clone Wars star Ashley Eckstein. Drawing from the journey of Ahsoka Tano, these items highlight the importance of Ahsoka’s strength during times of deep darkness. This collection will also be available on shopDisney.

Logo for Disney Munchlings collection. The classic Waltograph Disney logo is above the new, playful “Muchlings” logo, which has “MUNCH” in capital letters and “lings” in smaller typeface.

Don’t miss the premiere of D23 Expo: Disney Munchlings! This brand-new line of plush toys is inspired by tasty treats from Disney Parks Main Street Bakery and will include a scented Mickey Mouse Cinnamon Swirl Bun and Minnie Mouse Wild Strawberry Cupcake. They are almost cute enough to eat! Disney Munchlings will also be available on shopDisney.

Ahead of D23 Expo 2022, be sure to download the Disneyland Resort App. Attendees will be able to sign up for an available boarding group in a virtual queue for D23 Expo Marketplace, Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, or Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store using the Disneyland Resort app and scanning a QR code at each store’s entrance. Save time with Merchandise Mobile Checkout, which will be available to pay for items through the app. Finally, to shop select limited-edition items, guests can use the online reservation system, StorePass, prior to the start of D23 Expo. More details on how to get a StorePass reservation will be announced later this summer.

If merchandise is your main interest and you love to hear about the latest in product innovation, listen to your favorite authors, and explore fashion trends, be sure to check out the following panels at D23 Expo 2022:

  • Women in Disney Fashion: Step into the minds of major Disney fashion icons as they share an exclusive look at their upcoming Disney collaborations.
  • It’s a Small Disney World: Celebrating the Art of Disney Parks: Ever wondered what it’s like to be an official Disney Parks artist? Disney will gather six artists to dive into their art, ideas for the future, and behind-the-scenes insights.
  • Cautionary Tales with the Disney Villains: The Imagination of Ridley Pearson: Cautionary Tales authorRidley Pearson and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline will delight fans and spark creativity with insider Disney stories.
  • National Geographic’s 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: From a dessert cruise with firework views to an exclusive dinner in Walt’s Disneyland apartment, discover one-of-a-kind magical Disney experiences in this memorable discussion with expert Marcy Carriker Smothers.
  • Hey Disney! — a custom voice assistant built on Amazon’s Alexa technology — will be highlighted on the D23 Expo show floor (stay tuned for more details). Whether at home or in a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort hotel room, fans will be able to use an Echo device to interact with their favorite Disney, Star Wars, or Pixar characters.
  • On the Show Floor: Attendees can also check out activations from Visa, Amazon, Target, Aniplex, BoxLunch, Citizen, Enterprise, Funko/Loungefly, IMAX, Pandora, Ravensburger and Sunglass Hut, along with many others.

D23 Expo attendees will be thrilled by the wide variety of fan-favorite merchandise, books, clothing, and collectibles available. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

Tickets to D23 Expo presented by Visa are SOLD OUT. You can still join in on the fun and livestream the Ultimate Disney Fan Event on September 9, 10, and 11 on D23Expo.com and by following @DisneyD23 on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

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

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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.

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Celebrate Halfway to the Holidays with Tasty Treats at Disney Parks

By Andie Hagemann

We’re officially halfway to the holidays! Before you begin to deck halls in preparation for the most wonderful time of the year, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog unveiled a first look at the sumptuous Halfway to the Holidays treats available at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Stay tuned for additional announcements regarding the celebration.

Disneyland Resort

Downtown Disney District

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (Available June 23-30)

  • Christmas Dinner Corn Dog: A corn dog made with a turkey hot dog, hand-dipped in batter, rolled in panko crumbs, and served with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping

California Churro (Available June 23-30)

  • Peppermint Churro: Churro rolled in crushed peppermint and drizzled with a mint frosting topped with peppermint candy pieces

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla’s Island Grill (Available June 23-26)

  • Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake: chocolate cupcake filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with ganache dipped buttercream, cookie ears, and a chocolate holiday bow

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Mara (Available June 23-26)

  • Peppermint Bark Cheesecake: Peppermint cheesecake with a chocolate cookie and peppermint crust and whipped vanilla panna cotta

Available at Various Outdoor Vending Locations at Disney Springs

  • Gold Christmas Tree Popcorn Buckets: Popcorn is included with the purchase; only available while supplies lasts.

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (Available June 23-26)

These treats, at the Disney Springs locations, are available hot or iced, and can have some spirits added for those over 21 years old.

  • Peppermint Mocha: Dark chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream
  • White Chocolate Gingerbread Latte: Combination of white chocolate sauce and gingerbread syrup topped with whipped cream

Note: All offerings are subject to change.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

New week, new content! Don’t miss some stellar stories coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices)—from a band of witches to a filmed version of a beloved off-Broadway musical, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. On Tuesday, Motherland: Fort Salem returns for its third and final season. Meanwhile, Eureka!, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Part VI of Obi-Wan Kenobi launch. Plus, a filmed version of the stage production of Trevor: The Musical debuts on Friday.

Scylla (Amalia Holm) and Raelle (Taylor Hickson) stand shoulder to shoulder wearing grey and black neutral clothing, and blue vests with yellow reflective accents, in the first episode of Motherland: Fort Salem season three.

Motherland: Fort Salem—Tuesday, June 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The third and final season begins with the witches on the run as fugitives after being blamed for the death of the Vice President’s daughter. Meanwhile, Raelle (Taylor Hickson) and Scylla (Amalia Holm) reunite, and Nicte (Arlen Aguayo Stewart) tempts Tally (Jessica Sutton) with a new power. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

A still from the animated series Eureka! featuring a large purple woolly mammoth being washed with an outdoor shower crafted by Eureka (voice by Ruth Righi), who stands on a step stool.

Eureka!—Wednesday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, on Disney Junior
Set in the fantastical prehistoric world of Rocky Falls, Eureka! follows a young inventor named Eureka (voiced by Ruth Righi) who is way ahead of her time—designing inventions and contraptions to move her prehistoric community into a more modern era. In the premiere episode, Eureka and her friends, Pepper (voiced by Kai Zen) and Barry (voiced by Devin Trey Campbell), free a woolly mammoth. Then, Eureka tries to befriend a flute player in her class by inventing a new instrument. This initial batch of episodes will also launch on Disney+ and on-demand platforms.

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) stands with his arms extended with red orbs surrounding him as he casts a spell in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—Wednesday, June 22, on Disney+
Unlock the mysteries of the Multiverse when the Marvel Studios film debuts on the streaming service. Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) journeys into the unknown with the help of allies old and new to confront a mysterious new adversary. The film also stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo; Benedict Wong as Wong and Sorcerer Supreme; and Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) sits on a rock in Lucasfilm’s Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi—Wednesday, June 22, on Disney+
The season concludes with the launch of Part VI this week. Will all our burning questions be answered? How will it all tie into Episode IV? How will the Sith and Jedi duke it out in the finale? Tune it and find out!

Alt Text: A solo spotlight on Trevor (Holden Hagleberger) in the stage production Trevor: The Musical. He wears a blazer and slacks as he stands center stage in front of a group of fellow performers.

Trevor: The Musical—Friday, June 24, on Disney+
The filmed version of the off-Broadway stage production—based on the 1995 Academy Award®-winning short film Trevor—follows a charming 13-year-old (Holden Hagelberger) who boasts a vivid imagination but struggles to navigate his own identity and the challenges of being a teenager. After enduring an embarrassing incident at school, he must summon the courage to forge his own path.

New Trailer for National Geographic’s America the Beautiful—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney+ Debuts Trailer for National Geographic’s America the Beautiful

Earlier this week, our pals at Disney+ debuted the trailer for its newest original series from National Geographic, America the Beautiful.

Narrated by Emmy®-nominated actor and producer Michael B. Jordan, the documentary series takes viewers on an epic journey across North America’s most spectacular regions to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the most diverse land on Earth while showcasing its many unique creatures. The goal is to inspire audiences to conserve the precious habitats and inhabitants found in our own backyards. Each episode of the series showcases smart and brave animal heroes of all sizes—from grizzlies to bald eagles, mountain lions to honeypot ants—whose funny and amazing antics are brought to life with character-led storytelling.

From the multiple BAFTA- and Emmy Award–winning team of Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield at Wildstar Films, America the Beautiful is the first natural-history series to place cinema-grade cameras on fighter jets, taking viewers on a jaw-dropping ride through some of the most impressive scenery on Earth, revealing rich and textured worlds that are unique to the continent. And to capture elusive and never-before-seen animal behaviors on the ground, a new generation of remote cameras and gyro-stabilized cameras were used. Additionally, in the final episode—to celebrate the human conservation heroes of America—producers worked directly with Indigenous tribes such as the Chippewa Cree of Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana to film bison reintroduction and the Gwich’in people of Alaska to document the battle to protect the Arctic refuge from oil exploration.

As part of this summer’s Independence Day celebration, all six episodes of America the Beautiful will debut Monday, July 4, exclusively on the streamer.

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

Stay cool this weekend by having an animation-palooza in the comfort of your home (or wherever your favorite streaming device takes you, provided they have air conditioning… at least, that’s our preference). Have a hankerin’ to see Inside Out? What about Luca? Or Mulan? Check out our 5 Fantastic Things roundup for more!

 

Side-by-side images of Niecy Nash-Betts in a still from ABC’s The Rookie: Feds; Janelle James, wearing a burgundy sweater, in a still from ABC’s Abbott Elementary; and Hilary Swank in a still from ABC’s Alaska Daily.

ABC Announces Fall Premiere Dates for 2022-23 Season

Yes, it’s already that time—the good folks at ABC have just announced the fall premiere dates for its new and returning series for the upcoming 2022-23 season!

Bachelor in Paradise turns up the heat on Tuesday, September 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the debut of The Rookie spinoff series, The Rookie: Feds, starring Niecy Nash-Betts at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The search for love continues as BIP begins its two-night weekly run on Monday, October 3, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, preceding the return of hit drama The Good Doctor, which will hit 100 episodes this season.

The Quinta Brunson-helmed Abbott Elementary returns on its new night, Wednesday, September 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, joining comedy staples The Conners, The Goldbergs, and Home Economics; then, Reba McEntire and Jensen Ackles step into the world of Big Sky on its new night.

Meanwhile, Alaska Daily, from Oscar®-winning writer Tom McCarthy and starring two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank, joins Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy—TV’s longest-running primetime medical drama—on Thursday, October 6.

Celebrity Jeopardy! debuts September 25, followed by the return of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune; the evening culminates with The Rookie, and AFV joins the Sunday lineup on October 2.

Plus, the first-ever live episode of Shark Tank, featuring all six original Sharks, swims into the weekend on Friday, September 23. A new season of ABC News’ 20/20 follows.

Additional premiere dates for the 2022-23 season will be announced soon—so keep your eyes peeled, and your viewing calendars open! 

Fall Favorites Returning to Disneyland Resort

With the new broadcast TV season almost upon us, that also means it’s time to think about fall—and yes, we know how vaguely shocking that sounds, but hear us out: It’s never too early to start planning all your autumnal fun! To that end, Disneyland Resort recently announced amazing fall favorites returning to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as Downtown Disney District. Read up on what you can expect by clicking here.

A colorful promotional image for the Disney+ African sci-fi anthology series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire; the logo for the series is at the center, and 10 stills from the animated shorts in the series are seen around the logo, in all different kinds of animations styles.

Disney Television Animation, Disney Junior, and Disney EMEA Original Productions Unveil Slate During AIAFF

There are tons of cool new animated series on the horizon… Mere days ago, Disney Television Animation, Disney Junior, and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) took to the stage at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (AIAFF) to announce new productions and share exciting sneak peeks of the upcoming slate of new original animated series to air on Disney+ and other Disney-owned platforms in 2023 and beyond.

Titled “Everyone Has a Story,” the presentation included the announcement of a season two greenlight for the hit Disney+ series Monsters at Work, set to debut in 2023. Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life, which features Chip and Dale and their adventures living in the big city, was also renewed for a second season.

Additionally, it was revealed that a new animated series inspired by Disney’s popular music-driven movie franchise ZOMBIES is in production at Disney Television Animation—and the EMEA Original Productions team announced greenlights for the epic adventure series Dragon Striker and spooky comedy The Doomies.

The presentation also included the announcement of season three renewals for Disney Junior megahits Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends and Mickey Mouse Funhouse and additional episode orders for some of Disney Television Animation’s upcoming series, including Hamster & Gretel, Kiff, Hailey’s on It, and Primos.

Additional announcements and first looks included the upcoming Disney+ African sci-fi anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (pictured above); the new preschool series Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes; and Disney Junior’s Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.

Latest Trailer for Second Season of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building

Hulu recently debuted the official trailer for the upcoming second season of Only Murders in the Building, starring Disney Legend Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Our favorite podcasting sleuths return on Tuesday, June 28, in two brand-new episodes—after which, a new episode will be available to stream weekly on Tuesdays.

Following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger, Charles (Martin), Oliver (Short), and Mabel (Gomez) race to unmask her killer. However, three unfortunate complications ensue—the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide; they are now the subjects of a competing podcast; and they have to deal with a bunch of New York neighbors who all think they committed murder!

Guest stars this season include Tina Fey, Amy Schumer, and Shirley MacLaine.

ICYMI: Meet the Characters of Lightyear

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear has finally hit the big screen! Before you make like Buzz and go to infinity and beyond at your local cineplex, read up on what makes the main characters of Lightyear so special in our handy-dandy character guide right here at D23.com… then come back and check out what the cast and creatives had to say at their recent press conference!

14 Times Chris Evans Joined the Worlds of Disney

By Zach Johnson

Chris Evans blasts off today in Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy. It’s not his first time working with Disney, of course. After setting the movie industry ablaze as Johnny Storm, aka Human Torch, in 20th Century Fox’s early 2000s Fantastic Four films, Evans went on to play the inimitable Steve Rogers aka Captain America—first in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger, then in two Captain America sequels and the Avengers films. His Super Hero roles aside, the actor has played everything from an astronaut to a de facto guardian—and even himself! And so, in celebration of Lightyear opening exclusively in movie theaters, join us in taking a closer look at some of Evans’ roles across the worlds of Disney.

Chris Evans, fully engulfed by flames as Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch, flies through the sky in Fantastic Four.

Fantastic Four (2005)
Transformed into Super Heroes after surviving a disaster in space, The Fantastic Four—Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd); Susan Storm, aka Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba); Johnny Storm, aka Human Torch (Chris Evans); and Ben Grimm, aka Thing (Michael Chiklis)—struggle to reconcile their powers, responsibilities, and relationships as a dysfunctional family. Ultimately, they must put all that aside to stop the maniacal Dr. Doom (Julian McMahon), their former patron, who is hellbent on world domination.

Stream Fantastic Four on Disney+

As Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch flies through the sky in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, he begins to exhibit some of the same powers as Ben Grimm aka Thing. His body is slowing turning into a rock, and his left hand is especially big as he prepares to pack a punch.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
What would you do when an intergalactic herald known as The Silver Surfer (played by Doug Jones and voiced by Laurence Fishburne) crashes your sister’s wedding and promises global destruction? If you’re Johnny, there’s just way to answer: “Flame on!”

Rent Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer on Movies Anywhere

Chris Evans, with a buzzed head and a green shirt, has a tense conversation as engineer James Mace in scene from Sunshine.

Sunshine (2007)
In the year 2057, Earth’s last hope lies with a spacecraft whose mission is to deliver a nuclear device designed to reignite our fading sun. Evans plays steadfast engineer James Mace alongside an all-star cast that includes Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Troy Garity, Cillian Murphy, Hiroyuki Sanada, and two future stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Benedict Wong and Michelle Yeoh. The sci-fi thriller is directed by Academy Award® winner Danny Boyle from a script by Oscar® nominee Alex Garland.

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Anna Faris’ Ally Darling, with messy blonde hair in an untidy apartment, sits next to Chris Evans’ Colin Shea, wearing a blue Henley and distressed denim, on a green couch. They are looking at a MacBook screen.

What’s Your Number? (2011)
In this comedy from 20th Century Fox (intended for mature audiences), Evans stars as Colin Shea, who helps his neighbor, Ally Darling (Anna Faris) track down her former lovers. There’s just one problem... Colin and Ally just might be each other’s soul mate!

Rent What's Your Number? on Movies Anywhere

Outfitted as Steve Rogers aka Captain America in his star-spangled military uniform, which includes brown gloves, brown boots, and a winged helmet, Chris Evans runs through a ship.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers (Evans) volunteers for a top-secret research project that transforms him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. He leads the fight for freedom during World War II, as he’s the world’s best chance at stopping the evil HYDRA organization, led by the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).

Stream Captain America: The First Avenger on Disney+

Outfitted as Steve Rogers aka Captain America, wearing red gloves and boots and holding his Vibranium shield, Chris Evans looks to the ground during the Battle of New York in Marvel’s The Avengers. There is smoke in the air and debris on the ground; cars nearby are damaged, and passersby are looking in Captain America’s direction.

Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
Sixty-six years after he was frozen in a state of suspended animation, S.H.I.E.L.D. exhumed Captain America so Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) could recruit him for the Avengers Initiative. Alongside Tony Stark, aka Iron Man (Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr.); Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson); Bruce Banner, aka Hulk (Mark Ruffalo); Thor (Chris Hemsworth); and Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America pledged to stop Loki (Tom Hiddleston) during the Battle of New York.

Stream Marvel’s The Avengers on Disney+

In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Chris Evans’ Captain America, wearing his red, white, and blue uniform, uses his shield to pummel a HYDRA operative. He has kicked another enemy away.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Does that masked, metal-armed man look familiar? It turns out Captain America wasn’t the only one to transcend time, as his best friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) was rescued from the brink of death and brainwashed to become the assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Can Captain America knock some sense into his pal before it’s too late?

Stream Captian America: The Winter Soldier on Disney+

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Avengers and their friends stare at Ultron, who is out of frame and has just come alive. Cobie Smulders’ Maria Hill is seated and wears a leather jacket; Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers is standing and wears a blue button-up shirt; Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes is standing with his mouth agape and wears a gray sportscoat; Claudia Kim’s Helen Cho wears a black dress and stands just behind Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, who wears a brown jacket and has his hair pulled back; Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark is standing in the center and wears a dark vest and a dark tie; Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton stands to his left, wearing a gingham shirt under a black jacket; Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner wears a light blue shirt and a blazer and stands next to Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, who wears a black and white dress.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Whether he’s battling sentient robots or superpowered twins, Captain America never gives up; he wasn’t kidding when he said, “I can do this all day!” But can he and the rest of the Avengers stop Ultron (James Spader) before he takes over the entire world?

Stream Avengers: Age of Ultron on Disney+

Wearing a gray T-shirt and gritting his teeth in Captain America: Civil War, Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers aka Captain America flexes his biceps as he tries to stop a helicopter from escaping. He grabs a yellow banister atop a building with his left hand, and with his right hand, he grabs onto the helicopter.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Avenging is tough business, especially when the world’s governments want to get involved. Debates about the Sokovia Accords, which would control and regulate the activities of enhanced individuals, ruffles our heroes, putting Captain America and Iron Man at odds. As a result, the new status quo fractures the Avengers in surprising ways.

Stream Captain America: Civil War on Disney+

In this scene from Gifted, child prodigy Mary Adler (played by McKenna Grace) is wearing a shirt with palm trees and a sunset on it, paired with khaki corduroys. She has blonde hair and is sitting on the lap of her uncle Frank (played by Chris Evans), who is reclined on the sofa. Frank is wearing a brown shirt and is listening intently to his niece.

Gifted (2017)
Frank Adler (Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy—his spirited niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace)—in a coastal Florida town. Frank wants Mary to have a normal life, unlike her late mother. This goes against the wishes of Frank’s mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), whose ambitions for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary.

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In this scene from Avengers: Infinity War, Chris Evans’ Captain America is standing in the Wakandan jungle. His star-spangled uniform is tattered and torn, and his lip is bleeding out of the right corner. His is bearded and blonde and tired from fighting.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Captain America and the Avengers have never faced a threat like Thanos (Josh Brolin), who wants to collect each Infinity Stone so he can erase half the universe’s population.

Stream Avengers: Infinity War on Disney+

In this scene from Avengers: Endgame, Chris Evans’ Captain America is in the foreground. His face is dirty and his helmet is scuffed, but his face has a determined expression.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Captain America didn’t get erased, like so many of his friends—and he’s never given up hope that the Avengers can undo Thanos’ actions. In order to save the day and bring everyone back, the Avengers will have to journey across space and time.

Stream Avengers: Endgame on Disney+

Free Guy (2021)
The less we say about Evans’ brief but memorable cameo, the better. Just watch it!

Stream Free Guy on Disney+

In this scene from Lightyear, Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) is wearing a purple cowl and is examining a special crystal that is emitting a blue light.

Lightyear (2022)
Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Evans) embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy Hawthorne (voiced by Keke Palmer), Mo Morrison (voiced by Taika Waititi), and Darby Steel (voiced by Dale Soules), plus his robot companion Sox (voiced by Peter Sohn). The motley crew must learn to work as a team to evade Zurg (voiced by James Brolin) and his obedient, omnipresent robot army.

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Exclusive Q&A: Go Behind the Scenes of Lightyear

By Courtney Potter

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear tells the definitive origin story of the hero who inspired the toy we’ve come to love from the iconic Toy Storyfranchise… The film follows Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans), the legendary Space Ranger, after he’s marooned on an inhospitable planet millions of light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find his way home through space and time, accompanied by a band of ambitious recruits and a robot companion cat, he’s also faced with complications brought on by an ominous presence named Zurg (voiced by James Brolin) with a mysterious agenda.

As the Lightyear team was doing final checks ahead of launching the film into theaters on June 17, D23 was lucky enough to hear exclusively from director Angus MacClane; producer Galyn Susman; and costar Efren Ramirez, who lends his voice to engineer Airman Díaz… as well as one of the film’s NASA consultants, astronaut Thomas (Tom) Marshburn, who mere weeks ago returned from a sojourn on the International Space Station! Read on for a fascinating look into what makes this film so special.

At a table, Lightyear producer Galyn Susman is wearing a purple sweater and is sitting on the left, and director Angus MacClane is wearing a dark striped button-down shirt and is sitting on the right. Galyn is looking at Angus, and Angus is looking at something off-camera; both are wearing glasses and smiling.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: Thanks for chatting with us today! Angus, friendship was such an important theme in the Toy Story films. While this movie is obviously not in the same story realm, what do you think Buzz’s relationships add to that sort of friendship “thread,” if you will?
Angus MacLane (AM): I see what you’re getting at, as far as the connectivity of his friendships, yeah. What happens in our film is that Buzz’s friendship—he’s separated from his friendship by his sense of duty and his sense of wanting to correct a mistake that he made. And as a result, it separates him from his friends, and from society in general. It’s about him coming back to society and finding a new peer group, and accepting his own failures. And I think that ultimately the friendships and the connections that he has with people are more important than his career endeavors, is really what he learns. 

D23: Galyn, why was it important for Pixar Animation Studios to have folks from NASA, including Thomas, consult on the film?
Galyn Susman (GS): Well, we don’t necessarily hold true to the “science” of science fiction—it’s a small “s” and a big “F” for us—but if you don’t have at least an understanding of the rules that you’re going to break, then you can very easily break them in a way that kind of ruins the believability of the film. So getting a better sense of what we could move, what we could “break,” how we could make things cinematic and still tell our story and not do something that’s going to just make somebody go, “Ugh, that’s so not true, I’m outta here!”—that was important.

In an image from Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, Buzz is running away from the ominous Zurg, who is looming over him in the background. He is wearing his iconic Space Ranger spacesuit. 

D23: Angus, did Thomas and NASA’s technical advice—as well as your filmmaking team’s related research trips—impact the storytelling at all?
AM: Research has always been a key element to the development process of a Pixar film. And so very early on, we decided that we wanted to go to NASA and we wanted to be connected to Tom and learn about what life was actually like for an astronaut. [Even though] we’re describing life as a caricature, we wanted to figure out what the truth was first to draw from—to build the Star Command and to build the Space Ranger program. What would that be like? And a lot of times what we took from it was just a sense or a feeling or small details—many too small or insignificant to describe, but it was more of a tone or a feeling of what it was like to train as an astronaut, and try to put that sense of realism into what we have in Lightyear. 

D23: Tom, when you became an astronaut, did you ever imagine you’d wind up consulting on a Disney and Pixar film?
Thomas Marshburn (TM): That’s easy—no, I would’ve never imagined I’d have a chance to do this! I did have a creative background, as many astronauts do. And so, just the opportunity to get a little window [into their world]—to work with such wonderful creators and wonderful people like Angus and Galyn is a great thing. So the greatest moments for me have been just being with these creative minds—I’m just talking about what I know, which is space flight—what it’s like to be up there. It’s great to see their minds at work.

In a still from Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, Buzz is seen in the cockpit of a spaceship, looking behind him at something off camera. There are lots of gizmos seen in front of him in said cockpit, and some sort of planet can be seen through the window to his right. Three circles can be seen in space in front of him, as well as stars.

D23: Efren, we heard you too got in on the NASA research action, visiting NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California… what was that like, and how did it inform your role as Airman Díaz?
Efren Ramirez (ER): When I do research on characters, it’s always based on two things: their relationships and their professions. As engineers, you really have to be a perfectionist when it comes to quantum physics and math and engineering—you have to be very, very accurate, because one little mistake can be a huge mistake in space! Something that I found really important is teamwork. Everybody that I met at JPL worked really well together… everybody has a specific role to play. Going from one building to the next, they spoke about the Mars Curiosity rover; they spoke about the mission to Mars; they spoke about satellites. Everyone was so helpful and kind.

D23: Galyn, do you have a favorite moment from the making of this film?
GS: When we first got to see the film again on a big screen—because we had spent two years working on it at [Zoom] size during the pandemic. You do have a sense of the wonderful work the team is doing—but you also don’t, really. And so, the first time I was able to sit in the theater and watch that launch into space and literally I was like—oh, I was so overwhelmed with what the crew was able to do. I will definitely remember that.

Lightyear director Angus McClane is gesturing during a notes session inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. There are drawings on the wall behind him, and there’s a Buzz Lightyear toy on the table to his right. He is wearing glasses and a brown button-down shirt.

D23: Angus, what do you hope audiences take away from Lightyear?
AM: From an early age, films were very important to me. Like Star Wars and Sleeping Beauty, which are probably the first two movies I saw—they’ve always fueled my imagination. And I wanted to create a movie that would inspire the new generation, narratively, and would give kids something that they were excited about, in a world that was dangerous and thrilling and provided all of the “thrill-ride” entertainment that I enjoyed in the movies that I grew up with. And so that was really the intent of the film—to make something that was awesome. Something you could enjoy in a group, at a movie theater—a “popcorn movie”!

See Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear only in theaters beginning June 17.