WATCHLIST: 10 Disney Movies that Combine Live Action and Animation

By Sarah Sterling

Today, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers premieres on Disney+ and joins the grand tradition of Disney movies that utilize live action and animation. This type of hybrid film has been part of The Walt Disney Studios’ (originally known as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio) legacy since the 1920s—when Walt Disney and his chief animator, Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, made the first Alice Comedies featuring a live-action Virginia Davis as Alice and a variety of animated animal friends. There have been quite a few more hybrid films in the last 100 years, and we’ve curated our top 10 for you to stream on Disney+.

Stream Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+

10. Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
Fun and Fancy Free is a classic Disney “package film,” meaning it’s comprised of multiple short stories rather than being one full-length feature film. In this case, Fun and Fancy Free features two shorts: Bongo and Mickey and the Beanstalk. The two cartoons are strung together by live-action segments featuring Edgar Bergen. At the end of the movie, Bergen’s home is visited by the animated giant, Willie, from Mickey and the Beanstalk, who tears the roof off in his search for Mickey. Fun fact: This film was one of the last times Walt Disney voiced Mickey Mouse himself.

Stream Fun and Fancy Free on Disney+

9. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
What happens when a witch, a magician, and three evacuee children team up to aid in Britain’s fight during World War II? Bedknobs and Broomsticks is full of music and whimsy, despite its somewhat serious subject matter. Starring Disney Legends Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson, and featuring a soundtrack by the indelible Sherman Brothers, this fan favorite recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and is a must-watch!

Stream Bedknobs and Broomsticks on Disney+

8. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Disney Channel-loving millennials will remember Lizzie McGuire’s cartoon alter ego who appeared throughout the series to present Lizzie’s inner thoughts. Cartoon Lizzie joined the crew on their summer trip to Italy in 2003’s The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which premiered after the series finale and brought Lizzie’s story to a close. The Lizzie McGuire Movie brought Disney’s hybrid animation style into a new millennium!

Stream The Lizzie McGuire Movie on Disney+

7. The Three Caballeros (1944)
Following the release of Saludos Amigos in 1942, The Three Caballeros was another package film following Donald Duck across multiple Latin American countries, including Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. The “Baía,” “Mexico: Pátzcuaro,” “Veracruz and Acapulco,” and “You Belong to My Heart” sections of the film most heavily utilize live-action footage mixed with animated Donald, Jose, and Panchito. The Three Caballeros was one of the first Disney theatrical features to incorporate this hybrid style and paved the way for many titles on this list!

Stream The Three Caballeros on Disney+

6. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Unique to this list is James and the Giant Peach, a Tim Burton-produced classic that mixes live-action actors with stop-motion animation. The film begins in live action, with James Henry Trotter turning into an animated character when he enters the titular giant peach. During the film’s climax, James (again appearing live) and his stop-motion friends land the peach in New York and allow children from all over the city to feast on the oversized fruit.

Stream James and the Giant Peach on Disney+

5. Wall-E (2008)
The only Pixar film to combine live action and animation is Wall-E! Aboard the Axiom, Captain McCrea watches a video recording of Buy n Large CEO, Shelby Forthright, played in live action by actor Fred Willard. Forthright is only shown in video recordings, making his in-person appearance seamless in the Axiom’s animated setting.

Stream Wall-E on Disney+

4. Pete’s Dragon (1977)
Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a young orphan who escapes from his abusive caretakers with the help of a mysterious friend, Elliot the dragon. The entirety of Pete’s Dragon is live action, except for Elliot, a fully animated character who cannot speak (although he communicates and even sings using clicks, whistles, and other sound effects) and can become invisible at will. This film—with its memorable soundtrack, including the Oscar®-winning “Candle on the Water”—is sure to brazzle-dazzle you! 

Stream Pete’s Dragon on Disney+

3. Mary Poppins (1964)
One of the most famous Disney films to place live-action characters in animated settings is Mary Poppins. In this quirky musical, the iconic nanny’s magic is exemplified by her ability to take the Banks children on fantastic adventures, meeting people and seeing places more unbelievable than their wildest dreams. Mary Poppins has remained a classic thanks to its innovative and imaginative story and special effects, including this hybrid animation style.

Stream Mary Poppins on Disney+

2. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
The 2018 sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, had big shoes to fill in honoring the original film and delighting viewers with a fresh story. It was incredibly important to director Rob Marshall that Mary Poppins Returns feature a live-action/animated sequence, just like the original. While CGI animation has become popular since 1964, Marshall chose to stick with hand-drawn 2-D animation to retain the spirit and classic feel of the original Mary Poppins.

Stream Mary Poppins Returns on Disney+

1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

When you think of live action and animation mixed, chances are you immediately think of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. A theatrical tour de force from Disney, director Robert Zemeckis, and producer Steven Spielberg, the film is not only famous for its hybrid animation style, but for bringing together “toons” from multiple studios and franchises in one film for the first time.

Stream Who Framed Roger Rabbit on Disney+

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is now streaming on Disney+! Which Disney hybrid animation film is your favorite? Let us know on social media and keep reading D23.com for more information on your favorite Disney movies and series.

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

By Andie Hagemann

With American Idol poised to crown its next winner on Sunday, May 22, we present four Disney titles with Idol ties to binge ahead of the finale. Season four winner Carrie Underwood is featured on the soundtracks for Enchanted and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; Kelly Clarkson, the first-ever winner of the singing competition, is on the soundtrack for The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement; and Idol alum Adam Lambert performs in ABC’s The Queen Family Singalong.

Actress Amy Adams, who is wearing a white wedding dress with big puffy sleeves, looks on from a balcony in New York City in the Disney film Enchanted. 

 Enchanted—Available on Disney+
In the fairytale land of Andalasia, Giselle (Amy Adams) is betrothed to Prince Edward (James Marsden)—her very own Prince Charming. However, when Giselle arrives at the castle eager to marry the prince, his evil stepmother (Susan Sarandon) sends her to… New York City! Alone in a land that’s vastly different from her previous (and quite animated) lifestyle, Giselle is soon rescued by cranky divorce lawyer Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey). Will Giselle find her happily-ever-after after all? This beloved movie features the original song “Ever Ever After” by former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

: Disney Legend Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway sit on a couch in Disney’s The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. 

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement—Available on Disney+
Mia (Anne Hathaway) returns to Genovia along with her best friend, Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), after graduating from Princeton. Still apprehensive about life as a princess, things become even more complicated with Mia’s grandmother Queen Clarisse (Disney Legend Julie Andrews) informs her that—due to an antiquated law—Mia cannot become queen unless she is married within 30 days. Among Mia’s many suitors is Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine), but his interest might not be for the right reasons… American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson belts the featured song, “Breakaway,” for this royal sequel.

Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley (from left to right) look at large ancient books in the film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader—Available on Disney+
While visiting their cousin Eustace (Will Poulter), Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund Pevensie (Skandar Keynes) find a painting of a ship called The Dawn Treader—which transports the trio to Narnia, where they’re reunited with King Caspian (Ben Barnes). The king is on a quest to locate the seven lost Lords of Telmar, and their swords, in order to save the mystical land from an evil bewitching mist. Underwood sings “There’s a Place for Us” for the live-action film.

Key art for the ABC TV special The Queen Family Singalong, which includes a red glittery font and crown on top of the “Q.”

The Queen Family Singalong—Available on Disney+ and Hulu
Prepare to rock out during this one-hour special chock full of hits by the band Queen, performed by acclaimed musical artists! The lineup includes American Idol alum Adam Lambert, Derek Hough, Alexander Jean, Fall Out Boy, Jimmie Allen, JoJo Siwa, Orianthi, OneRepublic, and Pentatonix—with Emmy® Award-winning actor and singer-songwriter Darren Criss as host.

Stills of the Season 20 American Idol finalists, each performing on stage. From left to right: Noah Thompson, Leah Marlene, and HunterGirl.

American Idol—Sunday, May 22, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, on ABC
Season 20 concludes in epic fashion with the top three—HunterGirl, Leah Marlene, and Noah Thompson—hitting the stage in hopes of being crowned the next American Idol winner. The grand finale also includes a round dedicated to Bruce Springsteen; showstopping performances by Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie; and appearances by Underwood, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Ben Platt, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Thomas Rhett, and many more!

 

D23 Members Crack the Case with Advanced Screenings of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers

By Peyton Liebler

Monday was full of moxie, mischief, and a whole lot of ‘munk as D23 Gold Members had the chance to attend a complimentary advanced screening of the newest Disney+ Original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on the big screen!

D23 Members had cross-country opportunities to be among the first to experience Chip ‘n Dale’s comeback (not reboot!), before the film premieres exclusively on Disney+ Friday, May 20. In Burbank, California and Orlando, Florida, there was plenty of chipmunk-chatter and fur-ocious outfits which were obvious nods to the legendary detective team. Now that’s what we call some SERIOUS Rescue Ranger regalia!

Fans dress in their chipmunk best for the advance screenings of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.

When members checked in for the advanced screenings, they received a full-sized print of the Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers poster, courtesy of our friends at Disney+ and Walt Disney Studios.

Fans receive a full-size Rescue Rangers poster from the movie.

After grabbing their popcorn, D23 gold members settled in for a rambunctious adventure with everyone’s favorite chipmunk stars. The movie was a deep Disney dive into Chip ‘n Dale’s world of animated antics, meme-worthy moments, and some of the most self-referential this side of Toontown! Let’s just say, this flick is going to be a fan-favorite for years to come.

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers follows a comeback 30 years in the making, as it catches up with the former Disney Afternoon television stars in modern-day Los Angeles.

We really had the nuttiest time with D23 members, and we’re beyond happy they were among the first audiences to see this wisecracking movie in all its meta-moment gloriousness! Make sure to prep for your own premiere by reliving the retro vibes from the original Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (1989) series now on Disney+!

And remember, there’s no case too big, no case too small, when you need help just call… well, you know the rest.

Stream Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers Stars Assemble for Premiere

By Andie Hagemann

A comeback 30 years in the making, the cast and filmmakers from Disney+ Original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers hit the red carpet on Wednesday for the film’s premiere at The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.

(Left to Right) Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and John Mulaney attend the Chip ‘n Dale premiere at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.

John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, KiKi Layne, Dennis Haysbert, Flula Borg, Tim Robinson, Chris Parnell, Paula Abdul, and director Akiva Schaffer were all in attendance along with screenwriters Dan Gregor and Doug Mand; producers Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman; executive producers Alexander Young and Tom Peitzman; and composer Brian Tyler.

“I grew up watching Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Duck Tales, and if we’re going to be honest, [Adventures of the] Gummi Bears, most of the time—so just getting the script was very flattering,” Schaffer told reporters on the red carpet. “When I got the script and read it, it was such a fresh, new take. I thought it was really smart in how they introduce the new while also honoring the legacy of the old stuff at the same time.”

Added Samberg, “Me and Akiva talked a lot about how much we loved Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and how cool it was to see cartoons from different houses comingle; this takes that and blows the roof off of it.”

KiKi Layne attends the Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers premiere at The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.

In Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day L.A., but their lives are quite different now; it’s been decades since their successful TV series was canceled, and Chip (voice of Mulaney) has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale (voice of Samberg), meanwhile, has had CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days. When a former cast mate mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their broken friendship and take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save their friend’s life.

“We’re celebrating animation and the journey that it’s been on—starting with these iconic characters Chip and Dale, along with all the other fun characters I won’t spoil,” Layne said. “It’s a celebration, and that’s what it felt like every day on set!

Mulaney commented, “I think you’ll enjoy the movie on a comedy level, but it has a great story; it’s all very organic—the story, the style, the jokes... everything works together.”

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers premieres exclusively on Disney+ Friday, May 20.

Out-of-This-World Offers and Savings for D23 Members at Star Wars Celebration

By the D23 Team

Planning to make the lightspeed jump to Star Wars Celebration next weekend? Bring your D23 Gold Member card with you—we’ve travelled across the galaxy to collect special offers and savings just for our members during the event!

Don’t miss the offers below to enhance your intergalactic adventures:

Thomas Kinkade Studios
Gold Member Offer: $100 off the Exclusive 24x30 Gallery Wrapped, at $299. (Originally priced at $399.)
Art of Entertainment’s booth, featuring Thomas Kinkade Studios, showcases their artists’ renditions of your favorite Star Wars movies, characters, and stories. Art of Entertainment is a one-stop-shop for movie fans, entertainment geeks, art lovers, and home decor aficionados.

Citizen Watch of America
Gold Member Offer: An extra 25% off all Star Wars x Citizen timepieces on sale.
Stop by the Citizen Watch booth for a special discount on their Star Wars x Citizen timepieces. Plus, make sure to snap a pic in their photo booth to discover if you belong to the Light or the Dark side! You can also enter to win a collectible Han Solo pin. Keep up with Citizen Watch’s galactic adventures by following them on IG @citizenwatchus—they’ll be live from the show throughout all four days.

RockLove Jewelry
Gold Member Offer: Bundle + Save! Buy two or more Grogu/The Child products and save 20%! Discount does not apply to other styles.
Visit RockLove’s Cave of Ilum™ (Booth #2230) for the debut of four new Star Wars™ X RockLove Kyber Crystal™ Necklaces! Meet RockLove’s CEO and Designer Allison Cimino, whose highly sought-after style explores the evolving relationship between fashion and fandom through licensed jewelry. To learn more, visit RockLove.com or follow @RockLoveJewelry.

Mad Engine
Gold Member Offer: Show your Gold Member card and receive a free exclusive Neff design t-shirt while supplies last. Only available at the Star Wars Celebration booth!
Come join Mad Engine Global at Star Wars Celebration! They’ll have new Neff/Star Wars co-branded tees and hats to giveaway throughout the event. Plus, take selfies with their gigantic Star Wars mascot.

Denuo Novo
Gold Member Offer: Get a $100 Denuo Novo digital gift card while supplies last! (Minimum spend of $200; one gift card per Gold Member; can be used at the booth or online for purchase after the show by 12/31/22; free shipping with the use of the gift card.)
Denuo Novo was founded in 2021 and awarded the Star Wars™ high-end costume and high-end collectibles license. Their goal is to achieve the pinnacle of quality in manufacturing and distribution of screen-accurate and high-end merchandise offerings from movies, television, and contemporary media. Their Star Wars product assortment includes helmets and costume accessories from across the 40+ year saga. From a Luke Skywalker X-wing helmet and an Imperial Officer uniform, to a Kylo Ren fiberglass helmet from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Denuo Novo prides itself in offering the highest quality in costume replicas and collectibles. Find Denuo Novo at Booth #2347 at Star Wars Celebration to see their product assortment.

Joseph Enterprises – Chia Pet & The Clapper
Gold Member Offer: Stop by Booth #2345 and receive a free gift while supplies last!
Cha-cha-cha Chia! Joseph Enterprises, Inc. has been manufacturing and marketing the iconic Chia Pet and Clapper for over 40 years. Chia Pets and Clappers, with their instantly recognizable jingles, have been staples of the holiday season for decades. Now they are joining forces with Star Wars, taking Chia Pets and Clappers on their greatest adventure yet! Be sure to stop by Booth #2345 and check out the debut of the three newest members of the Chia and Clapper family. Be one of the first to treat your favorite feline to the Giant Sized Chia Cat Grass Planter featuring The Child, not available in stores. Or treat yourself to either the limited-edition Child Force Giant Pet or the Han Solo in Carbonite Talking Clapper with Night Light. Act fast—supplies are limited!

Topps
Gold Member Offer: D23 Gold Members will automatically qualify to receive their Star Wars: Card Trader by Topps Prize Pack which includes: Show-exclusive Topps lanyard, SWCT drawstring backpack, multi-use mobile pack, and two (2) different 11x17 SWCT Card Art posters while supplies last.
Collect and trade your favorite Star Wars™ characters, spacecraft, moments, and more with fans across the galaxy in the Star Wars™: Card Trader by Topps digital collectibles app! In-app collectible content spans from the original Star Wars™ Saga movies to new releases on Disney+. Join them at Booth #1619 to Create Your Own Digital Topps® Trading Card, test your knowledge at trivia, quickly complete Card Slide Puzzles, collect exclusive giveaways, and more!

JewelMark
Gold Member Offer: 10% discount to all D23 Gold Members.
JewelMark LLC is the official licensee and manufacturer of Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry and Star Wars Fine Jewelry. Star Wars™ Fine Jewelry is a collection inspired by classic Star Wars films and features a bonus capsule collection inspired by The Mandalorian™ and The Book of Boba Fett. The unique and exclusive assortment offers a variety of covetable fashion and bridal pieces, designed to embody the most iconic figures in the galaxy.


BoxLunch
Gold Member Offer: Special booth queue for D23 Gold Members: “Fast Pass entrance” on the left side of their booth. Reserve your spot in the queue HERE.
BoxLunch has everything you need to explore the galaxy! Shop their fully-licensed Star Wars collection while helping those in need—every $10 spent in-store or online donates a meal to someone facing food insecurity through our partnership with Feeding America. Their Star Wars Celebration assortment has something for Jedi and bounty hunters alike, including apparel, accessories, and some convention exclusives you can only get here!

Visit the BoxLunch booth for two Star Wars Celebration exclusives: The Luke Skywalker Pop! Bobble-Head and the Darth Vader enamel pin! Don’t forget to complete the pin set with the matching Obi-Wan Kenobi pin, available only at the Her Universe booth.

Special Activations in the BoxLunch Booth: 

  • Every day, they’ll have music, games & giveaways at the booth!  Stop by between 11am-12pm to test your Jedi skills with the “Use the Force” prize wheel
  • Daniel Logan M&G
    • From Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Daniel Logan will be signing at the BoxLunch booth! Don’t miss your chance to meet the actor who brought the beginnings of Boba Fett to life during two meet-and-greet sessions:5/27 - 3:30-5:30PM & 5/28 - 12-2PM
    • Guests can register here:https://box-lunch-virtual.appointedd.com/app/627313f0a7d505250b0b592f
  • Jedi Mind Tricks with Magician Joseph Tran – stage show times are TBD, but he’ll be there all four days of the convention
  • Lightsaber spinning show with TikTok stars @slayeas & @lukes_lightsabers – times TBD

Rock ‘Em Socks
Gold Member Offer: First 100 members to show their D23 Gold Member card will receive 23% off of their order at the booth.
Rock 'Em Socks will be setting up The Galaxy's Sock Store (Booth #2305 near Hasbro), complete with over 150 unique Star Wars designs from across all of the movies, Disney+ shows, video games, books, and more. Build your perfect pair of socks with an experience exclusive to Celebration—the Star Wars Character Selection Section, where you choose your left and right sock from over 20 different characters! Shop exclusive Shirt and Sock Combos, and keep an eye out for our Galactic Travelers Luggage Set—a custom box set including three pairs of Greetings From location socks, three Star Wars Postcards, and a sticker set to decorate your luggage wherever your travels take you! All that and more, only at The Galaxy's Sock Store from Rock ‘Em Socks.

And don’t forget, in addition to these otherworldly-offers, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be hosting two events in line with Star Wars Celebration Anaheim! First up is D23 Galactic Disco Night: This Interplanetary Disco Night Dance Party will be held on Thursday, May 26, will feature cosmic boogie and funky beats with an epic DJ set from Grammy®-nominated artist Mayer Hawthorne. Party like an ecstatic Ewok with special photo backdrops, surprise character appearances, and more. Tickets are available now, with discounted prices for D23 Gold Members!
And during Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, D23 will be producing a special panel celebrating 35 Years of Star Tours Adventures! This panel will be hosted on Friday, May 27, at 5:00 p.m. on the Galaxy Stage; we invite all intergalactic travelers to join us, as we celebrate Disney’s original Star Wars attraction – Star Tours! From the misadventures of Captain Rex (RX-24) to the unexpected new destinations of today, we will be tracing the 35-year journey of this iconic and innovative attraction with some of the talented Imagineers and filmmakers who have brought the Star Wars universe to life in Disney Parks. Make sure you catch this panel at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim!

Stars of The Bob’s Burgers Movie Sizzle at World Premiere

By Andie Hagemann

All right! The cast and crew of 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie celebrated the new comedy adventure film’s world premiere Tuesday evening at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, California.

H. Jon Benjamin (voice of Bob Belcher), Dan Mintz (voice of Tina Belcher), Eugene Mirman (voice of Gene Belcher), Larry Murphy (voice of Teddy), John Roberts (voice of Linda Belcher), Kristen Schaal (voice of Louise Belcher), director Bernard Derriman, writer/producer Nora Smith, and producer Janelle Momary-Neely hit the red carpet alongside director, writer, and producer Loren Bouchard, who aptly dressed in a burger costume adorned with a red and white polka dot bikini—a nod to a musical number performed by the animated family’s matriarch, Linda.

“You don’t want to imagine this, and you shouldn’t because you get ahead of yourself,” Bouchard told reporters on the red carpet. “We’re taking this as if it’s a long, strange dream that we’re having, and that’s why I wore something like this.”

John Roberts, who voices Linda Belcher for the animated TV series and film, grabs an Impossible Burger as he walks the red carpet at the world premiere of The Bob’s Burgers Movie.

Based on the long-running Emmy® Award-winning series, The Bob’s Burgers Movie begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family's restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.

Kristen Schaal poses wildly wearing a gold, shiny ballgown near a cardboard cutout of the Belcher family on the red carpet at The Bob’s Burgers Movie world premiere.

“It’s been talked about for a while and now here we are,” Roberts said. “I love the movie. It’s so fun and it’s going to be great for all ages.”

Added Mirman, “I think one thing that’s really wonderful about the movie is that whether you’ve seen any Bob’s Burgers, or not, [the movie] is a great introduction into the world.”

Look for The Bob’s Burgers Movie in U.S. theaters beginning Friday, May 27.

8 Outrageously Out-of-This-World Star Wars Fashions to Inspire Your Style

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Whether you’re going to a party, attending a meeting of the Galactic Senate, or planning an otherworldly photo shoot, it’s important to look your best. This month, we’re throwing a Galactic Disco Night Party at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim where we’re encouraging you to show us your galactically grooviest fashion. Whether you’re planning on Ewok ‘n’ rolling with us at our party (you can get tickets here) or hoping for the Force to provide some fashion inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of the Star Wars galaxy’s fashion icons to illuminate what their stellar style can teach us.

Queen Padmé Amidala sits on her throne with a serious expression. She wears a bright red gown and dramatic headpiece and hairstyle.

Padmé Amidala – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Watch any of the Star Wars prequels and you’re guaranteed to find Padmé wearing something unforgettable. One of her most well-known outfits is her stunning throne room gown from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The gown boasts a bold red color, big shoulders, with a stunning headpiece, and daring hairstyle completing the look. It’s a lot of bold fashion choices in one outfit—the average galactic fashionista might only try one of two elements at a time, but, like Padmé, we encourage you to remember that more is more! When you make bold decisions, you too can feel like you’re meant to sit in your throne room.

Garsa Fwip, a pink Twi’lek alien, stands in greeting with her arms open in front of the patrons of her Sanctuary. She is wearing a sparkly, white dress and matching headpiece.

Garsa Fwip – The Book of Boba Fett
As the proprietor of Garsa’s Sanctuary, Garsa Fwip needs to not only be charming and polished to keep her guests talking, laughing, and spending money—but dressed to match the decadence of the establishment she runs. Her gorgeous white gown literally sparkles with elegance, and her matching headdress ties her eye-catching outfit together. Planning on hosting? (Or opening your own intergalactic Cantina?) Take Garsa’s lead and dress to match your environment. When in doubt, add some sparkles and a smile and you’ll dazzle your guests in no time.

Sabine Wren spray paints a red circle around the image of a Stormtrooper on a wall. The rest of the wall features more Stormtrooper images crossed out, while an actual Stormtrooper rests against the wall, a red, crossed out circle over their helmet.

Sabine Wren – Star Wars Rebels
Sabine’s sense of style showcases an important aspect of closet curation: if you can’t find the outfit you’re dreaming of, make it yourself. Our DIY queen lets art inspire her everywhere, and that includes her Mandalorian armor, which she’s customized with colorful drawings. On top of that, she remembers an important rule: no extraterrestrial ensemble is complete without the perfect hairstyle. For Sabine, this means updating her hair in bold colors, like blues and purples. Hair is just as important of an accessory as your armor, lightsaber, or platform boots, so remember to channel Sabine and let your hair complete your sartorial self-expression.

Luke Skywalker is posed to strike with his green lightsaber on one of Jabba the Hutt’s barges. He is wearing an all-black outfit and a focused expression.

Luke Skywalker – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
With his brand-new green lightsaber, another important change in Luke Skywalker often goes overlooked: his fashion evolution. The impact of his first steps into Jabba’s Palace is doubled thanks to his all-black ensemble. From his sharp shirt to his stylish boots, this simple but elegant outfit marks Luke’s next step on his journey as a Jedi in an unforgettable way. Like Luke, don’t be afraid to rock a monochromatic look to mark a major occasion—and don’t forget that your best accessory is a handcrafted lightsaber.

Finn sits at one of the gun stations on the Millennium Falcon, focused on defending the ship. He wears the black body glove of a Stormtrooper with Poe Dameron’s tan Resistance jacket over it.

Finn – Star Wars: The Force Awakens
We know that entering the world of fashion can be intimidating, whether you’ve spent your life wearing a uniform for school or the First Order. Finn was in that exact position, shedding his stormtrooper armor to begin a new life. The solution: borrow some clothes from a stylish friend! Poe Dameron knows how to accessorize, and his Resistance jacket has become an iconic piece of fashion. Putting on the jacket elevated Finn’s outfit from understated to cool. He even gets to keep the jacket when he finally finds Poe again—because Finn’s on the start of his fashion journey which, let’s face it, suits him.

Lando Calrissian stands in a confident pose, wearing a powder blue cape with gold lining that matches his shirt.

Lando Calrissian – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
We CANNOT list Star Wars style inspirations without including the flyest guy in the galaxy: Lando Calrissian. He is an undeniable Star Wars fashion icon, from his dramatic capes to bold belts. The most important thing we can learn from Lando is to make sure you’re wearing the outfit and not letting the outfit wear you. His winning smile and charming personality elevate every outfit, from Rebel Alliance uniforms to Cloud City administrator garb—make sure you’re bringing that same energy to whatever you’re wearing on your next galactic adventure.

Princess Leia Organa looks into the camera with a neutral expression. She is against a white background and wearing a crimson dress and cape-like white vest.

Princess Leia Organa –Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
After spending all of Star Wars: A New Hope and most of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back showing that white is her signature color, Leia makes her Cloud City debut with a statement outfit that would make her mother proud. In a bold, crimson dress and a cape-inspired vest with beautiful floral details, Leia stunned us all with a pop of color and a departure from her monochromatic wardrobe. If you want to look like you belong among the clouds, too, think about how you can take fashion risks and surprise everyone. Try a new silhouette, color, or an accessory you’ve been eyeing—you’ll make a statement and discover something new you like about fashion!

Qi’ra exits the Millenium Falcon with L3-37 behind her, both partially hidden by a thick fog. Qi’ra wears a dramatic red and black cape over practical clothes.

Qi’ra ­– Solo: A Star Wars Story
When Lando Calrissian himself calls your appearance “phenomenal,” you know you’ve made it as a force of fashion. Qi’ra has mastered the art of an elegant outfit, but she also reminds us that we can look glam and be action-ready. While in disguise on Kessel, Qi’ra wears an elegant and bold cape, carefully concealing the fact that the outfit underneath is ready for hand-to-hand combat. We hope you don’t need to do battle any time soon, but whatever you’re prepping an outfit for next, remember Qi’ra and you’ll be looking stylish and saving the day with ease.

Disney Upfront 2022 Includes First Looks at Only Murders in the Building, Disenchanted, and She-Hulk

By Zach Johnson

For decades, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining the world at the highest levels, creating connections with billions of people with its treasure trove of long-lasting, valuable content. Today, during The Walt Disney Company’s 2022 Upfront presentation in New York City, Disney executives and talent celebrated the Company’s unrivaled history of storytelling excellence, while looking toward the 100th Anniversary Year. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the exciting projects coming soon to screens.

In his opening remarks, Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, told the audience, “As many of you know, Disney will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary later this year—and that is an incredible milestone. I can’t help but think about this moment in the context of what this company has always been, what it is today, and what it will be. Over the last 100 years, we’ve brought iconic stories and characters to life in new and innovative ways. We’ve shaped global culture and created new memories for millions of families and fans across generations, and we’ve repeatedly defined and redefined the entertainment landscape through pioneering technologies that give our storytellers bigger and better candidates. And, we’ve created an unmatched synergy machine that enables audiences to make our stories part of their everyday lives. Ten decades of creativity, innovation, and determination created the Walt Disney Company that you know today—the most enduring and beloved name in entertainment.”

Following remarks from Kareem Daniel, Chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution (DMED), and Rita Ferro, President of Advertising Sales for DMED, Peter Rice, Chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content, joined the stars of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building—Disney Legend Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—onstage. They shared a trailer for the comedy series’ second season, streaming June 28. Following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger (guest star Jayne Houdyshell), Charles (Martin), Oliver (Short), and Mabel (Gomez) must race to unmask her killer. However, three (unfortunate) complications ensue—the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide; becomes the subjects of a competing podcast; and has to deal with New York neighbors who think they committed murder!

The stars of Abbott Elementary appear onstage during The Walt Disney Company’s 2022 Upfront presentation.

Next, Kerry Washington and Emayatzy Corinealdi shared a first look Onyx Collective’s legal drama Reasonable Doubt; Claire Danes introduced FX’s limited series Fleishman Is in Trouble; and Kumail Nanjiani previewed Hulu’s “darkly comedic” Welcome to Chippendales. Additional talent who appeared onstage included The Kardashians’ Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian; Life & Beth’s Amy Schumer; Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo; Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, and Tyler James Williams; and ABC News’ David Muir.

The Places Universe on ESPN+ will expand with new sports, hosted by Sue Bird, P.K. Subban, and Jon McEnroe.

During the ESPN segment of the presentation, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning announced the second expansion of the popular Places Universe on ESPN+ through 2024. The Emmy-nominated series returns with three new sports, each hosted by a legend from that sport: Sue’s Places will hit the hardwood exploring college basketball with two-time NCAA Champion Sue Bird; P.K.’s Places will take the ice and explore the NHL with three-time All-Star P.K. Subban; and McEnroe’s Places will serve up stories from tennis with 17-time Grand Slam Champion John McEnroe. Additionally, Eli’s Places will return for a second season and Peyton’s Places will return for a third season.

ESPN Films’ next 30 for 30 documentary will profile pool player Jeanette Lee, aka the Black Widow.

ESPN Films announced production is underway on a 30 for 30 documentary on professional pool player Jeanette Lee, aka the Black Widow, an Asian American icon and top billiards player who brought strength, sex appeal, and skill to pool halls around the world. Now, Lee looks back on her storied career and opens up about her life and legacy like never before. ESPN Films also announced that production has started on a 30 for 30 documentary chronicling one of the most notorious football teams to ever play the game: the 2000-2001 Baltimore Ravens. The rest of the NFL hated them—but no one could say a thing, because they couldn’t beat them. Luckily for sports fans, the team’s reign coincided with the rise of the “reality television” era via Hard Knocks.

Earlier today, The Walt Disney Company, ESPN, and the XFL announced they had reached an exclusive, global multi-year agreement—and to celebrate, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson appeared onstage to share details about the exciting endeavor. The professional football league, featuring an ownership group led by Garcia, Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners, will kick off a return season on February 18, 2023, which will continue through the spring with 40 regular-season matchups, two semifinal playoff games, and the championship. XFL matchups will be featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN networks, and FX. The agreement includes exclusive content rights across digital, social, and direct-to-consumer outlets, including ESPN+.

“This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career,” said Johnson. “We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players, and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the combined power of Disney and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out.”

Amy Adams and Maya Rudolph star in Disenchanted, coming this Thanksgiving on Disney+.

Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, previewed two highly anticipated projects debuting on Disney+ later this year. Disenchanted (pictured above), will stream this Thanksgiving. The film stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and Maya Rudolph, with James Marsden and Idina Menzel. The Upfront audience also got a first look at Hocus Pocus 2, streaming September 30. Disney Legend Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy run amok again as the Sanderson sisters in the sequel, with Doug Jones reprising his role as Billy Butcherson. Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, Belissa Escobedo, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, Hannah Waddingham, and Froy Gutierrez round out the cast of the upcoming movie.

After Bailey left the stage, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel, welcomed actress Tatiana Maslany to share details about the upcoming She-Hulk series—and to share a trailer, premiere date, and updated title!

The comedy series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting August 17, stars Maslany as She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who specializes in superhuman-oriented legal cases. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follows Jennifer as she navigates the complicated life of a single, 30-something attorney who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The nine-episode series welcomes a host of MCU veterans, including Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk, Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/the Abomination, and Benedict Wong as Wong. The cast also includes Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Jameela Jamil, Jon Bass, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

Jimmy Kimmel brought things to a close with a hilarious (and searing) monologue.

In advance of the Upfront presentation, National Geographic Content President Courteney Monroe announced a new slate of personality-driven series featuring Christian Cooper, Derek Hough, Jeff Jenkins, Kristen Kish, and Indy Srinath, as well as high school competitors of a global science fair competition. Each will premiere on one of National Geographic’s linear channels or on Disney+, with all series eventually finding a permanent home on Disney+ under the National Geographic brand tile.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with this exciting new ensemble of National Geographic storytellers, sharing their captivating journeys with fans all around the world,” said Monroe. “Whether its exploring Derek’s passion for dance on a global scale; traveling with Kristin on culinary adventures in remote locales; or simply being awed by the infectious enthusiasm of our Science Fair kids, all of these new shows represent the very best of National Geographic and our desire to ignite people’s curiosity in our world.”

Details on each series from National Geographic are as follows:

National Geographic’s Dance the World with Derek Hough will follow Derek Hough as he discovers the roots of the most popular dance styles and trends around the globe from the cultures, environments, and people who forged them.

Dance the World with Derek Hough
Dance is the lifeblood of every culture—a global connective tissue that brings families and strangers alike together. Join Derek Hough, renowned as one of the best dancers of his generation, as he sets off to discovers the roots of the most popular dance styles and trends around the globe from the cultures, environments, and people who forged them. In each episode, Hough teams up with a celebrity guest and embarks on a quest to uncover the global cultural traditions that shape dance. Unleashed and inspired, every step in their adventure culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime, stunning performance.

National Geographic’s Restaurants at the End of the World follows chef Kristen Kish traveling the globe in search of the people, places, culture, and traditions behind the world’s most remote restaurants.

Restaurants at the End of the World
Chef, entrepreneur, and trailblazer Kristen Kish travels the world in search of the people, places, culture, and traditions behind the world’s most remote restaurants. Running any successful venture takes tenacity and grit, but those who set up deep in the wild—cut off from the grid and normal supply lines—are in a class all their own. From local purveyors, farmers, and herders to kitchen crew, managers, and chefs, Kish goes behind the scenes to meet the people, hear the stories, and see the day-to-day balancing act required to keep food on the table in the most remote outposts on Earth.

National Geographic’s untitled Jeff Jenkins project finds him spending one week completing one epic adventure he never thought he could do.

Untitled Jeff Jenkins Project
Travel blogger and influencer Jeff Jenkins didn’t even step foot on a plane until he was 20 years old—but ever since, he’s been embarking on an epic global odyssey seeking out destinations and adventures way outside his comfort zone. Guided by his philosophy that “life begins where your comfort zone ends,” Jenkins spends one week completing one epic adventure he never thought he could do (and would scare most people). Along the way, experiencing out-of-the-box cultural experiences, he crosses paths with larger-than-life-locals—sharing every awe-inspiring adventure with viewers.

National Geographic’s Farming Is Life follows farming expert and influencer Indy Srinath, aka Indy Officinalis, as she helps aspiring farmers make their dreams a reality.

Farming Is Life
The last year and a half set a generational shift in motion, with millions of people wondering how to live more adventurously and intentionally. Many dream about becoming more connected to nature, understanding how to grow food and improve the soil. But farming is hard, and it comes with a steep learning curve. Farming Is Life follows farming expert and influencer Indy Srinath, aka Indy Officinalis, as she encounters aspiring farmers hoping to make their dreams a reality. During her formative years in North Carolina, Srinath apprenticed at farms across the country before running a seven-acre mushroom farm and a prominent community garden in Los Angeles. In a cinematic tour across North America, she helps aqua, rooftop, indoor, homestead, suburban, and foraging farmers who are at a breaking point.

National Geographic’s Extraordinary Birder finds Christian Cooper doing whatever it takes to learn about the wild, wonderful, and unpredictable world of birds.

Extraordinary Birder
Life-long birder Christian Cooper takes us into the wild, wonderful, and unpredictable world of birds. Whether braving stormy seas in Alaska for puffins; trekking into rainforests in Puerto Rico for parrots; or scaling a bridge in Manhattan for a peregrine falcon, Cooper does whatever it takes to learn about these extraordinary feathered creatures—and, in the process, show viewers the remarkable world in the sky above.

National Geographic’s Science Fair: The Series chronicles the agony and ecstasy of the beloved and brainy teenage subculture of competitive science.

Science Fair: The Series
Inspired by the Sundance Festival favorite and SXSW Audience Award-winning documentary Science Fair comes a new series from directors Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster about the agony and ecstasy of the beloved and brainy teenage subculture of competitive science. In this new gripping docuseries, viewers follow the ups and downs of some of the most brilliant young innovators, engineers, and scientists on the road to the Big Show—the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Science Fair: The Series follows a group of inspiring teens who represent a vast spectrum of ISEF hopefuls. In addition to U.S. competitors, the docuseries follows several fierce international contenders who have already beaten out the competition in their own countries to make it to ISEF. The result is a global, character-driven coming-of-age story that plays out across an entire science fair season, from the birth of an idea to a cutting-edge research project ready to compete in the “Olympics of science fairs.”

Gina Rodriguez stars in ABC’s Not Dead Yet, premiering midseason.

Also ahead of Disney’s Upfront presentation, Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment, unveiled the ABC primetime schedule for the 2022-2023 fall season, featuring a strong returning slate of established, fan-favorite shows and two new powerhouse scripted series, both anchored by bold and compelling female leads.

“Our fall schedule is a testament to our strong, dynamic programming slate that we’re continuing to nurture with top talent, world-class, award-winning storytellers, and marquee titles,” said Erwich. “By capitalizing on the success of our strongest assets, we’re betting on stability while also introducing and investing in key projects that will allow us to build on our momentum as the No. 1 entertainment network for the third consecutive year.”

This fall, ABC will debut two dramas: Alaska, from Academy Award®-winning writer Tom McCarthy, stars two-time Oscar® winner Hilary Swank, and The Rookie: Feds, a spinoff of the popular Sunday night police drama The Rookie, stars Niecy Nash-Betts.

ABC is also leaning into the strength of its Wednesday night comedy block, having renewed its full roster: Abbott Elementary, The Conners, The Goldbergs, and Home Economics.  These shows will be joined in the fall by previously announced returning series America’s Funniest Home Videos, Bachelor in Paradise, Big Sky, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, The Good Doctor, Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, Shark Tank, and Station 19. New comedy Not Dead Yet, starring Gina Rodriguez, will debut midseason, along with the return of the comedy The Wonder Years and the drama A Million Little Things. Unscripted series returning midseason include American Idol, The Bachelor, and Judge Steve Harvey, and ABC will make additional midseason announcements at a later date.

Fall premiere dates will be announced soon. ABC’s fall 2022 schedule is as follows:

Sunday
7 p.m. ET/PT: America’s Funniest Home Videos
8 p.m. ET/PT: Celebrity Jeopardy!
9 p.m. ET/PT: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
10 p.m. ET/PT: The Rookie

Monday
8 p.m. ET/PT: Bachelor in Paradise
10:00 p.m. ET/PT: The Good Doctor

Niecy Nash-Betts stars in ABC’s The Rookie: Feds, a spinoff of The Rookie.

Tuesday
8 p.m. ET/PT: Bachelor in Paradise
10 p.m. ET/PT: The Rookie: Feds

Wednesday
8 p.m. ET/PT: The Conners
8:30 p.m. ET/PT: The Goldbergs
9 p.m. ET/PT: Abbott Elementary (New Night)
9:30 p.m. ET/PT: Home Economics
10 p.m. ET/PT: Big Sky (New Night)

Thursday
8 p.m. ET/PT: Station 19
9 p.m. ET/PT: Grey’s Anatomy
10 p.m. ET/PT: Alaska

Friday
8 p.m. ET/PT: Shark Tank
9 p.m. ET/PT: 20/20

Saturday
8 p.m. ET/PT: College Football

Show descriptions for new ABC series are as follows:

 Alaska
Alaska stars Hilary Swank as Eileen Fitzgerald, a recently disgraced reporter who leaves her high-profile life in New York behind to join a daily metro newspaper in Anchorage on a journey to find both personal and professional redemption. Rounding out the cast of Alaska are Jeff Perry as Stanley Cornik, Matt Malloy as Bob Young, Meredith Holzman as Claire Muncy, Grace Dove as Rosalind “Roz” Friendly, Pablo Castelblanco as Gabriel Martin, Ami Park as Jieun Park, and Craig Frank as Austin Greene.

Celebrity Jeopardy!
This all-new game show welcomes celebrity contestants to compete for a chance to win money for a charity of their choice.

The Rookie: Feds
The Rookie: Feds stars Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. The spinoff was introduced as a two-part event during the current fourth season of The Rookie, in which Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and the Los Angeles division of the FBI enlisted Simone’s help when one of her former students was a suspect in a terror attack. The Rookie: Feds also stars Frankie Faison as Christopher “Cutty” Clark and Felix Solis as Special Agent Matthew Garza.

Not Dead Yet
Not Dead Yet follows Nell Stevens (Gina Rodriguez), a broke and newly single self-described disaster, working to restart the life and career she left behind 10 years ago. When she lands the only job she can find—writing obituaries—Nell starts getting life advice from an unlikely source. The series, adapted from the book Confessions of a 40-something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, also stars Joshua Banday as Dennis and Angela Gibbs as Cricket.

A Nutty Q&A with Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers Director Akiva Schaffer

By Zach Johnson

We’re nuts about Chip and Dale here at D23: The Official Disney Fan Club... and so is Akiva Schaffer, director of the Disney+ Original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers! Before the hybrid live-action/CG animated action-comedy premieres Friday, May 20, Schaffer answered our burning questions about this 30-years-in-the-making comeback!

Before we get to the Q&A, a bit about the film... Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers catches up with former Disney Afternoon television stars Chip (voice of Jon Mulaney) and Dale (voice of Andy Samberg) in modern-day Los Angeles. It’s been decades since their successful television series was canceled, and Chip has resigned himself to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale, meanwhile, got CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days. After one of their former cast mates mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their fractured friendship and resume their Rescue Rangers detective personas to rescue their co-star!

The conversation below has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Rescue Rangers blends live-action footage with CG animation—the latter of which appears in various styles.

D23: What made you want to direct this and take these chipmunks in a new direction?
Akiva Schaffer (AS): First, there was the technical aspect that intrigued me—learning the world of animation. A lot of my friends make animated films, like Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and I’ve always wanted to know how to do that. Second, I grew up with all these characters—especially from Disney Afternoon, which was a big part of my childhood. I’d get home from school every day, and they’d mix up which shows I was going to see. DuckTales and Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers were probably my favorites, but I have younger siblings, and we watched Gummi Bears probably the most of any of them. And so, the idea of getting to be part of that legacy was super exciting—and so was doing it in a Roger Rabbit world. I saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit in theaters, and it was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Who would’ve thought that one day, I’d be in a recording studio with Charles Fleischer voicing Roger Rabbit? One of the artists who worked on that movie animated the character for our movie. Anytime I could get legacy people for voices, for character work, or for artists work, I did; that was always my first task. Third, the script [by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand] was really funny. It was really inventive and self-aware. On a comedy level, I thought, ‘This is a funny movie that I’d actually want to see.’ It’s one of those the whole family can enjoy.

D23: From Flounder to Pumbaa, there are so many cameos in this film—and not just Disney characters, either! How did you manage to pull that off and include all that IP?
AS: I owe a big thank you to the Disney legal department! It’s easy for me to just say, ‘What if we have the My Little Ponies in a stampede, like a running of the bulls?’ It’s another thing for them to get me on a Zoom with Mattel to pitch them the movie, tell them we’re not going to make fun of their characters, and show them how it’s going to fit in, just so we can get approvals. It is a big undertaking. I didn’t want it to be all Disney characters, because I wanted this film to be a general love letter to animation.

KiKi Layne stars as rookie detective Ellie Whitfield, a big fan of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.

D23: In writing that love letter to animation, how were you able to blend live-action footage with CG animated elements? Obviously, Disney has a long history with that.
AS: We know what it looks like in Mary Poppins or Roger Rabbit, but we didn’t know what it would look like to have our main two characters appear in different 2D and 3D animation styles. That was a big question, and it was part of what made this film exciting to me. It felt experimental in a way that would keep my attention for the years required to make this. Then, you ask: What does a scene look like with them and Captain Putty [voice of J.K. Simmons], a stop-motion clay police chief? Then there’s a guy who walks away from him, Officer Toad; you barely see him, but he’s got a kind of Pixar style. And then there’s a human being [Detective Ellie Whitfield, played by KiKi Layne] talking to them through the window. When you read that on a page, you think, ‘How will all that look together?’ It was exciting to experiment. We pulled it off pretty well.

D23: What do you hope Disney fans—particularly those who grew up with the Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers television series—take away from this Disney+ Original movie?
AS: I am no fool: I know that anybody who grows up with IP has their own feelings about how they want it to go. There are 10 different Batman movies at this point, and someone’s favorite is someone else’s least favorite. People have their own ideas of what that is. You have to know that going in. Just know that I’m a fan of the original, and I tried to honor legacy characters, the original artists, and the original voices whenever possible. But we also had to tell a story that could expand the universe and not just be for people who grew up watching it. This is for children and adults, so I put a lot of stuff for people around my age in there. I hope they come in with an open mind and can enjoy it—it’s 90 minutes of pure joy! I made the movie to please a crowd

Stream Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+

Your Ultimate Watchlist to Prepare for Obi-Wan Kenobi

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Since it was announced at D23 Expo 2019, the Disney+ limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi has been highly anticipated by fans across the galaxy. With the two-episode series premiere only a lightspeed jump away, now is the perfect time to watch (or rewatch) key Star Wars films and series to prepare for Obi-Wan Kenobi’s epic Disney+ debut on May 27. Whether you’re new to Star Wars or have been obsessed your entire life, this list will guide your preparation for the series. You can find all of the movies and series below in Disney+’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi Collection.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi walks down the windowed hallway of the Kamoinian cloning facility. Two long-necked, thin aliens named Lama Su and Taun We walk on either side of him.

The Star Wars Prequels
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s journey into the Skywalker Saga begins with the Star Wars prequel trilogy— The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. These films provide important context on Obi-Wan’s journey from Padawan learner to Jedi master and on how he became so involved with the Skywalkers in the first place. Plus, Obi-Wan Kenobi is set following the events of Revenge of the Sith, continuing Obi-Wan’s character arc and emotional journey.

Stream The Star Wars: The Phantom Menace on Disney+

C-3PO, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker stand on the sands of Tatooine in a still from Star Wars: A New Hope.

Star Wars: A New Hope
Before the Obi-Wan Kenobi series was announced, Obi-Wan’s life between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope was a mystery to Star Wars fans. While you could commit to watching Obi-Wan’s life in chronological order, waiting to watch A New Hope until after you’ve seen all of Obi-Wan Kenobi, there’s something important you need to remember: This film is the one that started it all! A New Hope is the reason we are so invested in the story of the Skywalker family, and—importantly for this new series—the story that first sparked interest in Obi-Wan as a character. When A New Hope was just Star Wars, fans had so many questions: How did Obi-Wan know Anakin Skywalker? What were the Clone Wars? How did Darth Vader turn to the Dark side? While some questions have been answered by the very movies and series recommended in this article, this film is the one that made many fans wonder just what exactly “Old Ben” Kenobi was doing in Tatooine all those years before he rescued Luke from the Tusken Raiders.

Stream Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney+

Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi cross blades in a lightsaber battle. The battle is lit by the red and blue blades of their weapons.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Speaking of the question “What were the Clone Wars?”, we have some good news for you: You can find out for yourself by watching the seven seasons of this fan-favorite animated series. Set in between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, the series depicts Obi-Wan’s time as a general in the Clone Wars, protecting the Republic and growing as a leader. Since The Clone Wars is a seven-season series, there’s ample time to really explore his character and his relationships (perhaps even a romance!) so that you can get to know this character before he leads his own series.

Stream Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+

In darkness only lit by a red lightsaber, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul face each other in an empty desert.

Star Wars Rebels
While Obi-Wan only makes a cameo appearance in Star Wars Rebels, the state of the galaxy is similar to what we will be seeing in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Star Wars Rebels sets the stage for a pre-A New Hope era of Star Wars; the Empire is in control, and the Force sensitive are hunted. Darth Vader is a new, mysterious, and fearsome enemy. The Inquisitorius is also introduced—a Jedi-hunting project created by Darth Sidious. In Star Wars Rebels, you get to know two Inquisitors: The Seventh Sister and the Fifth Brother. You’ll meet the Fifth Brother again in Obi-Wan Kenobi along with a mysterious new Inquisitor, The Third Sister. To truly understand the threat Obi-Wan will be facing, watch Star Wars Rebels and see what havoc the Inquisitors wreak on our heroes!

Stream Star Wars Rebels on Disney+