The Walt Disney Company to be the Exclusive Entertainment Sponsor of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™

June 3, 2022

By The D23 Team

Today, The Walt Disney Company announced it will be the exclusive entertainment sponsor of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®. This year’s celebration kicks off with the Road to ESSENCE Festival with select activations taking place in Los Angeles on June 4; Washington, D.C., on June 11; and Chicago on June 19. It culminates with ESSENCE Fest, which takes place in person (in New Orleans) and virtually June 30-July 3, 2022.

ESSENCE Fest is one of the largest festivals in the country, drawing more than 500,000 attendees annually over the July Fourth weekend. ESSENCE Communications, Inc. is the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities.

This year, The Walt Disney Company invites Festival attendees to experience “The Power of Joy” and the many ways Black joy reflects itself at Disney and the communities it touches. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in culture-defining storytelling, engage in unforgettable entertainment, interact with some of today’s biggest stars, and enjoy all manner of culinary experiences.

“The Walt Disney Company is proud to serve as the exclusive entertainment sponsor at the premier celebration of Black culture,” said Latondra Newton, senior vice president and chief diversity officer of The Walt Disney Company. “ESSENCE Fest affirms and amplifies the Black excellence, creativity, and innovation that is reflected in our people, storytelling, and experiences.”

Added Jill Estorino, president and managing director of Disney Parks International, “ESSENCE Fest is the pinnacle of Black cultural celebration and reverence, and we’re excited to expand our decade-long partnership. When we talk about this year’s Festival, we look forward to being able to say two things—The Walt Disney Company showed up in full to super-serve Black audiences, and we strengthened the foundation for partnership with ESSENCE for years to come.”

As the exclusive entertainment sponsor, Disney will bring talent, exclusive screenings, and experiences from across the Company’s iconic brands and touchpoints, including ABC, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+, Disney Studios Content, Disney Television Studios, Disneyland Resort, ESPN, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Pixar, and Walt Disney World Resort. Specific programming, experiences, and talent appearances will be announced at a later date.

“At ESSENCE we believe in building strategic engagements with our partners that drive significant value and put them authentically at the intersection of the culture that our audience creates and influences every single day,” said Pauline Malcolm-Thornton, chief revenue officer, Essence Ventures. “We are thrilled to deepen our relationship and expand upon our journey with Disney to deliver and celebrate our theme of Black joy for ESSENCE Fest and beyond.”

Already announced performances include Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, and New Edition. Anyone can register to attend virtually and in person.

WATCHLIST: Your Ewan McGregor Streaming Roundup!

June 3, 2022June 6, 2022

By Courtney Potter

This is the streaming guide you’re looking for...

Now that Ewan McGregor’s beloved Jedi is back in the new Disney+ limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi, we thought it only fitting to take a spin through some of McGregor’s other works from around the worlds of Disney and 20th Century Fox.

Why not add some McGregor Madness to your “Obi-Wan Wednesdays” by taking in one of these works before the latest Obi-Wan Kenobi episode drops on Disney+ each week, now through June 22?

Jedis Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), dressed in tan garb with his green lightsaber, and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), also dressed in tan with his blue lightsaber, are battling battle with Darth Maul (Ray Park)—dressed in ominous black robes wielding his red lightsaber, in a still from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) (1999)
It’s the film that introduced McGregor as a younger Obi-Wan—a character fans had originally met in 1977’s A New Hope (Episode IV) in the form of iconic actor Alec Guinness... In Episode I, we follow along as Jedi knights Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) rescue Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), ruler of a peaceful planet invaded by some very dark forces. As they escape, they meet one Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd)—a child prodigy who happens to be unusually replete with the Force.

Stream Star Wars: The Phantom Menace on Disney+

Satine (Nicole Kidman) in a white dress and sparkly headdress, is holding hands and standing side-by-side with Christian (Ewan McGregor), who’s wearing a white shirt with a black vest and pants. They’re singing, and surrounded by fancy-dressed dancers on all sides, in an image from Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Set in bohemian Paris circa 1900, director Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge! (from 20th Century Fox) stars McGregor as Christian, an English poet who falls for Satine (Nicole Kidman), the tragic belle of the Moulin Rouge cabaret hall. (You realize Obi-Wan’s romantic interest in the animated series The Clone Wars is also named Satine, right?) The film features several lavish musical numbers set to both well-known pop songs and original tunes, including the Golden Globe®-nominated “Come What May.” FYI: You can watch Moulin Rouge! on Hulu with the optional Starz add-on.

Stream Moulin Rouge! on Hulu

In a still from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), dressed in a tan tunic and dark cape, is flanked by two very tall, thin alien beings in a glass-enclosed walkway. There are many soldiers dressed in red sitting at tables below the walkway.

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II) (2002)
Episode II finds Jedi apprentice Anakin (Hayden Christensen) assigned to protect now-Senator Amidala (Portman)—but in the meantime, he realizes his love for her is growing stronger... as is his dark side. At the same time, Obi-Wan (McGregor) discovers a secret clone army as the galaxy advances toward all-out war.

Stream Star Wars: Attack of the Clones on Disney+

Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger), dressed in a white beaded gown and gloves, is leaning on a blue upholstered bed next to Catcher Bock (Ewan McGregor), clad in a tux, in an image from Down with Love.

Down with Love (2003)
McGregor stars in this 20th Century Fox rom-com, set in the 1960s, as Catcher Block—a writer for (the fictional) Know magazine, and a notorious ladies’ man, who vows to “expose” progressive women’s author Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger) for the “traditional girl” that she is... Much like the films Down with Love takes inspiration from, including Rock Hudson and Doris Day’s Pillow Talk, lots of comedic hijinks ensue! FYI: You can stream Down with Love on Hulu with the HBO Max add-on.

Stream Down with Love on Hulu

Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), in a tan sweater tunic, is looking at something just off camera, set against a blue background, in a still from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) (2005)
This particular trilogy wraps up as Clone Wars rage across the galaxy and a truly sinister Sith Lord seizes control of the Republic, corrupting Anakin (Christensen) and turning him into his dark apprentice, Darth Vader, in the process. Ultimately, Obi-Wan (McGregor) is Forced—see what we did there?—to confront his fallen friend in an epic lightsaber duel.

Stream Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith on Disney+

Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor) has shoulder-length graying hair that’s starting to thin, and he’s wearing a leather jacket with an army green button-up shirt underneath, in an image from season three of FX’s Fargo. He’s sitting at a desk in an office; there’s a coffee cup next to him, and several photo frames on a credenza behind him.

Fargo (Season 3) (2017)
McGregor starred in the third season of FX’s anthology series, inspired by the 1996 film of the same name and set in the same fictional Midwestern universe. The year is 2010, and probation officer Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor) and his parolee girlfriend Nikki (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) are dreaming of a better life. To that end, they attempt to steal a valuable vintage stamp from Ray’s more successful older brother Emmit (also played by McGregor)—the self-proclaimed “Parking Lot King of Minnesota.” Their plans, however, murderously backfire.

*Please note that this series is for mature audiences only.*

Stream Fargo on Hulu

Lumiere (voice of Ewan McGregor) is an anamorphic golden candelabra, and he’s hanging off the stone wall inside the Beast’s castle in a still from Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast. There are lit candles coming out of the top of his head and from both of his arms.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)
This live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1991 animated classic costars McGregor as the voice of Lumiere, the charming maître d’ for the Beast (Dan Stevens) who—because of the witch’s curse—has been transformed into a candelabra. The film also stars Emma Watson as Belle, Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as LeFou, Kevin Kline as Maurice, and Emma Thompson as the voice of Mrs. Potts.

Stream Beauty and the Beast on Disney+

Amidst fog and sun-dappled trees in the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh (voice of Jim Cummings) is wearing his iconic red t-shirt, and is standing in front of several signs labeled “Danger: Heffalumps,” while holding hands with Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor)—who’s wearing a grey fedora and trench coat and holding a briefcase and umbrella.

Christopher Robin (2018)
Ever wondered what happened to Winnie the Pooh’s human friend after he left the Hundred Acre Wood? Such is the premise of Christopher Robin, starring McGregor as the now adult—and very career-minded—Christopher, living in hectic London with his wife and daughter. After a series of misadventures, it’s up to Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and all of Christopher’s magical friends to remind him that “sometimes doing nothing leads to the very best something.”

Stream Christopher Robin on Disney+

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is wearing a brown cape and cowl and is staring at something off screen, in an image from the Disney+ limited series. There are a few brightly colored, though out-of-focus, lights seen behind him, as well as a few people.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
The most recent entrant for this watchlist: The story of Obi-Wan Kenobi is set 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith... Joining McGregor and Hayden Christensen onscreen are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie. New episodes drop every Wednesday!

Stream Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+

Pinocchio Trailer Wishes Upon a Star—Plus More in News Briefs

June 3, 2022

By Courtney Potter

**Disney’s Live-Action Pinocchio Set to Debut on Disney+ Day**

Big news, friends and fans! The global celebration of Disney+ Day will return on Thursday, September 8—just before the mega-huge event we’re already starting to get ready for ’round these parts: D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, California! To mark the occasion, our pals at the streaming service will host special experiences for fans and subscribers, and will premiere lots of new content—including the return of a beloved Disney franchise, with the all-new live-action Pinocchio.

Directed by Oscar^® winner Robert Zemeckis, this live-action retelling of the beloved tale is headlined by Tom Hanks as Geppetto—the wood carver who builds and treats the puppet Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character; and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also featured are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana (and her marionette Sabina), Giuseppe Battiston as Stromboli, and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.

Disney+ Day will feature the big premiere of Pinocchio as well as a host of other debuts from the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic… so stay tuned for more updates in the coming months. And mark those calendars, y’all!

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

With all six seasons of Glee now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, you pretty much have your weekend sorted, right? In case you need to pepper in a few other morsels of merriment, to wit: Sweet Home Alabama on Freeform this Saturday; the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony featuring Sara Bareilles on Sunday; and so much more.

First Look at 20th Century Studios’ The Princess

Earlier this week, 20th Century Studios released a dynamic new trailer for The Princess, directed by Le-Van Kiet. The original movie will stream beginning July 1, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S.; Star+ in Latin America; and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.

An action-packed fight to the death set in a fairy tale world, The Princess stars Emmy Award^® nominee Joey King as a beautiful, strong-willed princess who refuses to wed the cruel sociopath to whom she is betrothed, and is subsequently kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her scorned, vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must protect her family and save the realm.

Also starring Dominic Cooper, Olga Kurylenko, and Veronica Ngo, The Princess was written by Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Coming to Disney+ This Month!

Sure, you saw the madness on the big screen—but soon you’ll have the chance to live it all over again any time you want via Disney+! Yes, just this week it was announced that Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be available exclusively on the streamer beginning Wednesday, June 22. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, and Xochitl Gomez offered up the news in the magical clip, above.

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.

Trevor: The Musical Debuts All-New Trailer

In celebration of Pride Month, Disney+ has revealed the trailer for Trevor: The Musical—a filmed version of the Off-Broadway stage production that follows a charming 13-year-old force of nature with a vivid imagination. As he deals with becoming a teenager in 1981, Trevor struggles to navigate his own identity and determine how and where he fits in a challenging world. After an embarrassing incident at school suddenly puts him under the wrong spotlight, Trevor must summon the courage to forge his own path. Trevor: The Musical will make its streaming debut Friday, June 24, on Disney+.

A deeply moving and funny story of self-discovery and the power of acceptance, Trevor: The Musical is about living your best life with lots of passion… and a touch of pizzazz! The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award^®-winning short film Trevor, which ultimately inspired the founding of LGBTQ youth suicide prevention nonprofit The Trevor Project—the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQIA+ young people.

Thirteen-year-old Holden William Hagelberger stars as Trevor. The company includes Mark Aguirre, Aaron Alcaraz, Ava Briglia, Sammy Dell, Tyler Joseph Gay, Ellie Kim, Colin Konstanty, Brigg Liberman, Diego Lucano, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Isabel Medina, Echo Deva Picone, Dan Rosales, Aryan Simhadri, Yasmeen Sulieman, Sally Wilfert, Aeriel Williams, and Jarrod Zimmerman. Directed by Marc Bruni, Trevor: The Musical features a book and lyrics by Dan Collins and music by Julianne Wick Davis.

… And don’t forget to look for Disney+’s Pride collection, where Trevor: The Musical will join additional content featuring LGBTQ+ stories and characters; fan-favorite series grown-ish, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and Gravity Falls are featured, and films joining the collection this year include Better Nate Than Ever, West Side Story (2021), Eternals, Howard, and more!

**ICYMI: A Chef on a Mission: We Feed People Highlights the Work of José Andrés and World Central Kitchen**

Chef Jose Andrés and his World Central Kitchen project have been feeding people in times of crisis since 2010—and now, thanks to a new documentary directed by Oscar^® winner Ron Howard, we get a behind-the-scenes look at just how Andrés and his team make it happen. Hear from the chef and Howard here at D23.com, and make sure to check out the documentary now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

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

June 2, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Music, marriage, and amusement are central to the great content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend! All six seasons of the hit series Glee are available to binge watch on both Disney+ and Hulu. Then, get your romantic-comedy fix with a double-feature of 27 Dresses, followed by Sweet Home Alabama, airing on Saturday. You won’t want to miss the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, including a performance from Sara Bareilles on Sunday; and later that day catch the fan-favorite teen romantic-comedy 10 Things I Hate About You.

Glee—Available on Disney+ and Hulu
McKinley High School’s glee club, New Directions, is an eclectic and talented group of singers with dreams of competing at nationals. While the group provides respite for those escaping the harsh realities of being a teen, the students find themselves and their voices through song. As they chase their goal, conniving cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) tries to sabotage them at every turn. Warm up your vocal cords, because all six seasons of the award-winning series are now available to binge on both streaming services.

27 Dresses—Saturday, June 4, at 12:30 p.m. ET on Freeform
Jane (Katherine Heigl) is the perennial bridesmaid, attending 27 weddings, thanks to her selflessness and willingness to always assist with her friends’ wedding plans. The hopeless romantic finds herself questioning her affinity for wedding planning after her younger sister Tess (Malin Akerman) gets engaged to Jane’s boss George (Edward Burns), who is also the man she’s secretly in love with. Jane’s unique story intrigues a wedding reporter named Kevin (James Marsden), who tags along for the ride.

Sweet Home Alabama—Saturday, June 4, at 3:15 p.m. ET, on Freeform
New York fashion designer Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) is engaged to the city’s most eligible bachelor, but one thing stands in her way before she can walk down the aisle: her husband. Melanie married Jake (Josh Lucas) in high school and despite years apart, he refuses to divorce her, so she heads back home to Alabama to end their relationship once and for all.

2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony—Sunday, June 5, at 9 a.m. ET, on ABC
Don’t miss a star-studded Opening Ceremony as the USA Games kickoff this weekend! Grammy® Award–winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles headlines the ceremony from Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, which is produced by Disney Live Entertainment. The games will be held June 5–12, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, and broadcast across Disney’s family of networks.

10 Things I Hate About You—Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET, on Freeform
High schooler Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) is wise beyond her years, and therefore quite abrasive to her fellow teens, and the boys aren’t clamoring to ask her out. But her’s father’s strict rule is that her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) can’t date until Kat has a boyfriend. So, a ruse is planned to set up Kat with handsome new student Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) in order for Bianca to get what she wants. Will the plan work, or will Kat see through Patrick’s charm?

What to Watch, Read, and Play Before You Watch Ms. Marvel

June 2, 2022June 7, 2022

By Alison Stateman

On June 8, the Disney+ limited series Ms. Marvel from Marvel Studios will introduce viewers to the first Muslim teen Super Hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—and we can hardly contain our excitement! Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, is a 16-year-old Muslim American growing up in Jersey City who idolizes Super Heroes like Captain Marvel. Being a teen is never easy, but for Kamala it’s particularly challenging as she grapples with fitting in at home and at school and coming to terms with some pretty awesome, but unwieldy superpowers.

Before the show launches, we’ve assembled a few seminal works featuring Ms. Marvel—from animated series and comics to video games—for you to enjoy before tuning into the live-action series:

Ms. Marvel (2014-2015)
Chief among the must-reads is the iteration of Ms. Marvel that inspired the new series. First introduced by Marvel Comics in 2014 with Ms. Marvel No.1, Kamala Khan came to life under the direction of Sana Amanat, now Executive of Production & Development for Marvel Studios; Stephen Wacker, a longtime Marvel editor; writer G. Willow Wilson; and artist Adrian Alphona. Ms. Marvel was the first Muslim Super Hero to headline her own comic series and was enthusiastically embraced by critics and fans alike. In fact, the first issue of the series reached a rare seventh printing! Amanat also serves as co-executive producer of Ms. Marvel on Disney+ and played a role in other foundational works in the evolution of Kamala Khan.

Ms. Marvel (2015-2019)
This comic series follows the internationally beloved, butt-kicking, smack-talking Kamala Khan who has officially become an Avenger! She serves alongside the best of the best—but is this wish fulfilled everything she hoped it would be? The series explores this question over the course of its 38 issues.

Avengers: Ms. Marvel’s Fists of Fury (2017)
Part of the A Mighty Marvel Chapter Book series, the 128-page tome gave readers aged 8 to 12 a crash course on the origins of Ms. Marvel as Thor, God of Thunder, helps her find the strength within herself to control her new powers and learn what it means to be a Super Hero.

Spider-Man (2017-2020)
Ms. Marvel, who, like Peter Parker, knows a thing or two about struggling with dual identities, makes an appearance in the second season of the animated Disney+ Marvel series Spider-Man.

We first meet her in the episode “School of Hard Knocks.” Though she and Spider-Man get off to a rough start—he intrudes on her first solo mission at the Bilderburg Academy—as they work together to free the captured Avengers, they become friends. In fact, Peter may even have a crush on her…

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018)
Marvel Animation’s long-awaited feature-length movie, which premiered on Disney XD in 2018, brought together Marvel’s new and beloved powered teens as an unlikely, but formidable crew of aspiring heroes. Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, Patriot, America Chavez, and Inferno band together to fight an unexpected threat that bears down on the Marvel Universe. Amanat co-executive produced the feature, as well as the Marvel Rising animated shorts featuring Kamala and her dedicated crew of teenage Super Heroes—including Marvel Rising: Operation Shuri; Marvel Rising: Battle of the Bands; Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron; Marvel Rising: Chasing Ghosts; and Marvel Rising: Initiation.

Marvel’s Avengers (2020, 2021)
This video game, developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix, launched on September 4, 2020, on Xbox One, Google Stadia, PC, and PlayStation 4, with a next gen update in 2021—allowing fans to play their favorite Super Heroes in an original Avengers story that introduces several characters, including Kamala Khan in a very prominent role. After the A-Day disaster destroyed San Francisco and created a population of Inhumans, the Avengers disbanded. Players start in the role of Kamala Khan, who is on the run from Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) after uncovering a damning secret on their servers.

Ms. Marvel: Stretched Thin (2021)
An original middle-grade graphic novel starring breakout character (and New Jersey’s own) Ms. Marvel! The greatest hero of the new generation returns in an all-new solo adventure! After an explosion of interdimensional proportions at her cousin’s lab, Kamala Khan suddenly has a doppelgänger to deal with. As Ms. Marvel, it’s her duty to help out the newcomer, but something doesn’t feel quite right. Kamala’s powers are on the fritz, and she suspects that this new hero-in-training isn’t trustworthy. And why has everything around her…turned into a Bollywood set?! Teaming-up with artist Andrés Genolet, New York Times best-selling author Samira Ahmed (Love, Hate, & Other Filters; Internment; Mad, Bad, & Dangerous to Know) brings all the flair of her young adult fiction to the always-surprising world of Ms. Marvel!

Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit (2021-2022)
The greatest hero of the new generation returns in an all-new solo adventure! After an explosion of interdimensional proportions at her cousin’s lab, Kamala Khan suddenly has a doppelgänger to deal with. As Ms. Marvel, it’s her duty to help out the newcomer, but something doesn’t feel quite right. Kamala’s powers are on the fritz, and she suspects that this new hero-in-training isn’t trustworthy. And why has everything around her…turned into a Bollywood set?! Teaming-up with artist Andrés Genolet, New York Times best-selling author Samira Ahmed (Love, Hate, & Other Filters; Internment; Mad, Bad, & Dangerous to Know) brings all the flair of her young adult fiction to the always-surprising world of Ms. Marvel!

Celebrate Pride Month with This Disney Parks Foodie Guide

June 2, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Celebrate Pride Month with mouthwatering treats and sips across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. From a Mickey-shaped shortbread cookie to towering rainbow layer cake and rainbow tumblers, there is something for everyone!

Our friends at Disney Parks Blog assembled a comprehensive foodie guide featuring all the Pride-themed treats to purchase this month at both resorts.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

Available at Alien Pizza Planet, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Pacific Wharf Cafe, Cappuccino Cart, and Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (Available June 10–30; Mobile Order available at select locations)

Pride Cookie: Mickey-shaped shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate (New)

Plaza Inn (Available June 10–30)

Pride Cake: Rainbow sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse, buttercream icing, and rainbow sprinkles

Disney California Adventure Park

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (Available through June 30)

Celebration Sundae made with Ghirardelli’s signature handmade hot fudge and served in a delicious rainbow waffle bowl

Paradise Garden Grill (Available June 10–30)

Pride Cake: Rainbow sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse, buttercream icing, and rainbow sprinkles

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Craftsman Grill (Available June 10–July 4; Mobile Order available)

Pride Donut: Vanilla cake donut with rainbow sprinkles and heart-hands chocolate decoration (New)

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart (Available June 10–July 4)

Pride Sugar Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie dipped in white chocolate and rolled in rainbow sprinkles with heart-hands chocolate decoration (New)
Pride Pretzel Rods: Pretzel Rods dipped in white chocolate and topped with rainbow sprinkles (New)
Pride Crisped Rice Treat: Fruit-flavored crisped rice treat, striped with white chocolate and topped with heart-hands chocolate decoration (New)
Pride Cookie Shot with choice of milk, low fat milk, strawberry or chocolate milk or alcohol including Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Marnier, Captain Morgan Rum, Jameson Whiskey, or Rumchata (New)

Downtown Disney District

Sprinkles Cupcakes (Available June 13–26)

Pride Sprinkle Cupcake: Birthday cake–flavored cupcake filled with nonpareils, topped with strawberry frosting, and finished with a nonpareil rim
Rainbow Layer Cake: Festive cake features six colorful layers of vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting and carousel sprinkles

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available through June 30)

Rainbow Tataki: Sashimi-style salmon, tuna, and steamed shrimp served with seaweed salad, avocado, kimchi ponzu, tataki sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds

Offerings Throughout Disneyland Resort (Available while supplies last; Mobile Order available at select locations)

Pride Parade Castle Tumbler (New)
Coming Soon: Scented Pride Cake Straw Clip (New)

Both available at the following:

Alien Pizza Planet
Plaza Inn
Red Rose Taverne
The Golden Horseshoe
Stage Door Café
Hungry Bear Restaurant
Award Wieners
Fairfax Market Fruit Cart
Studio Catering Truck
Pacific Wharf Café
Paradise Garden Grill
Corn Dog Castle
Outdoor Vending
GCH Holiday Cart
Coffee House

Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom Park

Cheshire Café (Available through June 30)

Pride Key Lime Tart: Key lime tart with sweet whipped cream topped with a chocolate piece (New)

Outdoor Vending Throughout the Park (Available through June 30)

Mickey Pride Cake Pop: Confetti cake dipped in dark chocolate (New)
Mickey Pride Cake Pop: Confetti cake dipped in white chocolate (New)

EPCOT

Connections Café (Available through June 30)

Pride Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar (New)

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Available through June 30)

Pride Cake: Almond frangipane cake layered with chocolate

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Available at ABC Commissary and Backlot Express (Available through June 30)

Pride Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with rainbow sprinkles and berry marmalade, topped with a red berry buttercream, and garnished with rainbow sprinkles, rainbow glitter, and Mickey Pride ears (New)

Available at Rosie’s All-American Cafe and The Trolley Car Café (Available through June 30)

Pride Dome Mickey Hat: Whipped berry white chocolate cheesecake with a rainbow sparkle graham cracker cookie, glazed with a red-colored white chocolate shimmer mirror glaze, and topped with Mickey Pride ears (New)

Woody’s Lunch Box (Available through June 30)

Pride Lunchbox Tart: Guava-filled pastry coated in purple vanilla fondant topped with rainbow sprinkles, sour ribbon candy, and a blue chocolate Mickey (New)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Available at Restaurantosaurus, Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, and Creature Comforts (Available through June 30)

Pride Cupcake: Confetti vanilla cake, cotton candy mousse, vanilla buttercream, and a zebra rainbow-print white chocolate Mickey (New)

Nomad Lounge (Available through June 30)

Pride Cocktail: Absolut Citron Vodka, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Cruxland Gin, pineapple juice, sour mix, Chambord, splash of Sprite, Blue Curaçao, and a glow cube (New)

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available through June 30)

Jewel of Pride: Salted caramel butter popcorn mousse, dark chocolate chiffon cake, a mix of chocolate-covered pretzel with candy pecans pieces and white chocolate glaçage, garnished with a chocolate ring and a rock candy (New)

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar (Available through June 30)

Simply Rainbow made with Simply Orange, Tito’s Vodka, blue curaçao, and grenadine

Sprinkles Cupcakes (Available June 13–26)

Pride Sprinkle Cupcake: Birthday cake–flavored cupcake filled with nonpareils, topped with strawberry frosting, and finished with a nonpareil rim

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (Available through June 30)

Celebration Sundae made with Ghirardelli’s signature handmade hot fudge and served in a delicious rainbow waffle bowl

Gideon’s Bakehouse (Available through June 30)

Rainbow Crunch Cake Slice: Fluffy three-layer vanilla confetti cake covered with a multi-colored marshmallow buttercream and laced with mega-crunchy rainbow crumbs

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (Available through June 30)

Throughout the month, add a “Love Is Love” ripple art print to select beverages upon request!

Rainbow Donut: Sweet donut topped with vanilla rainbow frosting and crystal sugar sprinkles

STK (Available through June 30)

Rainbow Cheesecake: Cheesecake with cotton candy, raspberries, and chocolate popping candy

The Polite Pig (Available through June 30)

Pride & Passion Cooler: A refreshing frozen drink made with rum, apple pucker, and passionfruit puree, rimmed with rainbow sprinkles, garnished with pineapple leaves, and served with a rainbow-colored straw

Vivoli il Gelato (Available through July 31)

Pride Sangria Float: Strawberry, mango, pineapple, and blueberry sorbetto with Terre Di Bacco Prosecco and sparkling soda

Walt Disney World Resorts

Available at Multiple Resorts (Available through June 30)

Rainbow of Pride: Vanilla cake roll with lemon cheesecake filling, rainbow sprinkles, and white chocolate (New)

Available at the following:

World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla’s Island Grill (Available through June 30)

Pride Artisan Marshmallows: A rainbow of marshmallows with flavors of watermelon, blood orange, coconut, green apple, blue raspberry, and blueberry (New)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available through June 30)

Pride White Chocolate Lemon Madeleines: Lemon madeleines covered in a shimmering rainbow of white chocolate (New)

IMAGE 16 WDW MICKEY CEREAL TREAT

Available at Various Locations at Walt Disney World Resort

Mickey Cereal Treat: Crisped Rice Cereal Treat with Rainbow Sugar (Available through June 30)

Available at the following:

Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom Park
Big Top Treats at Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Candy Cauldron at Disney Springs
Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

Everything to Watch During Pride Month 2022

June 2, 2022June 3, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Kicking off this June, we’re celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices across The Walt Disney Company. And as part of that celebration, an incredible lineup of content is available across Disney’s streaming services and airing on Disney’s linear networks. From the brand-new episodes of hit series (Love, Victor; Motherland: Fort Salem; and Good Trouble) to hilarious romantic comedies (Fire Island and Crush), and fan-favorites launching on streamers, we’ve curated the ultimate viewing guide from across the company.

Get comfy on the couch with vibrant Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars merchandise from the all-new Disney Pride Collection. From now until June 30, 2022, The Walt Disney Company will donate all profits from the collection’s sales to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth and families.

ABC Owned Television Stations

ABC Owned Television Stations will broadcast Pride content, community town halls, and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community across their markets of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno all month long. Additionally, the station group will broadcast Pride parades live on Sunday, June 12, in Los Angeles and on Sunday, June 26, in New York, Chicago, and in a first-time media partnership, San Francisco. The New York and Los Angeles Pride parades will also stream live for the first time on ABC News Live and Hulu.

Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be, the one-hour Pride documentary, returns with a new focus highlighting intersectionality and exploring how LGBTQIA+ individuals’ identities exemplify who they are. The production is LGBTQIA+-led and is a spinoff from last year’s special, which amplified the voices of transgender communities across America through first-person narratives. The special is now available to stream across the station group’s connected TV apps and 24/7 streaming channels, and is airing across linear on ABC Owned Television Stations.

Disney+

Disney+ launched a new Pride collection on the streaming service in honor of Pride Month, featuring LGBTQIA+ stories and characters. Fan-favorite series grown-ish, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Big Shot, and Gravity Falls are featured as a part of the collection. Films joining the collection include Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever, 20th Century Studios’ West Side Story (2021), Marvel Studios’ Eternals, Disney+ Original Howard, and many more. The Disney+ Pride collection is now live for all subscribers.

All six seasons of the critically acclaimed, award-winning series Glee launched June 1 across Disney+ and Hulu. The musical comedy follows a group of ambitious and talented young adults in search of strength, acceptance and, ultimately, their voice. Watch the dynamic group of high school students belt toe-tapping hits as they navigate the tribulations of growing up.

ESPN’s 30 for 30 Shorts Presents: Mack Wrestles tells the story of Mack Beggs’ love of wrestling along with his struggles with personal identity and outside forces that stigmatize transgender athletes. The short documentary launches on Disney+ Friday, June 3.

The third and final season of Love, Victor premieres with all episodes on Friday, June 15, on Disney+ and Hulu. This season finds Victor (Michael Cimino) going on a journey of self-discovery—not only deciding who he wants to be with, but who he wants to be. With their post-high-school-plans looming, Victor and his friends are faced with a new set of problems that they must work through to make the best choices for their futures. The first two seasons are currently available on Hulu, and all three will be available on Disney+ starting June 15.

Trevor: The Musical, a filmed version of the Off-Broadway stage production, will debut Friday, June 24, on Disney+. The story follows Trevor (Holden William Hagelberger), a 13-year-old boy with a vivid imagination who struggles with becoming a teenager in 1981. After an embarrassing incident at school puts him under immense scrutiny, Trevor must learn to forge his own path. The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award®-winning short film Trevor, which ultimately inspired the founding of LGBTQIA+ youth suicide prevention nonprofit The Trevor Project.

The remaining five episodes from The Owl House’s second season will join the streaming service on Wednesday, June 29. The hit animated series tells the story of Luz (voiced by Sarah-Nicole Robles), a confident teenager who is transported into a magical realm and soon pursues her dream of becoming a witch with the help of a rebellious witch named Eda (voiced by Wendie Malick). Season one and the first 16 episodes of season two are now available on Disney+.

Hulu

In 2019, Hulu launched its “Pride Never Stops” campaign as a commitment to celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices year-round. This year, in honor of Pride Month, the streaming platform continues that tradition by finding new and unique ways to elevate LGBTQIA+ stories and events as well as the incredible artists behind them.

As Hulu continues to diversify its live content offerings, for the first time ever, the platform will livestream both the Los Angeles and New York City Pride Parades to all Hulu subscribers. Both parades will be available via the Pride Never Stops hub and will remain on Hulu for 30 days after their respective livestreams. The Los Angeles Pride Parade returns in person to Hollywood on Sunday, June 12, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. PT. The parade will have numerous surprise celebrity hosts and appearances alongside KABC’s Ellen Leyva, Karl Schmid, Christiane Cordero, and Eric Resendiz. The NYC Pride March will livestream on Hulu on Sunday, June 26, from 12–3 p.m. ET, and will be hosted by WABC’s Ken Rosato, Lauren Glassberg, and Sam Champion. The NYC Pride March will have surprise celebrity appearances and honorable mentions as the celebration makes its way down 5th Avenue and past the Stonewall National Monument. Plus, it will feature live music and in-depth profiles of people who have made a difference in the community.

Searchlight Pictures’ Fire Island premieres Friday, June 3, as a Hulu Original on the streaming service and is intended for mature audiences. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the film is an unapologetic, modern-day romantic comedy about around two best friends (Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang) who gather in the iconic vacation spot Fire Island to have a legendary summer with their crew of eclectic friends and chosen family.

The Hulu Original film Crush follows Paige (Rowan Blanchard), an aspiring young artist who is forced to join her high school track team. Paige uses the opportunity to pursue Gabriela (Isabella Ferreira), the girl she’s been harboring a longtime crush on—but it isn’t long before a different teammate, AJ (Auli’i Cravalho), catches her eye.

All three seasons of the FX series Pose are available to stream on Hulu. Set in the 1980s, Pose, starring Emmy® Award nominee MJ Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, and Emmy Award winner Billy Porter, looks at the juxtaposition of life and society in New York: the rise of the luxury universe, the downtown social and literary scene, and the ball culture world.

On June 7, seasons one and two of Vida are available on the streaming service. The half-hour drama series focuses on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and surprising truth about their mother’s identity.

Mormon No More, an ABC News docu-series, premiering June 24, follows two married Mormon moms who fall in love and leave the faith. How will they navigate telling their husbands, families, and the church? What will it be like to co-parent their combined seven children with their ex-husbands? In their journey, we meet other Mormon and ex-Mormon LGBTQIA+ allies who wrestle with the church’s doctrines prohibiting same-sex relationships which could result in expulsion from the church.

Also debuting that day is the coming-of-age LGBTQIA+ drama, Wildhood. Set in a rural east-coast trailer park, Link (Phillip Lewitski) lives with his toxic father and younger half-brother Travis (Avery Winters-Anthony), but when he discovers his Mi’kmaw mother could still be alive, it lights a flame and they make a run for a better life. On the road, they meet Pasmay (Joshua Odjick), a pow wow dancer drawn to Link. As the boys journey across Mi’kma’ki, Link finds community, identity and love in the land where he belongs.

The “Pride Never Stops” hub also features additional LGBTQIA+ series and movies to stream all year long, including Hulu Original series Conversation with Friends, How I Met Your Father, and Shrill; ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Modern Family, and Brothers and Sisters; the Hulu Original movie Happiest Season; and many more!

Freeform

The final season of Motherland: Fort Salem premieres Tuesday, June 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, with episodes available the following day on Hulu. The end of season two left Abigail (Ashley Nicole Williams), Tally (Jessica Sutton), Raelle (Taylor Hickson), and Scylla (Amalia Holm) fugitives on the run. Now without a military nor a home, they seek protection alongside the Dodger community in the Cession—but laying low and staying out of trouble has never been their strong suit. With witch hunters working against them from inside the White House, they must call upon ancient forces in the final battle for their right to exist.

Good Trouble returns for the second half of its fourth season on July 7, but in the meantime, binge the previous seasons, all available on Hulu, while you wait for the next installment. The series follows the residents of The Coterie in downtown Los Angeles as they juggle career, love, and the twentysomething growing pains at a time in their lives where their friends are their family.

FX

FX is proud to share stories from, and break down barriers for, the underrepresented voices and diverse cultures of its networks. In celebration of Pride Month, FX will showcase messages from members of the LGBTQIA+ community across its platforms discussing the ways others have supported them, to give audiences tangible ways to show up and act as allies, raise awareness, and drive positive change for the youth of the community and their families and allies. Follow FX throughout June to hear authentic, honest, and powerful voices of the FX and LGBTQIA+ communities with on-air promotions standing with LGBTQIA+ youth, social media content, and presence at the Los Angeles Pride Parade with the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia parade float, featuring the cast of the show.

On Friday, June 3, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT, join FX for all six-episodes of the documentary series PRIDE, chronicling the struggle for LGBTQIA+ civil rights in America. From the 1950s “Lavender Scare” to the “Culture Wars” of the 1990s and beyond, PRIDE explores the queer legacy of the Civil Rights movement and the battle over marriage equality.

Celebrate Avengers Campus with Mickey’s of Glendale Merchandise

June 2, 2022June 3, 2022

Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store, has created a selection of gear celebrating the one-year anniversary of the opening of Avengers Campus inside Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort… and they’re offering D23 Gold Members the chance to get these Walt Disney Imagineering-exclusives through an amazing online event!

The event is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, at 7 a.m. PT.

You must be signed in as a D23 Gold Member. Use this link for the event.

Avengers Campus Merchandise
A dynamic collection that represents not only the current heroes on the campus, but all future heroes who aim to join the ranks of the Avengers and their allies.

Avengers Campus Jacket – The inspiration behind this design was a tactical, ready-to-action jacket—ideal for all conditions that our recruits may find themselves in.
Avengers Campus Journal – The Avengers Campus recruitment journal is a great tool for research, documentation, and gathering intel… all stored securely with an embossed metal cover plate.
Avengers Campus Kor Bottle – Taking cues from the “Man” himself, the Avengers Campus Kor- One Water Bottle is the exact bottle used by Tony Stark, as documented by the internal research department.
Avengers Campus Quinjet Tee – The Avengers Campus Quinjet t-shirt is a great reminder that the campus houses some of the brightest minds across the globe; with the schematic blueprint of the Quinjet, guests can appreciate the cutting-edge technology that the Avengers use to safeguard the world.

Worldwide Engineering Brigade: The Worldwide Engineering Brigade has always put science, technology, and empowerment first—but their group has always stuck to the mantra, “If you are going to save the world, you better look good doing it.”

WEB Hoodie Backpack – In a collection where functionality is on par with style, the Web Hoodie Backpack is the signature piece of the collection. Acting as a backpack when needed and converting into a full-sized hoodie when the mood strikes you.
WEB Spray Tee – Pairing alongside the hoodie is the WEB Spray Tee, offering just a bit of insight to the artistic style of the WEB facility and the unique street-inspired artwork that decorates the surrounding labs and workshops.
WEB Geo Charger and WEB Pen – Both the WEB Geo Charging Dock and Web Geo Pen offer a reminder that functionality and form are two key components in all the WEB accessories.
WEB Bomber Jacket / Flex-Fit Baseball Cap – The WEB Bomber Jacket and Flex caps are perfect flexes for when you want to represent your favorite engineering group, in either the streets or the laboratory.

Not a D23 Gold Member? Click here to join.

*Avengers Campus Gear is available only to D23 Gold Members, and will be available for purchase starting June 3, 2022—while supplies last. Must enter your D23 Gold Membership number to be eligible to purchase. Only one order per D23 Gold Member; any duplicate orders will be cancelled. Items not eligible for additional promotional discounts or offers. Offer subject to restrictions and change without notice. Void where prohibited.

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

June 2, 2022

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

Which Disney Legend did NOT guest star on The Muppet Show?

Steve Martin

Elton John

Julie Andrews

Annette Funicello

Correct! Wrong!

(D) Disney Legend Annette Funicello never made an appearance on The Muppet Show. Funicello, best known for her role as a Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club, also appeared in classic Disney feature films including The Shaggy Dog and Babes in Toyland.

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

You are the ultimate Disney fan!

Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Thursday. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!

Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!

Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Thursday! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

“Figure It Out” with the Stars of Disney’s Hollywood Stargirl

June 1, 2022June 1, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Lights, camera, action!

Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal) heads to La-La Land in Disney’s Hollywood Stargirl, a sequel to the hit Disney+ Original movie about the eccentric, free-spirited young girl—with an even more unique name—from Jerry Spinelli’s best-selling book. After her mother Ana (Judy Greer) is hired as the costume designer for a movie, Stargirl is transported out of Mica, Arizona, and into Los Angeles, California—a city full of dreams and possibilities… as well as eclectic people just like her. Upon arriving in L.A., Stargirl meets aspiring filmmaking brothers Evan (Elijah Richardson) and Terrell (Tyrel Jackson Williams), who recruit her to be in their movie; Mr. Mitchell (Judd Hirsch), her reserved downstairs neighbor; and Roxanne Martell (Uma Thurman), a musician she has long admired whom she meets in a chance encounter. As she acclimates to her new life in L.A., Stargirl’s kindness and infectious optimism inspire her new pals to “figure it out” as they go. Hollywood Stargirl premieres Friday, June 3, exclusively on Disney+.

Hollywood Stargirl, co-written by Julia Hart and Jordan Horowitz, is an original story that continues Stargirl’s journey from her perspective compared to the first installment, which is told from Leo’s viewpoint. “Grace was 14 when we made the first movie and she was 17 when we made this one—that’s a huge difference,” said Hart, who also directed the film. “We wanted to honor both Grace’s growth as a young woman and Stargirl’s and how they’re different and how they’re similar… it was exciting to have a whole movie through her eyes and her mind.”

VanderWaal was equally enthusiastic about reprising her role as Stargirl and taking her journey to L.A. “It was very exciting because after seeing everyone love Stargirl it really made me appreciate and be honored even more to play her character,” VanderWaal said. “I slowly grow more and more love for her, and I’m so happy to get to play her as she’s growing up, seeing the world, and experiencing different things.”

She continued, “[Stargirl] is still her, but she’s maturing and defining that word of maturity and what it really means to her.”

Life imitated art for the ukulele-playing teen as she was tasked with writing an original song for the film. Hart asked VanderWaal to compose a song using Hollywood Stargirl’s central refrain: figure it out as you go. In a mere two days, VanderWaal and songwriter Mike Elizondo wrote “Figure It Out,” which becomes the song that Stargirl and Evan compose for their sizzle reel. “The movie is so much about the creative process and the people who make the creative process rich and fulfilling,” Hart said. “I love that song so much.”

As Stargirl, Evan, and Terrell chase their show business dreams, Ana is also “figuring it out,” while learning from her eternally optimistic daughter. As she attempts to balance a new job, new city, and maintain her tight bond with her daughter, circumstances beyond her control make the transition quite difficult. Greer found Ana’s predicament relatable as she has two teenage stepchildren, and she channeled her own experience when portraying the role. “There’s so much opportunity for vulnerability when you’re a parent and you have an older child,” she said. “You have this moment in time with your kid when they’re a certain age where you can stop trying to cover up all your faults and be open with your older child. Ana in this story was struggling and on that line. She didn’t know how to put herself first nor how to be honest with her daughter.”

The stars of Hollywood Stargirl hope the film encourages the young and young at heart to keep chasing their dreams regardless of the hardships that may arise in the process. “Running away from your issues or your problems isn’t the way to go about things,” Richardson said. “Taking risks doesn’t always mean that you’ll fail. You can take a risk and be the most successful person ever, so be willing to take a risk.”

Watch Stargirl “Figure It Out” when Hollywood Stargirl premieres June 3, exclusively on Disney+.