8 Epic Stories from the Cast and Crew of Obi-Wan Kenobi

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Filming had finished for the day on the set of The Mandalorian, but the magic of Star Wars was only beginning. The crew—a Mos Eisley Cantina’s worth of passionate Star Wars fans—waited, silently, almost as if they had all collectively sensed a disturbance in the Force. And then, he stepped out, for the first time in almost 10 years: Obi-Wan Kenobi.

“I walked into the dressing room and there was a sort of Obi-Wan-ish costume hanging up in the wardrobe that The Mandalorian’s wardrobe department had put together,” Ewan McGregor recalled. In his makeshift Jedi master robes, the actor walked out and greeted the cast and crew. “The set was crazy, because there’s so many Star Wars fans in the crew, which was a new experience for me,” he said. In that moment, everyone felt as if they were Luke Skywalker finally seeing Old Ben come out of hiding. Ewan McGregor was back in the Star Wars galaxy

Practically since the credits rolled on Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, fans have been begging for a continuation on Obi-Wan’s story, filling in from where Revenge of the Sith ends and Star Wars: A New Hope begins. When the news of Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series broke at D23 Expo 2019, fans everywhere rejoiced—and this week, they’ll finally be able to see Obi-Wan’s next steps in a galaxy far, far away.

Last week, McGregor, Mose Igram (Reva), and director Deborah Chow sat down to answer our grand inquisitions on the hotly anticipated series. Through the power of the Force… and, OK, mostly through their insightful answers, we were able to gather the most stellar facts and stories that they shared.

Obi-Wan Kenobi sits on a pillow, barefoot, in almost total darkness. A light from offscreen shines across his face and torso.

1. It took some practice for Ewan McGregor to do “the voice.”
Since he first told Luke to “use the Force,” Obi-Wan’s voice has been embedded in the minds of Star Wars fans everywhere—so, naturally there was a lot of pressure on McGregor to nail the proper voice of his character, especially since he was bridging the gap between his original performance and Alec Guinness’ Oscar®-nominated one. “I was doing a sort of vague English accent,” McGregor explained, “and it wasn’t really Obi-Wan’s voice at all. And I thought, Oh dear, that’s not very good. Luckily, we had months before we actually started shooting. So, I went back and did some homework with Alec Guinness and what I’d done before, in the original [prequel] films. Playing him felt totally like he’d always been there ready to come out any minute. But just his voice needed a bit of work.”

Moses Ingram, as Reva, walks through the streets of Tatooine in her black Inquisitor armor, a serious expression on her face. She is in profile, facing left.

2. Moses Ingram was drawn to the “dangerous” nature of the series.
Newcomer Ingram plays Inquisitor Reva, an imposing figure working alongside Darth Vader himself. “It’s fun to be bad,” she said with a laugh. As one of the series’ baddies, the aspect of the script that pulled her in the most was how it was “dangerous.”

“That was the thing that attracted me the most,” she explained, “realizing that it was edgy and fun and cool—I couldn’t say no. I mean, it’s Star Wars.” She was surprised by the tone of the script. “From what I knew of Star Wars, I didn’t realize it was that dangerous,” Ingram added. “It felt dangerous, what I was reading—and I was like, ‘Oh, I like this. I’m into this.’”

3. Ewan McGregor took inspiration from the “twinkle” in Alec Guinness’ eye.
For the series, McGregor was faced with an all-new challenge: bridging the gap between his own performance from the prequel films and Guinness’ performance originating the character in the original trilogy. “It all comes from Alec Guinness,” he explained. “Alec Guinness had this wit behind his eyes all the time. He had a twinkle in his eyes. I always try and think of him.”

One thing that helped—McGregor was no longer a plucky padawan himself. “Being closer to Alec Guinness in age was interesting,” he said. “We find Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan as a solitary figure. He’s living in the desert alone, I suppose, and my Obi-Wan now is just a bit closer to his.”

Darth Vader stands in silhouette in the center of the image. Everything around him is dark except for red lights along the walls, the lights on his armor, and the beam of light casting down on him from the ceiling.

4. Reuniting with Hayden Christensen felt like no time had passed at all.
The only people more excited than the fans to see Obi-Wan and Anakin together onscreen again were the actors behind the characters! “I mean, we just were so close when we made Episode II and III,” McGregor remembered of his time with Christensen. Once the prequels wrapped, the duo fell out of contact—so the Obi-Wan Kenobi series was the perfect excuse for the close friends to reunite. “It was really peculiar,” he explained. “When we were acting together, it was really like some sort of time warp. Looking across at him on set was like the last 17 years didn’t happen at all, you know?”

In darkness lit mostly by her red lightsaber, Reva brandishes her weapon and yells at someone or something offscreen.

5. Yes, Ewan McGregor is still making the lightsaber noises.
While Christensen and McGregor were having a reunion years in the making, Ingram was a newcomer on set. Luckily for her, she had an epic way to bond with her costars: Lightsaber training! “It was a nice way to get to know each other,” McGregor explained. “We started months before the shoot together in the fight gym. Our fight styles are very different, as they should be.  So, I was over on one side doing my choreography and [Ingram was] on the other side, and we’d sort of try not to clash into each other. It was fun, though.”

After McGregor let slip that he had trouble not making lightsaber sound effects during fight scenes in the prequels, everyone wants to know: Is he still making the noises?

“Everyone knows that you do it now,” Ingram teased him.

“It’s impossible not to,” McGregor insisted. “And if you’re not making them, you’re doing it in your head.”

6. There was an epic, new way to set the tone on set.
Ingram couldn’t confirm if she heard McGregor making his infamous lightsaber noises on set, because Chow had an ingenious way of making sure the cast felt like they were properly in a galaxy far, far away. “We did play a lot of music when we did the action scenes, so the rest of us didn’t know if you guys were doing [lightsaber noises],” Chow explained. “The big reason we did it is because the music obviously it brings the emotional component. And what John Williams has done has been so inextricably tied—it is Star Wars. If we put it on, all of a sudden I see Moses go like two inches taller and everybody responds to it.”

“It was sick!” Ingram agreed. “We’d be stepping off the ship and the music would swell and you’re just feeling like you’re 10 feet tall. It’s very, very cool.”

Inside a cave, Obi-Wan holds a hand out to the snout of a large, alien creature wearing a bridle. His face is half-lit, and his expression is neutral.

7. Deborah Chow was excited to explore Obi-Wan’s character.
For most fans, thinking about Star Wars brings up the stories centered around the Skywalker family. For Chow, Obi-Wan Kenobi presented a different opportunity. “I was the most excited about getting the opportunity to do a character-driven story,” she explained, comparing it to films like Logan, centered around a singular character. With six episodes on the horizon, we’re going to get a lot of time with Obi-Wan. “You take one character out of a big franchise and then you really have the time to go a lot deeper with the character. To me, it seemed really exciting to get to do that in Star Wars.”

8. The trio revealed their favorite Star Wars media.
For McGregor, there’s only one movie that could be his favorite: “A New Hope,” he said, “because it’s the one the one that changed my life, I suppose, in many ways.” Without the film that started it all, there would be no Obi-Wan Kenobi. But, that’s not the only reason it’s his favorite. “As a kid watching that movie—and when I hear the words Star Wars—I always think of C-3PO and R2-D2 going through the desert, through the sand. That’s the first image.”

Ingram couldn’t help but pick the Star Wars series that is changing her life: “I’m going to cheat and say Obi-Wan Kenobi,” she said, “because it’s attached to now so many moments and memories in my life—similar to A New Hope for [McGregor].”

Chow cited a film that she not only loves, but that helped inspired her own Star Wars work: “One I think is really interesting, visually, is Rogue One. I was really looking a lot at the atmospheric sense in that and in a lot of the visuals in that [film]—which was pretty awesome.”

The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi stream on Disney+ this Friday, May 27.

Venturing Inside National Geographic’s Explorer: The Deepest Cave

By Zach Johnson

Into the unknown he goes...

Renowned cave explorer Bill Stone is determined to reach the unexplored depths of Cheve Cave in Mexico—but such an expedition is like climbing Mount Everest in reverse! The one-hour special Explorer: The Deepest Cave, premiering Monday, May 30, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic (and streaming this summer on Disney+), follows Stone and his dedicated team as they push the boundaries of what is possible. Together, they attempt one of the greatest feats of exploration: to set a new world record by reaching the bottom of what is thought to be the deepest cave in the world.

Deep in the uncharted depths of Cheve Cave, the expedition team must navigate through over 12 miles of unexplored tight, twisting passages—sometimes in complete darkness, where one mistake can be fatal. During the dangerous and highly technical adventure, Stone and his team are also trying to map everything they see to create traditional 2D maps and CGI 3D models that are relative to the surface topography.

Team members inside Cheve Cave organize packs, which contain all their food and gear while staying inside Cheve Cave.

For the three-month underground journey in the longest active subterranean push duration ever, Stone enlists a team of 69 elite cavers from nine different countries, including expert cavers Victor Bravo, Sonia Dudziak, Gilly Elor, Corey Hackley, and Sean Lewis. “They’re all technically qualified and multidisciplinary,” Stone says. “You don’t get there if you aren’t. But the other thing is, these people didn’t get there by accident. These are the kinds of people whose smiles get bigger the more remote from humanity they get. These are the kinds of people who would be completely, utterly comfortable sitting at the bottom of Shackleton crater on the moon—I have no doubt.”

“We are super curious about what’s in there,” confirms cave explorer Bev Shade. “It’s so exciting to be the first person into a chamber or a passage. And a lot of what we enjoy is the incredible teamwork required to make it all happen.” Indeed, director Pablo Durana says, “I was really amazed, because these aren’t professional athletes. These aren’t people who are getting paid to go into the cave. These are people who have an obvious, shared passion. They dedicate a huge part of their lives to these experiences. It was really incredible to witness—and to, at one point, be a part of that.”

Lest anyone think otherwise, Stone admits fear is always a factor. “When you’re up there, you have to suppress fear. Having a little bit of it is good, but you need focus and control to stay alive,” he says. “It’s a recognition and a willful suppression of fear that allows you to go forward—because of your training, because of your experience.”

Team members inside Cheve Cave examine a massive borehole.

This expedition, however, presents brand-new challenges, which result in brand-new fears. “A lot of other expeditions I’ve been on, I always had this thought in the back of my mind: ‘I’ve got my little inReach® [satellite communicator], so a helicopter can find me,’” Durana recalls. “It’s really different in the cave; there’s no support. For me, it was a little bit scary. It was my very first cave. The first couple of days, it’s known territory, and you travel lightly and carefully. But the fear heightened a little bit when we were going into virgin territory, because that’s when the rocks can be more unstable. You really have to be aware of your environment in a way that I’ve never been aware of before. It is a little scary, but I think you have to keep your composure, understand what you’re doing, and know your limits, because there could be some things you decide you just don’t feel comfortable doing. I think it’s important to recognize that.”

Of course, the team went in as prepared as possible. Throughout their expedition, safety remained everyone’s utmost concern. “There is no rescue organization in the world that could actually retrieve somebody from the bottom of this cave,” Stone explains. “They don’t train for this kind of thing. There’s no fire rescue, no mountain rescue, anything like that. We basically design the team for self-rescue capability from the start—and that has been one of the tenants of these expeditions for decades now.”

Without spoiling how Explorer: The Deepest Cave ends, there’s no slowing down Stone. “I was 68 years old during the expedition,” he says. “Expeditions keep you in incredible shape... As far as I’m concerned, I aim to be on expeditions when I’m 100!”

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

By Andie Hagemann

Cancel your other plans because the content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend is jam-packed with thrilling galactic adventures and heartwarming classics. In celebration of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opening at Walt Disney World Resort, binge both Guardians of the Galaxy films. Meanwhile, the Day of Unity is finally here in Saturday’s season finale of The Owl House, and don’t miss Lilo & Stitch, airing later that day. On Sunday, watch the live-action adaption of The Jungle Book and High School Musical 2!

Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), and Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) stand before the Sovereign people in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2—Available on Disney+
With new family-thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opening this weekend at EPCOT, assemble your own ragtag crew for a Guardians of the Galaxy double feature! In the first film, space ravager Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) is forced to evade a group of ruthless bounty hunters after he steals an orb coveted by the evil Ronan (Lee Pace). To escape Ronan, Quill teams ups with four misfits: Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). However, once he discovers the orb’s powers, he rallies the crew to save the universe. The sequel finds Peter and his fellow Guardians hired to protect the Sovereign, a powerful alien race from invaders. After it’s revealed Rocket has stolen the items they were instructed to guard, the Sovereign unleashes its army in search of vengeance. Meanwhile, Peter’s mysterious origins are revealed. Disney Legend Kurt Russell stars as Ego in this action-packed adventure.

Luz (voiced by Sarah-Nicole Robles) stands excitedly inside large metal doors in the season finale of the animated series The Owl House.

The Owl House—Saturday, May 28, at 9 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
The second season concludes with the long-awaited Day of Unity. Will everything go according to Emperor Belos’ plan or will Luz (voiced by Sarah-Nicole Robles) be transported back to the human side?

Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders) plays in the sand in the animated film Lilo & Stitch.

Lilo & Stitch—Saturday, May 28, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The heartwarming animated classic follows a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo (voiced by Daveigh Chase), who adopts what she assumes is just an ugly dog. Lilo names the ambiguous creature Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), and he instantly becomes the perfect companion… except for the fact that he’s actually a mischievous genetic experiment who escaped from an alien planet! While Stitch evades the crew tasked to retrieve him, he bonds with Lilo and becomes the best friend she’s always wanted.

Mowgli (Neel Sethi) huddles inside a cave full of baboons in the live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book.

The Jungle Book (2016)—Sunday, May 29, at 10:15 a.m. ET/PT, on Freeform
Directed by Disney Legend Jon Favreau, the live-action adaptation of the Disney classic follows Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a young boy raised by a family of wolves since birth. Mowgli is forced to leave the only home he’s ever known after a threat from the ferocious tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba). A panther named Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley) and Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray), a free-spirited bear, look after Mowgli as they embark on an epic journey, meeting a slew of animals along the way.

Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) and Troy (Zac Efron) dance inside a classroom celebrating the start of summer vacation during the opening musical number of High School Musical 2.

High School Musical 2—Sunday, May 29, at 5 p.m. ET/PT, on Disney Channel
What time is it? Summertime! Well… almost. The East High kids are ready for fun in the sun. However, they’re all broke. Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) persuades her family’s country club to hire Troy (Zac Efron), and the basketball star hilariously brings along the entire Wildcat crew, Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) included, to be his coworkers.

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

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

In Star Wars: A New Hope, what animal call does Obi-Wan Kenobi mimic to scare off the Tusken Raiders attacking Luke?

Correct! Wrong!

Before rescuing Luke from the Tusken Raiders, Obi-Wan mimics the call of (B) a Krayt Dragon to frighten the raiders away.

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!

Celebrate the Return of Fantasmic! at Disneyland Resort with This Illuminating Quiz

By Alison Stateman

Disneyland Park guests will be treated to the return of Disney’s popular and longest-running nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! in just a few days’ time. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the emotional extravaganza will once again feature an array of colorful Disney animated film images, choreographed to an exciting musical score, highlighted by an iconic 45-feet tall fire-breathing Maleficent dragon!

Ahead of its return to Disneyland Resort on Saturday, May 28, we offer you a chance to test your knowledge with this illuminating quiz.

When did Fantasmic! officially premiere to the Disneyland public?

Correct! Wrong!

How long does the dragon light the Rivers of America on fire for?

Correct! Wrong!

At the beginning of the show, two light towers appear on either side of the main stage. During the day, these towers rest 26 feet underground. During the show, how high do they rise?

Correct! Wrong!

How much does the dragon weigh?

Correct! Wrong!

How many times has Fantasmic! been performed since its premiere?

Correct! Wrong!

Celebrate the Return of Fantasmic! at Disneyland Resort with This Illuminating Quiz
Nothing is more powerful than the imagination... and we imagine you’ll do better the next time you take this quiz!
Were you pulled into the Magic Mirror, too? Because your knowledge of Fantasmic! truly sparkles!

 

Inside Grey’s Anatomy’s Landmark 400th Episode—and Its Future

By Zach Johnson

After 18 seasons, Grey’s Anatomy remains in excellent health.

The ABC series is the longest-running primetime medical drama in history, and on Thursday, May 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the series will reach a major milestone when it airs its 400th episode. Created by Shonda Rhimes, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy has been must-see TV ever since its debut in 2005, and Krista Vernoff—who took over as showrunner in 2017—has been there for nearly every ferry accident, hospital explosion, and plane crash that brought patients to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (née Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital). Ahead of the landmark episode—which is one-half of the two-part Season 18 finale—Vernoff revealed the secret to Grey’s Anatomy’s sustained success, teased the return of fan-favorite characters, and repeatedly praised the cast and crew.

As Richard Webber, James Pickens Jr. is one of the few original cast members of ABC’s award-winning, critically acclaimed drama Grey’s Anatomy to remain with the show throughout its 18 seasons.

D23: Producing 400 episodes is no small feat! How are you able to keep things feeling fresh so that the actors and the viewers remain engaged week-to-week?
Krista Vernoff (KV): We have a tremendous writing staff. We also have several doctors on staff and on call. We bring in experts in many different fields to come talk in the writers room each year. We pull from what inspires us. If it inspires us, there’s a good chance it will also inspire viewers.

D23: What does this landmark episode mean to you, as well as to the cast and crew?
KV: It’s just kind of mind-blowing. We’ve been doing this for almost two full decades now, and the fact that the show still means so much to so many people, that matters to us. The idea that what we are doing has a real impact on people‘s minds and hearts… That’s what keeps us going.

D23: We know former cast members Sarah Drew and Jesse Williams are back for the 400th episode. What can you share about bringing back Drs. April Kepner and Jackson Avery? 
KV: It’s the 400th episode, so we knew we needed some great guest stars. Somehow, miraculously, Sarah and Jesse were both available and happy to come make it work. It was great to see them, and we know fans will be thrilled to see them, too!

Original cast member Chandra Wilson has received a Screen Actors Guild Award, a People’s Choice Award, a Prism Award, and three NAACP Image Awards, in addition to four Emmy® Award nominations, for her portrayal of Dr. Miranda Bailey.

D23: Kate Walsh recently reprised her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery. What’s the secret to creating an environment in which cast members are always willing to return?
KV: We write the show from character first rather than from plot. That gives the actors something to really sink their teeth into. When an actor has lived out a character who is rich and full and complex, they’re usually happy to come back and visit!

D23: Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr. are the only actors who have starred in every season. What’s in store for their characters in the 400th episode?
KV: The 400th episode is dramatic! We were lucky enough to have the 400th episode fall on the season finale, so we pulled out all the stops. You have to tune in to see how it all plays out!

D23: Out of all the stories Grey’s Anatomy told across 18 seasons, which do you hold nearest and dearest to your heart? Which episodes do fans still bring up to you?
KV: The one that is nearest to my heart is the death of George O’Malley‘s father [Season 3, Episode 12], because it was very autobiographical for me. And the one that the fans still bring up to me is the death of Denny Duquette [Season 2, Episode 27]!

D23: What can you tease about the upcoming 19th season?
KV: I’m gathering with the writers next week. Everyone just had a well-earned break, so I can’t give you much about season 19 yet—but I can tell you that we’ve got a tremendously talented group of writers, so it’s gonna be great!

D23: Is there anything you want to tell fans as the 400th episode approaches?
KV: We are so grateful for your continued passion. We are blown away by the folks have been with us from the beginning and still show up week after week, and also by the new generation who found us on Netflix! We don’t take any of it for granted. Thank you for watching!

Saluting Goofy Through the Decades

By Courtney Potter

Lovable, good-natured, and (let’s face it) hilariously accident prone, Goofy is a stalwart friend—and proof that good things do ultimately come to those who try, try again. The animated character who’d become Goofy made his very first appearance on May 25, 1932, in the Mickey Mouse cartoon Mickey’s Revue. Audiences had to keep their eyes peeled, though; the character, who isn’t onscreen for very long, is a member of the audience memorably cheering on Mickey’s musical comedy. But he obviously made an impact, as he’s gone on to an incredible 90 years of mirth and merriment—onscreen (the name “Goofy” officially kicked off with his first starring role in an animated short: 1939’s Goofy and Wilbur); within the panels of comic books; inside Disney parks around the world; in video games; and so much more!

To celebrate Goofy’s nine decades of fun, we’ve rounded up some favorite stills of Goofy’s adventures through the years. Did yours make the cut?

...And keep the Goofy gaiety going by checking out some goof-tastic animated shorts and features on Disney+!

Goofy’s Glider (1940) — Goofy tries to demonstrate glider-flying, but is unsuccessful—until finally, a cannon does the job, shooting him into orbit!
How to Play Baseball (1942) — After a few other successful shorts in which Goofy demonstrated how—or maybe how not—to do something, it became a series. How to Play Baseball finds Goofy illustrating the game by playing all the positions on both teams and displaying the different types of pitching, accompanied by an offscreen narrator.
Hold That Pose (1950) — Goofy buys photographic equipment for his fun new hobby, and eagerly goes out to find a subject—which turns out to be a bear. But he so annoys the bear with the flash that it chases him all the way back to his apartment.
Aquamania (1961) — Nominated for an Academy Award®, this animated short finds Goofy demonstrating the art of water-skiing. After all manner of misadventures, including encountering an octopus and (somehow) a roller coaster, he manages to win a championship race.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) — Goofy costars in this animated feature, based on Charles Dickens’ classic yuletide tale, as Jacob Marley’s ghost—warning Ebenezer Scrooge (in this instance, Scrooge McDuck) what fate awaits him should he not change his miserly ways.
Goof Troop (1992) — Goofy hit the big time with this Disney Channel series that chronicled the heartwarming misadventures of his struggles to raise son Max in 1990s suburbia.
A Goofy Movie (1995) — A feature film spin-off from Goof Troop, this fan favorite follows Max and Goofy as they go on what’s supposed to be a fishing trip, with plentiful father-son bonding time... only Max has other plans, all to impress his girlfriend Roxanne. Chaos, but ultimately happiness, ensues.
An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000) — In the sequel to A Goofy Movie, Goofy enrolls in college with Max... but brings his 1970s collegiate notions with him. When he teams up with a like-minded school librarian, the disco lights and mood rings swing back to action on campus!
Kingdom Hearts (2002) — Goofy costars as a captain of the royal knights in this action and role-playing video game series, which features tons of Disney characters and situations. The popular game was developed by Square Enix and Disney Interactive Studios, and debuted in the U.S. in 2002.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006) — The “Sensational Six,” including Goofy, star in this CG-animated Disney Channel series for preschoolers, designed to encourage problem solving and promote early math skills.
How to Hook Up Your Home Theater (2007) — Goofy makes his way back to the big screen (and the “How To” series) with this animated short, in which our enthusiastic but clueless friend is confronted by a huge instruction manual for his new home theater setup—and has to deal with a truly gargantuan universal remote and a spaghetti of multicolored cables! Directed by Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers (Prep & Landing).
How to Stay at Home (2021) — During the COVID-19 pandemic, iconic Disney animator Eric Goldberg created several brand-new, hand-drawn Goofy shorts for a three-episode Disney+ series called How to Stay at Home. We follow along as Goofy learns how best to wear a mask; how to cook a unique meal; and how to binge-watch a favorite show while still trying to complete some other tasks.
Mickey Mouse Funhouse (2021) — Goofy is part of Disney Junior’s latest whimsical animated series featuring Funny, an enchanted talking funhouse who leads Mickey and his pals on imaginative adventures. The series’ most recent special finds Mickey, Minnie, and friends joining legendary pirate Captain Salty Bones on a big treasure hunt!

The Bob’s Burger Movie Stars Dish on the Belcher Family’s Big Screen Debut

By Andie Hagemann

The Belcher family is ready to get the patty started!

The zany animated family will make their big screen debut when 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie premieres exclusively in theaters on Friday, May 27. An adaptation of the long-running Emmy®-winning series, the animated feature film is full of musical numbers, adventure, mystery, and hysterical hijinks.

The story 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 (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (voiced by John Roberts) struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant.

Tina Belcher (voiced by Dan Mintz), Gene Belcher (voiced by Eugene Mirman, and Louise Belcher (voiced by Kristen Schaal) investigate the giant sinkhole at night in 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie.

All your burning questions will be answered in The Bob’s Burgers Movie, including the elusive backstory behind Louise Belcher’s beloved pink bunny ears. “I did feel honored that Louise would have such a heavy storyline throughout this very special event,” Kristen Schaal (voice of Louise) said during a virtual press junket. “This is something that a lot of the fans and I have been waiting for.” Meanwhile the other Belcher siblings are consumed with big life moments of their own. Tina (voiced by Dan Mintz) can’t decide if she wants to ask Jimmy Jr. (voiced by Benjamin) to be her summer boyfriend, while Gene (voiced by Eugene Mirman) is eager to take his musical career to the next level. “He is very excited to try to put on a big show and also enthrall the world with his innovation in music,” Mirman added.

Music is a huge part of The Bob’s Burgers Movie. Director, writer, and producer Loren Bouchard said the musical numbers were a perfect way to make the film feel big and spectacle-like to differentiate it from the TV series. Fan favorite Easter eggs, like the infamous “Burger of the Day” board, will of course have prominence in the feature film. “In the movie, there’s one on the board and then there’s one mentioned in the very first scene that basically gives birth to the entire first number,” Bouchard said. “The first song all comes from Linda pitching to Bob a very long burger of the day name—which feels like our daily life [brainstorming burger names].”

Linda Belcher (voiced by John Roberts) wears a burger costume with a red bikini with white polka dots on top in 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie.

The inspiration behind those sizzling dance moves throughout The Bob’s Burgers Movie came from none other than writer and producer Nora Smith. Bouchard said, “Nora would videotape herself dancing in her kitchen and Bernard could take that and draw it so beautifully. All the dancing you see comes from these two right here; no training.” Smith interjected, “I forced a lot of me dancing on people. I’ve filmed a lot of videos… and I try to never watch them again.”

While the film includes plenty of nods to the TV series, if you’re new to the Bob’s Burgers universe, there’s no need to binge all 12 seasons before seeing the movie. “We knew that we had to try to make our fans happy and make people who are not our fans, but are perfectly fine people as well, happy,” Smith said. “We were trying to not make it too chock-full of inside references and we wanted people to come at it fresh and still enjoy all the characters.”

Bob Belcher (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) gazes at a burger in his kitchen at Bob’s Burgers in 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie.

Adapting the hit series to the big screen was no easy task. Smith and director Bernard Derriman admitted they were initially reluctant to pursue the feature film knowing they would need to work on both projects simultaneously. “Making the show is a full-time job, and then we were making a movie along with it,” Smith added. “We wanted to keep working on the show in a way where we were focused on it, and it was still good. We didn’t want one to suffer because of the other.” Derriman recalled when the creators of The Simpsons aired their grievances about working on simultaneous projects, and he didn’t want Bob’s Burgers to follow that same path.

For the TV series, the filmmakers have only a couple of weeks at a time to focus on an episode since each season contains 22 episodes. However, despite being stretched thin with dual projects, they were able to enhance the animation, music, storylines, and other details for the movie as they had four years to work on it. The 90-minute movie also afforded them additional time to incorporate all of the ideas they’ve had for the series over the years. “All the stuff that we’ve always wanted to do on the show, we were able to do now in the movie,” said Derriman.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is only in theaters May 27.

The Cast of Hollywood Stargirl Celebrate Their Stellar Sequel on the Red Carpet

By Sarah Sterling 

On Monday, the cast and crew of the whimsical sequel to 2020’s Stargirl, walked the red carpet at the historic El Capitan Theatre for the world premiere of Hollywood Stargirl. The film follows the eccentric and lovable Susan “Stargirl” Caraway (Grace VanderWaal) as she moves from Mica, Arizona, to Los Angeles with her mother (Judy Greer). She quickly befriends two aspiring filmmakers, Evan and Terrell (Elijah Richardson and Tyrel Jackson Williams), who cast Stargirl in their independent film. Along the way, Stargirl meets one of her musical idols, Roxanne Martell (Uma Thurman), and becomes inspired to write her own original music. The city pushes Stargirl to dream bigger than ever before, so it was fitting to have the world premiere of Hollywood Stargirl in the heart of Hollywood at one of the most iconic theaters in Los Angeles!

Grace VanderWaal smiles on the red carpet in front of a large poster of herself in Hollywood Stargirl. She has her short blond hair pulled back and is wearing a white off-the-shoulder dress and large gold accessories.

The multi-talented Grace VanderWaal returns to play the titular role and wrote an original song, “Figure It Out” for Hollywood Stargirl. “It was very nerve-wracking. I’ve never been asked and prompted to write a song before, so I was very nervous, but I love the way it turned out,” VanderWaal says of “Figure It Out.” She explains that Hollywood Stargirl shows a different side to her character, one where she is “thinking about what she wants in life and prioritizing her wants.”

Director and co-writer Julia Hart and writer Jordan Horowitz pose together on the red carpet. Horowitz is wearing a scale-patterned button-up sweater and Hart is wearing a sparkly, holographic matching pant and vest set.

Julia Hart returned to direct Hollywood Stargirl and expressed her gratitude for being able to make the Stargirl sequel. “Making the first movie was the best experience I’ve had in this industry. I was really excited that we had an opportunity to do something more original – still based on Stargirl, and obviously having Grace as Stargirl at the center of it, but that really could be our own original story to surround her with new characters in a new setting.” Hollywood Stargirl is a completely new story that diverges from author Jerry Spinelli’s sequel to the 2000 novel. However, Spinelli serves as one of Hollywood Stargirl’s executive producers and Hart and writer Jordan Horowitz’s script is sure to delight readers.

Co-composers Duncan Blickenstaff and Rob Simonsen. Blickenstaff is wearing a blue button-up shirt and black blazer. Simonsen has on an artistically patterned button-up and textured gray blazer with black trim.

Disney fans will appreciate Hollywood Stargirl’s composers, Rob Simonsen and Duncan Blickenstaff, who are Disney aficionados themselves. Simonsen wrote the score for the first Stargirl, as well as films including 500 Days of Summer and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Simonsen and Blickenstaff have collaborated many times, but this is Blickenstaff’s first film as co-composer. When asked which Disney film scores are their personal favorites, Simonsen did not hesitate to name drop legendary composer, George Bruns. “The Jungle Book…and Sleeping Beauty. George Bruns was the same composer and he adapted Tchaikovsky’s music for Sleeping Beauty. There’s such a nostalgia in those films and the classic orchestration and arrangement, especially in the Jungle Book with the blend of jazz, I just geek out. I love those scores.” Blickenstaff added, “For me, it’s got to be The Lion King. Hans Zimmer won an Oscar for that and the whole experience is amazing.”

Stream Stargirl on Disney+

Please enjoy a gallery of images from the world premiere below! Hollywood Stargirl debuts on Disney+ on June 3. Prepare for this effervescent sequel by streaming Stargirl and keep reading D23.com for updates on all the most anticipated Disney movies.

Marvel Avengers Campus to Welcome New Recruits This July at Disneyland Paris

By Zach Johnson

Incoming transmission from Mr. Stark...

Our friends at Disneyland Paris just announced Marvel Avengers Campus will open on July 20, 2022! Marvel Avengers Campus is an entirely reimagined universe dedicated to discovering, recruiting, and training the next generation of heroes. Are you ready to team up with the Avengers and their allies, sling webs like Spider-Man, fly into space with Iron Man and Captain Marvel, and suit up and re-fuel in true Super Hero fashion?

The answer, of course, is YEESSSSSSS! (Please read that in Thor’s voice.)

Opening as part of the 30th Anniversary celebration of Disneyland Paris, Marvel Avengers Campus is a key part of Walt Disney Studios Park’s multi-year transformation. Avengers Campus was created by Tony Stark himself to discover, recruit, and train the next generation of Super Heroes. For the first time, recruits will be empowered to take an active role alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Walt Disney Imagineering teams in Paris and around the world have been working side-by-side with teams that brought the Avengers films, television series, and comics to life. Together, they designed and created a brand-new place in the Marvel multiverse that champions the inner Super Hero that lives in all of us—and soon, you can take the next step in your heroic journey!

Recruits can meet Spider-Man, Iron Man, or Captain Marvel in the Training Center, a new dedicated building unique to Avengers Campus in Disneyland Paris.

Heroic Encounters

Recruits will have the opportunity to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man, or Captain Marvel in a new dedicated building unique to Avengers Campus in Disneyland Paris: the Training Center! For the first time in a Disney Park, a dynamic “freeze frame” video sequence, created by Disney PhotoPass with 27 cameras all around the action, will capture your meetings with Captain Marvel or Iron Man and turn them into unforgettable moments. These unique encounters will be available to book via the Disneyland Paris mobile app.

In other words, it’s time to start practicing your Super Hero poses!

Encounter the Dora Milaje, Thor, and more Super Heroes outdoors at Marvel Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris.

New recruits of all ages will get to encounter heroes outdoors throughout their visit in more interactive and exciting ways than ever before. For example, you will get the chance to train with Black Panther’s loyal protectors, the Dora Milaje, and learn from the warriors of Wakanda about what it’s like to be a member of this elite royal guard.  Plus, you’ll be invited to join an interactive dance-off with Star Lord and Gamora from the Guardians of the Galaxy. And the Gateway Portal will offer you the chance to capture the moment when you meet one of the many Super Heroes of Avengers Campus.

F.R.I.D.A.Y., the artificial intelligence designed by Tony Stark, will look for and interact with the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Uploaded to the building façade of the Avengers Assemble: Flight Force building—aka Avengers Headquarters—F.R.I.D.A.Y. will welcome recruits to the Campus, monitor it for threats, and signal the Avengers’ arrivals and departures. F.R.I.D.AY.’s presence will be exclusive to Disneyland Paris.

Exclusive to Disneyland Paris, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is a high-speed roller coaster that teams recruits up with Captain Marvel and Iron Man.

Action-Packed Adventures

Also exclusive to Disneyland Paris, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is a high-speed roller coaster that teams recruits up with Captain Marvel and Iron Man! Recruits will be briefed by Iron Man and equipped with a brand-new Mark 80 armor exclusively designed for his missions at Avengers Campus. With no time to waste, they will join Captain Marvel and Iron Man on a high-speed mission, flying through outer space in a vehicle that Tony has armed with a homing device to lure the threat away from Earth!

Brie Larson is reprising her role as Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel in Avengers Assemble: Flight Force—and she shared the good news herself in a video message (below)! As for the thrill ride, it features a high-speed launch of that goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds, three inversions, two rollover loops, and one corkscrew! Iron Man in Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is a new generation Audio-Animatronic© figure exclusive to Disneyland Paris and the first Avenger Audio-Animatronic in a Disney Park.

Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure gives web-slinging superpowers to recruits of all ages. Join Spider-Man in helping to capture the rogue Spider-Bots—Peter Parker’s robot sidekicks—before they wreak havoc on the Campus. Through specially designed, innovative technology that recognizes body movements and gestures, you’ll reach out your hands and sling webs from your wrists, just like Spider-Man! As the WEB Slinger vehicles progress and the mission continues, the Spider-Bots will become increasingly difficult to beat as they continue to multiply. After helping Spidey trap the out-of-control Spider-Bots, recruits will see how many they caught as a team in their vehicles.

Are your Spidey senses tingling? Because Tom Holland will reprise his role as Peter Parker in the attraction! Says Holland, “I can’t wait for you guys to experience this.”

Stark Factory at Marvel Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris is a quick service restaurant where refueling recruits will get to enjoy a cooking show experience.

Epic Experiences

Pym Kitchen is an innovative science lab where the food and drinks tell a story. Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink, well, just about anything, Pym Technologies applies this science to the creation of shareable bites, inventive entrees, and sweet treats as a buffet. Savor an array of offerings at unusual scales—from pretzels, sandwiches, and hot dogs to burgers, vegetables, and cakes!

Stark Factory is a quick service restaurant where refueling recruits will get to enjoy a cooking show experience with homemade pizzas fresh from the pizzaiolos’ oven, including vegetarian options, salads, and a choice of fresh pasta. The signature dessert will pay tribute to Thor, inspired by one of his favorite treats from the pages of Marvel Comics. Formerly an assembly line for Howard Stark, Stark Factory will feature relics of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s earlier activities and host many Easter eggs hidden as fan tributes. This will include artifacts built by Tony Stark, including the HulkBuster—the armor he and Bruce Banner created for the Hulk, which is exclusive to Disneyland Paris.

The opening dates for Pym Kitchen and Stark Factory will be announced soon.

Still hungry for more? The WEB (Worldwide Eating Brigade) food truck will be run by the WEB workshop’s inventors and serve a variety of Asian noodles and coconut balls. Tony Stark’s personal favorite, the FAN-tastic Food Truck, will be parked nearby and serve New York-style hot dogs (which includes vegan sausages) and a super fun dessert: cheesecake on a stick! Super Diner, a small traditional American restaurant, will serve Reuben sandwiches, made using a North American recipe that includes corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and a savory dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread.

With the purchase of WEB Power Band, recruits will have access to advanced functions like a multi-firing web option while battling those Spider-Bots on the loose inside Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure.

Suit Up Like a Super Hero

Show off your WEB pride and embrace your inner science whiz with apparel and specialty products available only at Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park.

Mission Equipment will offer official Avengers Campus and WEB (Worldwide Engineering Brigade) gear. WEB Tech accessories will make recruits’ experience even more special, as they can change recruits’ powers on an attraction to those inspired by fan-favorite Super Heroes—like Spider-Man with electro-dynamic webs, Iron Man with repulsor blasts, and Doctor Strange with Mystic Amplifier. Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, for example, is the first Disneyland Paris attraction allowing recruits to customize their experience onboard, using WEB Tech accessories. With the purchase of a WEB Power Band, recruits can access advanced functions like a multi-firing web option while battling Spider-Bots on the loose inside Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure.

Every Super Hero needs a friendly sidekick to help protect their neighborhood. Spider-Bots place recruits in the driver’s seat, allowing them to command their own Spider-Bot and battle opponents, with programmed combat and defensive abilities. Inspired by select Marvel Super Heroes, tactical upgrades change the overall appearance of a Spider-Bot and enhance its battle capabilities. These tactical upgrades are inspired by Iron Man, Black Widow, and Black Panther. Stay tuned for more upgrades in the future!

Play and Stay

Disneyland Paris will offer the ultimate Marvel experience from sunrise to sunset for guests who stay at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. Since the hotel opened in June 2021, the guest experience has reached the next level, with a holistic, 360-degree approach to storytelling, including the Super Hero Station—which will offer Heroic Encounters with Captain America and Black Widow as of the opening of Marvel Avengers Campus—and the Hero Training Zone, an outdoor field with dedicated areas for a variety of sports activities available for guests of all ages. With 350 pieces of artwork created by more than 110 artists from Europe and beyond—including 50 exclusive pieces—it is one of the largest publicly viewable collections of Marvel art in the world.