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

May 18, 2022

By Zach Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details on each series from National Geographic are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show descriptions for new ABC series are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

May 18, 2022May 16, 2022

By Zach Johnson

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

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

The conversation below has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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

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

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

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

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

Stream Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+

Your Ultimate Watchlist to Prepare for Obi-Wan Kenobi

May 17, 2022June 1, 2022

By Jocelyn Buhlman

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

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

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

Stream The Star Wars: The Phantom Menace on Disney+

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

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

Stream Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney+

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

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

Stream Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+

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

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

Stream Star Wars Rebels on Disney+

Disney Celebrates Rising Stars from the AANHPI Community

May 17, 2022April 28, 2023

By Tori Hunt

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is well underway, and there are many AANHPI talents to celebrate from around the worlds of Disney—on (and off) the screen.

To honor their work, we’ve compiled a list highlighting several rising stars from the AANHPI community that you may have seen in recent Disney films and TV/streaming series; these performers have proved themselves to be gifted, innovative, and full of Disney magic!

Ashly Burch
Disney Channel’s The Ghost and Molly McGee features Thai American actress Ashley Burch as the voice of Molly McGee. The creators of the animated series were so enamored with Burch and her heritage that they incorporated her story into Molly’s character, including her bi-racial background. Outside of her voiceover credits, Burch is also an Emmy® Award-winning writer for her work on the animated series Adventure Time.

Rosalie Chiang
In Disney and Pixar’s latest animated hit Turning Red, Rosalie Chiang brings the character of Mei to life. The Taiwanese Singaporean 16-year-old newcomer—and Bay Area native—has created quite a name for herself, with Disney fans falling in love with her adorable preteen-turned-giant-red-panda.

Aryan Simhadri
At just 16 years old, Aryan Simhadri has already costarred in several projects–but he’s perhaps best known for his turn in Disney’s recent reimagining of Cheaper by the Dozen. The Indian American teen played Haresh, the hilariously charming, adopted son of Paul and Zoey Baker (Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union). You might also remember Simhadri’s name from his work on Disney Junior’s Mira, Royal Detective.

Sherry Cola
Fans of Freeform’s Good Trouble, itself a spin-off from the series The Fosters, won’t be surprised to see Sherry Cola on our list. The Chinese American actress plays Alice Kwan, a down-to-Earth first-generation American who manages the Coterie apartment building. You may also recognize her as the voice of Aunt Helen in Turning Red!

Continue celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month all May long—check out D23’s viewing guide, as well as all the episodes of the D23 Inside Disney podcast featuring AANHPI talent!

The Walt Disney Company Shares First Look at the Disney Pride Collection

May 16, 2022May 16, 2022

By the D23 Team

As part of Disney’s longstanding history of supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations and charities around the world, including GLSEN in the United States, The Walt Disney Company has announced that they are donating all profits from the new Disney Pride Collection sales from now through June 30, 2022, to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth and families. This includes merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

Since 2018, Disney has been celebrating Pride with vibrant collections—and this year marks the debut of new branding for the Disney Pride Collection, dreamed up and designed by members and allies of the community, for members and allies of the community.

In the U.S., profits from the collection will benefit GLSEN, PFLAG, The Trevor Project, Zebra Coalition, Los Angeles LGBT Center, LGBT Center Orange County, San Francisco LGBT Center, and Ali Forney Center. Profits from other regions around the world will continue to support local charities in those countries. You can learn more about these organizations and their incredible, impactful work by visiting TWDCPrideCollection.com.

Want to join in the celebration? The first items in the Disney Pride Collection are available now at shopDisney.com. Plus—keep an eye out for additional pieces in the near future showcasing how we are always proud.

D23-Exclusive Star Wars Pins Bring the Force to Your Collection

May 16, 2022May 23, 2022

This year, we’re celebrating two out-of-this-world anniversaries: The 35th anniversary of the Star Tours attraction, and the 45th anniversary of the film that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope! In honor of these two milestones, we’ve created three limited-edition pins, available individually, to celebrate a galaxy far, far away.

A pin featuring Captain RX-24 from Star Tours, with “Star Tours 35 Years” written on it.

BUY PIN

D23-Exclusive Star Tours 35th Anniversary Pin – Captain RX-24
Engage your binary motivators and go lightspeed to Endor with this pin celebrating 35 years of Star Tours adventures! This D23 Gold Member exclusive is your boarding pass to reliving the hilarious experiences and thrills of Star Tours Flight 1401. From blasting through the trenches of a Death Star with Captain RX-24, to landing in Batuu with C-3PO and R2-D2, dash through hyperspace and celebrate this innovative attraction that has been a staple of Disney Parks since its opening in 1987.

The pin is inspired by the Star Tours attraction at Disney Parks, which opened at Disneyland in 1987. Star Tours was the first Star Wars attraction in a Disney Park, where George Lucas and Walt Disney Imagineering were able to bring the Star Wars galaxy to life. The original Star Tours attraction blasted off to Endor; other destinations—plus digital 3D technology—were added in 2011 for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. The experience was updated with new worlds and characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The attraction now features state-of-the-art technology—the original flight simulator, plus digital 3D video; Audio-Animatronics characters; and “in-cockpit” special effects and music.

Our Star Tours Captain RX-24 pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,987, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Monday, May 23.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pins are sold for $12.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

A pin featuring the Starspeeder 3000 from Star Tours, accompanied by the text “Lightspeed to Endor” and “Star Tours 35 Years.”

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D23-Exclusive Star Tours 35th Anniversary Pin—Lightspeed to Endor
Stow your lightsabers and buckle up for a blast through hyperspace with this second pin celebrating 35 years of Star Tours adventures! This D23 Gold Member-exclusive pin is your clearance code to commemorate over three decades of Endorian escapades and Death Star diversions. Pick up this pin, featuring the Starspeeder 3000, and relive the innovative attraction that’s been a staple of Disney Parks since its opening in 1987!

Our Star Tours Captain Lightspeed to Endor pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,987, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Monday, May 23.

BUY PIN

D23-Exclusive Star Wars 45th Anniversary Pin
The force is strong with this pin saluting over four decades of Star Wars!

This D23 Gold Member exclusive is the perfect way to celebrate 45 years of Star Wars: A New Hope. Relive the iconic Binary Sunset on Tatooine and commemorate the generations that have been inspired by a galaxy far, far away, ever since the film first blasted off on May 25, 1977.

The pin is inspired by Star Wars: A New Hope, which instantly became a worldwide phenomenon—building a universe that spans nine films in the Skywalker Saga; two spin-off story films; multiple television shows; and immersive experiences inside Disney Parks. A New Hope follows Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookie, and two droids in order to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station—all while attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.

Our Star Wars 45th Anniversary pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,977, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Monday, May 23.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

May 16, 2022May 16, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

From a reboot comeback and a long-awaited graduation day to a hilarious ruse to fool the press, this week’s slate of content has something for everyone! Big life moments take center stage in the season finales of The Goldbergs and The Wonder Years, airing on Wednesday. Chip and Dale make their triumphant return to the screen in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, premiering Friday, exclusively on Disney+; that same day, Hulu original film The Valet debuts, and all episodes of Disney Channel’s Shook launch on Disney+.

The Goldbergs—Wednesday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
As graduation day nears, Adam (Sean Giambrone) is eager to leave high school behind, but Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) is dreading the eventual “empty nest” at home. Meanwhile, Erica (Hayley Orrantia) auditions to be a one-time backup singer for Cyndi Lauper; however, something bigger and more exciting awaits her and the family.

The Wonder Years—Wednesday, May 18, at 8:30 p.m. ET, on ABC
Summer is almost here, and excitement is tempered by tension in the Williams home. Bill (Dulé Hill) and Lillian (Saycon Sengbloh) each receive exciting career opportunities—but the pair clash when discussing who will handle the bulk of the household responsibilities. Meanwhile, when Dean (Elisha Williams) and Keisa (Milan Ray) shelter from a tornado tearing through Montgomery, he shares his feelings for her.

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers—Friday, May 20, on Disney+
Chip (voice of John Mulaney) and Dale (voice of Andy Sandberg) are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day Los Angeles, but their lives are quite different since the cancelation of their hit TV series. Chip is a suburban insurance salesman, while Dale has had CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit. But when a former castmate mysteriously disappears, the duo must embrace their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save the day.

The Valet—Friday, May 20, on Hulu
In this Hulu Original film—an English-language remake of the hit French film—world famous movie star Olivia (Samara Weaving) faces a PR disaster when a paparazzi snaps a photo of her with her married paramour, Vincent (Max Greenfield). When Antonio (Eugenio Derbez), a hard-working valet, accidentally appears in the same photo, he’s enlisted to pose as Olivia’s new boyfriend. The cover up hilariously thrusts Antonio into the spotlight, and he’s forced to adjust to instant fame.

Shook—Friday, May 20, on Disney+
The nine-episode series follows Mia (Sofia Wylie), a 15 year old who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. She puts those dreams on hold to help care for her sister Skyler (Somali Rose)—but with the help of her best friend Fredgy (Sydney Sepulveda), and a new mentor, she soon learns how to express herself through the dynamic world of street dance.

5 Dreamy Animated Cinderella References in Sneakerella

May 13, 2022

By Sarah Sterling

Disney+’s latest Original Movie, Sneakerella, is a twist on the classic Cinderella story and brings an element of fantasy to the sneakerhead community of New York City. The film follows El, a young stock boy working in his deceased mother’s shoe store with his stepfather and stepbrothers. El is immediately smitten when he meets the beautiful (and equally shoe-obsessed) Kira at a sneaker drop, but what he doesn’t know is that Kira is Kira King, daughter of basketball legend and shoe entrepreneur, Darius King. Sneakerella brings fresh modernity to the fairy tale formula while paying homage to Disney’s classic animated film Cinderella. Here are a few references to the 1950 original that we noticed:

Bubbly Musical Moments

In Cinderella (1950), the titular heroine’s stepsisters have a terribly off-tune music lesson while she cleans the floors downstairs. Cinderella joins them in singing “Oh Sing Sweet Nightingale” as soapy bubbles float through the air mirroring her reflection. During Sneakerella’s opening song, “Kicks,” a street vendor blows bubbles towards El, capturing his reflection as he sings.

Chosen Jacobs surrounded by bubbles during the song “Kicks.”

Familiar Bluebirds

In this Cinderella story, El makes his very own “glass slippers” – sneakers with a clear sole, reminiscent of glass. As he makes these show-stopping shoes, he pulls inspiration from his neighborhood in Queens and, for a brief moment, you can see graffiti art of the bonnet-wearing bluebirds that help animated Cinderella get dressed.

Graffiti art versions of the bluebirds in Sneakerella.

Not Your Mother’s Pumpkin Coach

An obvious reference to Cinderella (1950) is Sneakerella’s version of the magical pumpkin coach. We all remember how Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother turned an ordinary pumpkin into a shining silver chariot. In Sneakerella, El’s Fairy Godfather is local gardener, Gustavo, who has a mysterious way of making magic happen….and he has an orange convertible. Gustavo’s classic car has a license plate reading “PMPKN XPRS”, a clear nod to the original Cinderella’s gourd-geous ride.

A license plate reading “PMPKN XPRS” on an orange convertible.

If the Shoe Fits

Blink and you’ll miss it! When Kira and her sister devise a genius social media campaign to find the owner of the missing sneaker, a direct screenshot from Cinderella (1950) can be seen on Liv’s tablet.

What’s in a Name?

“El” comes from “Cinderella” and Kira “King” alludes to the classic Prince Charming, but many other characters in Sneakerella seem to be named after characters from Cinderella (1950). El’s stepfather, Trey, is named for Cinderella’s evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine. Similarly, his stepbrothers are called Stacy (Anastasia) and Zelly (Drizella).

Chosen Jacobs and Bryan Clark as El and Trey in Sneakerella.

*A Bonus Live Action Cinderella Reference

While Sneakerella is chock full of animated Cinderella references, there is a quick nod to Disney’s live action Cinderella (2015), too! When the clock strikes midnight, El and Sami flee from the charity gala and find Gustavo’s convertible being towed away. There is a quick montage of different clocks striking twelve, one of which is the clock from Cinderella (2015)!

How many of these Cinderella references did you spot? Sneakerella is now streaming on Disney+! Keep reading D23.com for help finding Easter Eggs, references, and hidden details in your favorite Disney shows and movies.

Stream Sneakerella on Disney+

Take Flight with Avatar: The Way of Water Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

By Courtney Potter

***Avatar: The Way of Water*: Coming to Theaters This December**

Debuting exclusively in theaters ahead of Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—and now linked below, for a first or 31st viewing—is the brand-new teaser trailer for 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water. James Cameron’s first follow-up to Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time, will open in theaters on Friday, December 16, 2022.

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their children)—the trouble that follows them; the lengths they go to keep each other safe; the battles they fight to stay alive; and the tragedies they endure. Directed and produced by Cameron, and produced by Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana (Neytiri), Sam Worthington (Jake Sully), Sigourney Weaver (Dr. Grace Augustine), Stephen Lang (Colonel Miles Quaritch), Cliff Curtis (Tonowari), Joel David Moore (Norm Spellman), CCH Pounder (Mo’at), Edie Falco (General Ardmore), Jemaine Clement (Dr. Ian Garvin), and Kate Winslet (Ronal).

Need a refresher in all things Pandora before the new film flies into theaters? You’re in luck: The studio will re-release Avatar on U.S. screens on Friday, September 23. Mark those calendars!

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

Submitted for your viewing pleasure: It’s the end of an era, as Disney Channel’s Amphibia airs its series finale. Plus, look for the network premiere of Underwater starring Kristen Stewart; the return of The Wonderful World of Disney to ABC; the premiere of Hulu’s Conversations with Friends (for mature audiences only, so keep the kidlets away); and much more.

**Off-Broadway Hit Trevor: The Musical Coming to Disney+ June 24**

Earlier this week, Disney+ announced the sure-to-be-memorable filmed version of the Off-Broadway stage production Trevor: The Musical will debut on Friday, June 24, exclusively on the streaming service.

Trevor: The Musical follows a charming 13-year-old on a turbulent journey of self-discovery. After an embarrassing incident at school, Trevor must summon the courage to forge his own path. The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award^®–winning short film Trevor, which ultimately inspired the nonprofit organization The Trevor Project—the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.

Thirteen-year-old Holden William Hagelberger from Sugarland, Texas, was cast in the role of Trevor in Trevor: The Musical following a national virtual casting call with over 1,300 submissions. The 19-member company of Trevor: The Musical also features 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 for the stage by Marc Bruni and for film by Robin Mishkin Abrams, with choreography by Josh Prince, Trevor: The Musical features book and lyrics by Dan Collins and music by Julianne Wick Davis.

Disney’s Summer Magic Quest Special Premieres June 26

It’s back! Disney’s Summer Magic Quest, the third installment of Disney’s uber-popular Magic Quest specials, is set to debut on Sunday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel (and streaming on Disney+ later this summer). The special follows ZOMBIES 3 stars Meg Donnelly, Pearce Joza, Kylee Russell, and Matt Cornett as they compete in a playful “battle royal” featuring all-new, all-monumental challenges. This time ’round, the quest will take place after dark inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort—as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, honoring the 50th anniversary of the resort.

Beloved actress and comedian, and friend of D23, Yvette Nicole Brown (Disney+’s Big Shot)—who also hosted last December’s Disney’s Holiday Magic Quest—will return to host as the stars battle it out in a series of exciting new challenges and obstacles through a variety of iconic and immersive EPCOT attractions.

Expect to see surprise moments and special guests as the two teams run against the countdown clock to complete their quest before sunrise! A donation to the Special Olympics in support of their mission to empower athletes with different abilities will be made in honor of the winning team. Ready, set… go!

Tale of the Lion King Returns to Disneyland Resort as Part of Celebrate Soulfully

There’s a lot to look forward to at Disneyland Resort this summer… Case in point? The continuation of Celebrate Soulfully—rich Disney Parks experiences that honor Black heritage and culture. And throughout the month of June, guests can expect to delight in several new (or returning) Celebrate Soulfully offerings.

Beginning May 28, 2022, Disneyland park will welcome Tale of the Lion King to its new home at the Fantasyland Theatre—where this original (and totally fantastic!) “story-theatre” adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King will be staged in an all-new presentation, as depicted in the artist rendering above. At the heart of the production is a traveling troupe known as The Storytellers of the Pride Lands, who weave the tale of how a cub becomes a king through dialogue, song, dance, and percussion. From the scenic and costume designs to the new original musical arrangements and choreography, every aspect of Tale of the Lion King honors and is inspired by the cultural roots of this timeless story.

Then, beginning June 1 and running through July 4, guests can enjoy Celebrate Soulfully at Disney California Adventure park with daily live music celebrating Black music genres from Doo-Wop to Motown. Feel the nostalgia of Carthay Circle and enjoy Philly Phonics, an a capella vocal group, performing jazzy tunes from the 1920s through today; stylish Five & Dime will sing and swing 1920s and ’30s tunes. In the evening, head to the Hollywood Backlot to enjoy the summer vibes of this special block party, featuring live musical acts seven nights a week.

Plus: Don’t miss “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” a touring exhibit illustrating the legacy and dynamic history of jazz, when it opens at Downtown Disney District—its first big West Coast stop!—on June 1. In the exhibit, which also runs through July 4, Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s Oscar^®-winning hit Soul takes guests on a musical tour across America, showcasing the rich history of jazz along the way.

We’ll see you there!

**Disney Channel’s BUNK’D Gets Its Season Six Premiere Date**

Yeehaw! Pack yer bags and get ready for some summer fun! Disney Branded Television just announced that its long-running hit comedy series BUNK’D will return for a sixth season, beginning Friday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. And that’s not all: Disney Channel also shared that the new season will include five additional episodes, bringing the grand total to 30.

A spinoff of the Disney Channel fan-favorite comedy Jessie, BUNK’D revolves around the hilarious adventures of the campers and counselors at Maine’s rustic Camp Kikiwaka. Series regular Miranda May (Lou)—who also executive produces the series and will direct several episodes—joins Trevor Tordjman (Parker), Mallory James Mahoney (Destiny), and Israel Johnson (Noah) for the new installment. They will also welcome brand-new cast members Shiloh Verrico as Winnie, Luke Busey as Jake, and newcomer Alfred Lewis as Bill.

Season six, titled BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes, begins as Lou, Parker, Destiny, and Noah arrive at the soon-to-be Kikiwaka Ranch in Dusty Tush, Wyoming, where Lou must convince the surly owner, a.k.a. The Marshal, to officially sell the property to her. In the meantime, counselors Noah and Destiny have their hands full with the newly arrived campers, including Bill, a no-nonsense descendant of famous cowboy Bill Pickett; Winnie, a fearless girl who’s earned her “Wild” nickname by breaking the rules; and Jake, a laid-back, easy-going video game fanatic.

ICYMI: Disney+ Expands the Descendants Universe with Movie Musical The Pocketwatch

Who couldn’t use a little more Descendants in their life, right? We were especially excited earlier this week when the latest Auradon addition, The Pocketwatch, was officially announced; read up on what you can expect from the tune-filled Disney+ film, directed by Jennifer Phang, here at D23.com.

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

May 12, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Prepare for fantastical content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this very weekend! Don’t miss the network premiere of 20th Century Studios’ Underwater, starring Kristen Stewart, on Saturday; later that day, the Disney Channel animated series Amphibia airs its finale, and The Wonderful World of Disney returns with a presentation of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory. On Sunday, all 12 episodes of the Hulu Original series Conversations with Friends launch, and your evening plans are all coming together with The Emperor’s New Groove airing that night!

Underwater—Saturday, May 14, at 1 p.m. ET, on FX
You’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat with this sci-fi thriller from 20th Century Studios—intended for mature audiences. Kristen Stewart stars as Norah Price, one of oceanic researchers working more than six miles below the ocean surface for a deep-water drilling company. After a massive earthquake devastates the station, the survivors attempt the traverse the sea floor to the main facility while dodging mysterious and deadly ocean creatures.

Amphibia—Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
The animated series concludes after three seasons with an exciting extended-length episode. Prepare to say goodbye to Anne Boonchuy (voiced by Brenda Song) with plenty of “ribbeting” action!

The Wonderful World of Disney: Finding Dory—Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
Pop some corn: It’s the return of ABC’s beloved anthology series… When Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers that she has a family who may be looking for her, she embarks on a quest with Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voiced by Hayden Rolence) to find them. Of course, no adventure is complete without Dory meeting plenty of new friends along the way–including Hank (voiced by Ed O’Neill), a grouchy octopus; Bailey (voiced by Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who doubts his sonar skills; and Destiny (voiced by Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark.

Conversation with Friends—Sunday, May 15, on Hulu
Based on Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel, the coming-of-age limited series—intended for mature audiences—follows Frances (Alison Oliver), a 21-year-old college student, as she navigates a series of complicated relationships. While performing spoken-word poetry alongside Bobbi (Sasha Lane), her ex-girlfriend turned best friend, the pair meet Melissa (Jemima Kirke), a writer who instantly becomes fascinated with them. Frances and Bobbi begin spending time with Melissa and her actor husband Nick (Joe Alwyn)—and as new bonds are forged within the quartet, it gets quite complicated. All 12 episodes will be available at launch.

The Emperor’s New Groove—Sunday, May 15, at 5 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
Disney’s 2000 fan-fave animated film introduces Emperor Kuzco (voiced by David Spade), a selfish young leader who often abuses his title for personal gain. However, Kuzco’s power-hungry advisor Yzma (voiced by Eartha Kitt) wants the throne for herself—so she attempts to poison him… but her halfwit assistant Kronk (voiced by Patrick Warburton) mixes up the potions and the emperor is hilariously transformed into a llama! Abandoned in the jungle with absolutely no life skills, Kuzco turns to a peasant named Pacha (voiced by Disney Legend John Goodman) to return him to the palace.

Avatar: The Way of Water: Coming to Theaters This December

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

Off-Broadway Hit Trevor: The Musical Coming to Disney+ June 24

Disney’s Summer Magic Quest Special Premieres June 26

Tale of the Lion King Returns to Disneyland Resort as Part of Celebrate Soulfully

Disney Channel’s BUNK’D Gets Its Season Six Premiere Date

ICYMI: Disney+ Expands the Descendants Universe with Movie Musical The Pocketwatch

***Avatar: The Way of Water*: Coming to Theaters This December**

**Off-Broadway Hit Trevor: The Musical Coming to Disney+ June 24**

**Disney Channel’s BUNK’D Gets Its Season Six Premiere Date**