5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Fantastical new content is coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! On Wednesday, watch the debuts of two brand-new specials—The Great American Tag Sale with Martha Stewart and The American Rescue Dog Show. Season 18 of Grey’s Anatomy concludes with two suspenseful back-to-back episodes, airing on Thursday. Debuting on Friday, Ron Howard’s documentary film We Feed People chronicles chef José Andrés and his nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen, and the long-awaited series Obi-Wan Kenobi launches with two episodes!

Frank Kaminski, Jim Klinko, Vincent Manzo, and Martha Stewart stand around a painting in the ABC special The Great American Tag Sale with Martha Stewart.

The Great American Tag Sale with Martha Stewart—Wednesday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
Over the years, Martha Stewart has amassed a vast collection of fine art, furniture, and housewares. Now she wants to part ways with her treasures! Stewart enlists her team of event planners to help her host a series of tag-sale events, including an exclusive cocktail party for celebrities and neighbors to preview the all the goodies. Learn how she acquired the beloved items as well as tips on how to hold your own successful tag sale.

ive rescue dogs sit in aluminum bathtubs with their owners standing behind them in the ABC special The American Rescue Dog Show.

The American Rescue Dog Show—Wednesday, May 25, at 9 p.m. ET, on ABC
Adorable rescue dogs will strut their fluff as they compete for several “best in” titles in the preeminent dog competition for rescued furry companions. Holey Moley’s dynamic duo, Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore, will host the two-hour competition special, with ESPN’s Monica McNutt serving as a sideline correspondent and guest celebrity judges Leslie Jordan, Paula Abdul, and friend of D23 Yvette Nicole Brown. The pups will compete in seven categories including Best in Underbite, Best in Snoring, and Best in Belly Rubs. A $10,000 donation to a local animal welfare organization will be made in honor of the winning dog in each category, plus each category’s winner will have the chance to be named Best in Rescue with an additional $100,000 donation being made in their honor.

Actress Ellen Pompeo sits across from a patient’s family in a hospital waiting room on Grey’s Anatomy.

Grey’s Anatomy—Thursday, May 26, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
In the two-hour season finale, Grey Sloan Memorial sets up a voluntary blood donation center amid the shortage. Meanwhile, Nick (Scott Speedman) asks Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) for help regarding his patient, and Winston (Anthony Hill) is preoccupied with his relationship with his brother. The second part of the finale continues with Grey Sloan Memorial in crisis mode regarding the blood shortage, and Meredith weighs a risky decision concerning a patient.

Chef José Andrés stirs a pot of food in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the documentary film We Feed People.

We Feed People—Friday, May 27, on Disney+
This documentary from Ron Howard spotlights chef José Andrés and the evolution of his nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen from a group of volunteers to becoming one of the most highly regarded humanitarian aid organizations in the disaster relief sector.

Actor Ewan McGregor, who portrays Obi-Wan Kenobi, peeks around a corner during a scene in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Obi-Wan Kenobi—Friday, May 27, on Disney+
Prepare to say “hello there” to the highly anticipated series starring Ewan McGregor in the title role. Debuting with two episodes at launch, the story begins 10 years after the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

Disney+ Orders Season 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—and Shares a Special Look at Season 3!

By Zach Johnson

Together! Together! Together, everyone!

On National Streaming Day, Disney+ announced it ordered a fourth season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—and the news comes just ahead of its third season premiere, streaming on July 27, 2022! Each of the eight episodes in the brand-new season will stream weekly on Wednesdays, exclusively on Disney+. The Disney Branded Television series, created and executive produced by Tim Federle, is inspired by the mega-popular, two-time Emmy® Award–winning High School Musical franchise.

“This series continues to deliver best-in-class drama, humor, and heart,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “Tim Federle’s vision and interpretation of this legacy IP keeps evolving season over season, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Wildcats next.”

Federle added, “This series has been an epic adventure from the start, and I’m beyond grateful that we get to keep making music, telling these stories, and showcasing these exceptional stars.”

The third season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is set at Camp Shallow Lake, a sleepaway camp in California. The Wildcats and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights, and a taste of the great outdoors. With a high-stakes production of Frozen on the horizon—not to mention a drama-filled “docu-series” of the production in the works—the Wildcats will try to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold.

Enjoy a special first look at the new season in the clip below:

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season three stars Joshua Bassett (Ricky), Sofia Wylie (Gina), Matt Cornett (E.J.), Julia Lester (Ashlyn), Dara Reneé (Kourtney), Frankie Rodriguez (Carlos), Saylor Bell Curda (Maddox), and Adrian Lyles (Jet). Also featured this season are recurring guest stars Aria Brooks (Alex), Liamani Segura (Emmy), and Ben Stillwell (Channing), as well as guest stars Corbin Bleu (himself), Meg Donnelly (Val), Jason Earles (Dewey Wood), Kate Reinders (Miss Jenn), Olivia Rose Keegan (Lily), Olivia Rodrigo (Nini), Larry Saperstein (Big Red), and Joe Serafini (Seb).

The first two seasons of the series are currently available to stream on Disney+.  

 

 

Disney+ Unveils ZOMBIES 3 Premiere Date

By Andie Hagemann

Today, Disney+ announced that ZOMBIES 3—the much-anticipated third story in Disney Branded Television’s beloved musical franchise—will premiere globally on Friday, July 15, exclusively on the streaming service.

The trequel, which introduces a new group of mysterious outer space aliens to the diverse student body of zombies, cheerleaders, and werewolves at Seabrook High, will then make its Disney Channel debut on Friday, August 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT with a special encore premiere featuring additional bonus footage and a brand new “lost song” musical number. Multi-talented actor, Emmy®-winning host, and recording artist RuPaul Charles joins the cast as the voice of The Mothership, a comedically passive-aggressive UFO that brings the aliens to earth.

ZOMBIES 3 stars Milo Manheim as zombie Zed and Meg Donnelly as cheerleader Addison, who are beginning their senior year at Seabrook High in the town that’s become a safe haven for monsters and humans alike. Zed is anticipating an athletic scholarship that will make him the first zombie to attend college, while Addison is gearing up for Seabrook’s first international cheer-off. But extraterrestrial beings suddenly arrive in Seabrook, provoking something other than friendly competition! The movie also stars Chandler Kinney as Willa, Ariel Martin as Wynter, Pearce Joza as Wyatt, Carla Jeffery as Bree, Trevor Tordjman as Bucky, Kylee Russell as Eliza, Terry Hu as A-spen, Matt Cornett as A-lan, Kyra Tantao as A-li, James Godfrey as Bonzo, and Kingston Foster as Zoey.

The movie soundtrack features eight new song and dance numbers that shake things up by leaning into current trends while encompassing an “out-of-this world” sound. The song “Alien Invasion” kicks things off with a sci-fi vibe and electronic track that evokes Close Encounters, while new songs for Zed and Addison—including a third rendition of their hit duet “Someday”—reflect how their characters have grown and changed. Meanwhile, the werewolves pursue the aliens in “Come on Out,” an edgy song with a suspenseful feel. The digital soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available beginning July 15.

ZOMBIES 3 brand extensions will include a cross-category product line of apparel, costumes, and toys, including a fashion doll line by Hasbro, which will be available as early as June.

DGA Award winner Paul Hoen, who has directed a record-setting 15 Disney Channel Original Movies (The Luck of the Irish, Jump In, Let it Shine, Camp Rock 2, and both ZOMBIES movies, among them), directed ZOMBIES 3 from a screenplay by David Light and Joseph Raso. Light, Raso, and Suzanne Farwell (Disney’s Upside-Down Magic) are executive producers.

ZOMBIES 3 is a production of Bloor Street Productions.

Marvel Studios’ Echo Begins Production—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Marvel Studios’ Echo Set for a 2023 Debut on Disney+

Here’s some cool Marvel news, friends: Production is now underway in Atlanta on Marvel Studios’ Echo, a series set for a 2023 debut, exclusively on Disney+. Alaqua Cox returns as the unforgiving Maya Lopez, who made her Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in ’21 in Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye as a deaf gang leader determined to make Ronin, a.k.a. Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), pay for his own vengeful deeds.

The origin story of Echo revisits Maya, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past; reconnect with her Native American roots; and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.

Echo also stars Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, and Cody Lightning, with Graham Greene and Zahn McClarnon.

Episodes of the series are directed by Sydney Freeland (Navajo) and Catriona McKenzie (Gunaikurnai)—with Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Stephen Broussard, Richie Palmer, Marion Dayre, and Jason Gavin (Blackfeet) as executive producers, and Amy Rardin, Sydney Freeland, Christina King (Seminole), and Jennifer Booth as co-executive producers. Stay tuned for more info on Echo as it becomes available…

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

“This… is your next American Idol!” Yes, it’s time to crown a winner—so pop up the corn and settle in for this Sunday’s American Idol season finale on ABC, where we’ll find out whether HunterGirl, Leah Marlene, or Noah Thompson takes home the title. See what other Idol-favorites-adjacent goodies you can watch from around the worlds of Disney in this weekend’s “5 Fantastic Things.”

Disney Legend Elton John is standing in front of a brown background, wearing a dark blue blazer over a striped red-and-white shirt and red pants. He’s always wearing a signature pair of red eyeglasses.

New Disney Original Documentary Film to Follow Disney Legend Elton John

Earlier this week, Disney Original Documentary and Disney+ announced the feature documentary Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and The Years That Made His Legend. From Academy Award® nominee R.J. Cutler and filmmaker David Furnish (John’s husband), the documentary will serve as the official feature on Disney Legend Elton John—chock full of unseen concert footage of him over the past 50 years; handwritten journals; and present-day footage of him and his family. Following a limited theatrical release, the film will be available exclusively on Disney+.

Rooted in John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, the feature documentary will capture his final months on the road, culminating in what promises to be one of the greatest send-offs in rock ’n’ roll history, when John performs his final North American show at Dodger Stadium this coming November. The film will also look back at the extraordinary first five years of John’s career when, between 1970 and 1975, he released 10 iconic albums, seven of which went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts—a true global phenomenon.

With exclusive new interviews and performance clips from Madison Square Garden, London, and other performance venues, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road will be the definitive portrait of one of the world’s most successful musical artists of all time—one who’s inspired multiple generations of audiences and musicians. Keep an eye out for more about the project, including an official release date, soon.

All the News That’s Fit to Print from Disney Upfront 2022

It was an embarrassment of entertainment riches this past Tuesday when all manner of Disney stars and creative executives took the stage in New York City for The Walt Disney Company’s 2022 Upfront presentation. From fresh info on Disney+ projects including Disenchanted and Hocus Pocus 2, to a release date—and trailer!—for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, there’s so much to look forward to. Check out our robust rundown of the event by clicking here.

Concept art for Disney and Pixar’s Elemental, depicting two animated characters—Wade, whose body is made of water and is wearing a blue and white shirt, and Ember, whose body is made of a fire flame and is wearing a dark shirt and lighter-colored shorts. They’re walking down a bustling urban street.

Disney and Pixar Announce New Feature Film Elemental

We’re positively fired up about this news: Pixar Animation Studios just revealed details about its 27th feature film, Elemental, which is set to debut on June 16, 2023. Directed by Peter Sohn (The Good Dinosaur) and produced by Denise Ream (The Good Dinosaur, Cars 2), the film follows an unlikely pair, Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, land-, and air-residents live together. The fiery young woman and the go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common. In announcing the film, Pixar also shared concept art that features the two characters, seen above.

Elemental is an original film inspired by Sohn’s childhood in New York. “My parents emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s and built a bustling grocery store in the Bronx,” he said. “We were among many families who ventured to a new land with hopes and dreams—all of us mixing into one big salad bowl of cultures, languages, and beautiful little neighborhoods. That’s what led me to Elemental.”

Follow along with D23.com for further Elemental developments!

Celebrate The Orville: New Horizons’ Upcoming Premiere with New Trailer

The crew of the U.S.S. Orville is back—and this time, they’re on Hulu!

Creator, executive producer, and star Seth MacFarlane’s epic space adventure series The Orville returns exclusively as a Hulu original series—launching Thursday, June 2, on the streaming service, with new episodes airing weekly.

Set 400 years in the future, The Orville: New Horizons finds the crew of the U.S.S. Orville continuing their mission of exploration, navigating both the mysteries of the universe and the complexities of their own interpersonal relationships.

In addition to MacFarlane, the cast includes Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, Scott Grimes, Peter Macon, Jessica Szohr, J Lee, Mark Jackson, Anne Winters, and Chad L. Coleman.

See a Sneak Peek of Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

That’s right: Beginning today, guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort can go to infinity and beyond with a sneak peek at scenes from Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear inside the Walt Disney Presents attraction! Our good pals at the Disney Parks Blog shared this exciting announcement with the help of Chris Evans, the voice of Buzz—take a look, above.

Lightyear, arriving exclusively in theaters June 17, is the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—and follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. Directed by Angus MacLane, the film also features the voices of Uzo Aduba as Buzz’s commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne, and Peter Sohn as robot companion Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison, and Darby Steel, respectively; and James Brolin voices the ever-enigmatic Zurg. Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy round out the film’s voice cast.

First looks at Lightyear will also be coming soon to Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line—so, should you be making a jaunt to France or taking to the high seas in the very near future, a) have a great time, and b) stay tuned!

ICYMI: Your Ultimate Watchlist to Prepare for Obi-Wan Kenobi

We’re looking ridiculously forward (seriously, we’re counting the days!) to Ewan McGregor’s return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Disney+’s upcoming limited series—and to that end, we’ve put together a handy-dandy watch list of Star Wars films and series to prepare for what’s sure to be a galactically epic debut. See what you should add to your viewing calendar over this next week!

Disney Junior Debuts Exclusive Clip from Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Party Palace Pals

By Andie Hagemann

Everyone’s favorite bow maven is back! Season two of Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Party Palace Pals premieres Monday, May 23, at 8:25 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 5:55 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior, with a new episode released at the same times daily throughout the week. Episodes will continue to rollout during the rest of the year.

Ahead of the premiere, Disney Junior shared an exclusive clip of the episode “Ducky Down the Drain,” in which Minnie and Daisy work together to save their favorite bath toy when it falls down the drain.

A new chapter of the original Emmy® Award-winning Minnie’s Bow-Toons series, best friends Minnie and Daisy continue their venture of running a party planning business called the Polka Dot Party Palace. Season two will include a cycling episode set in France timed to correspond with the Tour de France, a puppy-themed episode at Buckingham Palace, and a birthday celebration for Daisy.

Daisy Duck holds a rubber ducky as she stands near a giant bubble bath.

Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Party Palace Pals debuted in April 2021 and remains one of the most-watched series on the Disney Junior YouTube channel. Earlier this month, the Disney Junior YouTube channel launched a livestream of the series.

WATCHLIST: 10 Disney Movies that Combine Live Action and Animation

By Sarah Sterling

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

Stream Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+

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

Stream Fun and Fancy Free on Disney+

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

Stream Bedknobs and Broomsticks on Disney+

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

Stream The Lizzie McGuire Movie on Disney+

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

Stream The Three Caballeros on Disney+

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

Stream James and the Giant Peach on Disney+

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

Stream Wall-E on Disney+

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

Stream Pete’s Dragon on Disney+

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

Stream Mary Poppins on Disney+

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

Stream Mary Poppins Returns on Disney+

1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

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

Stream Who Framed Roger Rabbit on Disney+

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

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

By Andie Hagemann

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

By Peyton Liebler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stream Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers Stars Assemble for Premiere

By Andie Hagemann

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By the D23 Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Special Activations in the BoxLunch Booth: 

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

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

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