Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Returns Summer 2022

By the D23 Team

Ready to get yer grub on, pals? The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is returning this summer to Walt Disney World Resort!

You’ll be fittin’ to clap yer hands, stomp yer feet, and sing along as the beloved musical dinner show kicks up its heels once again. Reservations will be available via DisneyWorld.com beginning Thursday, May 26 for showtimes beginning Thursday, June 23.

The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members are excited to welcome back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. First debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will once again offer guests a rousing Wild West performance; singing; zany comedy with lots of laughs; and an unforgettable feast full of their legendary fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides, and of course, strawberry shortcake! The menu is sure to make your mouth water and have you hollerin’ for more…

Since its opening day almost 50 years ago, this fan-favorite show has continued to surprise and delight—but as per usual, the good folks at Pioneer Hall (and at Walt Disney World Resort in general!) are always looking for new ways to elevate and enhance a classic experience—so expect the show to return with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy. It’s sure to be a hilarious, high-spirited evening of entertainment!

The return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is the latest showstopping offering to make its grand return to Walt Disney World Resort—joining the likes of Festival of Fantasy Parade, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, and Adventure Friends Cavalcade! Other shows coming back later this year include Fantasmic! and a fresh spin on a guest favorite, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

Everything You Need to Know About Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight

By Zach Johnson

When Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight debuts on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 30, the six-episode series will introduce a new Super Hero to the Marvel Cinematic Universe—or two, depending on how you look at it. But as fans of the comics know, Moon Knight isn’t, well, new. In fact, the character first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics in 1975, in Werewolf by Night #32, and his comic book exploits continue to this very day.

Oscar Isaac brings the character to life in the highly anticipated series. He stars as both Steven Grant, a mild-mannered museum employee, and Marc Spector, a mercenary and an avatar of the Egyptian moon god, Khonshu (voiced by F. Murray Abraham). To their surprise—Steven’s, especially—Steven and Marc share one body. While Moon Knight’s comic origins in Egyptology remain the same, he’s no longer based in New York in the series. Instead, the character will embark on a “globetrotting adventure” filled with “intensity and mystery,” says executive producer Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios. “The edgy, dark themes of Moon Knight and the exploration of the unique character add another dimension to the MCU’s storytelling.”

As such, viewers and Steven will learn about Moon Knight at the same time. “At its heart, Moon Knight was designed as a mystery: Who is Steven Grant, and why does he keep dreaming about another life as a globe-trotting mercenary?” head writer Jeremy Slater says. “And what happens when elements from those dreams start invading his waking hours? Steven’s journey for answers leads him to a hidden world of gods and monsters and a battle that could shape the future of the MCU.” Executive producer Grant Curtis adds, “There’s no attachment to the current MCU. He’s brand-new, and he is going on a brand-new adventure. We really think the fans are going to enjoy it.”

In the last 47 years, Slater notes, “Moon Knight has had so many radically different iterations that our writing staff had a wealth of options at our disposal. Because there has never truly been a definitive comic book version of the character, we were given the freedom to cherry pick our favorite elements from all the various runs.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is that Moon Knight is still going back and forth between being a hero and being a villain, depending on Khonshu’s whims. “We’re absolutely embracing the supernatural aspects of what was in publishing—the Egyptian gods, this ruthless Egyptian god Khonshu that manipulates Marc to do his bidding,” Curtis promises. “We’re embracing all that. We love stuff that goes bump in the night.”

Mohamed Diab, who directs four of the six episodes, was attracted to the series for several reasons. “What got me excited about this opportunity is that this is a Super Hero that we haven’t seen before, someone who’s struggling with himself,” says Diab. “His inner conflict is actually visual. You can see his internal struggle. There’s great room for character development.” Getting to play in the Marvel Studios sandbox was considerable fun for the acclaimed Egyptian auteur, who says, “There are aspects of this story that are surreal, yet by grounding everything in reality, it adds to the intrigue and mystery.”

Joining Isaac on his journey are Ethan Hawke as the nefarious cult-like leader Arthur Harrow, and May Calamawy as the adventurous archeologist Layla El-Faouly. “The most fulfilling aspect of making Moon Knight for us was working with Oscar Isaac, May Calamawy, and Ethan Hawke,” directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead say. “To witness Oscar’s perfectionism firsthand was an honor; to see May bring so much heart and humanity to this story was inspiring; and to learn from the wisdom, work ethic, and performance mastery of Ethan every day was an experience we’d only ever dreamed of.”

While embracing the grittier aspects of the original character, the series finds ways to modernize him, too. “A lot of my favorite Marvel movies are discovering the new legends,” Hawke says. “You don’t know who Doctor Strange is, you don’t know who Black Panther is. It’s about getting introduced to a new Super Hero and a new world.”

Curtis adds, “There are multiple aspects of Moon Knight that get us internally jazzed at Marvel Studios. One of the unique aspects of this character is, it’s taking Marvel Studios to its Iron Man and Tony Stark roots. That was a character that was obviously built from the ground up [beginning with 2008’s Iron Man], and it is the same with Marc Spector.”

7 Magical Disney Moments from The Oscars®

By Zach Johnson

The stars were shining bright inside the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Oscars® Sunday. The ABC broadcast was filled with unforgettable moments, including many that were distinctly Disney. From inspirational acceptance speeches to show-stopping Encanto performances, it was a night movie fans will be talking about for years to come! Relive the magic as we recount seven Disney moments from the show:

1. The Walt Disney Company Wins Six Academy Awards®
The Eyes of Tammy Faye picked up two trophies, while Cruella, Encanto, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), and West Side Story won one apiece. Watch West Side Story star Ariana DeBose’s inspirational acceptance speech above and click here for a full breakdown of each of the Company’s Oscar wins.

2. Encanto Takes Center Stage
Sebastián Yatra gave the crowd butterflies with his performance of Encanto’s “Dos Oruguitas,” nominated for Best Original Song. Introduced by Stephanie Beatriz (voice of Mirabel Madrigal), Yatra wore a suit adorned with butterflies as Kai Martinez, the film’s animation reference consultant, and Cesar Augusto Diaz—danced around him.

Midway through the show, Encanto cast members Adassa, Beatriz, Mauro Castillo, Carolina Gaitán, and Diane Guerrero, along with Becky G and Luis Fonsi, performed the No. 1 hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” marking the first live performance of the song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. To everyone’s surprise, Megan Thee Stallion added a rap verse to the viral hit, proving that we do, in fact, want to talk about Bruno!

3. Chris Evans Takes Us to Infinity… and Beyond
After the award was handed out for Best Supporting Actor, Chris Evans—voice of Buzz Lightyear in Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear—shared a new look at the film, opening in theaters and in IMAX® on June 17. (Click here to watch the preview on Twitter, and don’t forget to follow the film’s account!) Directed by Angus MacLane, the film’s voice cast also includes Uzo Aduba, Josh Brolin, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, and Taika Waititi.

4. It’s a Disney Princess Party
Oscar viewers received a royal treat when a trio of actresses who’ve played Disney Princesses in live-action films—Lily James (Cinderella in 2015’s Cinderella), Naomi Scott (Jasmine in 2019’s Aladdin), and Halle Bailey (Ariel in 2023’s The Little Mermaid)—joined forces to present Encanto with the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

5. Beloved Disney and Fox Casts Reunite
Speaking of inspired presenter pairings, casts from previous Oscar-winning films teamed up throughout the show. First up were Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, and Wesley Snipes, stars of 20th Century Fox’s White Men Can’t Jump, who presented the award for Best Cinematography. They were followed soon after by Black Panther’s Ruth E. Carter and Lupita Nyong’o, who presented the Oscar for Best Costume Design—the very same award Carter took home in 2019, making history as the first Black woman to ever win in that category. A little later in the show, Jennifer Garner, Elliot Page, and J.K. Simmons, stars of Fox Searchlight Pictures’ Juno, presented the award for Best Original Screenplay (which Juno’s Diablo Cody won in 2008). Rounding out the reunions, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta, stars of Miramax’s Pulp Fiction, riffed on their film’s ambiguous ending before giving out the Best Actor award.

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6. Hulu Previews New Series and Seasons
The streamer shared a first look at the second season of its acclaimed comedy series Only Murders in the Building, featuring glimpses of new characters played by Cara Delevingne and Oscar co-host Amy Schumer. Starring Disney Legend Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building will return on June 28.

Hulu also shared new looks at two upcoming titles. The Kardashians, streaming April 14, is a new reality series starring Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner. Candy, streaming May 9, is a limited series starring Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey. Billed as a five-night event, Candy features Timothy Simons, Pablo Schreiber, and Raúl Esparza in supporting roles.

7. “In Memoriam” Honors the Lives of Two Disney Legends
Two Disney Legends who passed away in 2021, Ruthie Tompson and Betty White, were honored during the televised “In Memoriam” segment, with Jamie Lee Curtis paying special tribute to White, her co-star in Touchstone’s You Again (2011). As The Golden Girls theme song played in the background, Curtis noted that White “brightened every room she walked into and brought a smile to the faces of all who watched her on the screen.” She also encouraged White’s fans to open their hearts and their homes to a rescue dog from Paw Works, as White was a noted animal welfare advocate. “Thank you, Betty,” she concluded. “Thank you for being a friend to us all.”

 

Relive Disney’s 6 Incredible Wins at the 94th Oscars®

By Zach Johnson

In so many ways, it was a momentous Oscars® Sunday.

The Walt Disney Company won six Academy Awards® during the 94th annual ceremony, broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes, the show’s theme was “Movie Lovers Unite”—and boy, did they! Join us in celebrating Disney’s wins below:

In the first televised win of the night, Ariana DeBose was awarded Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Anita in 20th Century Studios’ West Side Story, marking a historic moment as the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to receive the honor. In her acceptance speech, DeBose singled out her character’s signature song, “America,” saying, “Now you see why Anita says, ‘I want to be in America.’ Because even in this weary world that we live in, dreams do come true.”

With her win, DeBose and Rita Moreno also made history as the first pair of women to win Academy Awardsfor playing the same character in the same story; their wins come 60 years apart. “You’re staring at me right now, and I’m so grateful,” DeBose told her co-star. “Your Anita paved the way for tons of Anitas like me. I love you so much.”

DeBose referenced another song from the film, “Somewhere,” in her closing remarks. “Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes. You see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her life and strength in art,” DeBose said, eliciting cheers. “And that’s what I believe we are here to celebrate. So, to anybody who has ever questioned your identity—ever, ever, ever—or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto was recognized as Best Animated Feature. This is the second Oscar win for director Byron Howard and producer Clark Spencer, and the first Oscar win for director Jared Bush and producer Yvett Merino. “I am so proud to be a part of a film that puts beautiful diverse characters front and center,” Merino said onstage, “and that people everywhere are seeing themselves in the film.”

Howard thanked “key people,” including the “incomparable Lin-Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco, and Charise Castro Smith, our co-director and the heart of the Madrigal family.” Bush added, “And we have to thank the entire country of Colombia.”

Jenny Beavan won the award for Best Costume Design for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ Cruella. “If you hear a really embarrassing noise, it’s probably my family somewhere up there,” she joked at the beginning of her acceptance speech. Beavan said her Oscars ensemble was designed to “honor my inner Cruella,” which included graffiti by costume illustrator Thom Botwood. After thanking the film’s costume supervisor, Clare Spragge, and her “team of the most phenomenal, creative, clever, generous, amazing people,” Beavan celebrated the hair and makeup team, as well as the cast, for bringing their collective vision to life. In fact, she said, Emma Thompson hyperventilating with joy in her costume fittings “is one of the highlights of my career.”

Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), from Searchlight Pictures, Disney’s Onyx Collective, and Hulu, won Best Documentary Feature, marking the first Oscar wins for first-time director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and producers Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent, and David Dinerstein. It also marks Disney’s Onyx Collective and Hulu’s first Oscar win, and Searchlight Pictures’ first win in the category.

In his stirring acceptance speech, Thompson fought back tears. “It’s not lost on me that the Harlem Cultural Festival is something that my beautiful mother and my dad should have taken me to when I was 5 years old,” he said. “This is such a stunning moment for me right now, but this is not about me. This is about marginalized people in Harlem that needed to heal from pain. Just know that in 2022, this is not just a 1969 story about marginalized people in Harlem. This is a story of, of… I’m sorry, I’m just overwhelmed right now.” As he paused to collect himself, the crowd erupted in applause. Thompson continued, “I’m going to get myself together and I’ll thank everyone proper when I get offstage… I’m so happy right now, I could cry. Thank you.”

Searchlight Pictures’ The Eyes of Tammy Faye received two awards. The first win of the night was for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, marking the studio’s first victory in that category. While accepting the award alongside Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh, Linda Dowds shared the honor with everyone involved, saying, “It does take a village.

Later in the night, Jessica Chastain won Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. This marked her first win and Searchlight Pictures’ sixth win in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category. In her acceptance speech, Chastain channeled Bakker, sharing a “radical” message of acceptance and love with viewers. Acknowledging that “we are coming out of some difficult times that have been filled with a lot of trauma and isolation,” Chastain said, “In times like this, I think of Tammy, and I’m inspired by her radical acts of love. We’ve talked about love a lot, and I’m inspired by her compassion; I see it as a guiding principle that leads us forward. It connects us all in the desire that we want to be accepted for who we are, accepted for who we love, and to live a life without the fear of violence or terror.”

“For any of you out there who do in fact feel hopeless or alone,” Chastain continued, “I just want you to know you are unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you.”

See below for a complete list of Academy Awards won by The Walt Disney Company:

The Eyes of Tammy Faye | Searchlight Pictures

  • 2 Academy Awards
  • Best Actress in a Leading Role – Jessica Chastain
  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Encanto | Walt Disney Animation Studios | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Streaming on Disney+

  • 1 Academy Award
    • Best Animated Feature Film

Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) | Searchlight Pictures | Onyx Collective | Hulu | Streaming on Hulu and Disney+

  • 1 Academy Award
  • Best Documentary (Feature)

West Side Story | 20th Century Studios | Streaming on Disney+

  • 1 Academy Award
    • Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Ariana DeBose

Cruella | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Streaming on Disney+  

  • 1 Academy Award
    • Best Costume Design

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Get ready for brand-new exciting content coming to your TV and Disney+ this week! Three celebrities sniff out the fibber on an all-new episode of To Tell the Truth, airing Tuesday. On Wednesday, Penny turns to Al Roker for help with her overprotective father on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder; that same day, mature audiences can watch the debut episode of Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight. The truth will be revealed in the new episode of Big Sky, airing Thursday. Get ready to sing and dance with the premiere of Disney’s musical comedy Better Nate Than Ever on Friday.

To Tell the Truth—Tuesday, March 29, at 10 p.m. ET, on ABC
Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction, and this week, host Anthony Anderson is joined by Kim Fields, Oliver Hudson, and London Hughes to investigate the next round of imposters. The celebrity panel will encounter an eclectic group including a silhouette artist, pet detective, blood splatter expert, and trampoline wall acrobat.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder—Wednesday, March 30, on Disney+
Penny (voiced by Kyla Pratt) is fed up with her overprotective father, Oscar (voiced by Tommy Davidson) after he sabotages her first date with Kareem (voiced by Asante Blackk). Desperate for her independence, Penny asks the mischievous Al Roker to transform her into a college student. However, she soon learns life as a young adult can be overwhelming. Roker, Lena Waithe, Lamorne Morris, Jaden Smith, and Desus Nice lend their voices to the coming-of-age episode.

Moon Knight—Wednesday, March 30, on Disney+
The new highly anticipated series from Marvel Studios follows mild-mannered gift-shop employee Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac) as he discovers that he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As their enemies reveal themselves, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly battle among the powerful gods of Egypt. This series is intended for mature audiences. New episodes debut Wednesdays on the streamer.

Big Sky—Thursday, March 31, at 10:01 p.m. ET, on ABC
The truth will be exposed in this brand-new episode. As Jenny (Katheryn Winnick, above) attempts to prove the Bhullars are involved in the drug-related death of a teenager, her distrust of Travis (Logan Marshall-Green) amplifies, putting their relationship in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Veer (Bernard White) reveals the reason behind his visit to Montana. This drama series is intended for mature audiences.

Better Nate Than Ever—Friday, April 1, on Disney+
Disney’s new musical comedy follows 13-year-old Nate (Rueby Wood, above), who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. However, Nate’s dream hits a slight snag when he isn’t cast in the school play. Determined to prove everyone wrong, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) sneak off to New York City for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A chance encounter with his long-lost Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) threatens Nate’s plan—and together they must prove that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.

Disney’s Nominees Mark Many Firsts for The Oscars®

By Bruce C. Steele

It may be the 94th Academy Awards® ceremony happening this Sunday, but, for Disney at least, it’s full of firsts. Movies from across The Walt Disney Company earned a total of 23 Academy Award nominations, and the following are some of the “firsts” included in that haul:

Spielberg’s Personal Bests
Director Steven Spielberg notches a number of firsts with his nominations as both producer and director of West Side Story. There’s the personal first in that this is his first nomination as a director (out of eight) for helming a musical. (Of course, it’s also his first musical.) Perhaps more impressively, Spielberg is the first producer to compete an 11th time in the Best Picture category. (The Best Picture award goes to a movie’s producers.) Out of his previous 10 nominations, Spielberg has taken home the Best Picture statuette just once, for Schindler’s List.

That’s Another Story
This is not the first time a remake of a previous Best Picture winner has competed for Best Picture. That honor went to the 1962 version of Mutiny on the Bounty, which followed the much-lauded 1935 telling of the story. (The remake didn’t win.) However, this is the first time an actor has been nominated for playing the same role in the same story as a previous winner. Ariana DeBose, who plays Anita in Spielberg’s film, is following in the footsteps of Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for the 1962 film (and co-stars in the 2021 version). If DeBose wins—as many experts predict she will—that will establish another first, one unlikely to be repeated for some time.

For those of you who would like to point out that both Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro both won Oscars for playing Vito Corleone in separate Godfather movies, I would note that they appeared in different storylines, not in different versions of the same tale.

 

Music to Our Ears
The record-breaking soundtrack for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto also marks a couple of Oscar firsts. Composer Germaine Franco is only the sixth woman in Academy Award history to be nominated for Best Original Score, and she is the first Latina nominee in the category. In the Best Original Song competition, “Dos Oruguitas” marks the first time a nominated song from a Disney movie is sung entirely in a language other than English. The title song from Saludos Amigos (1942) was also nominated for Best Original Song, but only its title was in Spanish; the rest of the lyrics were in English.

Some of you might also be wondering whether The Walt Disney Studios’ domination of the Best Animated Feature category this year is a first. The Studio took three of the five slots, for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon, as well as for Disney and Pixar’s Luca. But not only is this not the first time Disney collected 60% of the animated feature nominations, it’s not even the second time. It is, in fact, the third time Disney has pulled off this feat. In 2002, Disney Animation’s Treasure Planet and Lilo & Stitch were nominated, while Disney-distributed Spirited Away received the Oscar; and in 2012, Frankenweenie and Disney Animation’s Wreck-It Ralph were nominated, and Disney and Pixar’s Brave received the award.

Some Lesser Firsts
Nightmare Alley marks the first time a film released separately in both color and black and white has been nominated for Best Picture. It’s a limited competition, admittedly, since films are rarely released in both formats, but someone had to be the first across the line at the Academy Awards. In an even more-limited contest, Jessica Chastain can celebrate her first nomination for portraying a real person in The Eyes of Tammy Faye (out of three total nominations). And while three previous films have featured the character Cruella de Vil, the nominations earned by Disney’s Cruella mark the first Oscar nods for the villain—or heroine, if you prefer Emma Stone’s interpretation.

Say You Want a Revolution
We did our best to come up with an Oscar first for Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), but the choices are both too numerous and too esoteric. Longest title? It does beat Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) by 12 characters. But documentaries often have lengthy subtitles, so it would be a difficult “first” to judge. First documentary constructed from footage left untouched for 50 years? Maybe, but the fact-checking required to verify that was beyond the scope of our abilities. We’re just happy it’s the first Oscar nomination for director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, whose accomplishments in music, television, and other fields speak to his many talents.

The next step in our own quest is now to see how many of these nomination “firsts” turn into winner “firsts.” Join us in watching the 94th Academy Awards on ABC on Sunday, March 27, live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. For a full guide to Oscar television coverage from now through the ceremony and after, click here.

 

Inside Olivia Rodrigo’s Sweet driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) Premiere

By Zach Johnson

Ever since it was announced, we’ve been counting down the days until OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) would debut exclusively on Disney+—and that day is finally here! To celebrate, Disney Branded Television rolled out the purple carpet Thursday at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, where Olivia Rodrigo herself joined dozens of stars and hundreds of fans for an early screening—many of whom had no idea the “déjà vu” singer herself would be making a special appearance!

“I’m so excited!” the Grammy®-nominated “drivers license” singer told reporters. “It’s very strange. My parents, all my friends, all these people from Disney, and all [these people from] my music life are here. It’s like all of my worlds are colliding at once.”

Blu DeTiger, Towa Bird, and Rodrigo’s all-female band—all of whom are featured in the film—also walked the purple carpet to celebrate the “good 4 u” singer’s big night. Other notable guests who showed up to support Rodrigo included Alexander 23, Iris Apatow, Petra Collins, Kid Laroi, Kevin McHale, Christina Milian, and Busy Philipps, as well as Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television, and Interscope executives.

In OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film), viewers join Rodrigo on a road trip from Salt Lake City—where she began writing her triple-platinum Geffen Records debut album SOUR—to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo candidly reflects on creating and writing her record-breaking album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. The film includes new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews, and never-before-seen footage from recording sessions.

For Rodrigo, it’s the film’s intimate moments that hold a special place in her heart. “I’m so excited for people to see the GoPro footage,” she said. “It’s always been my favorite part of the film. It’s super cool to get an inside look into the making of a song.”

The film features 11 songs from SOUR performed with brand-new arrangements in unique locations, from the Mojave Airplane Boneyard to the Red Rock Canyon State Park. “We were in uncomfortable environments at times—in deserts with snakes, in an airport graveyard—and she’s standing on the wing of a plane doing all of these things,” director Stacey Lee recalled. “She’s just a real professional. That part didn’t surprise me, but the fact that she wasn’t scared [did]. She was willing to put herself out there in a way that was true to who she is as a person and to how her album is as well.”

“She lets her guard down,” Lee continued. “She’s relatable. She’s human. She’s vulnerable. She’s not perfect. That’s a big part of what makes [her] special as an artist.”

Be the First to See Disney Mirrorverse

D23 Members are invited to sign up for a first-look fan event inside a bold new universe—the Mirrorverse—with Disney and Pixar characters as you have truly never seen them before! A stellar collision has given rise to a divergent universe, filled with worlds reflected from those we know, and with Disney and Pixar characters empowered and amplified to stand as Guardians in this high-stakes new universe.

Disney Mirrorverse, an all-new mobile game launching on Thursday, June 23, features iconic, action-ready Disney and Pixar characters that have been evolved in visually dynamic and surprising ways! You may have already seen some of these characters as highly-detailed collectible figures from McFarlane Toys.

And we have exclusive first-looks at three more Mirrorverse characters for you right here!

Genie: Stellar Magic has evolved the Genie’s phenomenal cosmic power, attuning him with magical sources from across the Mirrorverse. As a result, the Genie takes on a more cosmic appearance—it’s as if there are entire galaxies contained inside him!

Ian Lightfoot: The Mirrorverse’s Stellar Magic has empowered Ian’s “by-the-book” nature, allowing him to fully understand the magic from the Book of Yore, and making him one very studious suburban sorcerer.

Scrooge McDuck: In the Mirrorverse, Stellar Magic has amplified Scrooge’s innate thirst for adventure, making him the ultimate adventure venture investor!

Prepare to enter Disney Mirroverse by pre-registering today at this special sign-up portal for D23 Members. By pre-registering, you will unlock in-game rewards exclusive to D23 Members when the game releases on June 23, on the App Store and Google Play. These rewards include valuable in-game resources and a special Golden Mickey Mouse Avatar—only for D23 Members!

Pre-registering also signs you up for the virtual Disney Mirrorverse Fan Event on June 23, celebrating the game’s launch. You will be one of the first to see the Disney Mirrorverse Trailer, a “Making of the Mirroverse” segment, and more behind-the-scenes surprises via a special livestream that day.

Register today! And prepare for the thrilling mobile action game to drop soon. The Mirrorverse will continue to expand with more collectible figures from McFarlane Toys and other exciting products coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Hardy Boys Season 2 Trailer Is Here—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Hulu Reveals The Hardy Boys Season Two Trailer

Mystery is on the horizon, friends! Just this week, Hulu released the official trailer for season two of The Hardy Boys—premiering Wednesday, April 6, with all 10 episodes on the streaming service.

The series picks up six months after the events of season one, building on the mystery and drama of the inaugural season and welcoming new friends and suspects. When a Bridgeport classmate mysteriously disappears, Frank (Rohan Campbell) and Joe Hardy (Alexander Elliot) drop their new normal routine to get back to detective work. But when they discover the mystical relic they destroyed last year is still in play, it becomes clear their simple missing person case is actually part of something far more sinister. The Hardy boys and their friends must quickly learn who they can and can’t trust as they race against time to unravel the truth, and ultimately realize that no one is safe from their past.

The series also stars Keana Lyn as Callie Shaw, Adam Swain as Chet Morton, Cristian Perri as Phil Cohen, and Riley O’Donnell as Biff Hooper. Joining the cast this season are Canadian actors Krista Nazaire as Belinda Conrad and Sadie Munroe as Lucy Wayne. Mark your calendars!

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

Oscar® Sunday is finally upon us—so why not get into the showbiz spirit with a binge-watch of some of The Walt Disney Company’s nominated films? From Nightmare Alley to Encanto, there’s a lil’ something for everyone. Check out our recommendations here… and then take a gander at our handy “Everything You Need to Know” guide to fully prepare for the big night.

Disneyland Paris Announces Multi-Year Transformation Plan for Disney Village

As a part of its incredible 30th anniversary celebration, our pals over at Disneyland Paris just announced transformation plans for Disney Village, the retail, dining, and entertainment complex between Disneyland Paris’ theme parks and Disney hotels.

The district, which also celebrates 30 years in 2022, has more than doubled in size since its opening, constantly adding new options to reinvent the guest experience. But by the end of the year, a phased transformation of the entire area will begin to give the district a brand-new visual identity and introduce exciting new offerings.

The reimagined Disney Village will celebrate timeless, family-friendly environments that are uniquely Disney. By day, stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw guests in—and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into a bustling wonderland. When the project is complete, Disney Village will feature a relaxing lakeside park and boardwalk; enhanced pedestrian walkways; brand-new facades; peaceful terraces and patios; and lush landscaping. Plus, its diverse eateries and collection of shops will expand options for guests, with innovative concepts from some of the world’s most exciting brands for a completely enhanced experience complementing the theme parks.

The first step in this big transformation? A contemporary French brasserie called Rosalie, which will take the place of the current Café Mickey restaurant and will open in 2023—elevating the culinary experience for visitors and offering a new option for those looking for distinctly French flavors within Disney Village.

Keep your eyes peeled on more fun from Disneyland Paris in the coming months…

5 Mystifying Moments from the Moon Knight Press Conference

Now that Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight is set to premiere on Disney+ in just a few days’ time, see what the stars themselves—including Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke—had to say at the series’ recent virtual press conference. What special person helped Isaac feel up to the challenge of playing two different people? Read on to find out!

Adorable Animal Alert! Three Rhino Siblings Meet at Kilimanjaro Safaris

Recently, Walt Disney World Resort animal care experts celebrated a monumental milestone with the debut of 4-month-old rhino Logan to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park! The good folks at the Disney Parks Blog released an “aww”-inspiring video of Logan meeting her rhino siblings Ranger and Mylo on the savanna, seen above.

Ranger was the first white rhino born at Walt Disney World Resort in five years, back in October 2020—with Mylo joining the crash (that’s the name for a rhino herd!) in September ’21. Logan, born in November ’21 and named after her mom Lola and dad Dugan, is the youngest of the three southern white rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

These successful rhino births mark a major achievement for the Animal, Science and Environment team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the rhino population in managed care. All three rhinos allow scientists, doctors, and conservationists to learn more about this amazing species—and these learnings can be shared to benefit rhinos all over the globe.

ICYMI: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Doc McStuffins to Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary

As of this last week, Doc McStuffins has been delighting children (and adults too!) for 10 full years—which means it’s the perfect time to learn some fun, little-known facts about the iconic animated series. Can you name the other TV shows that have referenced the good doctor? And which First Lady guest starred on an episode of the show? Find out all that (and more) by clicking here.

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

By Andie Hagemann

Lights, camera… marathon! Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, binge-watch Academy Award®-nominated films from across The Walt Disney Company. With 23 total nominations, it’s difficult to narrow down this weekend’s itinerary, but here are four suggestions leading into Sunday’s festivities: Mature audiences can start their marathon with a viewing of Searchlight Pictures’ Nightmare Alley, then watch Disney and Pixar’s Luca; Walt Disney Studios’ Cruella; and Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Make sure your marathon concludes in time for The Oscars®, airing live Sunday night!

Nightmare Alley—Available on Hulu
This thriller—intended for mature audiences—from director Guillermo del Toro and Searchlight Pictures is nominated for four Academy Awards—Best Picture, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design. Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) is a down-on-his-luck carnival worker who fancies himself a psychic medium in an attempt to swindle society’s elite. Stanton hatches a plan to con a mogul with help from a psychologist (Cate Blanchett), but she’s determined to expose him.

Luca—Available on Disney+
“Silenzio, Bruno!” and watch this coming-of-age story from Disney and Pixar, nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) is having the summer of a lifetime living in a seaside town on the Italian Riviera. He’s eating endless bowls of pasta and tons of gelato, and he’s embarking on exciting adventures with his new pal Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer). However, Luca’s true identity as a sea monster threatens all that fun—as well as his newfound friendship.

Cruella—Available on Disney+
Discover the origin story behind notorious Disney villain Cruella de Vil in this fashionable live-action film, which is nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Emma Stone stars as Estella, a young grifter determined to leave her mark on the fashion world. After years of terrorizing London with her thieving pals Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser), Estella eyes a bigger target—revenge.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—Available on Disney+
In this Marvel Studios hit, nominated for Best Visual Effects, martial arts master Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) must confront the past he thought he left behind—including his father’s involvement in the notorious Ten Rings organization.

The Oscars®—Sunday, March 27, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, on ABC
Grab the popcorn—it’s time to celebrate the year’s best films during Hollywood’s biggest night! The hilarious trio of Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes will share hosting duties for the 94th Academy Awards, which is themed “Movie Lovers Unite”… Don’t miss live performances from four of the five Best Original Song nominees; appearances from your favorite stars; iconic fashion moments; and so much more!