Everything to Watch During Black History Month 2022

By the D23 Team

Kicking off this February, we’re Celebrating Black Joy across The Walt Disney Company. And as part of that celebration, an incredible lineup of content is available across Disney’s streaming services and airing on Disney’s linear networks. From can’t-miss series (Abbott Elementary, grown-ish, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder) to inspiring movie collections, we’ve curated the ultimate viewing guide for content from across the company.

Abbott Elementary

ABC

In Judge Steve Harvey, Steve Harvey serves as judge and jury as real people with real conflicts present their cases in his courtroom—ranging from family disputes, unpaid bets to sour friendships, and everything in between! The unscripted courtroom comedy series airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Meanwhile, the hit comedy Abbott Elementary, created by and starring Quinta Brunson, has been a hit with viewers and critics since it debuted with a special sneak peek last year. New episodes air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The freshman series is followed by black-ish, now in its final season, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. Created by Kenya Barris, the award-winning comedy shines a light on current events through the lens of the Johnson family, and stars Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis, Peter Mackenzie, Deon Cole and Jeff Meacham. Closing out Tuesday nights is the hip-hop drama Queens, starring Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton, and Nadine Velazquez. Queens will air its last two episodes of the season on February 8 and February 15, both at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

ABC’s Wednesday night comedy block includes The Wonder Years at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Narrated by Don Cheadle and starring Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, and Laura Kariuki, the coming-of-age comedy is set in the late ’60s and follows the lives of the Williams family in Alabama, as seen through the eyes of Dean (Williams).

Mark your calendars, because the dramas Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy return with all-new episodes on Thursday, February 24, at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET/PT, respectively. On Sunday, February 22, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the game show To Tell the Truth, hosted by black-ish’s Anderson and featuring Mama Doris, returns. One week later, on Sunday, February 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, American Idol is back for its milestone fifth season on ABC (and 20th season overall). If you missed the limited series Women of the Movement, which told the story of Mamie Till-Mobley seeking justice for her son Emmett Till, all episodes are now available on Hulu.

Abbott Elementary

ABC News

On Thursday, February 3, at 8 p.m. ET/PT ABC News’ Soul of a Nation returns on ABC with the special Screen Queens Rising, which explores how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and undervalued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend to the top echelons of entertainment and American culture. That night at 9 p.m. ET/PT, ABC News’ Soul of a Nation Presents: X / o n e r a t e d – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice profiles Muhammad Abdul Aziz, a man who was wrongfully convicted of Malcolm X’s assassination. Featuring the first TV interview with Aziz since his exoneration, conducted by Byron Pitts, the special retraces Malcolm X’s shocking 1965 assassination, as well as Aziz’s decades behind bars and on parole and the devastating impact on his family.

Good Morning America will honor Black history with daily features and stories throughout the month, including a two-part series around Black financial literacy, covering generational wealth and estate planning, and segments on civil rights activist Annie Abrams, the power of the Black vote, Black heart health, the 10th anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death, and more. Throughout Black History Month, World News Tonight with David Muir will honor figures, heroes, veterans, healthcare workers, teachers, politicians, and others. Nightline will offer an intimate look at the first police academy at a Historically Black College and University—featuring the first nine recruits ever—and additional content from the Soul of a Nation specials. This Week with George Stephanopoulos will focus on voters of color and examine the impact of sweeping changes to voting rights legislation across the country. GMA3: What You Need to Know will have an exclusive interview with General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chief of staff of the Air Force and the first Black military service chief. Additional guests include Ken Welch, the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, among others.

The View kicks off Black History Month today with the start of its month-long celebration honoring unknown African American pioneers and trailblazers. The show’s “Black History Month FYI” series, airing three days a week in February, will spotlight hidden figures who have made a significant impact on American life in politics, the arts, science, and business. Tamron Hall will continue to highlight groundbreaking and inspiring people in pop culture and beyond. In one episode, host Tamron Hall will sit down for a daytime exclusive hour with New Edition, discussing their impactful history as they prepare for their concert tour.

ABC News Live will present a special, The Spark: How Trayvon Changed America, with Deborah Roberts, airing on February 25, one day before the 10th anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death and featuring an interview with Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton. ABC News Live will also reprise Conversations with Black Men and Conversations with Black Women.

Abbott Elementary

Disney Channel

The second season of Secrets of Sulphur Springs is streaming in its entirety on Disney+... but if you prefer to savor the mystery, episodes will air Fridays (February 4, 11, 18, and 25) at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel. Watch as Griffin (Preston Oliver) and Harper (Kyliegh Curran) unravel new mysteries about The Tremont, and Harper follows the real ghost back to the 1930s to learn more about her family’s deep-seated connection to the hotel. When the power source to the time machine is unintentionally taken and the portal disappears, Harper becomes trapped in the past with her great-uncle Sam (Ethan Hutchison) and great-great-grandfather Elijah (Robert Manning Jr.), while her great-grandmother Daisy (Curran) is left to navigate the present. With help from Savannah (Elle Graham) from her new life in 1962, the friends attempt to fix the time machine and restore the portal before it’s too late and life is forever changed.

Stream all four seasons of Raven’s Home—which stars Raven-Symoné, Issac Ryan Brown, Navia Robinson, Jason Maybaum, Sky Katz, and Anneliese van der Pol—on Disney+ and DisneyNOW. Plus, a fifth season is coming soon to Disney Channel! It will continue to follow the hilarious adventures driven by the psychic Raven Baxter (Raven-Symoné) and her son Booker (Brown), who has inherited his mom’s gift to catch glimpses of the future.

Abbott Elementary

Disney+

Explore a full range of titles via the Celebrate Black Stories hub.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, a continuation of the hit Disney Channel series The Proud Family, follows the adventures and misadventures of 14-year-old Penny Proud (voiced by Kyla Pratt) and her family as they navigate modern life. The 2020s bring new career highs for mom Trudy (voiced by Paula Jai Parker), wilder dreams for dad Oscar (voiced by Tommy Davidson) and new challenges for Penny... including a socially woke neighbor who thinks she knows it all (voiced by Keke Palmer); bullying social media influencers who want to cancel her; and her own teenage hormones. Penny’s friends return, including Dijonay Jones (voiced by Karen Malina White), LaCienega Boulevardez (voiced by Alisa Reyes), Zoey Howzer (voiced by Soleil Moon Frye), and Michael Collins (voiced by EJ Johnson), and Suga Mama (voiced by Jo Marie Payton) is ready to dispense tough love or a gentle hand whenever Penny needs it. The series premieres Wednesday, February 23.

Foodtastic, which debuted on Disney+ last year, is an immersive global competition series in which highly skilled artists create extravagant scene work and larger-than-life sculptures made entirely out of food. Keke Palmer hosts, with FLOUR SHOP founder Amirah Kassem and NYC’s City Cakes founder Chef Benny Rivera serving as the series’ food art experts.

Marvel Studios’ The Falcon and The Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of Avengers: Endgame, team up on an adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience—as Sam grapples with becoming Captain America. 

Abbott Elementary

The mockumentary musical drama High School Musical: The Musical: The Series revisits East High School, where the original film trilogy was filmed, and follows theater students who are staging their own musical productions. The first two seasons, starring Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders, are available to stream now on Disney+—and the third season is currently in production in Los Angeles!

Get personal with Disney Legend Robin Roberts and some of Hollywood’s groundbreaking women—including Debbie Allen, Mickey Guyton, and Raven-Symoné—as they bear witness to their incredible journeys on their path to purpose on Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts. Each episode is a profound conversation filled with emotion and inspiration.

Abbott Elementary

ESPN+

ESPN+ has curated the Black History Always collection to highlight existing and new content from ESPN that elevates sport stories and content for and about Black athletes, fans and communities. The collection is divided into five distinct sections: ESPN+ Originals, 30 for 30 films, O.J.: Made in America (Parts 1-5), Black History Always specials, and E60.

ESPN+ Originals
Why Not Us is an all-access docuseries executive produced by NBA All-Star Chris Paul and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that takes viewers behind the scenes of the North Carolina Central University basketball team (Season 1) and the Florida A&M football program (Season 2). Each season examines the distinct culture, experiences and challenges of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and University) athletic program, its coaches, staff and student athletes. More Than an Athlete, produced in partnership with UNINTERRUPTED, examines the various stages and moments of LeBron James’ journey from basketball prodigy to global sports icon, businessman and philanthropist (Season 1). The second season presents an intimate view of Michael Strahan’s NFL career, intense work schedule and aptitude to stay authentic. Claressa Shields, a four-part, all-access series, gives fans an inside look at Claressa Shields’ quest to become the greatest two-sport athlete of all time, simultaneously maintaining her dominance in boxing while making her debut in mixed martial arts. America’s Caddie covers professional golf like never before, mixing feature segments and interviews with golf’s biggest stars, as the series follows Michael Collins on his journeys across the country.

30 for 30 Films
The 30 for 30 film series—originally aimed to celebrate ESPN’s 30-year anniversary with 30 of the best sports stories throughout history—has since soared past its original idea, winning Peabody and Emmy® awards. 30 for 30 films featured in the collection include 144, The Announcement, The Best That Never Was, Breakaway, Deion’s Double Play, The Fab Five, No Crossover, Rodman, Run Ricky Run, You Don’t Know Bo, Winning Time, and Vick.

O.J.: Made in America (Parts 1-5)
The Academy Award®–winning five-part film, directed by Peabody and Emmy winner Ezra Edelman, examines the history of race over the last several decades through the lens of O.J. Simpson’s rise and fall.

Black History Always Specials
A Love Letter to Black Women, presented by The Undefeated on ESPN+ as the first Black History Always special, honors and celebrates the Black women who positively impact all of our lives. In We Are All Jackie, ESPN MLB analyst Doug Glanville, in addition to Brandon Bellamy (first Black majority owner of a baseball team), Howard Bryant (ESPN.com writer), Sharon Robinson (daughter of Jackie Robinson) and Lisa Salters (Monday Night Football sideline reporter) express the importance of Jackie Robinson’s indelible role on and off the baseball field. Bearing Witness is a portrait of Darnella Frazier, who captured the moments leading up to the death of George Floyd, as told through the eyes of her community, the sports world and people around the country. Finding Free spotlights Ryan Russell’s tough road to NFL re-entry, highlighting the challenges he faces as an LGBTQ+ athlete after revealing his long-hidden “secret” to the world. The 30-minute documentary Monochrome, filmed in black and white, dissects opportunities earned and denied because of a skater’s environment and skin color. The 30-minute film Sole Survivor celebrates the elevation of the “sneakerhead” culture and its importance in the Black community past, present and future. Rhoden’s HBCU Road Trip features award-winning journalist William C. “Bill” Rhoden as he chronicles the legacy, tradition, and rebirth of HBCU football, a sport he played as a standout student athlete at Morgan State University. In I Run With Maud, author and former NFL running back Warrick Dunn narrates the special about the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery by three white men. Long Live Seven: The Bryce “Simba” Gowdy Story focuses on mental health and the underreported topic of suicide among young Black men.

E60
ESPN’s award-winning, long-form storytelling franchise features revealing profiles, hard-hitting investigations, and exclusive interviews, blending top-notch journalism with unrivaled storytelling as it profiles the biggest names and the best stories in sports. E60s featured in the collection include “Bubba Wallace," “Bonds,” “A Love Story," “Murder in Memphis," “2 Chainz Full Circle," “Lindor” and “Marshawn Lynch.”

Abbott Elementary

Freeform

grown-ish, the network’s No. 1 comedy series, is back—and the countdown to graduation is on as senior year at Cal U is in full swing! From unexpected hookups to wild nights with the crew, new life choices are on the horizon. Let the celebrations—and the complications—commence! The Emmy®-nominated series stars Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook, Jordan Buhat, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Luka Sabbat, and Diggy Simmons. New episodes of grown-ish will air Thursdays (February 3, 10, 17, and 24) at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Meanwhile, Freeform’s Good Trouble, a spinoff of The Fosters, follows the residents of Downtown Los Angeles’ The Coterie as they juggle careers, love and friendship—all while learning that standing up for what you believe in requires making some noise and getting into trouble. Good Trouble stars Maia Mitchell, Cierra Ramirez, Tommy Martinez, Emma Hunton, Sherry Cola, Zuri Adele, Beau Mirchoff, and Josh Pence. All three seasons are streaming on Hulu.

Abbott Elementary

FX

Award-winning scripted series, including Atlanta and Snowfall, and buzzworthy docuseries, such as Hip Hop Uncovered, are available on demand and on Hulu. And make sure to tune in for a trio of broadcast movie premieres, beginning with Jumanji: The Next Level on Sunday, February 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Danny Devito, Nick Jonas, Danny Glover, and Awkwafina, is followed by Bad Boys for Life, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, on Wednesday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. Rounding out the network premieres is Charlie’s Angels, starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, on Monday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Abbott Elementary

Hulu

Explore a full range of original and licensed titles via the Black Stories hub.

The documentary series Your Attention Please celebrates Black innovators and creators who are working to leave the world better than they found it. Hosted by Craig Robinson, the third season premieres today on the streaming service.

In last year’s Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), first-time filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presenteed a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just 100 miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park. The footage was never seen and largely forgotten—that is, until now.

Abbott Elementary

Nat Geo WILD

The new series Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya has been popping with audiences ever since it debuted on Nat Geo WILD January 1. Dr. Joya Griffin is one of only three certified Black veterinary dermatologists in the United States—and she’s seen it all! From impacted earwax to oozing cysts to massive hair loss, there’s no case that’s too mysterious or bizarre. Brand-new episodes will air across three Saturdays (February 5, 12, and 19) at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Need to catch up on Nat Geo WILD’s Critter Fixers: Country Vets? The first two seasons are streaming now on Disney+, and a third season is currently in production. Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson are two lifelong friends who own and operate Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospitals, located 100 miles south of Atlanta. Together with their loving staff, these physicians bring real heart, soul, and humor to their treatment and care of more than 20,000 patients a year across two locations. Between emergency visits to the office and farm calls throughout rural Georgia, this special team is constantly tending to unique cases.

For more ways The Walt Disney Company is celebrating Black History Month, check out the Reimagine Tomorrow website!

Exclusive Q&A with Black Panther: Spellbound Author Ronald L. Smith

By the D23 Team

What is it like to grow up as the prince of Wakanda? Dive into the life of young T’Challa in Black Panther: Spellbound, a new novel that follows 13-year-old T’Challa on a trip to America to visit his friends Sheila and Zeke in Alabama. He’s thrilled to be on vacation, away from his duties as the Prince of Wakanda for a few weeks, and he’s taking full advantage of his access to the amazing food and the South’s rich history. But as T’Challa continues to explore the town, he uncovers a mystery—and an unexpected and evil villain that only he and his friends can stop before it’s too late!

To get the inside details on this book, which is now available for purchase, we chatted with author Ronald L. Smith about bringing T’Challa to America, creating new villains, and more:

Ronald L. SmithD23: The Official Disney Fan Club: The first book in The Young Prince series introduced us to 13-year-old T’Challa, and this book continues his journey. What have been the challenges—and the rewards—of reverse-engineering the Black Panther we know back to his teen years?

Ronald L. Smith (RLS): The challenge is to write a fun and compelling story, as all writers would say. But more specifically, we all know the Black Panther as an adult and King of Wakanda, so the challenge is to make him a fully realized character as a young person. What drives him? What are his fears? These are the challenges. He’s a blank slate, in a way, so the reward is making him a flesh and blood character kids can relate to.

D23: Your first book took T’Challa out of Wakanda and to Chicago. This time around, you’re bringing him to small-town Alabama, with a focus on the region’s food and history. Why did you choose this location, and what was it like depicting it through T’Challa’s eyes?

RLS: Well, selfishly, I wanted T’Challa to come back to America. There’s so much he hasn’t seen or experienced here. And since I know the South, I thought it would be a good place to drop him into: the food, the slang, the weeping willow trees would all be eye-opening for him. It’s culture shock. It also provides opportunity to tell a deeper story of civil rights and the history of race in America and how it differs from Wakanda’s own past. Also, seeing these things through T’Challa’s lens allows young readers to think and learn about history in a medium that is not intimidating (fantasy books, as opposed to a textbook).

D23: You’ve brought a wonderfully creepy vibe to the villain in this book, as what starts with a mysterious man named Bob becomes something much more frightening. How do you come up with ideas you know will scare readers? And has putting T’Challa in frightening situations opened up new aspects of the character?

RLS: I try to think of what scares me and then put it on the page! It’s kind of cathartic, I guess. Caves, tunnels, abandoned mines, all places where the dark is waiting…

We get to learn more about T’Challa in these situations. Is he afraid? Is he as brave as his father? Does he face his fears head-on? He’s not the Black Panther yet, so he has a lot to live up to, in his eyes. Above all, he’s loyal to his friends, and also wants his father to be proud of him. That certainly opens up new areas to explore with the character.

D23: Wakanda is often considered a key part of the Black Panther story—but your series has created some interesting contrasts by taking T’Challa to America. What new aspects of his character, and what aspects of Wakanda vs. America, has removing T’Challa from his homeland allowed you to explore in these books?

RLS: Well, in Wakanda, he is the son of King T’Chaka and Queen Ramonda. He’s privileged. He probably gets everything he wants. But in the States, he’s just a kid. No bodyguards. No fancy clothes and riches. So that’s what I wanted to explore with this series. What’s he like when all of his privilege is stripped away? It opens up a world of possibilities. It’s fun to explore the differences between the two countries. It’s also fun to see his two friends, Zeke and Sheila, tease him about his royal background.

D23: Speaking of: T’Challa’s relationship with Zeke and Sheila deepens in this book, especially as he meets Sheila’s family. These characters have such different backgrounds; how, as an author, do you create different points of view and build relationships between varied characters like this?

 RLS: I think writers use all kinds of tools to help make their characters appear real on the page. I borrow from friends and family, of course—but also, we writers store up information: snippets of conversation, real-life conflicts. All these are part of a writer’s toolbox. With Zeke and Sheila, I thought back to my own middle school years. My hopes and fears and hobbies. It’s all universal. The trick is to get readers to believe the characters are living and breathing in the story.

D23: This is the middle book of a trilogy, concluding with Uprising, coming out later this year. How do you manage writing books that can be read and enjoyed on their own, while also telling a larger story?

RLS: Honestly? I envy writers who can tell one story over several books. I wonder how they do it. The Young Prince series is different. While the characters grow with each book, the main conflict for each novel is solely different. Each book has its own central plot and themes, while telling a wholly original story. So they don’t have to be read in order. I hope readers do, though, because each one builds a little on the experiences of the previous. But you can jump in at any time and still get a great read, I hope!

Black Panther: Spellbound is now available for purchase.

Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Parks Honors Black Excellence

By Andie Hagemann

Honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art, and much more with the return of Celebrate Soulfully to the Walt Disney World Resort this February! The memorable event, coinciding with Black History Month, is back for the second consecutive year with new and returning experiences for guests to enjoy. And for the first time ever, the Disneyland Resort will debut its own Celebrate Soulfully experiences.

Celebrate Soulfully is one of the many ways Disney Parks is reimagining tomorrow—amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories.

Black History Month

MUSIC

Black talent will take center stage with live musical performances, at select locations across both resorts, featuring R&B, gospel, and jazz artists. “Celebrate Gospel”—a Disneyland Resort tradition previously held in Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure Park—will be presented inside Disneyland Park for the first time, and will feature award-winning gospel music stars Kierra Sheard (February 19) and Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music (February 26) for sure-to-be-captivating performances. (Southern California-based community choirs will also be in attendance for both performances.) Meanwhile, catch nightly outdoor concerts throughout February at the Downtown Disney District, and nightly jazz performances at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Over at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs will host live performances featuring Motown favorites, jazz, R&B, and pop music. Plus, performances by the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe and a viewing of Broadway-style show A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are sure to excite guests.

Black History Month

FOOD

Grab an order of shrimp and grits plus other creole cuisine favorites at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District… and feast on new dishes created by Black chefs, inspired by Black stories, at select locations through Walt Disney World Resort. “Cooking with Soul” menu items around the resort will highlight soul food dishes and the immensely talented chefs behind them. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will offer dishes honoring African recipes and historic Black chefs, while the Refreshment Outpost at EPCOT will feature menu items inspired by the flavors of Eastern Africa. Plus, several dining destinations at Disney Springs—including STK, Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and House of Blues—have brunch and happy hour menus available. And satisfy the sweet tooth with treats inspired by Pixar’s Soul and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog at Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery at Disney Springs.

Black History Month

ART

Guests will be immersed in the art and exhibits celebrating the work of Black creatives and visionaries across Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Since its debut last year, The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure exhibit at The American Adventure at EPCOT, which is now traveling to several museums across the country, has displayed the rich history and evolution of jazz music—expanding to include histories from Kansas City and Harlem. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can take home unique crafts created by African artisans at Mombasa Marketplace, and meet the artists too! In advance of the February 23 debut of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney+, Disney Springs and Downtown Disney District will proudly display art inspired by Penny Proud and her iconic family. Meanwhile, emerging Black artists Bee Harris, Bianca Pastel, Arrington Porter, and Cory Van Lew will bring their hit murals inspired by Pixar’s Soul to Downtown Disney District following their unveiling last year at Disney Springs. Other Downtown Disney District festivities include a live chalk-art installation by chalk muralist Marcella Swett.

For more information on Celebrate Soulfully, visit DisneyParksBlog.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Fabulous content is headed your way this week! Kick off February with a viewing of hit comedy That Thing You Do! on Tuesday, followed by four episodes of The Chicken Squad on Wednesday. Don’t miss Thursday’s premiere of the ABC News special Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising, which honors Black actresses throughout history as part of The Walt Disney Company’s celebration of Black History Month. Make Friday a double feature night with viewings of the hit movies Snow Dogs and Never Been Kissed coming to Disney+.

That Thing You Do!—Tuesday, February 1, on Hulu
Follow the rise and fall of the fictional one-hit wonder band, the Oneders, in this live-action comedy written and directed by Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. After their drummer breaks his arm, the band hires jazz drummer Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), who adds a new flavor to their music, securing them a talent show victory. Under the guidance of manager Amos White (Hanks)—who renames the band The Wonders—they soar to the top of the charts with their 1964 Beatles-style hit song, “That Thing You Do!” But will their newfound fame be too much for the band to handle?

The Chicken Squad —Wednesday, February 2, on Disney+
Four episodes from season one of Disney Junior’s animated series are coming to the streaming service! Watch as three young chicken siblings Coop (voiced by Ramone Hamilton), Sweetie (voiced by Gabriella Graves), and Little Boo (voiced by Maxwell Simkins), along with their retired search and rescue dog mentor, Captain Tully (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown), team up on problem-solving adventures to help their many animal friends.

Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising—Thursday, February 3, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
Celebrate the beginning of Black History Month with an all-new ABC News primetime special. Soul of a Nation returns with an exploration of how Black actresses, a historically overlooked and undervalued group in Hollywood, have in recent years begun to ascend the top echelons of entertainment and American culture. The special includes interviews with award-winning actresses Tessa Thompson (above), Halle Berry, Debbie Allen, Jackée Harry, Marla Gibbs, Regina Hall, and entertainment reporters who look back at the first milestones for Black women in Hollywood, discussing the triumphs, the obstacles, and those who blazed the trail.

Snow Dogs—Friday, February 4, on Disney+
Miami dentist Ted Brooks (Cuba Gooding Jr.) receives the surprise of a lifetime when he finds out he is adopted after being named in his biological mother’s will. Ted travels to the wilds of Alaska to claim his inheritance, but he is soon shocked to find out he is now the owner of seven unruly sled dogs! Adjusting to life in the artic isn’t made any easier for Ted, as mountain man Thunder Jack Johnson (James Colburn) attempts to claim the dogs himself. Will Ted give in and return to his life in Miami?

Never Been Kissed—Friday, February 4, on Disney+
Hilarious hijinks ensue after Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore, above), a junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, is assigned to investigate teen culture at her former high school. The fresh-faced 25-year-old poses as a student and manages to infiltrate the popular clique thanks to her brother, Rob (David Arquette). Josie gets her desired second chance at the high school experience after being cruelly nicknamed “Josie Grossie” the first time around. However, her plan is soon complicated when she develops a crush on her English teacher, Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan, above). Will she get her story and her fairytale ending?

Set Sail for Fun with Three Enchanting River Cruise Vacations with Adventures by Disney in 2023

By the D23 Team

Your dreams of vacation are coming true! Adventures by Disney is returning to three enchanting rivers in 2023: The Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine! With 27 action-packed departures that include family, adult-exclusive, and holiday-themed sailings, these itineraries offer firsthand experiences of the people, places, and stories of iconic destinations. Take your experience to another level with the help of specially trained Adventure Guides who provide a seamless and authentic experience that is marked by Disney’s signature service.

Escape is Only a Cruise Away

Your journey begins with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, who Adventures by Disney has partnered with to take you on eight-day, seven-night river cruises that are filled with active, immersive experiences.

Rhine River
Have you ever wanted to jump inside a storybook and explore its gorgeous villages and landscapes? On Rhine River cruises, you can experience quaint, colorful villages in-person in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Plus, take a toboggan ride through the black forest; enjoy high-adrenaline thrills at an indoor winter park; and voyage through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to see up-close views of 30 majestic castles.

Danube River
Set sail into worlds you’ve seen on the big screen when you visit eight unforgettable destinations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary on the Danube River cruise. Not only can you roam medieval ruins and scale treetop rope bridges, but you can also channel your inner Julie Andrews and marvel at the rolling hills made famous in The Sound of Music!

Seine River
Whether you’re a romantic, a supporter of the arts, or just a fan of adventure, you’ll celebrate the magnificence of France with the Seine River cruise! Enjoy visits to picturesque provincial towns, the historic beaches of Normandy, Monet’s House and Gardens, the dramatic cliffs of Etretat, and Paris—the “City of Lights.”

Plus, Adventures by Disney guests can extend their Seine river cruise vacation with a three-day, two-night Paris Escape. From spectacular views of the “City of Lights” to a private walking culinary tour and an immersive visit to the Louvre Museum guided by a local expert, you won’t want to miss this pre-cruise package.

Adventures by Disney

Specialty, Seasonal, and Themed Departures

In 2023, the Adventures by Disney river cruise lineup also includes a variety of specialty sailings that feature themed offerings onboard and onshore, in addition to the excursions and entertainment already built into each itinerary.

Special adult-only vacations include themed Oktoberfest sailings on the Danube River and Food and Wine cruises on the Rhine River, each offering an extra serving of refinement and fun for culinary connoisseurs and “foodies” alike. Also on the Danube and Rhine, families can discover the spirit of the holiday season during festive Christmas Market cruises.

Adventures by Disney river cruise bookings are open now!

If you’re interested in booking a vacation on these 2023 river cruise sailings, you can take advantage of Adventure by Disney’s Early Booking Offer savings of $500 per person. You can also sail into summer with Adventures by Disney’s 2022 River Cruise Offer savings of $500 per person on select river cruises this year! Availability for these offers is limited.

To learn more about Adventures by Disney, or to book a vacation, guests can visit AdventuresByDisney.com; call 1-800-543-0865; or contact a travel agent.

Adventures of Buck Wild Ushers in a New Era for the Ice Age Franchise

By Zach Johnson

The pack is back!

The all-new animated adventure The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, now streaming on Disney+, continues the hilarious escapades of the beloved sub-zero heroes from the globally successful Ice Age franchise. The characters and stories are timeless… making it hard to believe it’s been two decades since the first Ice Age film was released!

The film’s executive producer, Lori Forte, has been with the franchise from the beginning, working on such feature films as Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), as well as a handful of shorts and television specials, including Surviving Sid (2008), Scrat’s Continental Crack-Up (2010), and Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2016)—to name just a few. “I don’t think anyone, especially me, could’ve predicted after we made the first film 20 years ago that there would be another one—let alone several more!” Forte tells D23 in an exclusive interview. “Audiences have really come to love these characters and these stories so much.”

Although the first five films were produced by Blue Sky Studios (which Disney acquired in 2019), Forte feels the characters and stories have always upheld the standards of Disney animation. “Part of the reason people embraced the first film so much is that there were lovable characters,” she says. “It was very funny, it had real heart, and it was about three disparate characters coming together to form a family. The idea that you don’t have to be related by blood to be a family was a very universal theme. As the films continued, we built upon that idea. Families grow and change. People come and go from families. Families expand. With every film, we wanted to incorporate some of those ideas and show milestones in the characters’ lives—how we are changed by them and how we grow by them—so that at the end of each film, they’re not quite the same characters they were when it began, and certainly not the same characters they were when the franchise began.”

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, a Disney+ Original movie, follows the one-eyed, adventure-loving weasel Buck Wild (voiced by Simon Pegg) as he sets off to rescue the thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash and Eddie (voiced by Vincent Tong and Aaron Harris, respectively) who got trapped beneath the ice in a massive cave inhabited by dinosaurs. With the help of some new friends, including a zorilla named Zee (voiced by Justina Machado), they all embark on a mission to save the Lost World from dinosaur domination.

For years, Forte says, she had hoped to tell a story that centered on the character Buck Wild, who was introduced in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. “Our writers created the character, but Simon brought it to life in ways we would have never expected,” she says. “We just fell in love with him and knew that we didn’t want our journey with Buck to end.”

Pegg, too, had been eager to revisit his role—and making Buck the star of the first film in the franchise to debut on Disney+ afforded them the “perfect opportunity” to do just that, says Forte. “Buck is a lovable character. He’s eccentric, he’s joyful, he’s wacky, he’s wild. He’s the guardian of the Lost World of Dinosaurs! How much more excitement do you need?”

In The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, she says, “We’re giving him a chance to experience new things, to have new relationships, to grow and change. Buck has always been a very solitary character; he’s very much a loner. But in Buck Wild, you’ll see a little bit of how Buck adapts and evolves after all these new characters are thrown into his life.”

Forte began her career in feature animation at Disney, where she was the creative executive on two Oscar®-nominated titles, Toy Story (1995) and Runaway Brain (1995), and was also involved with The Lion King (1994) and Pocahontas (1995). Forte then became a producer for Fox Animation Studios, where she developed several feature film ideas and conceived the idea to make a movie about an icy world and its extraordinary inhabitants.

After all these years, Forte says there’s “no end” to the stories she wants to tell in the Ice Age franchise. “Look at all of our characters,” she says. “There’s Sid and his kooky family. There’s Diego, who’s got a rich backstory, too; he’s a wonderful, wonderful character. There’s Ellie. So, if Disney wants us to make more films, we have so many stories yet to tell.”

Get Those Puppies! One Hundred and One Dalmatians

By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives

Eighty-four. Add fifteen, plus two. A hundred and one! Released on January 25, 1961, One Hundred and One Dalmatians is an adaptation of the children’s novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. In writing the screenplay, story artist Bill Peet “decided to start the narrative from the dog’s point of view” and notably, the tale is set in contemporary London—a contrast to preceding Disney films that took place in earlier times or fairytale realms.

The film’s aesthetics reflected the larger turn in animation towards a more modern, graphic style with stylized, angular characters and loosely detailed backgrounds. As historian Charles Solomon writes in his essay about the film in The Walt Disney Film Archives, The Animated Movies: 1921–1968 (Taschen, 2016), this “crisp new style tied animation not only to contemporary fine art, illustration, and cartooning but also to the modern aesthetic of industrial design.” Most famously, One Hundred and One Dalmatians was the first feature film to rely on the Xerox camera throughout the animation process; prior to this production, animators’ drawings were inked directly onto animation cels, a labor- and time-intensive process. To reduce cost and increase production efficiency, the studio’s technology genius, Ub Iwerks, began experimenting with using Xerox photography in animation. By the end of the 1950s, he had successfully created a Xerox system that transferred animators’ pencil drawings directly onto cels, maintaining the energy and lines of their work. For a film that involved 6,469,952 spots on Pongo, Perdita and the 99 puppies, the process was quite helpful for directing animator Eric Larson and the rest of the animation team during the three-year production!

Despite these innovations, Walt Disney was quick to cool on the finished film. As Solomon later highlighted, in Ken Anderson’s words, “Walt never liked the visibility of the lines […] he wanted people to believe that these things were not drawings, that these things were actual people. His whole drive had been in that direction.” However, One Hundred and One Dalmatians was a massive critical and commercial success for the studio and went on to earn over $10 million during its initial release. In light of this beloved, nay, “paw-fect” legacy, please enjoy images from the making of this fabulous film and more from our collections and check out One Hundred and One Dalmatians on Disney+!

Play One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Directing animator Eric Larson with Dalmatian puppies.
At the suggestion of Ub Iwerks, animators built and photographed scale models of Cruella De Vil’s car and the lorry to reference when animating the climactic car chase sequence.
Lisa Davis, voice of Anita Radcliff, reading to one of the production’s furry friends. Davis originally read for the role of Cruella De Vil, but concluded she was better suited to voice the gentle Anita.
Model sheet for the Dalmatian puppies.
Story sketches of Pongo.
Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Story and Song vinyl record; note how the cover art employs a model sketch of Rolly.

Quinjet Lands at Disneyland Paris’ New Avengers Campus—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Calling All Recruits: The Quinjet Has Arrived at Disneyland Paris

Avengers, assemble! In anticipation of Disneyland Paris’ brand-new Avengers Campus opening later this summer, our friends at the resort just welcomed the Avengers’ signature aircraft, the Quinjet… See how they got the aircraft safely to its landing place atop the Campus’ central hub in the video, above.

First imagined as an advanced aircraft transport used by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, there have been several different Quinjet designs throughout Marvel comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, for their Avengers Campus version, the Disneyland Paris team wanted to show a cool, forward-looking aesthetic—but to build a full-size jet, it required additional engineering expertise… which Walt Disney Imagineering found by partnering with British company UK Loco, a longtime collaborator who’d already provided technical input into other amazing Disneyland Paris experiences including Toy Story Playland and Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy.

Just like at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park, Disneyland Paris’ Avengers Campus will give guests the ability to meet and interact with their favorite heroes in incredible, immersive ways. And why not make a whole Marvel-themed vacation out of it this summer by staying at Disneyland Paris’ newly opened Disney’s Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel? Sign us up!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

If you’ve been jonesing for some animation to delight you this very weekend, you’re in luck—there’s plenty to choose from around the worlds of Disney. Not only can you help celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s 63rd anniversary with a viewing on Disney+, but you can also take in a ’90s animated favorites Hercules and A Bug’s Life over on Freeform. And there’s more where that came from…

2022 Special Olympics

Disney to Produce Opening Ceremony for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

Athletes from across the country will converge on the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort when the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games kick off in just a few months’ time… and Disney has just announced that the thousands of competitors, families, and fans in attendance for the games will be treated to incredible entertainment—sprinkled with a little pixie dust, no doubt—with an opening ceremony produced by Disney Live Entertainment!

Special Olympics USA, Experience Kissimmee, and Walt Disney World Resort revealed the news during the recent Special Olympics USA Games’ Head of Delegates meeting at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing relationship with Special Olympics, including additional sponsorship and in-kind support for the USA Games, as well as staging multiple state and local events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. As the presenting sponsor of the Volunteer Program for the ’22 USA Games, Disney will also support the families and fans cheering on the athletes this summer with cast members and community volunteers.

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will be held from June 5-12!

Marvel Day at Sea

Marvel Day at Sea Returning to Disney Cruise Line in 2023

In further Marvel-related news… For fans looking for a truly epic vacation in early 2023, the largest assembly of Marvel heroes and villains will be on one ship when Marvel Day at Sea returns to Disney Cruise Line next year.

Now on the Disney Dream, embarking on spectacular voyages out of Miami, Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of Marvel comics, films, and animated series with the excitement of a Disney Cruise, making for an unforgettable day! This celebration on select five-night Caribbean cruises—beginning January 7, 2023—features encounters with some of your favorite heroes (including Thor!), all manner of action-packed entertainment, and Marvel-themed activities designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Along with visiting destinations in the Western Caribbean including Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, guests will be able to experience all that the Disney Dream has to offer while on a Marvel Day at Sea sailing—Broadway-style shows like Beauty and the Beast, themed dining, and so much more. If you’re ready to book your next epic adventure, or want further info, check out DisneyCruise.com.

A Replacement Oscar for Disney Legend Hayley Mills…

Several decades ago, Disney Legend Hayley Mills realized the special “juvenile” Academy Award® she’d received in 1961 had disappeared. Thankfully, she’s now been reunited with Oscar—and D23 spoke exclusively to the actress about the whole experience! See Mills “get together (yeah yeah yeah)” with her new statuette by clicking here.

Virtual Polka Dot Retreat

Virtual Polka Dot Retreat Celebrates Minnie Mouse and National Polka Dot Day

Get out those dots, friends! National Polka Dot Day, the annual fan holiday honoring Minnie Mouse, is next week—and @MinnieStyle is hosting virtual sessions (think of them as Minnie moments) on Instagram, all inspired by our favorite lifestyle muse.

Kicking off on Monday, January 31, and polka dotting through Friday, February 4, the event will showcase what it means to be “Positively Minnie” through fun, uplifting programming that’s sure to inspire! Each day, talented influencer guests known as Minnie Muses will co-host a series of 10- to 15-minute sessions on a variety of topics such as careers, friendship, and body positivity; audiences around the world can tune in to @MinnieStyle on IG starting at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT to join the conversation live. Daily replays will also be available on @MinnieStyle following each session.

The sessions include:

  • January 31: Aysha Harun (Focusing on Empowering Your Life)
  • February 1: Rae Hersey (Focusing on Styling)
  • February 2: Marisas Meizz (Focusing on Forging Good Friendships)
  • February 3: Loria Stern (Focusing on Turning a Passion into a Business)
  • February 4: Kellie Brown (Focusing on the Journey to Self-Love)

And make sure to keep those eyes peeled on @MinnieStyle for announcements on additional special guests!

ICYMI: Disneyland Paris Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Celebrations March 6

Thrilling new experiences? Check. Incredible new food? But of course. A sure-to-be-insanely-memorable new drone show above the newly refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle? Naturally! All that and much, much more is coming to Disneyland Paris beginning this spring when the resort celebrates its 30th anniversary. Read all about what guests can expect right here at D23.com.

Pooh’s Hunny Pots de Crème Recipe

These Hunny Pots de Crème—inspired by our friend, Winnie the Pooh—are the perfect sweet treat to share with your honey!

Ingredients

For Custard:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbs butter
  • 1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
  • A pinch of salt

For Topping:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate candy melts

Special Equipment:

  • 4 oven-safe ramekins or glass jars
  • Baking dish
  • Kettle
  • Bubble wrap
  • Fine-mesh sieve

Directions

Step 1: Make the Custard

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Heat a kettle of water until boiling.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, honey, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until honey is fully dissolved. Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds, then add both the seeds and pod to the cream mixture. (If using vanilla extract instead, add now.) Once the mixture begins to steam, turn off the heat and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, quickly whisk the eggs yolks until lightened (about 30 seconds). Ladle the cream mixture into the eggs slowly, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs. Once all of the cream is incorporated, the mixture should be smooth and warm to the touch. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove remaining pieces of the vanilla bean.
  4. Place a wet paper towel or cloth in the bottom of the baking dish and arrange the 4 ramekins on top; the towel will prevent the ramekins from sliding around. Fill each ramekin equally with the custard. Place the baking dish in the oven, then carefully pour the hot water into the dish, being careful not to splash into the ramekins.
  5. Bake for 30-50 minutes, depending on the size of your ramekins. When the custard is ready, the sides should be set, but the center should be jiggly. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow ramekins to cool on a drying rack.
  6. Once the pots are room temperature, chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, add sugar and heat on medium-low. Stir occasionally, and do not leave unattended. Sugar should first begin to clump, then melt.
  2. Once the sugar is mostly melted, add honey. Continuing stirring until sugar has fully melted and the honey is fully combined. The mixture should be a light golden-brown color.
  3. Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until combined, then add heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
  4. Cool until room temperature, then set aside in the fridge until ready to assemble.

Step 3: Make the Topping

  1. Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 10-second intervals and stirring until fully melted.
  2. Lay out the piece of bubble wrap with the bumpy side facing up. Spread the melted chocolate on top, creating a thick, even layer.
  3. Place in the fridge to harden. Once set, slowly peel the bubble wrap off, revealing a honeycomb-shaped piece of chocolate. Using your hands, break the chocolate into four smaller pieces.

Step 4: Assemble

  1. Top each custard with a spoonful of caramel sauce. If sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, heat in microwave for 30-second intervals and stir until it reaches a thinner consistency.
  2. Print our Hunny Label Design and cut out each label. Wrap a label around each ramekin and tape in the back to secure it.
  3. Top each custard with a piece of chocolate honeycomb. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

5 Things to Know About The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild

By Andie Hagemann

Adventure-loving weasel Buck Wild (voiced by Simon Pegg) is back, along with your favorite Ice Age pals, for more hilarious escapades in The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. In this new animated film, thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash (voiced by Vincent Tong) and Eddie (voiced by Aaron Harris) set out on a journey to assert their independence and find a place of their own. However, trouble ensues when they find themselves trapped in a massive cave inhabited by dinosaurs, including a revengeful Orson (voiced by Utkarsh Ambudkar). Can the band of unlikely pals save the Lost World from dinosaur domination?

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild premieres Friday, January 28, exclusively on Disney+. Before you stream the film, read on for five things you need to know—straight from the cast and crew!

1. Buck Takes Center Stage
Beloved Ice Age character Buck Wild makes his triumphant return as viewers are transported to the Lost World—and in this adventure, viewers get a glimpse at Buck’s backstory. The one-eyed weasel, who made memorable appearances in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), earned his spinoff thanks to his zany personality. “He’s clever, he’s an adventurer, he’s a swashbuckler, he’s a protector, and he’s guardian of the Lost World,” says executive producer Lori Forte. “It’s such a great, great character to have. We love to go on adventures with him because he’s just not afraid of anything.”

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild

2. A Bold New Character Joins the Crew
Justina Machado voices Zee, a zorilla often mistaken for a skunk thanks to her killer scent—which has become her superpower. As Buck’s counterpart, Zee is graceful, independent, courageous, and not fazed one bit by Orson and the raptors. Machado was excited to be part of the Ice Age family and to be afforded the opportunity to voice a strong female character like Zee. “She’s just a lot of fun, and it was so much fun going into the studio and working on her,” says Machado. “She’s very funny, and as you can see, all the characters that she’s surrounded by are so great. No one is funnier than the other, so it just was great fun to be a part of this.” Not only did Machado voice Zee, but she also served as inspiration for Zee’s spirit. “We started taking traits from her, like her strength and her personality and her in-your-face kind of thing, and it wove into the character itself,” says Forte. “Zee was very much part of who Justina is.”

3. Family Is Forever
As with the other installments of the Ice Age films, the dynamics between family and friends—both what keeps them apart and what brings them together—is at the heart of The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. “We loved the idea that once you’re in a herd, which is our family, it’s a herd,” says director John C. Donkin. “They’re equivalent. Once you’re in a herd and you have that connection, it’s OK if there’s some physical separation between you, because there’s always going to be shared love and support.” The creators felt it was important to incorporate these elements, especially with so many across the globe separated from their families and chosen families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild

4. A G.O.A.T. Inspired Zee’s Movement
When animating Zee, Donkin and the crew were inspired by superstar Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and her graceful and powerful movements. Says Donkin, “We looked at gymnastics, and she’s very physically able. There’s this great moment in the third act where Buck sees Zee go off and handle [Orson].” Machado says it was thrilling to see her character come to life and do spectacular stunts as Zee saves the day.

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild

5. Buck’s Independence Is Challenged
Buck is considered a loner—after all, his many inanimate friends include rocks and tree stumps. In this film, he shakes up his solitary life to help the possums, which requires him to ask for help. Pegg says Buck learning how to be vulnerable and connect with others is an important lesson for the young and young at heart. “He’s so used to doing everything by himself that the idea of relying on his friends, or trusting someone to do something else, is a little bit uncomfortable for him,” says Pegg. “In this movie, he learns that it’s not only OK to ask for help, it’s also OK to ask for help as a guy from your female friends, and to trust in them to take over.”