Introducing Storyliving by Disney, a Residential Community Infused with Extra Magic

By the D23 Team

As Disney fans, we all want to spend as much time in the worlds of Disney as possible—and soon, there will be a whole new way to live a life full of Disney magic. The Walt Disney Company announced today plans to introduce Storyliving by Disney, vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with the company’s special brand of magic. These master-planned communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests, and write the next exciting chapter in their lives—all while enjoying the attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.

“For nearly 100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing new and exciting ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding storytelling to storyliving. We can’t wait to welcome residents to these beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”

Disney Cast Members have brightened our days at countless Disney Parks adventures, and that special brand of magic will extend to Storyliving by Disney. At each location, including neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Disney Cast Members trained in the company’s legendary guest service will operate the community association. Through a club membership, Disney will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming, entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes, philanthropic endeavors, seminars, and much more.


Member clubhouse interior of Cotino™ a Storyliving by Disney™ community

Naturally, all this Disney magic is being created with Disney Imagineers in a key role of creative development, working in conjunction with respected developers and homebuilders. “Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” said Michael Hundgen, executive producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Distinctively designed indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents new opportunities to explore, engage, and create the next incredible chapter of their story.”

Announcing Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community

If you’re already packing your bags for a Storyliving by Disney community, make sure to circle California on your map! The first Storyliving by Disney community will be built in Rancho Mirage, in California’s Coachella Valley—a location where Walt Disney himself owned a home and would spend leisure time with his family. Additional locations in the U.S. are under exploration for future development.


Recreational area of Cotino™ a Storyliving by Disney™ community

Where better to plant the first stake in the ground for a Storyliving by Disney community than an area that once felt the footsteps of Walt Disney himself? Walt and Lillian Disney escaped to the heart of the Greater Palm Springs area to enjoy a rejuvenating retreat—and soon Disney fans can enjoy the same experience at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community. Architecture and amenities of this Storyliving by Disney community will reflect the history and present-day inspiration of the rich valley culture.

Cotino is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development, which is highly regarded for its development of large-scale planned communities in the U.S. According to Brent Herrington, the company’s CEO, “Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development. We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”

Cotino will welcome homeowners of all ages and will include at least one section expressly for 55+ residents. Home buyers will have a range of home types to choose from, including estates, single family homes, and condominiums.

An aerial view of Cotino™, the first Storyliving by Disney™ community

Per the Specific Plan approval for the development, the community is expected to surround an approximately 24-acre grand oasis featuring clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology, enabling crystalline lagoons of any size to be built sustainably, with low water consumption and using a minimum amount of additives and energy. A voluntary club membership will offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment, and activities throughout the year.​

Town Center of Cotino™ a Storyliving by Disney™ community

Cotino also has Specific Plan approval for a vibrant mixed-use district featuring a range of shopping, dining and entertainment, a beachfront hotel, and a professionally managed beach park with recreational water activities that can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.  

To receive news and updates or to access additional information, visit www.storylivingbydisney.com. Get even more exciting details when you tune in tomorrow to the D23 Inside Disney podcast for an interview with one of the Imagineers behind Storyliving by Disney.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify

Which Encanto Character Are You? Take Our Quiz to Find Out!

Disney’s latest animated feature Encanto has created quite a buzz around the world… The movie has even been nominated for three Academy Awards®, including Best Animated Feature Film! Fans cannot stop watching and listening to its powerful story and dance-worthy songs, including the viral TikTok track “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”

If you’re as obsessed with Encanto as we are, take our quiz to find out which resilient character you’re most like!

What song from Encanto is your favorite?

You are heading out on vacation. Where are you going?

Pick a Disney pal to join you:

What does your dream home look like?

What’s your favorite land within Disneyland?

Which Encanto Character Are You?
Abuela Alma

Encanto - Abuela

Just like Abuela, you find yourself as the backbone in all of your relationships. You might be a little scared of change—but it’s only because you have worked hard to establish your place in the world. Don’t be afraid to let loose a little and have some fun!
Mirabel

If you got Mirabel, you most likely are a middle child... You can sometimes feel forgotten about amid your colorful family, but don’t let that dim your sparkle! You are compassionate, caring, and work hard to make everyone feel included.
Isabela

Encanto - Isabela

Isabela is more than meets the eye. Just like you, she longs for adventure and more responsibility—but often feels that she can only do what is “expected” of her. You both are happy, loyal, and love to smell the roses along the way! And don’t be afraid to break out of your shell...
Luisa

Encanto - Luisa

You must be the oldest child, just like Luisa! You’re both strong and resilient and know what you want out of life—and your tough exterior is nothing compared to your warm and witty personality that keeps everyone laughing.
Bruno

Like Bruno, you may feel like the black sheep of your family—but that is what makes you special! Your talents make you both especially gifted and unique. The world would be lost without your hilarious personality and humble nature.

Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes to Host The Oscars® on ABC

By the D23 Team,

Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes will host the 94th Oscars®, show producer Will Packer announced today. This will be the first time hosting the ceremony for each of them. The Oscars will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“This year’s show is all about uniting movie lovers. It’s apropos that we’ve lined up three of the most dynamic, hilarious women with very different comedic styles,” said Packer. “I know the fun Regina, Amy and Wanda will be having will translate to our audience as well. Expect the unexpected!”

Added Hall, Schumer, and Sykes, “We want people to get ready to have a good time. It’s been a while.”

“We’re invigorated by Will’s vision for this year’s Oscars: celebrating movie lovers alongside moviemakers and spotlighting fan favorites that prove how cinema can unite us all,” said Academy president David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “Hosting this star-studded party are three powerful, funny women inviting us to laugh and cheer for the year’s best and brightest in film.”

Said Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “Imagine having one of the funniest women in comedy today hosting the Oscars… Now, multiply that by three. Regina, Amy, and Wanda are comedy powerhouses who will make history as the first female trio to host the biggest night in entertainment, and we’re thrilled to have them at the helm to deliver an incredible show full of unforgettable moments and laughter.”

Last week, films across The Walt Disney Company combined to receive 23 Academy Award® nominations.

 

 

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

Love is in the air this week! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your special someone or Pal-entine’s Day with your besties, there’s fantastic content coming your way. On Monday, whip up some spaghetti and watch the romantic animated classic Lady and the Tramp; that same day, the latest episode of The Bachelor’s Clayton making tough decisions as he and the ladies travel to Croatia. Keep the fairytale alive by watching Cinderella on its 72nd anniversary on Tuesday, followed by the newest episode of How I Met Your Father. Plus, Assembled: The Making of Eternals debuts Wednesday, providing a behind-the-scenes look at Marvel Studios’ filmmaking magic.

Lady and the Tramp—Monday, February 14, on Disney+
Have yourself a “Bella Notte” on Valentine’s Day by watching this heartwarming love story… Lady (voice of Barbara Luddy) is a pampered cocker spaniel living uptown with her owners Jim Dear (voice of Lee Millar) and Darling (voice of Peggy Lee) when she meets Tramp (voice of Larry Roberts), a free-spirited mutt. Lady’s comfortable life dramatically changes when her owners go on vacation, leaving dog-hating Aunt Sarah in charge to care for their new baby and the home. Aunt Sarah’s mischief-making cats quickly have Lady dodging life in a muzzle and seeking help from new pal Tramp. The two dogs embark on a grand adventure… and eventually fall in love.

The Bachelor—Monday, February 14, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
This week’s episode proves finding “the one” can be extremely complicated. As Clayton continues his dramatic two-on-one date with Genevieve and Shanae at Niagara Falls, will he be able to see the truth—or fall for another performance? Then, Clayton and the women continue their romantic journey by traveling to Hvar, Croatia, where one woman reveals a jaw-dropping secret. Later, the ladies battle it out gladiator-style for a chance at a rose, but drama ensues when a one-on-one date is handed out to someone who’s already had one. Plus, someone has Clayton doubting if the women are ready for marriage and long-term commitment.

Cinderella—Tuesday, February 15, on Disney+
Add a little “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” to your week and celebrate the 72nd anniversary of this animated classic! Hardworking Cinderella’s (voice of Ilene Woods) dream of attending the Royal Ball comes true with the help of her animal friends Jaq and Gus (both voice of James MacDonald) and her Fairy Godmother (voice of Verna Felton). At the ball, the Prince (voice of Mike Douglas) instantly becomes smitten with Cinderella; after she rushes off at the stroke of midnight, only leaving her glass slipper behind, he sets out on a kingdom-wide mission to find the shoe’s mysterious owner.

How I Met Your Father—Tuesday, February 15, on Hulu
Sophie’s (Hilary Duff) budding relationship with Drew (Josh Peck) is soon complicated when she begins to feel haunted by his ex. Meanwhile, Sid (Suraj Sharma) and Hannah (Ashley Reyes) revisit an old argument inciting new drama. Plus, Charlie (Tom Ainsley) and Ellen (Tien Tran) host the gang for a dinner party in their new apartment—but will it go as planned?

Assembled: The Makings of Eternals—Wednesday, February 16, on Disney+
Lights, camera, action! Learn how Marvel Studios created the film Eternals in this behind-the-scenes feature debuting on the streamer. This immersive episode includes on-set footage; conversations with the star-studded ensemble cast and filmmakers; and so much more, in an in-depth examination of Marvel Cinematic Universe storytelling. Eternals is directed by Chloé Zhao and stars Gemma Chan (Sersi), Richard Madden (Ikaris), Kumail Nanjiani (Kingo), Lia McHugh (Sprite), Brian Tyree Henry (Phastos), Lauren Ridloff (Makkari), Barry Keoghan (Druig), and Don Lee (Gilgamesh)—with Kit Harington (Dane Whitman), Salma Hayek (Ajak), and Angelina Jolie (Thena).

Disney’s Big Game Trailers Reveal Doctor Strange, Moon Knight… and GOATs!

By Zach Johnson

As far as we’re concerned, the MVPs of Sunday’s Big Game were Doctor Strange, Moon Knight... and GOATS. Not only did Marvel Studios debut fresh looks at two of its most anticipated projects of the year, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Moon Knight, but actress Awkwafina helped Disney+ introduce Disney fans to the literal GOATS. If you missed the game—or if you just want to take another look—we’ve got you covered!

The brand-new trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness took millions of viewers on a mind-blowing whirlwind through the Multiverse. In the film, releasing in theaters on May 6, 2022, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) journeys into the unknown with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traversing the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, and Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg and Rachel McAdams. Kevin Feige is the producer, and Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, and Jamie Christopher are the executive producers. Michael Waldron, who served as head writer for the Disney+ Original series Loki, wrote the film’s screenplay.

Watch WandaVision on Disney+

In addition, the action-packed Moon Knight TV spot offered a thrilling look at the next original series from Marvel Studios exclusively for Disney+. The streamer also shared a poster for the series, which brings a Marvel Super Hero to the screen for the first time.

The story of Moon Knight follows Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac), a mild-mannered gift-shop employee who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc’s enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities—all while being thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt.

Moon Knight

Moon Knight also stars Ethan Hawke and May Calamawy. Feige, D’Esposito, Alonso, Grant Curtis, Brad Winderbaum, Isaac, Mohamed Diab, and Jeremy Slater are the executive producers, and Trevor Waterson and Rebecca Kirsch are the co-executive producers. Slater is the head writer. Moon Knight will premiere on March 30, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.

Last but certainly not least, Disney+ debuted a new spot during Sunday’s Big Game in which Awkwafina, star of Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings and voice of Sisu in Raya and The Last Dragon, shared that the streamer has the greatest movies and shows of all time—the literal GOATs. The promo took fans through the Disney+ offices, which are revealed to be the home of the GOATs from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. More than 30 goats can be seen in the promo, representing many fan-favorite characters including Captain America, Chewbacca, Cruella, Woody, and Homer Simpson.

Fans will discover a special surprise when they tweet about their favorite Disney+ GOATs using one of the following hashtags: #DisneyPlusGOATs, #DisneyGOATs, #PixarGOATs, #MarvelGOATs, #StarWarsGOATs, #NatGeoGOATs, and/or #TheSimpsonsGOATs.

The GOATs are ready for their close-up! Take a look at the new character posters:

Send a Disney Pal-entine to Your BFF

By the D23 Team

Want to tell someone special you care, but can’t find the words? As part of our Pal-entine’s celebration, we’ve created these e-cards that can say the words for you! Download the cards below and start tweeting, messaging, tagging… or however else you prefer to communicate with your pals. If you’re feeling especially fanciful about your friendship, you can even print the card out and mail it to your bestie!

Beyond Infinity with New Lightyear Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear: New Trailer Launched!

It’s the definitive origin story of a beloved Toy Story favorite—and it’s coming to theaters this summer! Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear follows the legendary Space Ranger—the hero that inspired the toy—on a thrilling intergalactic adventure. Check out the trailer (for the first or 81st time), above.

“Buzz’s world was always something I was excited about,” director Angus MacLane recently said. “In Toy Story, there seemed to be this incredible backstory to him being a Space Ranger that’s only touched upon, and I always wanted to explore that world further. So, my Lightyear pitch was, ‘What was the movie that Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy?’ I wanted to see that movie. And now I’m lucky enough to get to make it.”

Joining the previously announced Chris Evans, who lends his voice to Buzz, are Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, and Taika Waititi as a group of ambitious recruits; Peter Sohn as Buzz’s robot companion, Sox; and the voices of Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. Plus, Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino—who has a storied history with Pixar—is on board to score the film.

Lightyear is set to release on June 17!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

As per usual, there’s all manner of fun and frolic to be had on your TV or streaming device of choice this very weekend from around the world of Disney. Prepare to “feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme!” with an unlikely Winter Olympics bobsled team in Disney’s Cool Runnings on Disney+; check out the Season 3 premiere of Big City Greens on Disney Channel; and so much more.

Season 5 of Raven’s Home Premieres March 11

Raven’s home—literally!

Season five of Disney Channel’s hit series Raven’s Home, a spinoff of the iconic That’s So Raven, follows Raven Baxter (Raven-Symoné) and her son, Booker (Issac Ryan Brown), as they move back to San Francisco to help take care of her dad, Victor (returning That’s So Raven costar Rondell Sheridan) after a mild heart attack. Now Raven finds herself parenting her parent; raising her young cousin, Alice (Mykal-Michelle Harris); and settling into life back in her hometown.

Meanwhile, Booker is “the new kid” at Raven’s old high school—whose principal now happens to be Raven’s former nemesis Alana (Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, reprising her role from the original series)—and must keep his visions a secret from a new group of friends.

Also joining the cast this season are Felix Avitia as Neil, Victor’s neighbor and Booker’s high school classmate; Emmy Liu-Wang as Ivy, a young neighbor who babysits Alice; and Marissa Reyes as Cami, a popular and ambitious girl with a rebellious streak.

Look for season five of Raven’s Home to debut on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW on Friday, March 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Previous seasons of the series are currently available on Disney Channel, DisneyNOW, and Disney+… and fans can also catch all four seasons of That’s So Raven on the streaming service.

The Walt Disney Company Earns 23 Oscar Nominations

Nominations for the 94th Oscars were announced earlier this week—and films from across The Walt Disney Company combined to earn 23 Academy Award® nominations… a number we happen to think is quite fortuitous! For a full rundown of nominees, click here—and stay tuned for more Oscars-related content in the coming weeks!

Questlove’s Summer of Soul Coming to ABC February 20

Speaking of the Oscars: Our pals at ABC just announced that Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s acclaimed documentary, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)—which was nominated for Best Documentary Feature—will have its world broadcast premiere on ABC on Sunday, February 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Questlove, a friend of D23, made his filmmaking debut with this 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 summer 1969, just 100 miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was largely forgotten… until now.

The film secured Disney’s Onyx Collective’s very first Academy Award nomination, in partnership with Searchlight Pictures and Hulu. And for those who can’t wait ‘til the 20th, it’s also currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Hulu Announces Upcoming Futurama Revival

Attention, irreverent animation fans: a favorite series will soon be back! Earlier this week, 20th Television Animation and Hulu announced the return of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen’s hilariously subversive animated sci-fi comedy, Futurama. The series, which goes into production this month, will feature 20 new episodes with a 2023 premiere. The show’s returning voice cast includes Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman.

“I’m thrilled to have another chance to think about the future… or really anything other than the present,” joked Cohen. Added Groening, “It’s a true honor to announce the triumphant return of Futurama one more time before we get canceled abruptly again.”

Futurama focuses on the life of Philip Fry (voice of West)—a 25-year-old pizza delivery boy who accidentally froze himself on December 31, 1999, and woke up 1,000 years later with a fresh start at life and a “diverse” new group of friends, including Leela (voice of Sagal), a tough but lovely one-eyed alien, and Bender, a robot who possesses human characteristics and flaws. The series originally debuted in ’99, and over its seven seasons spanning two decades, 140 original episodes were produced—with the then-final episode airing on September 4, 2013.

Keep your eye(s) peeled for more info in the coming months.

Disney+ Debuts New Trailer for Cheaper By the Dozen 

Get ready for some warm-hearted mayhem! The Disney+ Original movie Cheaper by the Dozen, starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff, will premiere exclusively on the streamer on Friday, March 18. See the dozen in action, above.

A fresh take on the 2003 hit family comedy with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, Cheaper by the Dozen is a joy-filled story of the raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business. Along with Union and Braff, the film stars Erika Christensen, Timon Kyle Durrett, Journee Brown, Kylie Rogers, Andre Robinson, Caylee Blosenski, Aryan Simhadri, Leo Abelo Perry, Mykal-Michelle Harris (soon to be seen in the aforementioned Raven’s Home), Christian Cote, Sebastian Cote, and Luke Prael.

Cheaper by the Dozen is directed by Gail Lerner with a screenplay by Kenya Barris and Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, based upon the novel by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.

ICYMI: Castings Announced for National Treasure and More

There are so many cool new series coming soon to Disney+ and Disney Channels—and Disney Branded Television announced some amazing casting news about ‘em earlier this week. Read D23’s rundown on Catherine Zeta-Jones searching for National Treasure; Michelle Yeoh joining the international cast of American Born Chinese; and more!

Watch an Exclusive Clip from Big City Greens’ Season 3 Premiere

By Zach Johnson

You’re not alone in counting down the days until the season three premiere of Big City Greens! To tide everyone over before the hit comedy series returns on Saturday, February 12, at 9 a.m. ET/PT, we’ve “harvested” an exclusive clip from our friends at Disney Channel.

In the sneak peek, Bill (voiced by Bob Joles) is determined to make the blackberry harvest as fun as possible, despite the early wakeup call. Will Cricket (voiced by Chris Houghton), Tilly (voiced by Marieve Herington), and Gramma Alice (voiced by Artemis Pebdani) embrace his “live, laugh, love” philosophy? Find out when the episode, “Papaganda/Boss Life,” airs this weekend! This season will bring a big change for the optimistic mischief-maker Cricket, while Tilly will participate in a rite of passage event that is inimitably Green.

Last month, Disney Channel announced it had ordered a fourth season of Big City Greens, bringing the Daytime Emmy®-winning series to more than 100 episodes in total. It also announced brothers Chris and Shane Houghton, the series’ creators and executive producers, are developing a Big City Greens movie musical for Disney Channel and Disney+.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Andie Hagemann

Adventure is out there… on your television (or favorite streaming device) this weekend! Go for the gold on Friday by watching the fan-favorite movie Cool Runnings; that same day, see the National Geographic documentary Russia’s Wild Tiger, which explores the stunning big cat’s fight for survival. The highly anticipated third season of Big City Greens is here, and Saturday’s premiere episode has two hilarious stories that won’t disappoint. Then, grab your valentine and watch the romantic comedy The Proposal airing Saturday night. And prior to (or in lieu of) Sunday’s gridiron action, catch the high-flying animated adventure Up.

Cool Runnings—Friday, February 11, on Disney+
As world-class athletes compete in the 2022 Winter Games, keep the Olympic fever alive with a viewing of this hit comedy loosely based on the true story of an unlikely troupe of competitors. Jamaican sprinter Derice Bannock’s (Leon Robinson) gold-medal dreams are dashed after a costly stumble disqualifies him from the 1988 Summer Olympics… but he isn’t giving up just yet. Derice sets his sights on the Winter Olympics with a completely different sport: bobsledding. After teaming up with his best friend and two fellow disqualified sprinters, the four-man team enlists the help of disgraced American bobsledder Irving Blitzer (John Candy) as they chase redemption.

Russia’s Wild Tiger—Friday, February 11, on Disney+
It’s Year of the Tiger, and this fascinating documentary from National Geographic centers on the iconic big cats as the species attempts to combat extinction. Follow the life of a young tiger, who was born in a conservation area, as he leaves his mother and searches for a territory in Russia’s Far East. However, his journey is soon met with conflict when he strays into human settlements. Viewers will be transported to the places where the fate of Siberian tiger will be decided: vast forests, remote villages, and cities at the edge of the wilderness.

Big City Greens—Saturday, February 12, at 9 a.m. ET, on Disney Channel
The third season of the animated hit is finally here, and big changes are in store for the Greens.  The season premiere has hard-working father Bill (voiced by Bob Joles) embracing a “Live, Laugh, Love” mindset, but will the family follow his lead? Then, Gloria (voiced by Anna Akana) struggles to maintain her café’s perfect rating—and not “girl boss” too close to the sun.

The Proposal—Saturday, February 12, at 3:45 p.m. ET, on Freeform
Facing deportation to her native Canada, successful book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) says she’s engaged to her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) to throw off immigration authorities. Hilarious hijinks ensues when Andrew agrees to the sham engagement, but on his terms—like flying to Alaska to meet his family, including eccentric grandma Annie (Disney Legend Betty White). Can Margaret and Andrew pull off the ruse without a hitch?

Up—Sunday, February 13, at 4 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
With his longtime home threatened by skyscrapers and gentrification, retired balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner) embarks on one last chance at adventure. But Carl isn’t hopping on a flight or cruise ship; instead, he opts to tie thousands of balloons to his house and float to his dream locale, Paradise Falls. However, his trip takes as unexpected turn as he discovers that 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai) is on his front porch… high in the sky! The unlikely duo set sail on adventure and meet new friends along the way in this heartwarming animated classic from Disney and Pixar.

Go Inside Death on the Nile with Kenneth Branagh

By Courtney Potter

Passion and jealousy. Mystery and murder. And enough twists and turns to keep you guessing ’til the very end! Based on Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel, 20th Century Studios’ Death on the Nile follows renowned Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) as his Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer after a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Branagh—the eight-time Academy Award® nominee who also directs—first brought his take on Poirot, and on Christie’s work, to audiences in 2017’s worldwide hit Murder on the Orient Express; this time, Branagh’s film tells a sweeping tale of love and betrayal set against Giza’s fabled pyramids.

Recently, D23 was lucky enough to sit down with Branagh for a colorful, engaging chat about bringing Death on the Nile to life…

D23: What is it about the character of Hercule Poirot—and Agatha Christie as an author and storyteller—that made you want to return to that world and direct this film?
Kenneth Branagh (KB): Well, [Christie] remains deceptively simple. I think it’s such a gift for writers to have the directness that she does. And yet always, always, she surprises you… In this case, Death on the Nile is a very personal-feeling story, it seems to me. Certainly as suggested by her grandson, Mathew Prichard, who grew up with her and was an advisor [on the film], along with James Prichard, her great-grandson [and CEO of] Agatha Christie Limited—they both felt that she, as she indicates in the introduction, really felt the humanity of this story; an understanding of what happens when people are driven by love, sometimes beautifully and giddily, but sometimes dangerously. So she takes that very familiar, recognizable human issue, gift, whatever you might call—love—and she reinvents it…

Death on the Nile

As for Poirot, there’s this character trait [seen in Murder on the Orient Express] that somehow suggests that he has given up on love. He’s instead devoted himself to his gift for detection and somehow denying himself that human quality—because it doesn’t go with being the objective seeker of truth. Well, this story, in its DNA, demands that all the characters reveal their feelings, attitudes, disposition towards love—including, and perhaps especially, Hercule Poirot. So to see him, across the story of the movie, unravel a little and [be] put back together perhaps in a slightly different way, was a real reason to revisit.

D23: Do you have any standout memories from the making of the film?
KB: I think that it was fantastic to have eight leading female characters. That was just great, to feel the power in the story of that. And with the men too, they all seemed to plug in—through costumes and things—to a kind of innate glamour… I certainly felt that—a sense of real transportation into a different time. We shot the film, relatively, in story order. For instance, we [go] to a nightclub in the 1930s, where all of this sort of glamour could be expressed in clothes and in dancing. And it was very much an atmosphere; the texture in the look, the lights, the materials being used in the clothes, the music of Sister Rosetta Tharpe—an amazing blues and gospel singer whose music infuses this story… Of all the films I’ve done, this felt like the one that was immediately, immersively transportive.

D23: To that end, we’d love to know—how did you manage to bring 1930s Egypt to life?
KB: We went all over the world to try and work out how we might best produce a sense of Egypt in 1937. Of course, that included going to all the real places, including the temples at Abu Simbel, which is a wonder of the ancient world. So we went, but we made other decisions. Some of our Egyptian work is in the movie… but in order not to rob visitors who were actually visiting the site of the chance to enjoy the temple in the way that they should be allowed to, and to give us maximum possibility for taking the time to get everything right, we came back and we built Abu Simbel just outside London. We built it at full-size! In fact, my brother rang me one evening from his mobile phone; he was on the freeway near our studios. He said, “What the bloody hell’s going on? I think I’ve just seen… Did I just see the temple of Abu Simbel just above the M25?!” I said, “That’s right! When you see it in the movie, it’ll look like it’s really in Egypt!”

Death on the Nile

D23: You’ve directed several other films in and around the worlds of Disney—2011’s Thor, 2015’s Cinderella, 2020’s Artemis Fowl… how do you feel Death on the Nile fits into that particular creative thread for you?
KB: Well, the Disney pictures are all on a fairly massive scale—I would say that. And one of the amazing and privileged positions you enjoy in being at Disney is that they look to try and realize things at their best. If scale is required, then they’re unafraid of taking that on… If you want to really ignite people’s imaginations, you’re going to have to do it on a scale that demands the kind of resources that Disney is almost unique in being able to provide. Not just the resources for making the film, but then the resources to take the film to the world.

In my Disney pictures, I think you’d say that we live in a world of the “big image,” [which is] part of the experience of enjoying movies. They’re definitely invitations to other worlds—including the other worlds of Poirot’s travels, and burrowing [into] Poirot’s imagination… The Disney way is to try and unleash the imagination of the filmmaker and of the viewer. So I’ve been very happy to seize that invitation.

D23: What do you hope audiences take away from this adaptation of Death on the Nile?
KB: I hope [they enjoy] a satisfying, volatile mystery. We changed some of the plot points from the original novel—with the blessing of the Agatha Christie Limited group. So we will surprise you. I promise we will surprise you, if you’ve read the novel or if you’ve seen other adaptations. This will be different, that’s for sure… And I also hope that the emotional dimension of Agatha Christie’s story is something that plays out with psychological realism. I think that’s a treat that we have, because of the ensemble of actors. They play the humanity of the piece with great passion and great drive. And if you’ve ever been in love, you’ll get caught up in this. So I wish the audience that kind of visceral experience for the heart. And I hope that their head gets wonderfully engaged in the puzzle.

Death on the Nile

D23: Anything else you’d like D23 to know about the film?
KB: I think the expansiveness of Disney movies, you’ll find with Death on the Nile. I think that invitation to truly experience the story is going to be here, in the film… These pictures, I think by good fortune, found a pretty extraordinary home in the Disney family. And I’m hoping that those central members of the Disney family, the D23 family, will find that the appearance of these Poirot films in this world is natural—and exciting!

See 20th Century Studios’ Death on the Nile in U.S. theaters beginning Friday, February 11.