What to Stream on Disney+ and Hulu to Celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month

September 15, 2021

In honor of Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), Disney+ and Hulu are highlighting the talent, creators, and stories of the diverse Hispanic Latinx community. Stream feature films, short films, and documentaries from Disney and Pixar, Disney Channel, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and more on Disney+. In addition to its content offerings, Hulu is amplifying voices that defy labels and shape culture through its Acentos Bienvenidos campaign.

Coco (Disney+)
Disney and Pixar’s Coco tells a story rich with universal themes surrounding family and following your dreams. In the Oscar^®-winning film, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). He finds himself in the stunning Land of the Dead and meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal). They set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Diary of a Future President (Disney+)
This Disney+ series is the origin story of Cuban American and future president of the United States Elena Cañero-Reed (Tess Romero) and follows her through the ups and downs of middle school. The coming-of-age story is told using narration of excerpts from Elena’s diary.

Elena of Avalor (Disney+)
In this series inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore, Princess Elena (voice of Aimee Carrero) faces tests of courage and character. Elena is a brave and adventurous teenager who saves her kingdom and is learning to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen.

Lost Temple of the Inca (Disney+)
Follow environmental scientist Preston Sowell, who makes a mysterious discovery at an alpine lake near Mt. Ausangate that he believes is the lost temple. This National Geographic film follows Sowell’s journey of discovery, loss, and adventure as he seeks the truth about this sacred place in Peru.

The Lost City of Machu Picchu (Disney+)
Watch this National Geographic documentary filmed high in the Peruvian Andes where the ancient city of Machu Picchu lies. The lost city of doorways and passages hints at the ghosts of its past. Who built the city and why? The film takes you below the surface where mummy kings wait to share their stories.

The Owl House (Disney+)
In The Owl House series, Luz (voice of Sarah-Nicole Robles) is a self-assured human girl who accidentally stumbles upon a portal to a magical new world where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda (voice of Wendie Malick), and an adorably tiny warrior, King (voice of Alex Hirsch).

Soy Luna (Disney+)
When she moves to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with her adoptive parents, Luna (Karol Sevilla) finds out that love can make a real difference in spite of time or distance. She lost her biological parents for reasons that have never been clear, but as she grows up, she meets people from different places and has new experiences that might bring her closer to her origins. In the meantime, she learns that passion, friendship, and love may help her stay on the path to the life she’s always wanted.

Growing Fangs (Disney+)
Val Garcia, a Mexican-American teen who is half human/half vampire, has to keep her identity a secret. But when her human best friend shows up at her monster-infested school, she has to confront her truth, her identity, and herself in this Disney Launchpad short film.

The Last of the Chupacabras (Disney+)
In this Disney Launchpad short, one lone Mexican-American struggling to carry on her traditions unknowingly summons a dark and ancient creature to protect her.

Rio (Disney+)
Blu (voice of Jesse Eisenberg), a flightless, rare macaw, must leave his Minnesota home and head to Rio to save his species. He meets the wildly independent Jewel and a menagerie of vivid characters who embark on a journey and help Blu fulfill his destiny and learn to fly.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
This comedic murder-mystery follows three strangers (Disney Legend Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one.

Love, Victor (Hulu)
The YA dramedy series, set in the world of the groundbreaking film Love, Simon, follows Victor (Michael Cimino), a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and exploring his sexual orientation.

Plan B (Hulu)
In the Hulu Original film, directed by Natalie Morales, a strait-laced high school student (Kuhoo Verma) and her slacker best friend (Victoria Moroles) have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in America’s heartland.

Comedy Central Presenta (Hulu)
Laugh along with featured comedians, available in Spanish-language only.

Super Shore (Hulu)
Watch contestants compete on the island of Mykonos, available in Spanish-language only.

Mayans M.C. (Hulu)
The FX series follows the life of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (JD Pardo), a newly patched member of the Mayans M.C. charter on the California/Mexico border. EZ and his brother Angel (Clayton Cardenas) are closer than ever after uncovering the truth behind their mother’s murder, which drives EZ to seek vengeance.

Good Trouble
In the Freeform drama, the residents of The Coterie juggle career, love, and friendship and learn that standing up for what you believe in requires making a little noise and getting into trouble.

Meet SparkShorts’ Nona and Director Louis Gonzales

September 15, 2021September 14, 2021

By Courtney Potter

Pixar Animation Studios’ SparkShorts program gives Pixar’s up-and-coming animators the chance to bring fresh new storytelling to the screen—and that’s exactly what happens later this week when SparkShorts’ latest, Nona, debuts on Disney+ on Friday, September 17.

Directed by Louis Gonzales, Nona follows a colorful grandmother who plans to spend her day off by shutting out the world to watch her favorite TV show, E.W.W. Smashdown Wrestling. However, when her 5-year-old granddaughter Renee is unexpectedly dropped off, Nona is caught between her two favorite things. Renee wants to play, while the normally doting Nona wrestles with wanting to watch the Smashdown—leading to a decisive showdown between the two, and a loving compromise.

D23 recently attended a virtual presentation about the short, given by Gonzales; here’s some inside scoop on this hilarious and heartwarming SparkShort creation:

On how it all started for Gonzalez, as an artist and animator:
“I grew up in Southern California, in the San Fernando Valley,” explains Gonzales, “and I loved four things, for the most part: I loved comics, I loved cartoons, I loved wrestling, and I loved to draw. And the love for drawing never stopped. As I grew up, I still loved drawing, still loved wrestling and comics, still loved cartoons—but as I became a teenager, I fell in love with graffiti. And the reason is, when I was young, I would draw alone—and it was fun, but you’re just always alone. And then I found this graffiti thing with other artists, and all of a sudden I was in this community of artists! It was a beautiful thing, to share ideas, talk about art, and what we want to do. And that sent me on this path to try and find a job drawing for a living… I didn’t have the greatest grades, so I didn’t make it into [art colleges] that train for animation. Instead, I met a guy who worked at Disney. He saw some talent in me and said, ‘Hey, I’ll help you put a portfolio together.’ I did, and I got a job at Warner Bros. feature animation… After a while working, my career grew—and I get a call from Pixar: ‘We’d love for you to come interview.’ And they hired me!”

On how he got involved in the SparkShorts program:
“As an artist, I’ve always wanted to tell my own stories,” the director admits. “[As my career continued], I made the choice to say, ‘All right, I’m gonna put my personal stories aside, and I’m gonna invest in my career at Pixar and in my [growing] family 100 percent—coaching baseball for my sons, making sure I’m always there for [them and] my daughter. And I don’t regret that. But kids grow up and they become teenagers… and I have this space again. Is this the time? Am I too old? But just like life does, it drops an opportunity in my lap. I have a couple of Pixar executives say [to me], ‘So Lou, what do you think about SparkShorts? We love for you to think about it. Maybe you want to make one.’ But here’s the weird thing: I don’t know what my problem was—but [while I] didn’t say no, I said, ‘I’m not sure.’ Then I had a friend talk to me; she pulled me up and said, ‘Why are you pushing back on this? Think about it this way: It’s six months for production—super short. You have a small team, about 30 people. You have limited executive oversight; no one’s gonna tell you what’s a good or bad version of your short because it’s yours.’ You can tell any kind of story, which is unheard of when a corporation or a company is giving you money to make your own personal thing. Usually, they have something to say about it, right? SparkShorts, not so much. So here I am, [and ultimately] I say yes.”

On how Gonzales chose what story he should tell:
“I could tell any kind of story—but I had to decide… so I looked for inspiration, something that I can start with, something that was calling to me right now. And I had this character—this older grandmother, who probably is the supervisor or the manager of an apartment building. Y’know, stuff like I’ve seen before in my life. She’s hands-on and likes to fix things. Already I have a grandma that I like, because she’s not like the grandmas I see on TV, right? She’s a little bit more like the grandmas I know. I had this granddaughter character, real quiet and sweet, but as soon as you turn your back, she’s gone—a ball of energy! So, I had this concept, and I had these characters that I liked. What I needed to find was that thing that I understood. I looked to family and friends, the people I love and honor—and immediately I realize that this [grandmother] character is a lot like my grandma Pearl. She’s a big personality, a strong individual—I love her to death. But here’s the important part: She loved wrestling. That was what she and I would bond over. So, now I have a truthful version of that character. But I need an opponent, and it dawned on me—my daughter, Lola would be a good one to ‘cast’ as a little girl. She’s known what she’s wanted since she came out of the womb! Now I have my two opponents and my conflict, but this is a wrestling match and now I need a referee. And I figured, ‘You know what? I could put a person there, maybe a friend—but what would be a better friend than a dog?’”

On the challenges—and even some blessings—of creating Nona during the COVID-19 pandemic:
“We have my great producer, Courtney Casper Kent, and the team is growing,” says Gonzales. “But then we move out of the studio—this is during the pandemic, and now we’re figuring out the Zoom thing. I have this first proper pass [of the short], with about 15 people. We’re showing it to everyone, and it’s not good,” he adds, laughing. “The grandma’s mean and neglectful; it was everything we didn’t want it to be. But the team was very helpful. We talked about it, and we came up with this great idea of ‘maybe it’s just about imagination,’ and that excited us. We all said, ‘Yes, great idea; let’s go.’ I think, ‘Okay, I’m going to write this version in two days.’ It ends up taking a full week. And I tell Courtney, ‘I’ve taken too much time on this and I can’t get it to work; I just dug myself in a deeper hole. We need to stop. I like the other version, [and] I need to tell the team.’”

“And Courtney was like, ‘That’s okay.’ I go back to the team and I let them know I liked the other one… and here’s what I love about this team: They start asking me questions. And by the time we’re done, all of a sudden that version that I [couldn’t] really make work now works with the version that we originally had. We started combining it—which was so exciting. And then we brought together our first ‘brain trust,’ friends and peers from Pixar that can be pairs of fresh eyes on your story. They gave us their notes, and by the end of the day, I knew where we needed to go with it.”

On seeing his idea fully realized:
“I just love the way it came out,” the director says. “And it’s not a cocky thing; I’m not saying, ‘Oh, it’s the greatest thing ever.’ I’m just really proud of it. And the reason why I’m proud of it is because this was an opportunity to make a short at Pixar and it’s my own thing—and that’s not lost on me. When I watch the short, I don’t really see me or what I’m trying to do. I actually see ‘we.’ I see Team Nona. I see what we made. And despite being my first short—made in the pandemic, working from home—it was a blessing every day. I was surrounded by passionate and brilliant people I was happy to call [my] team. And I’m forever thankful for the opportunity to write and direct a SparkShort.”

Pixar SparkShorts’ Nona debuts this Friday, September 17—only on Disney+!

Legendary Handprints – Christina Aguilera

September 15, 2021September 13, 2021

Christina Aguilera is one of the preeminent musical performers in the world. With a powerful voice and wide vocal range, she boasts an unmatched stage and recording presence that has entertained fans the world over. Selling more than 25 million records, Aguilera has also garnered six Grammy Awards^® including a Latin Grammy Award for her musical accomplishments.

Born in Staten Island, New York, and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Aguilera rose to fame early with a breakout performance as a junior vocalist on Star Search in 1990. Just a few short years later she took to the Disney stage, appearing on Disney Channel’s popular update of the Mickey Mouse Club, joining the show in May 1993 for two seasons.

During the production of Mulan (1998), The Walt Disney Studios was searching for an artist to perform a pop version of Matthew Wilder and David Zippel’s “Reflection” for the movie’s soundtrack (the song would also be performed by fellow Disney Legend Lea Salonga in the film). “We were looking for a voice that conveys a feeling, not just narrates it,” said Chris Montan, the Executive Music Producer for Disney animation at the time. “Christina’s voice brings a mature sensibility to the song.” At the time of the film’s release, Aguilera noted: “The best thing about singing the part of a great heroine such as Mulan is that I think she is a really great role model… she goes after what she wants with such bravery. She didn’t let any limitations hold her back and succeeded in the end. Also, it feels awesome to be in such wonderful company as Celine Dion and Vanessa Williams, in being a part of Disney history. I can’t believe I got to do it!” Her rendition of “Reflection” was met with high acclaim and ultimately landed the musician a recording deal with RCA. The song has since gone on to become a standard associated with Disney film music. For the live-action production of Mulan (2020), Aguilera performed the new original song, “Loyal Brave True” as well as a newly recorded rendition of “Reflection.”

Aguilera would take part in additional Disney projects several times throughout her career, including appearances and performances on Disney’s 2 Hour Tour (2000) and the Walt Disney World Summer Jam Concert (2000), while her song “Blessed” was featured in the 2000 Disney Channel Original Movie Miracle in Lane 2. She has performed on ABC’s Emmy^®-winning Dancing with the Stars, and was featured on the network’s hit series Nashville in 2015 as singer Jade St. John. Most recently, Christina entertained New Year’s revelers during the 2019 telecast of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, a show that’s aired for nearly 50 years and has come to be known as an American institution.

A lifelong fan of Disney Parks and Resorts, Christina performed at the 2005 kickoff ceremony for “The Happiest Homecoming on Earth,” Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration, and was a featured performer during the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade telecast in 2011. She is the recipient of the Billboard Music Award, an MTV Europe Award, Rolling Stone Music Awards, NRJ Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2019.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Announces Nearly 25 Guest Stars

September 15, 2021September 14, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Let’s get loud!

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will launch with plenty of star power when the revival of The Proud Family, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, debuts exclusively on Disney+ in 2022. To mark the special occasion, Disney+ just announced dozens of celebrities who will guest star in future episodes of the highly anticipated animated series.

The guest-starring voice cast will feature some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names, including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Eva Longoria, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, and Dominique Dawes, with more to be revealed.

Recurring stars include Asante Blackk as Penny’s boyfriend, Kareem, and Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Maya’s gamer brother, Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins. Raquel Lee Bolleau reprises her role as Nubia Gross, and Marcus T. Paulk is back as Penny’s classmate, Myron.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Proud Family, a few stars from the revival are sharing what the iconic original series meant to them. Normani calls her own grandmother Suga Mama, she says, “because it’s literally what my household looked like.” Similarly, Blackk shares, “The different characters and personalities in the show reflected what was going on in my home.” Johnson says the original animated series “was a huge part of my childhood, and I hold that very dear to my heart.” Keke Palmer adds, “Even though it was on a kids network, it still had the right amount of edge for it to be accessible to everybody.”

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will pick up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and feature her madcap family and her loyal crew. Cast members reprising their voice roles from the original series include Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, and Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez. New recurring voice actors include Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, Billy Porter as Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins, Zachary Quinto as Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, and EJ Johnson as Michael Collins.

Currently in production at Disney Television Animation, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is executive produced by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, both of whom led the original series. Calvin Brown, Jr. serves as the animated series’ co-executive producer and story editor, while Jan Hirota is the producer and Eastwood Wong is the art director. All seasons of The Proud Family, which debuted on Disney Channel in 2001, are currently available on Disney+. September 15, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary of the popular series.

How Disney Is Bringing the Magic Back to Broadway and Beyond

September 14, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Places, people!

Eighteen months after the start of the Broadway shutdown, The Lion King will resume performances tonight at the Minskoff Theatre. Two weeks later, on September 28, Aladdin will reopen at the New Amsterdam Theatre, taking Disney fans to a whole new world. Beyond the Great Bright Way, the touring company of Frozen performed for the first time in forever last week at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Buffalo, New York, while the touring company of The Lion King is rehearsing for its October 1 return at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio. Before showtime, cast members from each production shared what they’re most looking forward to—and what they missed the most—about bringing Disney magic to audiences.

The Lion King on Broadway

Returning to the Broadway cast of The Lion King are Stephen Carlile as Scar, L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, Tshidi Manye as Rafiki, Cameron Pow as Zazu, Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa, Fred Berman as Timon, Adrienne Walker as Nala, James Brown-Orleans as Banzai, Bonita J. Hamilton as Shenzi, and Robb Sapp as Ed. New to the cast are Vince Ermita and Corey J., alternating as Young Simba, and Alayna Martus and Sydney Elise Russell, alternating as Young Nala. Reopening night will be especially meaningful to Brandon A. McCall, as he will make his Broadway debut in the role of Simba, having previously starred in the North American tour. “It’s a very surreal moment, but I’m excited to be on this journey,” he says. “It’s an experience I can use to show my daughters, their friends, and other kids that they can achieve any goal they pursue.” He looks forward “to hearing Rafiki’s call in the opening number, ‘Circle of Life,’ and experiencing that feeling again and the audience’s reaction.” Most of all, McCall says he’s glad to “bring joy and hope back to so many hearts and souls.”

For Walker, returning to the role of Nala and helping to bring Disney magic back to Broadway is “a tremendous opportunity,” she says. “I am so proud to be a part of a story that everyone—despite their age, culture, background, or even language—can relate to.”

As for what he wants to tell Disney fans, McCall says, “We are back and can’t wait to see you. Please come join us and enjoy the magic in a safe space.” Walker, too, says she can’t wait to see people in the theatre again. “There is nothing like performing for a live audience,” she says. “The energy a live audience gives us as performers is everything. I can only imagine what re-opening will be like. I feel so blessed that I get to experience this.”

“I’ve missed telling this story. I’ve missed my backstage companions. I’ve missed meeting people at the stage door,” Walker continues. With The Lion King back on Broadway, she says, “Our fans can expect to leave forever changed and inspired by the magic of Disney.”

Or, as McCall puts it, “Fans can expect to ‘feel the Disney love tonight!’”

(In case you missed it, Disney Theatrical Productions last month shared a special look at the company’s first day back together. It began with remarks by The Lion King’s Tony Award^®-winning director, Disney Legend Julie Taymor, followed by the cast’s emotional first sing-thru of the show’s beloved opening number, “The Circle of Life,” led by Manye.)

Aladdin on Broadway

New to the Broadway company of Aladdin are Michael Maliakel, making his Broadway debut as Aladdin, and Shoba Narayan as Jasmine. Aladdin also welcomes Zach Bencal as Babkak and Frank Viveros as a Genie/Sultan/Babkak standby, both of whom performed their roles in the North American tour. The returning cast features four original company members in principal roles: Michael James Scott as Genie, Tony Award^®nominee Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Don Darryl Rivera as Iago, and Dennis Stowe as the Jafar/Sultan standby.

“In my mind, Disney and Broadway go hand in hand,” Maliakel tells D23. “The Disney animated films were my introduction to storytelling, especially storytelling through song. For me, Disney coming back to Broadway means nostalgia, spectacle, and fun. It also means telling diverse stories authentically and inclusively so that audiences feel that the magic of Disney is for everyone.” When the curtain rises on Aladdin in two weeks, Maliakel’s parents will be supporting him among the audience. “My family—their support and love, their struggles and sacrifices—is the reason I am where I am today, and I feel like this moment belongs to all of us,” he explains. “I’m so grateful to be able to share that night with them.”

Much like Maliakel, Narayan admits she’s been counting down the days until opening night. “I can’t wait to hear the orchestra’s first notes of the overture, and the crowd’s cheers of excitement when the curtain rises for the first time,” she says. “I get chills thinking about it. I think our first performance will feel electric!” While September 28 will mark both Maliakel and Narayan’s debuts in Aladdin, it will mark a long-awaited return for others. “I’m looking forward to the moment the curtain comes down and there I am as the Genie, standing onstage alone, welcoming our opening audience to our show,” says Scott. Bringing Aladdin back “means we are a part of them moving forward through this dark time, moving forward towards the light: the Broadway light that has been dim for so long.”

“If there’s a silver lining to be found in this prolonged hiatus from theater, I think it’s that we —actors, backstage folks, audience members—are all going to celebrate every single performance with deep, profound gratitude,” Maliakel says. “Audiences can expect all the beauty and spectacle you know Disney always delivers, but be prepared for a new, electric kind of energy from performers who are more excited than ever to get back on stage.”

Adds Narayan, “To be able to bring the magic of Disney back to Broadway after this ‘intermission’ means a lot to me. We are living in a troubling time, and to be part of something that brings audiences joy, laughter, and a moment to reflect is not lost on me. I believe Disney on Broadway has the power to be a huge part of that healing experience. I look forward to taking audiences with us to a wondrous place, full of light and possibility.”

Frozen North American Tour

Returning to the cast of the Frozen North American tour are Caroline Bowman as Elsa, Caroline Innerbichler as Anna, Austin Colby as Hans, F. Michael Haynie as Olaf, Mason Reeves as Kristoff, and Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as Sven. Joining them are new tour principal cast members Robert Creighton as Weselton, a role he originated in the Broadway production of Frozen; Natalia Artigas and Natalie Grace Chan alternating as Young Elsa; and Victoria Hope Chan and Olivia Jones alternating as Young Anna.

How does the cast feel about returning to the stage? Fittingly, Bowman is ready to test the limits and break through. “Disney shows are like no other. Experiencing a Disney show and being in one are equally magical experiences. Watching the magic unfold from the audience is incredible because Disney truly knows how to make magic happen on stage. And as company members, it’s our job to make sure all that magic seamlessly happens. It’s so much fun,” she tells D23. “Playing Elsa is more magical than I could have even imagined, so I’m excited to step back into her shoes. Also, feeling the audience’s energy on that first night back is going to be thrilling and something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”

Like Anna waiting for the palace doors to open, Innerbichler can’t contain her excitement about returning to Frozen. “I can’t wait to hear the sounds of the theater before the performance begins,” she says. “When I’m waiting backstage in the final moments before the curtain goes up, I can hear the murmurs of the audience—hundreds of conversations happening in one big, beautiful room, the sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments, maybe playing over a few melodies from the score. It’s the sound of anticipation, this gentle hum of a sound that is so unique to live theater. It really feels sacred to me.”

“I know how hard everyone in this company has worked to get ready for this monumental reopening. It’s been a very long 18 months, but with vaccines and so much care and responsibility, we feel better about bringing this show back to audiences,” says Haynie. “But I also want to recognize how hard so many people have worked to provide for their families and keep others safe in this time. To the first responders, doctors, nurses, essential workers, scientists, lab workers, and everyone working to help the world get through this crisis, this is only possible because of you. So, we are looking forward to performing for them.”

Colby shares that sentiment, saying he also missed the bond that develops between the performers and the audience. “Like so many people throughout this pandemic, I thirst for human connection,” he says. “There is nothing like the electricity felt from a live audience.”

Innerbichler is grateful to once again have the opportunity to bring audiences some joy through musical theatre. “While we as artists can’t erase the last year and a half, we can maybe provide some catharsis, some comfort, and beautifully crafted entertainment that comes from our hearts—all for these communities that have been through so much,” she says. “I hope to give them an evening of laughter, light, and excitement they so deserve.”

As much as the audience missed seeing the performers, the performers missed seeing the audience. “We’ve all been waiting for each other,” says Bowman. “We are so happy to tell this story and we hope you are filled with love and take the lessons of empathy and compassion and send them out into the world. It’s back and better than ever, and I think we all need this story! Thank you for supporting us and Disney. We will not let you down!”

Bringing the magic of Disney back to stages across North America also means the world to Colby. “Disney is known for its ability to create stories that have a lasting impact,” he says. “I feel honored to help share one of Disney’s greatest stories with audiences during a time when we need it the most. It’s a story that celebrates differences, believes in community, and spreads love faster than any virus. It’s a responsibility I take with great pride.”

The Frozen North American tour will follow all of the CDC, local, state, and city health and safety guidelines, as well as all union protocols. “We’re all working hard every day to bring you this incredible production of Frozen as safely as possible,” Haynie tells D23. “So, get your outfits ready, along with some nice masks—Disney-themed, if you got ’em—and get ready for Olaf and those other folks to come to your hometowns for some live theatre!”

Behind the Music of Marvel Studios’ What If…?

September 14, 2021September 13, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Five-time Emmy^® Award winner Laura Karpman is renowned for creating imaginative, powerful scores that push the boundaries of storytelling—making her the perfect person to compose the music for Marvel Studios’ What If…?, which flips the script on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. With the animated series about to reach its midseason point this Wednesday on Disney+, we phoned Karpman to find out more about her creative process and how she put her own unique spin on the music of the MCU. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

D23: How did you first get involved with What If…?
Laura Karpman (LK): It’s a funny thing. I had been talking to the people at Marvel about doing various things, and this was the one that seemed to fit. They wanted somebody who could really do a lot of styles, because they knew that they had a war episode, a zombie episode, etc. They wanted a composer who had a voice but who also had the flexibility to do a number of styles and genres. I am that person. It’s a really good fit for me in the MCU.

D23: How does working on an animated series compare to past live-action projects?
LK: You know, it wasn’t different—and I think that’s a good thing. I mean, it was different in the sense that it was a beautiful, highly collaborative project that had absolutely no hiccups. But I will tell you a funny little story. I had written the main title, and I was driving during a long weekend when I got a call: “[Director] Bryan Andrews and [executive producer] Brad Winderbaum want to talk to you right away.” I thought, “Oh, God…” When you’re a composer and you get urgent calls, it’s usually like, “Oh, boy. What’s going on? They hate it.” But they both said, “We love it!” It’s not that there weren’t notes and paces to go through, because there absolutely were. But all of the people I collaborated with at Marvel were completely wonderful and super happy—and they really love music. They wanted the music to be bold, to have a voice and a presence. It was a great place to work.

D23: What did your initial conversations with the creative team entail?
LK: [Laughs] I think the real discussions were: “How do we do this? Where do we touch on the MCU musically? Where do we not?” The first one we really talked about was Captain Carter. I don’t know if I’d say she’s a mirror image, but she’s another version of Captain America—a new version of Captain America. So, what are we going to do with that theme? How can it reflect Captain Carter? Do we want something completely new? Do we want to come out of the Captain America world? Every episode had its own challenges, and we’d ask, “What should we do here?” We also had a discussion about what the music would sound like in T’Challa’s bar in the second episode. What kind of playlist would he have going? I suggested jazz remixes. Episode three is a murder mystery. Episode four is an epic love story. So, every single episode, you would have to have that initial discussion to ask, “Okay, what are we doing? How are we going to do it? What is going to be the signature?”

D23: How did you incorporate familiar themes for various characters across the MCU and adapt them for your own story needs? How did you put your own stamp on them?
LK: That’s such a great question. I learned a lot from working on video games, which are very collaborative. Oftentimes, you have a lot of composers on a single score, so I’m used to working with other people; it’s comfortable for me. For What If…?, I didn’t look at any of the sheet music. I didn’t do that on purpose, because I wanted to be able to take down stuff by ear, but then be able to make it different—to re-harmonize and re-voice things and repurpose them. My style of orchestration and the way I hear music will find its way into everything, whether I’m working with Alan Silvestri or Ludwig Göransson. I approach it differently, just because of where I’ve been musically and what my experiences have been.

D23: Were you able to freely interpret the scripts as you composed the score?
LK: This is the first time I’ve ever gonna use this analogy: It’s like a Chia Pet. You’ve got the seed of something, but then you put water on it, and it becomes something completely different. It’s a metamorphosis. Our series is not the same as the films, but it grows out of what the films are. The music has to do that, but it has to become its own thing. And it has.

D23: Do you have a favorite score you composed for the series?
LK: I love episodes three and four. I like the mystery assassin stuff, too. I like the modernism in that music. They let me do Loki music in it, which is kind of ancient. I loved writing the love theme [in “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”]. It’s really only four chords, and it repeats over and over again—for obvious reasons. The story is trying to fix it and fix it and fix it, and I thought a lot about my kid. When he was really little, something would go wrong, and he’d always want to have a redo. I kind of love that. In life, when things go wrong, you can start again and say, “Okay, let’s redo that.” But obviously, in episode four, it has a different outcome. I think this idea of taking a simple musical motif and growing it and growing it and making it more complex—and sometimes ugly as Doctor Strange becomes ugly—was hard but amazingly satisfying.

D23: What inspires the titles of your compositions? “A Prince Goes Home,” for example, almost seems to have a double meaning after Chadwick Boseman’s passing.
LK: First of all, we need to be careful that they won’t reveal any storylines. But I’m always looking for things that have a multiplicity of meanings, and that’s a perfect example of one. That example relates to the story, to Chadwick—to everything. It’s meant to do all of that.

D23: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your recording sessions?
LK: Basically, we created individual groups so you never have the brass, the woodwinds, and the strings in one place. We had the strings, who were all masked. We had the brass, who couldn’t be masked, obviously, but were spread out. I used a woodwind player I like very much, who plays a lot of instruments. And then keyboard, percussion, piano—all of that was played by me in my studio. When we had a choir, it was people individually in their own homes. It’s been a massive learning experience and a total exercise in resilience.

D23: What are some of the more creative things you’ve got to do on What If…?
LK: Do you remember at very beginning of the episode [“What If… Zombies?!”] when the Avengers appear? You hear the theme and think everything’s gonna be okay… and then it’s revealed that they are now zombies! We recorded that music before, during a previous session, and then I took that music and reversed it. So, just as you realize they’re zombies, you hear the Avengers theme music going backwards, just getting completely weirded out.

D23: Have you hidden any musical Easter eggs fans have yet to find?
LK: Nobody has asked me about the lyrics in the main title. I’m not going to say anything about it. Come on, people! Figure it out. I don’t want to say it; I want people to figure it out.

Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume – MoPop

September 14, 2021September 20, 2021

Across countless tales of enchantment, The Walt Disney Company has always been at the forefront of creative storytelling. Shared with audiences around the globe, the worlds these stories have created for us have become significant, iconic, and, in many ways, immortal. Across nearly every medium Disney has touched—from the earliest days of animation, through innovations in live-action filmmaking, pioneering efforts in television, location-based entertainment, retail, and even gaming—one creative aspect has been seldom-documented, though is ever-present: costume design.

Much has been said and written about the significant work of the artists, animators, performers, composters, designers, and Imagineers who have brought forth the sorcery of Disney to generations around the world, but Disney costume designers have not had their work examined—or appraised and appreciated—with the same focus, nor has their art been as celebrated as their creative contemporaries. And yet, in all the varied narrative media from Disney, costumes and clothing are as significant and memorable an element of building a character and telling a story as any other aspect, from script to sound, or from performance to production design.

This exhibition explores the craftsmanship and artistry required to produce costuming elements that represent nearly six decades of film and television production at The Walt Disney Company. Incorporating more than 60 costumes worn by the likes of Disney Legend Julie Andrews, Bette Davis, Glenn Close, and Angelina Jolie, and representing over 20 different designers, the exhibit aims to showcase for visitors a never before seen, up-close look at some of Disney’s most memorable costumes, shining a spotlight on not only the incredible garments, but the artisans that brought them to life. Guests are able to hear from the designers themselves, getting added insight into how costumes go from concept to reality.

The 6,000-square-foot traveling exhibit will be on display at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington, from June 4, 2021 through April 17, 2022.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

September 13, 2021

By Zach Johnson

FX on Hulu will kick off the week with the series premiere of Y: The Last Man. Intended for mature audiences, the first three episodes will be available to stream on Monday, with new episodes released every week. On Wednesday, ABC will broadcast the season finale of The $100,000 Pyramid, followed by a special edition of 20/20 that profiles a promising young voice. Last but not least, Disney+ on Friday will add Confessions of a Shopaholic to its library and premiere Nona, another entry from the acclaimed Pixar SparkShorts Program.

Y: The Last Man—Monday, September 13, on FX on Hulu
Stream the first three episodes of this highly anticipated drama series, based on DC Comics’ acclaimed series of the same name by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. Intended for mature audiences, Y: The Last Man traverses a post-apocalyptic world in which a cataclysmic event kills every mammal with a Y chromosome… except for one man, Yorick (Ben Schnetzer), and his pet monkey. In the pilot, “Would the World Be Kind,” U.S. President Jennifer Brown (Diane Lane) responds to the crisis. As Yorick fears he may be the only survivor, his sister, Hero (Olivia Thirlby), attempts to right a wrong. In the next episode, “Neil,” Jennifer and Yorick are reunited, while Agent 355 (Ashley Romans) pitches a plan for what comes next—all while the late president’s daughter, Kimberly (Amber Tamblyn), circles Jennifer’s secret. In the third episode, “Karen and Benji,” Jennifer orders Yorick and Agent 355 to search for a geneticist who can hopefully explain how he survived.

The $100,000 Pyramid—Wednesday, September 15, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Michael Strahan hosts the timeless word-association game in which two stars and their partners face off in a timed race to make it to the winner’s circle and take home $100,000. The celebrity guests are Laura Benanti, Mario Cantone, Bridget Everett, and Joe Tessitore.

Amanda Gorman: Brave Enough with Robin Roberts—Wednesday, September 15, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC
ABC News presents a one-hour special that reveals the personal side of Amanda Gorman, the writer and activist who captivated millions when she read an original poem during the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Disney Legend Robin Roberts sits down with Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, for an in-depth interview that covers her views on fame; her writing and success as a best-selling author; the role of activism in her work; her political aspirations; and more. Gorman also grants unprecedented access to her day-to-day life, including a glimpse at her writing process; her role co-chairing the 2021 Met Gala; and her work with a speech pathologist.

Confessions of a Shopaholic—Friday, September 17, on Disney+
Living in New York City, Becky Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) desperately wants a job writing for a high-fashion magazine. She gets her stilettos in the door with a job writing a personal finance column at a sister publication. Not only does it become a runaway hit, but Becky falls head over heels for her charming but overworked boss (Hugh Dancy). But Becky is also keeping a major secret that threatens to unravel the “perfect” life she’s built.

Nona—Friday, September 17, on Disney+
Pixar Animation Studios, director Louis Gonzales, and producer Courtney Casper Kent introduce Nona, a grandmother who plans to spend her day off by shutting out the world to watch her favorite TV show: E.W.W. Smashdown Wrestling. When her 5-year-old granddaughter Renee is unexpectedly dropped off, Nona finds herself caught between her two favorite things. Renee wants to play, while the normally doting Nona wants to watch her show, leading to a decisive showdown between the two—followed by a loving compromise.

Disney+ Orders Season Three of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

September 13, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Disney+ has ordered a third season of its acclaimed original series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, from Disney Branded Television. Created and executive produced by Tim Federle, season three will follow the Wildcats as they leave the hallways of East High for the ultimate summer at sleepaway camp, complete with campfires, summer romances, and curfew-less nights. Production for the third season will relocate from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles and begin later this year.

Said Federle, “We are overjoyed to be heading to the great outdoors for season three, and grateful to our partners and friends at Disney+ for their continued support of our next-generation Wildcats.”

Inspired by the immensely successful, two-time Emmy^® Award-winning High School Musical franchise that catapulted the likes of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens into stardom and dominated the Billboard charts, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is again taking over the airwaves and helping launch the careers of some of Hollywood’s next big stars. A few of the breakout original songs from the series include “Just for a Moment,” the season one ballad Joshua Bassett and Olivia Rodrigo wrote for their characters Ricky and Nini; “All I Want,” the platinum-certified, Billboard Hot 100-reaching hit song that Rodrigo wrote and performed as Nini in season one; and “The Rose Song,” an empowering number that Rodrigo wrote for Nini in season two. The soundtracks for both seasons of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, combined with High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special, have amassed an astounding 1,438,000,000 combined streams to date.

Seasons one and two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series are set at East High School, the setting and filming location of the original movies. In season one, the series follows members of the drama club and their faculty advisors as they work their way to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical: The Musical. Season two culminates in a performance of Beauty and the Beast. Show-mances blossom, old friendships are tested while new ones are made, rivalries flare, and lives are changed forever as students discover the transformative power only found in a high school theater.

Both seasons of the GLAAD Media Award-winning series are now streaming on Disney+.

This New Pin Set Celebrates the Characters of “The Vacation Kingdom of the World”

September 13, 2021September 13, 2021

By the D23 Team

D23-Exclusive Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Pin Set – ”The Vacation Kingdom of the World” – Limited Edition

We’re excited to reveal the next exclusive pin set celebrating a half century of the Most Magical Place on Earth! This incredible pin set was created just for D23 by artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily. The set, a tribute to the boundless activities offered by “The Vacation Kingdom of the World,” features five fan-favorite characters from across the park! These D23 Gold Member-exclusive pins, created in vintage-inspired soft enamel, are the perfect way to celebrate this magical milestone!

To compliment the “Florida’s Fab Five” exclusive pin set included in the D23 Gold Member Collector Set—part of the 2021 D23 Gold Membership—D23 is proud to offer four additional pin sets celebrating 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort. Read the fall issue of Disney twenty-three for a sneak peek at all four. Want to make your collection complete? Make sure to get the previous set in the series, “A Most Magical Kingdom.”

“The Vacation Kingdom of the World” set includes:

Rizzo the Rat from Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D
a Triceratops from TriceraTop Spin
Dreamfinder from Journey Into Imagination
Poly Tiki from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Goofy from River Country Water Park

Our “The Vacation Kingdom of the World” pin set, offered in a limited edition of 2,500, will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on September 13, 2021.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pin sets are sold for $49.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin sets of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.