Marvel Comics Reveals First Look at Eight New Tentpole Titles

August 31, 2021

By Jim Frye

In celebration of Marvel’s birthday today, August 31, Marvel Comics revealed its first look at eight new tentpole titles that will shape the future of the Marvel Universe in the months to come.

All hell breaks loose in the Marvel Universe as The Kingpin finally declares all-out war on the heroes in Devil’s Reign! Having set the stage in their Eisner-nominated Daredevil epic, Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s far-reaching crossover event finds Mayor Fisk outlawing all Super Heroes in New York and unleashing intel on all their dark secrets, while pitting Daredevil, Elektra, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and many more against his Thunderbolt agents. But in the end…Who Will Reign?

Marvel Comics’ Avengers Forever pulls together archeologist Tony Stark aka the Invincible Ant-Man and Avengers from across the multiverse to bring order to timelines where “hope” is a four-letter word. Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder present an all-new series that will redefine the Avengers as… The Multiverse’s Mightiest Heroes.

The future of the Marvel Universe is here, and Timeless is where it all begins. When a threatening new timeline emerges, Kang the Conqueror must fight his way through the coming year to protect the main 616 timeline he’s worked centuries to solidify as his own. Jed MacKay, Kev Walker, Joe Bennett, Mark Bagley, and more provide a first look at what’s coming to the Marvel Universe in 2022 in a story that will prove… The Future is Timeless.

House of X and Powers of X ushered in The First Krakoan Age of the X-Men. Now, Marvel Comics’ X Lives of Wolverine and X Deaths of Wolverine will test “the best there is at what he does” before any mutant can survive to The Second Krakoan Age. Benjamin Percy, Joshua Cassara and Federico Vicentini tell two interlocked tales about what happens to Wolverine when… His Pasts Meets His Future.

Marvel Comics’ She-Hulk, from Rainbow Rowell and Rogê Antônio, throws the book at Jennifer Walters as she tries to put her rage-filled days behind her and return to practicing law in defense of the innocent. But when a friend from her past comes knocking with a mystery she can’t resist, She-Hulk gets… Back To Bashing.

Dan Slott is joined by Carlos Pacheco and Rachael Stott for Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four: Reckoning War, an epic saga over 15 years in the making. The original secret war of the Marvel Universe has been reignited and every living being in reality is in danger, for we are finally at… Our Day Of Reckoning.

Lunella Lafayette and her lovable 20-foot dinosaur are back in Marvel Comics’ Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. But what shape will their partnership take in this exciting new era? Keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for more news about the next adventure of the biggest brain in the world that will send dino-sized shockwaves throughout the Marvel Universe. In 2022, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur will bring new meaning to the term “Marvel Team-Up” in a tale that promises to… Shake Your World.

For more information, visit Marvel.com.

The Magic Is Calling! New Walt Disney World Annual Passes Available September 8

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By Zach Johnson

There’s one kind of magic that’s different from the rest. It’s Annual Passholder magic, which lets you revisit the spots where your favorite memories were made and feel them wash over you again and again. As the countdown continues for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, the magic is calling—and new Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are invited to be a part of this beloved program, beginning September 8, 2021!

Walt Disney World is introducing four new Annual Passes, which offer the flexibility and choice to meet guest needs, each designed based on Passholder feedback. These passes will help Disney fans experience “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” to its fullest, from new attractions and nighttime spectaculars, to dazzling decorations and much more!

Here are some highlights of the new Annual Passes:

Hold More Park Reservations: Depending on their pass type, Passholders may now hold up to five Disney Park Pass reservations at a time. “Bonus reservations” will be added to the calendar from time to time, so Passholders can make an additional park reservation without it counting against their applicable reservation hold limit. Plus, when Passholders stay at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, they will also be eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay—in addition to the reservations you can hold based on your pass type!
Customize Your Pass: Choose different add-on options based on your preferences, from the Water Park and Sports option to Disney PhotoPass downloads. These add-on options will be available for purchase with any of our four new passes.
Access a New Integrated Calendar: Planning will be easier with enhancements to the reservation system, including a new integrated calendar that lets Passholders quickly see blockout dates for each pass type; view available days; and make, modify, or cancel a reservation all in one place.
Enjoy Passholder Perks: Passes will continue to offer benefits you know and love including the Park Hopper option; standard theme park parking; and discounts on merchandise and dining. Plus, there will be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration!

Click here for more information on the Annual Pass options.

The Annual Passholder program is also introducing a new look to honor its past while looking forward to the future. Using a piece of the original Walt Disney World Resort logo as a foundation for bright colors and energetic design, the program’s new look puts Passholders right in the middle of the magic.

Current Annual Passholders may continue to use them as you do today; when it is time to renew, you will be able to renew into one of our new passes (at a special price). Plus, starting September 8, 2021, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus Annual Passholders will also be able to hold more reservations at a time. Visit DisneyWorld.com/AnnualPass to learn more… and be on the lookout for a new and exclusive magnet, coming your way soon!

Now is the perfect time to be an Annual Passholder, as unforgettable experiences are coming during the 50th anniversary celebration. Soon, you’ll be able to check out two new nighttime spectaculars with Disney Enchantment and Harmonious, each debuting on October 1! That same day, you can also experience the new attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, which will soon offer Passholder previews for those who registered.

Please note as we continue to manage attendance to provide a great experience for everyone, at any time, Annual Passes may be unavailable for purchase. Annual Passholders will also still be required to make park reservations for each day of their visit. Please visit DisneyWorld.com/Pass for additional information and details about the new Annual Passes.

A Glittering, New Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Premieres at Bowers Museum in Winter

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By the D23 Team

This winter, prepare to behold a collection fit for royalty—Disney royalty, that is! Our friends at Walt Disney Archives are once again partnering with Bowers Museum to debut a spectacular exhibition on December 12, 2021: All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives.

archives bowers — King Brian’s Crown
*Darby O’Gill and the Little People* (1959)
(Walt Disney Productions),
Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney

The all-new exhibition, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, showcases the sparkling side of The Walt Disney Archives’ collection, including jewelry and accessories from Titanic, The Princess Diaries, and some of your favorite Disney and 20th Century Studio films. The exhibition explores how jewelry is used to tell stories, with the displays divided into three sections:

“Jewelry Informs Character” explains what wearable accessories tell viewers about characters.
The “Feature Vault” offers a jaw-dropping look at the most prized jewelry and accessories inside the Walt Disney Archives.
“Reflections on Reality” includes displays that tie earrings, cuff links, rings, tie pins, and more back to the Disney films and parks where they originated.

When costume design is done well, small pieces of jewelry blend inseparably into the style of the characters that wear them, but these objects are what make Disney characters timeless. All That Glitters looks at crowns, tiaras, watches, rings, bracelets, and more that were designed by some of the biggest names in fashion to create our favorite moments in entertainment throughout The Walt Disney Company.

Some of the iconic pieces in the exhibit include:

A rare merchandise locket from the 1960 film Pollyanna
The stunning “Heart of the Ocean” necklace from James Cameron’s Titanic (1997).
Anne Hathaway’s crowns and tiaras from the Princess Diaries movies (2001 and 2004).
Mulan’s matchmaking outfit from Disney’s 2020 live-action film, on display for the first time.
Genie’s lamp from Aladdin (2019), on display for this first time.

Advanced ticket sales for All that Glitters will launch to Bowers Members starting October 1 and to the general public starting November 1. Details at bowers.org. All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives is curated by the Walt Disney Archives in conjunction with the Bowers Museum.

Meet the Characters of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

August 30, 2021August 27, 2021

By the D23 Team

It’s almost time! In just a few days, Marvel Studios will debut Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings… an all-new, totally epic adventure that introduces the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s newest Super Hero—Shang-Chi—in an origin story that blazes across the big screen with never-before-seen, ultra-mind-blowing action; stunning visuals; and the MCU’s signature spectacle, with lots of heart and humor to boot.

The film stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, whom we first meet as Shaun—a young man living in San Francisco and working as a parking valet when a group of assassins abscond with a pendant that his mother gave him when he was young. Shang-Chi and his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) then leave their comfortable Bay Area lives and journey to Macau, in an effort to warn Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) that danger is coming for her as well. As the film unfolds, Shang-Chi is forced to confront the past he thought he’d left behind. And when he’s drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization led by his estranged father, Shang-Chi realizes he must stop him and his dangerous cabal once and for all.

Before we enter the world of The Ten Rings, let’s take a gander at the cast of characters we’ll soon be meeting—and learn a little bit about ’em:

Shang-Chi/Shaun (Simu Liu)
At the beginning of the film, we first meet Shang-Chi in present day San Francisco—and he seems like an everyday guy. Shaun, who is working at a hotel as a parking valet, has an unknown backstory. But very soon, Shang-Chi’s past returns, and things change quickly and irrevocably. Trained since childhood by the mysterious Ten Rings organization, Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn back into his father’s web.

“Shang-Chi’s core issue is rooted in not knowing who he really is,” says director Destin Daniel Cretton. “Over the course of the film, he must learn how to own every part of himself. There’s residue left inside that he hasn’t dealt with from the traumatic things that happened to him as a kid.” Liu adds, “The movie is about that evolution and personal growth of self-acceptance and self-love. And it’s something that I absolutely think will be relatable, whether you’re Chinese or Asian or not.”

Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung)
Shang-Chi’s father, Xu Wenwu, is the feared leader of the Ten Rings Organization, which has lurked in the shadows of the MCU since the very beginning. As Leung explains, “I had a phone meeting with [director Cretton] and, of course, he couldn’t tell me much about the story at that time, so I had only little hints about my character and the story. But I felt very good talking to him, and I thought I could trust him.”

“Tony sees Wenwu as by no means a villain,” Cretton adds, “but as a broken human who is chasing after things that were torn away from him, that he desperately wants back. I’m so thankful that Tony came on board. It’s so subtle and so brilliant, the way that he can create a character who can be so brutal, but show us that it’s rooted in Wenwu’s desperation to be loved and to show love.”

Katy (Awkwafina)
As Shang-Chi’s oldest, closest friend, Katy—a Chinese American—is free-spirited, carefree, and fiercely loyal. But she’s only ever known him as Shaun, and knows nothing about his past as the movie’s story begins. Describing Katy, Awkwafina explains, “Katy is Shang-Chi’s reckless Asian American friend who he meets when he relocates to the States in San Francisco. Katy and her family kind of take him in, and he has a very close relationship with her and her family… She almost feels like she needs to protect [him], which is ironic because he is more than necessarily equipped to take care of himself. But Katy meets him in school by taking down a bully who is picking on him. Since then, their relationship has kind of evolved, and they bicker a lot. But I think that it’s very obvious that they have a lot of love for each other.”

While she’s a very dependable companion, and is willing to accompany Shang-Chi on his quest, Katy’s also got her own journey of self-discovery to contend with. “I think Katy, throughout the movie, is really questioning her own mission in life, her goals and her sense of identity,” says Awkwafina. “I think that’s something that we all ask ourselves at some point, and we all kind of struggle with. So, she is a very real character to me, and I relate to her a lot.”

Li (Fala Chen)
Li, an independent spirit and skilled martial artist, is the compassionate and devoted mother of Shang-Chi and Xialing. The Julliard-trained actress describes Li as “a warrior and a Kung Fu master. Her power lies not only in her physical form but also in her ability to bring out the best in everyone who’s around her.” Cretton adds, “The quiet strength she brought to this character was exactly what was needed to stand face to face with Tony Leung’s Wenwu.”

“Fala is a wonderful actress, super-talented,” says Liu. “She was such a joy to work with. [She] brings a loving, warm beauty to the film. Her grace is something intrinsic to the story. That comes from Fala’s heart, and she brought so much love to the character of Li.”

Xialing (Meng’er Zhang)
When her estranged brother Shang-Chi suddenly shows up in her life, Xialing must choose between the solitary life she’s created for herself or join her brother in the fight against the Ten Rings. As Cretton says, “Shang-Chi needed to be surrounded by two strong female characters who represented the two worlds that he’s from. It was very important to us to find an actor [to play his sister] who was from China, who grew up there, who speaks Mandarin as their primary language. Meng’er, from the first time I met her, was pure magic.” After an exhaustive international search, Zhang rose to the front of the line as the perfect choice for Xialing. Trained in theater and musical theater, Zhang had never appeared on film before!

Describing her character, Zhang says, “Xialing is someone you don’t want to mess with, even Shang-Chi knows not to cross her. She is a very tough and independent woman, cold on the outside, but has a warm and fragile part deep down inside. She had a traumatic childhood, but she didn’t sink—she got stronger. She’s like a flower that survives the coldest winter.”

Razor Fist (Florian Munteanu)
One of Wenwu’s most loyal soldiers, Razor Fist found family and purpose in the Ten Rings. He rose through the ranks to become one of the organization’s strongest and most brutal fighters. Razor Fist, as his name suggests, wears a prosthetic for his amputated left arm, in the form of a giant razor. “Razor Fist could have easily been a one-dimensional villain with a sword for an arm until Florian showed up,” says Cretton. “Florian just nailed it. When you first meet Razor Fist, he may seem somewhat of a cliché cutout of a villain, but you’ll soon have a different view of Razor Fist, and you’ll learn to love him like I did.”

Ying Nan (Michelle Yeoh)
Ying Nan, aunt to Shang-Chi and Xialing, is a respected leader and warrior of Ta Lo—and she represents a positive, nurturing connection to their mother. “Ying Nan is able to impart upon them their strength, and their ability to embrace who they really are,” says the celebrated actress. “She understands that Xialing and Shang-Chi have been running away from their identity. My character teaches them that we cannot run away from who we are, from the people who come before us. Our ancestors, our parents make us who we are—and we have to learn to embrace the good and the bad. I think the theme of the film is embracing your destiny and truly making yourself and the world around you a better place.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

August 30, 2021September 3, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Jump-start the week by joining us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of First Kid, available to stream on Disney+. The streaming fun doesn’t end there, as the new comedic murder-mystery series Only Murders in the Building debuts Tuesday on Hulu, followed by Dug Days, a new series of shorts, debuting Wednesday on Disney+. On Thursday, ABC will present CMA Summer Jam, featuring performances from the biggest names in country music. Last but not least, the FXX network premiere of 20th Century Studios’ Breakthrough airs Friday.

First Kid—Monday, August 30, on Disney+
Secret Service agent Sam Simms (Sinbad) is assigned to protect the President’s rebellious 14-year-old son Luke (Brock Pierce)—but he would much rather be protecting the President. Luke, meanwhile, would prefer to live like a regular kid without a watchdog trailing his every move. But a genuine friendship develops between the two when Simms volunteers to teach Luke how to deal with a school bully (Zachery Ty Bryan) and how to win over a cute girl in class. But when Like’s mysterious Internet buddy convinces him to ditch his bodyguard in a busy mall, the fun and games become a matter of life and death.

Only Murders in the Building—Tuesday, August 31, on Hulu
Upper West Side residents Charles (Disney Legend Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) bond over a shared love of true crime. After a neighbor dies in their building, they resolve to solve the mystery and also record an accompanying podcast.

Dug Days—Wednesday, September 1, on Disney+
You’ll be howling with laughter thanks to this new series of five shorts that follows the humorous misadventures of Dug, the lovable dog from Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award^®-winning feature film Up whose high-tech collar translates his thoughts into speech. Bob Peterson, the voice of Dug then and now, wrote and directed all episodes of Dug Days.

CMA Summer Jam—Thursday, September 2, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Filmed amidst the skyline of downtown Nashville, the three-hour, artist-curated primetime special will feature individual performances and collaborations from more than 20 of the biggest stars in Country Music. Artists featured include Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, and Dwight Yoakam—all performing from Ascend Amphitheater. Additional performances include Bentley with Breland and Hardy, live from Bentley’s Whiskey Row nightclub on Broadway; Eric Church from the center of the city’s John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the Cumberland River; and Darius Rucker taking the outdoor stage at Nashville’s brand-new Fifth & Broadway complex downtown.

Breakthrough—Friday, September 3, at 1 p.m. ET on FXX
After Joyce Smith’s (Chrissy Metz) adopted son John (Marcel Ruiz) falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost as he lies lifeless. In the face of every bleak medical case history and dire scientific prediction, Joyce’s unwavering belief inspires her community to pray for John’s recovery. Based on the incredible true story, Breakthrough is a reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope—and sometimes even a miracle. Mike Colter, Topher Grace, Dennis Haysbert, Josh Lucas, and Sam Trammel round out the cast.

Celebrate the Rise of Marvel Studios’ Next Super Hero with the D23-Exclusive Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Pin

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By the D23 Team

D23-Exclusive Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Pin

Celebrate the debut of Marvel Studios’ newest hero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with this pin created just for D23. Set in retro soft enamel and featuring Shang-Chi in a striking pose against his insignia in a pin-on-pin design, this D23 Gold Member exclusive is the perfect way to channel this new Super Hero!

Our Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,500, will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on August 30, 2021.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pins are sold for $14.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin 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.

Suspenseful New Spider-Man: No Way Home Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

August 27, 2021

By Courtney Potter

**Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home: New Trailer Weaves Riveting Web**

Earlier this week, fans were given their first peek at Tom Holland back in web-tastic action as Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) in the brand-new teaser trailer for Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The trailer is notable for several reasons… it’s undeniably intriguing, but it also features—for the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man—our friendly neighborhood hero in his unmasked form, no longer able to separate his normal life from the high stakes of being a Super Hero. After he asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), the risks become even more dangerous, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.

The film—also starring Zendaya, Disney Legend Jon Favreau, Jacob Batalon, and Marisa Tomei—is directed by Jon Watts, from a screenplay by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers. Look for Spider-Man: No Way Home exclusively in theaters this December 17!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

So, what can we expect to view, from around the worlds of Disney, this last full weekend of August? Let’s see… World Princess Week celebrations continue on Friday when Disney Princess Remixed – An Ultimate Princess Celebration debuts on Disney Channel; all Disney+ subscribers can start reveling in this summer’s raucous Cruella; National Geographic kicks off its landmark 9/11: One Day in America documentary series; and so much more.

**Freeform’s Fa-boo-lous “Halloween Road” Returns This October**

Should you find yourself in the Los Angeles area the first weekend of October, and you’re looking to plan some terrifyingly terrific fun, have we got news for you: Freeform’s “Halloween Road” is back, and it’s (almost) ready to put a spell on fans once more!

Guests are in for a spooky, socially distant experience they won’t soon forget… The outdoor, immersive event will feature the worlds of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus (there’ll be an extended Sanderson Sisters drag show—honestly, need we say more?!), The Addams Family, and other spooktacular surprises filled with games, photo moments, live entertainment, a beer and wine garden for those over 21, twice as many trick-or-treat stations, and prizes to boot. This year, Hyundai has joined as a presenting sponsor to make “Halloween Road” come alive with all manner of tricks, treats, and a haunting photo opp.

The experience will take place at L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum and is open to the public from Friday, October 1, through Tuesday, October 5. Ticket prices start at $37 and go on sale this Wednesday, September 1, at 10 a.m. PT—and can be purchased at 31nightsofhalloween.com. Happy haunting!

Coming to ABC: The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World

As you, dear readers of D23.com, have no doubt heard, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”—honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s incredible 50th anniversary—kicks off this October… and to that end, ABC News and Disney Parks have teamed up to present a spectacular television event, The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World, to premiere on ABC this October 1.

This special, hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, will take viewers on a journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. The show will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. And that’s not all: There’ll be some exclusive interviews with iconic actors, actresses, and athletes, including John Stamos and Tom Brady; Walt Disney World cast members; Disney Imagineers, like friend of D23 Bob Weis; and executives past and present—all of whom have played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Through a truly expansive look into the past, present, and future of the vacation destination, footage never before seen on television will give fans a glimpse into the journey to bring Walt’s vision to life and a look at plans for the future. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids’ Disney dreams come true.

The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World airs Friday, October 1, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, and can be seen the next day on demand and on Hulu—and later in the month on Disney+. Don’t miss it!

New Trailer for Billie Eilish’s Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles

Fans of Billie Eilish, take note: The Grammy® Award-winning and chart-topping artist will soon make her Disney+ debut with Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, a cinematic concert experience, premiering globally on Friday, September 3.

For the first and only time, the Disney+ original will feature an intimate performance of every song in the album’s sequential order from the stage of the iconic Hollywood Bowl.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and by Academy Award®-winner Patrick Osborne, the special includes animated elements, taking viewers on a dreamlike journey through Eilish’s hometown of Los Angeles and its most iconic backdrops. Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles also features FINNEAS; the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus; the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel; and renowned Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo—with orchestra arrangements by David Campbell.

Mark those calendars!

**ICYMI: Get Prepared for Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings…**

It’s only a matter of days before the newest Super Hero officially arrives on the scene! Ready yourself for Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings by reading up on what you need to know going in—including how costar Awkwafina prepared for the role, and what other Marvel Cinematic Universe director helped ease Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton’s mind—right here at D23.com.

Every Major Announcement from ABC at the 2021 Summer TCAs

August 27, 2021August 27, 2021

By Zach Johnson

ABC, the season’s No. 1 entertainment network among adults 18-49 two years running, today showcased the new and returning shows for the upcoming fall season as part of the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour. The virtual press conferences included conversations with the casts and creative teams behind The Wonder Years, Queens, Big Sky, and Dancing with the Stars. ABC also hosted a panel with some of the stars and executive producers behind the comedy series The Conners, The Goldbergs, Home Economics, and The Wonder Years.

The Wonder Years
Following the highly anticipated debut of ABC’s reimagining of The Wonder Years, premiering Wednesday, September 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, the network’s comedy lineup will pay homage to the original series with a larger-than-life takeover as fan-favorite original series cast members are set to appear throughout the evening on Wednesday, October 13. The night of nostalgia will kick off with a guest appearance by Dan Lauria (Jack Arnold) on The Goldbergs, followed by a nod to the iconic theme song originally covered by Joe Cocker in the all-new The Wonder Years. Later that evening, Fred Savage (Kevin Arnold) will guest star on The Conners, and the night will conclude with a guest appearance by Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper) on Home Economics.

The Wonder Years stars Don Cheadle, narrating the series as adult Dean Williams, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Dean Williams, Dulé Hill as Bill Williams, Saycon Sengbloh as Lillian Williams, Laura Kariuki as Kim Williams, Julian Lerner as Brad Hitman, Amari O’Neil as Cory Long, and Milan Ray as Keisa Clemmons. Lee Daniels, Saladin K. Patterson, Savage, and Marc Velez serve as executive producers. “We wanted to really take the opportunity to show a part of Black middle-class life that had not been seen before,” Patterson said. “Usually when you talk about the late ’60s, it’s talking about the struggle and the civil rights movement and things like that, that are very valid and a part of our story as well—but the perspective of the Black middle class during that time specifically was something that I know stood out to Lee and then stood out to me as well when we first started talking about doing a reimagining of the show.”

Big Sky
In true Big Sky fashion, last fall’s No. 1 new series returned with a surprise when fan-favorite John Carroll Lynch joined the panel to announce he would be returning for season two. Details on his return are under wraps, but stars Katheryn Winnick, Kylie Bunbury; new series regulars Janina Gavankar and Logan Marshall-Green; and showrunner Elwood Reid were there to preview plenty of what’s to come when the delightfully dark drama returns Thursday, September 30, at 10:01 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. When private detectives Cassie Dewell (Bunbury) and Jenny Hoyt (Winnick) reunite to investigate a car wreck outside of Helena, Montana, they discover the case may not be as straightforward as it seems. As they unravel the mystery of the accident, their worlds collide with a band of unsuspecting teens, a flirtatious face from Jenny’s past, and an outsider searching for answers.

Dancing with the Stars
As we previously reported, ABC announced Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee and pop star JoJo Siwa will compete in the upcoming 30th season of Dancing with the Stars! The remaining cast will be revealed Wednesday, September 8, on ABC’s Good Morning America. The milestone season premiere will air live on Monday, September 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough will be back, as will host and executive producer Tyra Banks. And, for the first time in the critically acclaimed competition’s history, season 30 will feature a same-sex pairing between Siwa and a yet-to-be-revealed pro dancer. “It’s going to give so much [hope] to people out there—people of the LGBTQ community, people who feel just a little different,” Siwa said. “It’s going to give them a sense of happiness.”

Queens
Starring Eve, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez, and Brandy, Queens follows four women in their 40s who reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had in the ‘90s when they were legends in the hip-hop world. Queens debuts Tuesday, October 19, at 10:01 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The series is created and executive produced by Zahir McGhee and features original music performed by the stars at the direction of executive music producer Swizz Beatz. “I absolutely love rap,” Brandy said. “I’ve always loved it. I’ve been a hip-hop head since the ’90s, and I’m just so happy to be able to rap and sing. It’s definitely different, because this rapping is really, really difficult—but it’s also so fun and so challenging.”

The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC will present a spectacular television event, The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World, on Friday, October 1, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, taking viewers on a historical journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida. Hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, the two-hour program will feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Disney Legend Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, celebrities Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Melissa Joan Hart, Candace Cameron Bure, and Gary Sinise; NFL players Tom Brady, Phil Simms, and Doug Williams; creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter, and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers Bob Weis, Mark Kohl, and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World, the unparalleled family destination.

The Conners
ABC’s No. 1 comedy last season will return with more laughs, surprise guests, a live episode, and a chance for viewers to win a virtual appearance as a member of the Conner family in the season four premiere when The Conners returns Wednesday, September 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The Conners cast—which includes Disney Legend John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, Michael Fishman, Emma Kenney, Ames McNamara, Jayden Rey, and Jay R. Ferguson—will perform live for the East and West Coast broadcasts of the premiere episode.

The stars of The Conners are no strangers to live television—but this time, they’ll need some extra help to pull it off. Beginning today, ABC and The Conners are launching the “You Can Be a Conner” sweepstakes, offering viewers the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience by entering for the chance to win a virtual appearance during the live season premiere episode. As part of the storyline, a Conner family member will call each lucky sweepstakes winner for a live conversation regarding how they deal with some of the same life issues that the Conners navigate on a daily basis. The sweepstakes is open to legal U.S. residents, 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to enter; visit www.BeAConner.com for the official rules and full details. “It’s never been done before,” executive producer Bruce Helford said. “We won’t know what they are calling about or what they are going to say. It’s going to be pretty special.”

Judge Steve Harvey (Working Title)
Steve Harvey is the judge, the jury, and the star of the 10-episode courtroom comedy series, which will welcome a variety of conflicts and characters to his courtroom—from small claims to big disputes and everything in between. Harvey plays by his own rules, basing his courtroom on his own life experiences and some good old common sense. The one-hour primetime unscripted comedy will premiere on the network in 2022, and casting is currently underway.

Shark Tank
The Emmy^® Award-winning unscripted series Shark Tank adds four new guest Sharks for its 13th season, premiering Friday, October 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Emma Grede, CEO and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of SKIMS; Kevin Hart, actor, investor, and entrepreneur; Peter Jones, the sole remaining original Dragon on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den; and Nirav Tolia, co-founder of Nextdoor, will appear individually alongside veteran Sharks Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary in various episodes during the 2021-2022 season. Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of KIND, also returns. Episodes can be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune puts a star-studded spin on America’s Game^® when season two premieres on a new night, Sunday, September 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Hosted by pop culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune invites famous contestants to spin the world’s most famous Wheel and solve word puzzles for a chance to win up to $1 million. All of the money won goes to a charity of the celebrity’s choice. Jason Alexander, Tatyana Ali, Anthony Anderson, Tituss Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Brooke Burns, Lacey Chabert, Mario Cantone, Laverne Cox, Marcia Cross, Joey Fatone, Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Garlin, Anthony Michael Hall, Melissa Joan Hart, John Michael Higgins, Vanilla Ice, Tara Lipinski, Loni Love, Von Miller, Michael Mizanin, Wanya Morris, Jason Mraz, Haley Joel Osment, Donny Osmond, James Pickens Jr., Caroline Rhea, Andy Richter, Amber Riley, Tori Spelling, Shawn Stockman, Curtis Stone, Jodie Sweetin, Raven-Symoné, Karl-Anthony Towns, Michelle Trachtenberg, Nia Vardalos, Johnny Weir, and Ali Wentworth are competing in season two. Episodes of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will be available the next day on demand and on Hulu.

The Goldbergs
The late George Segal, who played Albert “Pops” Solomon, passed away just before filming wrapped on season eight of The Goldbergs. Both Segal and his character will be memorialized in season nine, star and executive producer Wendi McLendon-Covey said. “Every time we open a season, it’s always a movie tribute, and I’ve got to hand it to our writers: We’re doing a movie tribute that actually takes us on a journey of where to spread Pops’ ashes,” the actress said. “It’s not only a traditional tribute, but hysterically funny, and you will cry your eyes out. Sean Giambrone [who stars as Adam F. Goldberg] and I could barely get through filming.”

Meet the Killer Cast of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building

August 27, 2021August 24, 2021

By Zach Johnson

How well do you know your neighbors?

From the brilliant minds of Disney Legend Steve Martin, John Hoffman, and Dan Fogelman comes a new comedic murder-mystery series, Only Murders in the Building. The Hulu Original follows three strangers, played by Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, who share an obsession with true crime and quickly find themselves caught in one of their own. When a grisly death occurs inside their fancy Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and uses their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the mystery. As they record a true crime podcast of their own to document the case, they unravel the complex secrets of the building, which stretch back years. Perhaps even more revelatory are the lies they tell one another. Eventually, the trio realizes a killer might be living among them, and they must race to decipher the accumulating clues… before it’s too late!

“This is one of the most unusual things I’ve ever done, because it actually has a plot,” jokes Martin, a self-admitted true crime junkie. “I usually don’t do things with plots.” In truth, he says, “I decided, with the director, that it was very important to play it straight. Otherwise, it wouldn’t look real. But the strange thing is I played it straight—and it looks like a spoof!”

Short says each actor brings “a different energy” to the series. “I tend to play it very real, Steve goes way over the top and Selena grounds everything in this kind of dry, hilarious delivery. The combination, I think, is perfect.” Gomez says she was initially “very nervous” to share the screen with comedy legends Martin and Short, whom she now calls her “two crazy uncles.” What she learned from them, she adds, was invaluable. “How they lead a set is so commendable. They are so humble, they are kind, and they are there till the very end. They’ve set such an example for me,” she says. “They’ve been doing this longer than I’ve been alive. I would be so lucky to have a career that lasted that long. Overall, I just love the way they talk to people. I love the way they come to set and make everybody feel good. That makes me want to do that more. Plus, I’m so lucky. I just sit down and laugh all day.”

Only Murders in the Building is another winning collaboration between Martin and Short, who won over audiences through films such as Father of the Bride and various comedy tours. “Steve’s agenda is to make the set loose and happy, because that’s the playground,” Short says. “He is never temperamental. He always knows his lines—and if he doesn’t, he makes a joke about it that gets everyone laughing, and then it becomes a better take. And that’s the way it’s been since Three Amigos.” Echoing Short, Martin adds, “We just get along on a humorous level. We always have. We don’t get too neurotic with each other.”

Only Murders in the Building also marks Gomez’s return to television after starring in Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place from 2007-2012. “The sophistication level of the material is the reason why I wanted to do this,” she says. “Back then, I was just a kid, and I didn’t know what I was doing. I was just running around the set. Now, I’m just like a sponge and I soak up all the wisdom that I can. It’s really nice to be back on TV, and it’s nice to be cast as someone my own age—which never happens. I’m just very happy to be doing this.”

Stream Only Murders in the Building on Hulu starting Tuesday, August 31.

6 Fur-bulous Facts from the Dug Days Filmmakers

August 26, 2021

By Courtney Potter

There’s a new series of shorts coming to Disney+, and—squirrel!

Sorry ’bout that. We might just be a tad excited…

As we were saying, Disney+ will soon debut a brand-new series of shorts from Pixar Animation Studios. Dug Days follows the adorably humorous misadventures of Dug, the lovable dog whose high-tech collar translates his thoughts into speech. A sweet and loyal pupster, fan-favorite Dug won the hearts of audiences around the world when Disney and Pixar’s Up premiered in 2009—so obviously, a series starring this memorable mutt is a paw-fect addition to the Disney+ lineup!

The five short episodes (each with a different theme, including “Puppies,” “Smell,” and “Science”) take place just after the events of Up; curmudgeonly yet endearing Carl Fredricksen has accepted Dug as his own, and they’ve now traded their 1920s airship for a new house… complete with a doggy door and a big backyard. Fans of the ’09 film, never fear: Ed Asner, who lent his voice to Carl more than a decade ago, returned to the recording studio to deliver new dialogue. And Dug Days also features a few appearances from snipe-hunting wilderness explorer Russell.

Bob Peterson, the voice of Dug then and now, wrote and directed the new shorts—and it’s very familiar territory, considering Peterson was also a screenwriter and co-director on the Oscar^®-winning Up. This time ’round, Peterson is joined by Pixar Animation Studios veteran Kim Collins (production management for The Incredibles and Toy Story 4, among others) as producer… and the two filmmakers recently shared some insight into what makes Dug Days so doggone special.

Peterson on the origins of Dug Days:
“We were so excited when we created Dug [for Up] because using his collar would allow us to hear what a dog might actually think and say,” the director explains, “and we could explore ‘canine truth.’ Dug was based on our own dogs… We used experiences living with many dogs to write Dug’s character and dialogue. In fact, Dug’s voice is based on how I talk to my dogs: ‘You’re a good dog! I love you, my dog!’… For Dug Days, we pitched to Pixar a series of shorts that showed the facets of a dog’s life: territoriality, nurturing, protection, fears, and especially a dog’s super senses—like smell. This then gave focus to a dog’s feelings, which can be intense. We wanted to keep the setting simple to emphasize character.”

You might be wondering, where did the idea for Dug come from initially? “It goes back to a movie that Pete Docter and I were developing before Up,” Peterson says. “And it was more of a science fiction story, where a dog ate something that it shouldn’t have and all of a sudden started talking. It was just so fun to hear what a dog had to say that when that project got shelved, and we moved on to Up, we wondered, ‘Well, how can we bring that back?’ Ellie, Carl’s wife, always wanted to go on this adventure as a kid. And we thought, ‘What would she want to see?’ And a talking dog would certainly be part of a kid’s dream experience. So Dug was actually born from a different film… Some of these things happen, y’know, by chance—or they’re just sort of delivered to us and we don’t really think them through. We embrace them and see what they can bring.”

The filmmakers on what the production process was like—especially in the face of 2020’s life-altering peculiarities:
“Dug Days was just gearing up when we had to shift to work from home,” Collins admits. “We ended up recording in a lot of unusual places,” adds Peterson. “Mostly closets… [My own recording studio was] a spider-infested, dusty, and cramped closet below the stairs. I recorded a large chunk of Dug’s lines in there. One good thing, though, is that it was hot in there and I lost a lot of water weight,” he says, laughing.

“I mean, it was a lot of worry at the beginning—‘Can we do this?’”—Peterson continues. “Just technically, [can we] get people equipment in their home so that they can do it? And then can that equipment be fast enough so that we can have meaningful reviews, which don’t just sort of crawl along? And so that meant updating people’s Ethernet and all that sort of thing—along with the challenge of kids and dogs running around. But we embraced that! If a kid came in the room, and Mom or Dad or whoever was giving a presentation, the kid sat up on their lap and looked in, and it was wonderful. We enjoyed it—it’s actually nice to see parents and family members and dogs and cats going in front of the screen because it gives a sense of connection to home life.”

“As we moved into the pandemic, the entire crew realized that the shorts could bring a little bit of sweetness and happiness to people,” Collins adds. “So that motivation kept us wanting to bring our best, creatively, even though we could only be together as a team to these little tiny boxes on a [Zoom] screen instead of—as we’re used to working together [for] a lot of things—in the studio. But we did go into the studio, just a few of us, just a few times and very safely to check the final rendered images for the shorts.”

On reuniting with grumpy yet loveable Carl Fredricksen:
“We here at Pixar have much love for Ed Asner, when he’s not telling us to go soak our heads,” Peterson jokingly admits. “We always manage to have a great recording session [with him]; Carl really is a role he was born to play. [We had a] recording session with Ed in February 2020… it was just before we were asked to stay home during the pandemic. It was our only [in-person] recording session, which took place in a beautiful Toluca Lake, California, recording studio—only the best for Ed Asner!”

On some of the series’ technical challenges:
“There were some technical challenges with what we call the ‘smell-o-vision’,” explains Collins. “That one took a lot of iteration and collaboration to land on what that look would be, from its initial design… [and] that one went across several episodes. And then for the ‘Flowers’ episode, it has a lot going on. It has a big lighting change; it has crowds and crowds of flowers that are now coming to life… And then [this one] wasn’t a ‘challenge,’ per se, but our lighting director of photography, her name is Josée Lajoie—she had, in the ‘Puppies’ episode, a big lighting change. It’s supposed to go through the course of the day—it starts really sunny and beautiful, and then as [the story continues], it gets very dark and gloomy and gray. And then it ultimately turns into this beautiful glowy dusk. I really like how the lighting tells the story in that episode.”

On Easter eggs we can expect to see throughout the shorts:
“They’re sprinkled all throughout these shorts,” admits Peterson. “Some you [might] know, and some are sort of inside jokes… My grandmother’s house back in Ohio was No. 333—and the house that Carl and Dug move into is also No. 333. And actually, my other grandparents have a house [at] No. 18, and the house in Up is No. 18; [Up co-director Pete Docter] put a lot of our family Easter eggs in there.”

Collins adds, “In the ‘Flowers’ episode, you’ll see a Ferris wheel—it’s the [one] from Toy Story 4, which was the project I’d just worked on prior to joining Dug Days. So that’s one of the ones I liked the best.”

“There are a lot in Carl’s front room,” continues Peterson. “There’s a little frog that’s based on the ‘nature’s alarm clock’ that wakes up Carl in Up. And there’s a camera [on one of the shelves] named after Mark Nielsen, who was our Dug Days production designer.” “Oh, and there’s a baseball hat that has the initials ‘J.R.’—they’re the initials for producer of Up and well-known baseball fan Jonas Rivera,” says Collins. “And of course, Pete Docter… he’s a sweets fanatic,” Peterson adds, chuckling. “He loves macarons, which are like little sweet hamburgers. He can eat them morning, noon, and night. So we put a little box of ‘Pete’s Macarons’ in one of the shots.”

On their personal favorite episodes:
“I mean I love them all,” admits Collins. “They’re all very different in tone, so they all have different charm. Going into it, when we first started, the ‘Science’ episode was my favorite… but the ‘Flowers’ episode quickly became my favorite as it went through production, because people brought so many amazing ideas to it, which we call ‘plussing’ at Pixar. They just kept ‘plussing’ what Bob had originally written and conceived. So I think those two are really special.”

“The ‘Flowers’ episode is madcap—it starts out so gentle, and we lull people into this false sense [of security],” Peterson adds. “And then all heck breaks loose, with this Fantasia-like dream. You just don’t expect that coming… But my favorite moment of these shorts is when at the very end of the ‘Science’ episode—the last one, where Carl and Dug are in his front room. And Carl is just describing what it’s like to have love for your pet, for your dog. That your dog protects you and gets you through your day and is your best friend. We think of our dogs as friends. That’s my favorite moment, in all of these.”

Look for all five episodes of Pixar Animation Studios’ Dug Days to debut on Wednesday, September 1—only on Disney+!