All the New Disney Shows We Can’t Wait to Watch

May 19, 2021

By The D23 Team

It’s the event we’ve all been waiting for—the Disney Upfront presentation, which is when we find out all the awesome new must-see shows we’ll be putting on our calendar. Yesterday, Disney announced all the exciting TV series and specials we can expect to see this next year from ABC, Freeform, FX, Hulu, ESPN, and National Geographic. Disney’s exciting 2021 Upfront presentation included talent and executives from all across Disney’s TV and streaming platforms. Here’s just some of what we can’t wait to watch:

ABC

NEW FALL SERIES

Queens (Tuesdays, 10 p.m. ET)

Estranged and out-of-touch, four women in their 40s reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had as a ’90s group that made them legends in the hip-hop world. Queens stars Eve as Brianna, Naturi Naughton as Jill, Nadine Velazquez as Valeria, Taylor Selé as Eric Jones, Pepi Sonuga as Lil Muffin and Brandy as Naomi. Zahir McGhee, Sabrina Wind and Tim Story are executive producers.

The Wonder Years (Wednesdays, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Inspired by the beloved award-winning series of the same name, The Wonder Years is a coming-of-age story set in the late 1960s that takes a nostalgic look at a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean. The Wonder Years stars Don Cheadle, narrating the series as adult Dean Williams, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Julian Lerner, Amari O’Neil, and Milan Ray. Saladin Patterson serves as writer and executive producer. Lee Daniels and Marc Velez of Lee Daniels Entertainment also executive produce along with original series star Fred Savage.

NEW MIDSEASON SERIES

Abbott Elementary

In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers—and a slightly tone-deaf principal—are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Abbott Elementary stars Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Brunson serves as writer and executive producer alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker.

Maggie

Based on the short film by Tim Curcio, Maggie follows a young woman trying to cope with life as a psychic. Maggie regularly sees the future of her friends, parents, clients, and random strangers on the street, but when she suddenly sees a glimpse of her own future, Maggie is forced to start living in her own present. The series stars Rebecca Rittenhouse, David Del Rio, Nichole Sakura, Angelique Cabral, Leonardo Nam, Ray Ford, Chloe Bridges, Kerri Kenney, and Chris Elliott. Maggie is written and executive produced by Justin Adler and Maggie Mull. Evan Hayes and Jeff Morton also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Women of the Movement

Women of the Movement tells the story of Mamie Till-Mobley, who in 1955 risks her life to find justice after her son Emmett is brutally murdered in the Jim Crow South. Unwilling to let Emmett’s murder disappear from the headlines, Mamie chooses to bear her pain on the world stage, emerging as an activist for justice and igniting the Civil Rights movement as we know it today. The limited-series stars Adrienne Warren, Tonya Pinkins, Cedric Joe, Ray Fisher, Glynn Turman, Chris Coy, Carter Jenkins, and Julia McDermott.

Women of the Movement is produced by Kapital Entertainment. Marissa Jo Cerar serves as executive producer and showrunner. Executive producers are Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor, and Michael Lohmann (Kapital Entertainment), Jay-Z, Jay Brown, and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith (Roc Nation), Will Smith and James Lassiter (Overbrook), Rosanna Grace (Serendipity Group Inc.), Alex Foster and John Powers Middleton (Middleton Media Group), David Clark (Mazo Partners), and Gina Prince-Bythewood.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

RETURNING SERIES

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Gordon Ramsay laces his boots, grabs his knives, and buckles up as he hits the road to embark on more exhilarating adventures, exploring world cultures through food in the fourth season of National Geographic’s Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted is executive produced by Gordon Ramsay, Lisa Edwards, Jon Kroll, and Tom Willis for Studio Ramsay.

Life Below Zero, Life Below Zero: Next Generation, and Port Protection, Alaska
The common theme in Life Below Zero and Port Protection, Alaska is people who have left traditional society behind. They have chosen a different life, with varying degrees of danger and challenges, in their remote regions of Alaska. In Life Below Zero: Next Generation, an all-new cast has abandoned contemporary life in favor of freedom in the brutal Alaskan wilderness. Executive Producers are Travis Shakespeare and Joseph Litzinger for BBC Studios.

Running Wild with Bear Grylls
Last season, the hit outdoor adventure series Running Wild with Bear Grylls found its new home on National Geographic with bigger action and wilder destinations than ever before. World-renowned survivalist Bear Grylls returns for another season, leading a brand-new slate of celebrities into the wildest corners of the planet for epic, life-changing adventures. Running Wild with Bear Grylls is produced by Electus, a Propagate Company, and The Natural Studios. For Electus and The Natural Studios, Bear Grylls serves as executive producer along with Chris Grant, Drew Buckley, Ben Silverman, Howard Owens, Liz Schulze, Rob Buchta, and Delbert Shoopman.

Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller
Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller continues her harrowing exploration into the underworld’s most dangerous black markets. Armed with National Geographic’s trademark inside access, each episode follows Mariana as she works her way inside a different black market or global trafficking network—from meth, marijuana, and stolen cars to outlaw bikers clubs and Amazon mafias—where she meets the players and learns the business, all in an effort to understand the inner workings of the world’s multitrillion-dollar shadow economy. For Muck Media, Executive Producers are Mariana van Zeller, Darren Foster, and Jeff Plunkett.

Wicked Tuna and Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks
National Geographic’s hit series Wicked Tuna is back on the high seas. Follow a group of salty commercial fishermen from the nation’s oldest seaport in Gloucester, Massachusetts, as they earn their living through rod-and-reel fishing in pursuit of the prized bluefin tuna.

Later this year, the popular spinoff Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks returns. Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks follows a southern fleet of top captains battling to catch bluefin in the dangerous waters off the coast of North Carolina. Wicked Tuna is executive produced by Craig Piligian and Mike Nichols, and co-executive produced by Lorene Machado for Pilgrim Studios.

SPECIALS:

10th Annual Sharkfest Summer 2022
National Geographic’s 10th annual Sharkfest takes you up close and personal with one of nature’s most feared—and often misunderstood—predators. Throughout its decade-long history, more than 100 hours of new shark programming has premiered, helping viewers gain respect and understanding for these mysterious underwater creatures. In celebration of this milestone, National Geographic has announced a new partnership with Minorities in Shark Science, working to encourage diversity and inclusion in the field of shark science and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Explorer
National Geographic’s Explorer, a hallmark of Nat Geo storytelling since it first launched in 1985, is set to return as a series of specials produced in partnership with ABC News, who will bring familiar faces to the series. Good Morning America co-anchors Michael Strahan and Robin Roberts follow the progress of the expeditions, especially at critical turning points. Explorer will cover timely topics, a featured magazine story, and more, further deepening viewers’ understanding of the world through provocative storytelling. For Lincoln Square Productions, Drew Pulley is executive producer, and Jeanmarie Condon is senior executive producer.

The Hot Zone: Anthrax

The three-night limited series The Hot Zone: Anthrax, starring Daniel Dae Kim and Tony Goldwyn, will premiere Sunday, November 28. With the world still reeling after the attacks on 9/11, America faces a second wave—the anthrax letters. The Hot Zone: Anthrax follows FBI Special Agent Matthew Ryker (Kim) as he tracks down the killer, finding himself ensnared in an unstable web of psychological warfare. Bruce Ivins (Goldwyn) is the brilliant microbiologist who becomes embroiled in the hunt.

Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson serve as executive producers and showrunners. Scott Free Productions’ Ridley Scott and David W. Zucker are executive producers, with Jordan Sheehan also serving as executive producer. Lynda Obst is an executive producer. Richard Preston is a co-executive producer on the series. The series is produced by 20th Television and Scott Free Productions.

National Parks
The award-winning creative team behind iconic natural history films and series like Disneynature’s Earth and Elephant, as well as BBC’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, brings you National Parks, shot using cutting-edge technology including long lens cinematography, remote camera traps, and the latest high-resolution drone technology. Leading us on this journey is narrator Garth Brooks.

ESPN

The Captain featuring Derek Jeter
ESPN Films announced a multi-part documentary series that will tell the story of one of the greatest icons in modern sports. Derek Jeter’s arrival with the New York Yankees helped transform a struggling franchise into a storied dynasty, all within a time of great change in New York City. As he prepares to enter Cooperstown this July, he is pulling back the curtain to reveal what it was really like to be The Captain.

Emmy-winning director Randy Wilkins will tell the story of Jeter’s professional and personal triumphs and challenges. The series is being executive produced by Spike Lee, Mike Tollin, Mandalay Sports Media, Excel Sports Management’s media arm Excel Media, and Connor Schell, in association with The Players’ Tribune and Major League Baseball. It is slated to premiere on ESPN and ESPN+ in 2022.

Fifty/50
Fifty/50 will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the June 23, 1972, passing of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding, which gave women the equal opportunity to play. June 2022 will be declared “Fifty/50 Month,” a wide-ranging initiative focused on the intersection of women, sports, culture, and the fight for equality. Highlighting it will be 50 women’s stories told in multiple formats, including long-form reporting, documentary storytelling, podcasts, features, and digital and social platforms.

In addition, ESPN+ announced its slate of upcoming projects:

Quest for the Stanley Cup
A seven-part, behind-the-scenes docu-series that provides an all-access pass, both on and off the ice, as the NHL’s top teams pursue the coveted Stanley Cup. Coming June 4.

Peyton’s Places Expansion
Stars from a variety of sports, including Abby Wambach, David Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, Vince Carter, and Eli Manning, take on Peyton’s signature show to bring fans the people and places that make their sport what it is today.

Bettor Days with Mike Greenberg Season 2
Bettor Days with Mike Greenberg is a character-driven reenactment show that brings to life the true stories of unforgettable gambling adventures. Hosted by ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, the series uses in-depth interviews and comedic reenactments to relive the wildest, funniest betting tales—and their unexpected outcomes. Coming in August.

Man in the Arena: Tom Brady
After 21 seasons in the NFL, Tom Brady will share a personal firsthand account of his 10 Super Bowl appearances. Each episode focuses on a single Super Bowl appearance and centers not just on the pivotal moments, but everything that leads to them, illustrating the series of small steps that seem insignificant at the time, but when reflected upon, show the distance traveled.

HULU

Nine Perfect Strangers (August 18)

Based on The New York Times bestselling book by author Liane Moriarty, Nine Perfect Strangers takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation as nine stressed city dwellers try to get on a path to a better way of living. Watching over them during this 10-day retreat is the resort’s director, Masha, a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. However, these nine “perfect” strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.

The eight-episode series stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Bobby Cannavale, Regina Hall, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg, Asher Keddie, Grace Van Patten, Tiffany Boone and Manny Jacinto. The series is co-written by David E. Kelley, John Henry Butterworth and Samantha Strauss, and co-showrun by David E. Kelley and John Henry Butterworth.

Only Murders in the Building (August 31)

Only Murders in the Building is a comedic murder-mystery that follows three strangers with a shared true crime obsession who suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. The series stars Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, Martin Short, Aaron Dominguez and Amy Ryan. It was co-created and written by Martin and John Hoffman. Short, Gomez, Dan Fogelman, Jamie Babbitt, and Jess Rosenthal serve as executive producers.

McCartney 3,2,1 (July 16)
The Hulu Original six-episode documentary series event McCartney 3,2,1 features intimate and revealing examinations of musical history from two living legends, Paul McCartney and super producer Rick Rubin. The series is executive produced by McCartney, Rubin, Scott Rodger, Peter Berg, Matthew Goldberg, Brandon Carroll, Jeff Pollack, Frank Marshall, and Ryan Suffern with Leila Mattimore serving as co-executive producer. All six episodes premiere Friday, July 16, on Hulu.

Immigrant
Immigrant is the true story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee (played by Kumail Nanjiani), the Indian-American entrepreneur who started Chippendales. The series will detail the insane, darkly comedic, crime-ridden story behind the unique male revue that became a cultural phenomenon. The series is written by Robert Siegel and executive produced by Siegel, Nanjiani, Dylan Sellers, and Emily V. Gordon as well as Rajiv Joseph and Mehar Sethi, who will also write on the series. 20th Television serves as the studio on the series.

FX

Welcome To Wrexham

Welcome to Wrexham is a docuseries tracking the dreams and people of Wrexham, a working-class town in North Wales, UK, as two Hollywood stars take ownership of the town’s historic yet struggling football club. In 2020, Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) teamed up to purchase the team in the hopes of turning the club into an underdog story the whole world could root for. The worry? Rob and Ryan have no experience in football or working with each other. That said, they are serious about their investment in Wrexham, improving the club, and doing right by the townspeople.

“This Is Where The Fun Begins”—16 Years of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

May 19, 2021

By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives

Did you know that on this day 16 years ago, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith debuted in theaters? The final installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, audiences were enthralled to finally see Anakin Skywalker’s tragic transformation into the villainous Darth Vader amidst the collapse of the Galactic Republic, engineered by the sinister Chancellor Palpatine. As George Lucas put it, “there was this missing piece now of Episode III…people want to see all the pieces fall together so they can make that connection to the next three films.”

How did Lucas and the creative team behind Revenge of the Sith accomplish this beyond the plot? One of the most impactful ways they did this was through the costume design, led by designer Trisha Biggar. For example, the Jedi robes worn by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker took their design cues from robes worn by an older Obi-Wan in Star Wars: A New Hope. In the words of actor Ewan McGregor, “it was extraordinary to stand in front of the mirror with all my wardrobe on—because I was Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

While Obi-Wan’s Jedi robes kept the sandy tones he sports in A New Hope, Anakin’s robes are in a darker color palette; the dark browns of his tunic and black leather tabards echo Darth Vader’s menacing suit, foreshadowing his fall to the dark side.

Additionally, Princess Leia’s inventive and intricate hairstyles from the original trilogy heavily inspired the hairstyles for Padmé Amidala, former queen, senator, and mother of the Skywalker twins. That influence is most evident in Padmé’s first appearance in Revenge of the Sith, when she and Anakin reunite amidst the shadows of the Senate landing. Her hair is styled into two coiled buns, a call forward to the iconic “cinnamon bun” hairstyle Princess Leia sported in A New Hope.

Of course, where would any Star Wars film be without an appearance from beloved droids C-3P0 and R2-D2? Both are integral characters in the Star Wars galaxy and function as part of the connective tissue between the prequel and original trilogies.

What better way to conclude Anakin’s story and mark the beginning of Luke Skywalker’s journey from Tatooine farm boy to Jedi Knight than the very last shot of Revenge of the Sith? Young Owen and Beru Lars, cradling an infant Luke Skywalker, watch as the twin suns of Tatooine set; this is a direct callback to A New Hope, where Luke gazes out into the binary sunset, yearning for adventure. Be sure to catch this moving scene and so many more in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, now streaming on Disney+!

7 Scintillating Stories from Cruella’s Filmmakers

May 18, 2021

By Courtney Potter

In just a few days’ time, we’ll finally learn all about the rebellious early days of one of film’s most notorious—and notoriously fashionable—villains: the legendary Cruella de Vil…

Disney’s Cruella, set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows Estella (Oscar® winner Emma Stone)—a clever and creative young grifter determined to make a name for herself with her fashion designs. After befriending a pair of thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, the trio are able to build a life for themselves on the gritty London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for design catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman (Oscar winner Emma Thompson), a terrifyingly stylish fashion legend. Their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, and revenge-bent Cruella we know and love today.

It should come as no surprise that a film chronicling the start of such an iconic Disney character would also be a visual wonder. Directed by Craig Gillespie (Million Dollar Arm), Cruella also features the work of hair and makeup designer Nadia Stacey; production designer Fiona Crombie, and costume designer Jenny Beavan. D23 was lucky enough to attend a virtual press conference featuring all four filmmakers, who shared strikingly swank stories from behind the scenes; read on for a few of the morning’s memorable moments…

Craig Gillespie on his primary goal in directing the origin story for one of the greatest villains ever:
“Villains are always so fun to portray,” he explains, “because you have more license to do things that aren’t quite appropriate, [and you can] push the boundaries and create these larger-than-life characters. It was really important to me that it wasn’t black and white—obviously no pun intended there, with Cruella.” He chuckles, adding, “But I wanted there to be this gray area, and be able to empathize with the choices that she was making and the situations that she was responding to. And I wanted to do it in a way that was really fun.”

Jenny Beavan on her familiarity with the film’s 1970s London fashion, and what it felt like to see it all come to life again:
“Yes, I’m afraid I’m very old,” jokes the self-effacing Beavan, eliciting laughs from her fellow filmmakers. “I absolutely remember [the era], because it was that time after college when I was just beginning to work in theater—not film; I really wanted to be a set designer. And I was just beginning to earn a tiny bit of money [to buy clothing with]… I mean, it was really interesting how you kind of forget things, and then you do something like Cruella and it starts to all come back. The best moment [for me] was that very first day outside Liberty’s [a high-end department store in London that served as one of the film’s locations]. Oh my god, when I looked around at the crowd, it was like, ‘Oh, I had one of those!’ You know, that’s what we looked like! And actually, it was really fun.”

Fiona Crombie on the challenges of designing such a rich, robust world for the film:
As Crombie explains, “I think the biggest challenge was actually the number of sets. Cruella has great pace, and we move around a lot—and there’s lots of little moments that are important [and] that require different sets. So we were very busy; there were, you know, 120-odd sets to create across the course of the shoot. And some of them are enormous, and some of them are tiny little rooms. But I think one of the things that I’m most pleased about with the film is the level of detail in every single one of those sets.”In fact, Crombie and her team were so active during Cruella that it’s made her next project feel a bit different: “I’m making [another] movie at the moment, and sometimes I’m like, ‘I’m not busy enough. What’s happened?’,” she adds, chuckling.

Nadia Stacey on a surprising dilemma surrounding Cruella’s iconic hair:
“It was really busy at the time that we shot [the film], in terms of wig makers,” Stacey admits, “and we couldn’t get the white hair. It’s really hard to get hold of, because it has to be processed in a particular way. So I only had two wigs [for Emma Stone] for a long time! I kept using them and then changing them. [For instance], when Cruella has a bob with fringe [English for “bangs”], the fringe is a separate piece—so I changed things, took things off, added things to. Which kind of all works with who Cruella is. And then when I saw what Jenny was doing and how much she was changing up the costumes, it kind of all worked.”

“As Fiona was saying, it was so fast-paced,” she continues. “We were moving all the time, changing locations, changing scenes, and those moments with her were so kind of different every day that I was just kind of styling during the evenings, or the mornings before she came in, or even on [Stone’s] head. It was a pretty quick turnaround with everything, but very fun.”

Beavan on which real-life designers inspired both Cruella’s and the Baroness’ looks:
“I think Cruella comes out of the script, actually,” she explains. “I think the inspirations were various because she’s so diverse in all her different looks… I just looked at so much stuff. And then out of it, you kind of pull what appears to be the narrative thread. So of course I looked at Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen and John Galliano and BodyMap [an influential British designer in the early ’80s], and I sort of dug into my past at [iconic London clothing store] Biba and, you know—just trying to really find all those things that we loved.”

As for the Baroness, “she’s actually terribly clear once you get into that mindset of who she is, where her influences came from, and her current situation,” Beavan says. “It was obviously a slight Dior [and] Balenciaga inspiration—all those great ’50s and ’60s fashion designers. [The Baroness] is a very good designer; she’s just slightly past her ‘sell-by date’. But she became clear in [my] working with a costume maker named Jane Law; we found a style for her—obviously asymmetric and very fitted, and very ‘snobbish,’ I think I’d call it. We just had fun!”

“I’m not a fashion designer,” admits Beavan. “I’m a storyteller with clothes. In fact, in my real life, I don’t have much interest in clothes. I just love telling stories with them. So for me, that was just brilliant.”

Gillespie on how he incorporated dalmatians into this film’s storyline:
“Obviously, the dogs are a large part of all of 101 Dalmatians,” the director explains. “But I wanted to bring them in in a more grounded way. We worked on story a lot, [in terms of] the role of the dalmatians and Cruella’s relationship to them… They’re very intertwined with her emotional journey. And then also, having these mutts that were part of their crew, and just being able to have fun with that—and design these [scenes] that were grounded in reality and plausible for dogs to be able to do. They were supporting characters in a way, and they had their own personalities and concerns… They have some great little moments.”

… and Gillespie chats about the chemistry between Cruella and her two cohorts, Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser):
“That is the heart of the film,” he admits. “It’s like, they’re our ‘family,’ the three of them. And they all play very different roles. I worked with Paul on the film I, Tonya, and I loved working with him [on Cruella]. He’s doing this humor, and you see the human being underneath it—the pain, and, y’know, where that humor might be coming from or what it’s deflecting or hiding. He gets to do all those layers with his humor. And then Joel is so accessible, and he has such a big heart. He was the heart of the show, and he’s sort of the moral compass for Cruella. He would call her [out] on stuff in a brotherly way. I felt that that dynamic between the three of them really worked beautifully. I’d give them room to improvise, and they could play off of each other so well. They’re all so talented that way. So it really made it feel effortless, natural, to have them in the room together.”

See Disney’s Cruella when it debuts in theaters, as well as on Disney+ with Premier Access (available in most Disney+ markets), on Friday, May 28.

Dig into The Cool Science of Dinosaurs with these T-Rexcellent Products Celebrating DinoMAYnia

May 18, 2021

By the D23 Team

Make your month of May dino-mite with these roar-some products celebrating the mighty world of Dinosaurs! For the entire month of May, National Geographic is encouraging you to learn more about these fascinating creatures who once roamed the Earth, declaring this monthlong celebration “DinoMAYnia.” Sink your teeth into the fun books, toys, and clothing below for fun ways to celebrate dinos today—or any day. (Because any day is National Dinosaur Day if you love dinosaurs enough!)

Ultimate Dino-pedia
Dinosaurs continue to fascinate kids, and although these amazing creatures roamed the Earth ages ago, new dinosaur discoveries are still being made today! This new edition of the popular Nat Geo Kids Dinopedia includes all the latest species and is the most complete, up-to-date dinosaur reference available.

Weird But True: Dinosaurs
Calling all dino dynamos! Get ready to devour wacky wonders, facts, stats, and trivia about all things dinosaur. Did you know that the T. rex had vision 13 times better than the average human’s? Or that people collect fossilized dino poop? And get this: There’s a dinosaur named after Hogwarts—Harry Potter’s wizarding school! Get ready to meet dinosaurs with horns and feathers, razor-sharp claws and gigantic teeth. You’ll encounter the places they lived, the bizarre art they inspired, and the amazing paleontologists who discovered them.

National Geographic Dinosaur Silhouettes T-Shirt
Roam the earth with some of the most incredible creatures that ever lived when you wear this soft, jersey-knit crew neck t-shirt. The National Geographic logo appears on the chest below the grid of dinosaur silhouettes.

Rex Interactive Talking Action Figure
‘‘Oh, I’m so glad you’re not a dinosaur,’’ declares the normally timid Rex. This mild-mannered tyrannosaurus talking action figure features more than 10 phrases and starts speaking when he detects another Toy Story interactive character nearby.

You Can Be a Paleontologist
Ever wondered how to find a dinosaur? Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson, host of Dinosaur Train on PBS Kids, tells kids how! How do paleontologists find dinosaur bones? How do they know what dinosaurs ate or looked like? And what is paleontology, anyway? Dr. Scott tackles all these questions and more while inspiring kids to go out and make the next big dino discovery!

Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs
The third title in National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series is THE book for kids who LOVE dinos! Bursting with fun facts and age appropriate information, each spread features a different dinosaur, along with simple text in big type that is perfect for little fans.

Dazzling News: Disneyland® Paris to Reopen June 17; Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel Opens to Guests on June 21

May 17, 2021

By the D23 Team

It’s time to say “Bonjour!” to your favorite attractions at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, because Disneyland Paris is reopening on June 17, along with Disney’s Newport Bay Club Hotel and Disney Village. Return to your favorite attractions, beloved Disney characters, tasty treats, and more—including new Selfie Spots and surprise appearances, a new Cars ROAD TRIP attraction, and the highly anticipated opening of Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.

“We have all been dreaming of this moment,” said Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris. “The moment we can reunite and enjoy unforgettable moments with our family and friends. When Disneyland Paris reopens, our Guests will be able to enjoy the outstanding experiences we are known for, from iconic attractions and new heart-warming Character moments to unique interactions with our Cast Members and even a few surprises along the way.”

New Experiences for Magical Memories
On your next visit to Disneyland Paris, look out for surprise appearances from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters. These characters will appear in new and unexpected ways, so keep your eyes and ears open for one magical surprise after another.

Plus, as part of the ongoing Walt Disney Studios Park transformation, the new Cars ROAD TRIP attraction will welcome guests for the very first time at reopening. Experience a road trip on Route 66 in a uniquely Cars way, discovering local natural wonders like The World’s Largest Lugnut and the Cars-tastrophe Canyon, while encountering your favorite friends such as Lightning McQueen and Mater.

Welcome to Disney’s Hotel New York—The Art of Marvel
Something super is just a short walk—or free shuttle—away from the Parks. Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel pays tribute to the home of so many Marvel Super Heroes and the talented artists who created them.

“Our Guests will discover and be amazed by our brand-new Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, the only hotel in the world dedicated to Marvel art, offering a premium, incredibly immersive and one-of-a-kind experience. We are looking forward to celebrating these milestones together with our Cast and Guests in a few weeks,” said Rafalski.

With more than 350 pieces of artwork on display spanning both comics and movies created by more than 110 artists from Europe and beyond—including about 50 exclusive pieces—the hotel will be one of the largest publicly viewable collections of Marvel artwork in the world. Artists from Marvel Comics, Marvel Studios, and more have brought together an incredible collection of contemporary art showcasing the vast scope of the Marvel Universe including comic book covers, posters, illustrations from films, storyboards, original sketches, and more. From France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom to Argentina, Japan, Canada, and the United States, an unparalleled diversity of artistic styles will be featured such as classic back-and-white comics, street art, pop art, hyperrealism, and technics, including engraved metal and collage art.

The talented European artists responsible for some of the exclusive artwork include:

French Marvel artist Olivier Coipel, famous for his work on The Avengers, Thor and Spider-Man, created a powerful representation of Thor: God of Thunder in a comic-book style, using an overlap of vibrant red and blue colors highlighting the duality between the Super Hero’s mythological and human sides and using forced perspective to bring out the action.
French Marvel artist Stéphanie Hans, featured in Marvel Comics including Asgardians of the Galaxy, Black Bolt, and many more, created an impressive realistic portrait of a determined and strong Captain Marvel, depicted in full flight and surrounded by her photonic power.
UK comic book artist Tula Lotay, whose work on Marvel Comics include stories of powerful characters like Black Widow, Gamora, and Scarlet Witch, created a vibrant and strong comic-book-style portrait of Black Widow whose black costume contrasts with the almost expressionistic brightly colored background.
Italian designers and twin brothers Van Orton have created incredible pop art and almost neon-like portraits of Hulk, Captain America, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel using bright and vibrant colors.
UK artist Liam Brazier, known for his geometric reinterpretations of iconic characters, created several pieces for the hotel including heroic contemporary portraits of Captain America, Thor, and Hulk using saturated and bright colors as well as lines highlighting the dynamism of the Super Heroes’ poses.
Spanish artist Carlos Gomez created huge backlit black and white comic panels that will greet Guests as they enter the lobby, depicting the exciting and dynamic story of the Avengers uniting in New York City in an inclusive way, to be understandable by everyone even with no dialogue.

Your art adventure doesn’t stop there! Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel will also include The Jack Kirby Legacy Gallery, a space dedicated to temporary art exhibitions that will showcase artworks for limited periods. This area will also offer a permanent exhibition dedicated to Disney Legend Jack Kirby himself—”The King of Comics”—with 21 comic book covers drawn by this legend. The Disney Legend brought many of the most iconic heroes to life, including the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, and the adventures of Thor and the Avengers. Guests eager to learn more about the stories behind the artwork displayed in the hotel lobby and The Jack Kirby Legacy Gallery will be invited to call upon Art Guardians, a selection of specially trained Cast Members with additional art knowledge.

The hotel boutique has been thought of as a museum shop where guests can purchase beautiful reproductions of some of the Marvel artwork displayed in the hotel. This boutique, directly inspired by Tony Stark’s iconic Wall of Armor, will display collector figurines, art books, exclusive editions of Marvel Comic Books, and many items directly related to the architecture and design of the hotel, including statuette reproductions of Iron Man armors on display in the lobby.

As soon as Guests enter the hotel lobby, they’ll step into the Marvel Universe, greeted by huge backlit comic panels, three life-size Iron Man suits, and even the famous Captain America shields. Make Marvel Memories last forever at the Selfie Spot with Spider-Man at the Super Hero Station, where Guests will also find exclusive Marvel Photo Stations showcasing décor from favorite Marvel movies for taking action-packed photos. Little ones can learn how to be a Marvel comic book artist in a creative space called Marvel Design Studio, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy the fitness center, indoor and outdoor Metro Pool, and Hero Training Zone, a 420-square-meter outdoor field with dedicated areas for a variety of sports activities to be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Unique restaurant and bar concepts will celebrate Marvel art with menu offerings inspired by many New York specialties and a full range of Marvel-themed meals and drinks. Packages will be on sale as of May 18, with an exclusive launch offer on www.disneylandparis.com, through the Disneyland Paris call center, and official travel agent channels. Disneyland Paris continues to invest in the Guest experience and infuse Disney stories into its hotels for even more immersive storytelling and unforgettable resort stays.

Know Before You Go
Guests will be able to extend the magic with a stay at other Disney Hotels, which will open their doors progressively: Disney’s Newport Bay Club on June 17, Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne on July 1, and Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch on July 15, subject to the continued evolution of the situation. The reopening dates of Disney’s Sequoia Lodge Hotel and Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe will be announced at a later time. Disneyland Hotel remains closed for refurbishment until further notice.

Disneyland Paris will welcome guests back to the magic with a limited number of tickets available each day using an online reservation system. To ensure admission, Guests—including Annual Pass holders—must register on the system and obtain a reservation for park entry prior to their arrival. Guests who already have a dated ticket do not need to register and reserve a date. Likewise, Guests with packages that include park admittance will receive admission for the duration of their stay and do not need to use the system. Dated tickets also offer flexibility as they can be cancelled up to three days prior to visit date.

The most current information about ticket sales can be found here. To provide Guests with peace of mind, current booking conditions allow flexibility on packages and include cancellations and modifications without fees for stays in Disney Hotels anytime up until seven days before the arrival date (excluding insurance and/or travel fees) as well as the possibility to pay in several installments without fee. Specific details are available here.

Current booking conditions allow flexibility on packages and dated tickets. Some experiences, shows, or events will not be available or may be modified depending on the evolution of the safety and sanitary measures and recommendations from public authorities. Guests can visit disneylandparis.com for the most recent updates. All the events, shows, attractions, and animations mentioned might also be modified, delayed, cancelled, or closed without advance notice and they are subject of climatic conditions.

As the health and well-being of Guests and Cast Members remains a top priority, Disneyland Paris’ reopening will take a deliberate approach with enhanced health and safety measures that were successfully implemented last year. The measures continue to reflect current government guidelines, demonstrating the ability to improve the guest experience while providing a safe environment for all. As authorities recommend the wearing of an appropriate face covering in public spaces, Disneyland Paris asks all guests ages 6 and older to do so. This reopening will also implement limited attendance, required advanced ticketing and reservations to support physical distancing, per government guidance.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

May 17, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Can you think of a more wonderful way to start the week than by watching The Wonderful World of Disney? This Monday, ABC will broadcast Disney and Pixar’s 2001 classic Monsters, Inc. The next night, the network will air the nail-biting season finale of the freshman drama Big Sky. On Thursday, join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides by streaming the live-action adventure via Movies Anywhere. On Friday, Disney+ will debut five episodes of Inside Pixar: Untucked, while FX will conclude its six-part docuseries PRIDE with stories set in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Monsters, Inc.—Monday, May 17, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Charismatic Sulley (voice of Disney Legend John Goodman) and wisecracking Mike Wazowski (voice of Disney Legend Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at MONSTERS, INC., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. But when a cute little girl named Boo (voice of Mary Gibbs) suddenly wanders into their world, it’s the monsters who are scared silly! It’s up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight as they escort her safely back home.

Big Sky—Tuesday, May 18, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC
In the season finale, “Love Is a Strange and Dangerous Thing,” Cassie Dewell (Kylie Bunbury) and Jenny Hoyt (Katheryn Winnick) leave the Kleinsasser women (guest stars Michelle Forbes and Britt Robertson) to forge their own path, ridding themselves of their ranch troubles and heading home. Along with Jerrie Kennedy (Jesse James Keitel) and Mark Lindor (guest star Omar Metwally), they finally get to see Ronald Pergman (Brian Geraghty) behind bars… but he quickly removes their sense of satisfaction by leading them on a wild goose chase, straight into the arms of the syndicate. A brutal battle ensues, allowing Scarlet Leyendecker (Anja Savcic) and Ronald to make their escape. As they run off into the sunset, Jenny risks her life to save Cassie’s. Is this the end for the dynamic duo?

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides—Thursday, May 20, on Movies Anywhere
Disney Legend Johnny Depp returns in the role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth installment of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. After crossing paths with a woman from his past, Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he wonders whether his former flame is using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack isn’t quite sure who to fear more: Angelica or Blackbeard (Ian McShane)!

Inside Pixar: Unpacked—Friday, May 21, on Disney+
New episodes of the documentary series continue to provide an inside look into the artistry, culture, and people of Pixar Animation Studios. Narrated by W. Kamau Bell, the five new episodes are titled “About Time, “Everybody Loves a Villain,” “The Squint Test,” “Inner Drive,” and “No Small Roles” and take fans behind the scenes of fan-favorite films such as Brave, a bug’s life, Coco, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, and more.

PRIDE—Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET on FX
The eye-opening docuseries continues to chart the struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights in America. Picking up in the 1980s, it recalls how New York City saw an influx of queer people flock to downtown Manhattan amid the rise of the underground ball scene. At the same time, the AIDS epidemic devastated the gay community as President Ronald Reagan and his Moral Majority refused to intervene. The next episode, airing at 9 p.m. ET, reveals how the 1990s were supposed to herald a new era for the LGBTQ+ community. With the election of President Bill Clinton, they finally had an ally in the White House… or so they thought. With the “Culture Wars” in full swing, LGBTQ+ people were galvanized to create policies and organizations that still fight for equality today. The PRIDE finale, airing at 10 p.m. ET, chronicles the 2000s, which ushered in a new age of queer visibility in which gays and lesbians found acceptance in mainstream media. But even as cisgender white members of the LGBTQ+ community found a place in society, the struggle for trans rights continued.

How Suite It Is: Go Inside Disney Cruise Line’s First-Ever Funnel Suite

May 14, 2021

By the D23 Team

See the line where the sky meets the sea? It’s calling guests home… to the Wish Tower Suite, a first-of-its-kind accommodation set high in the forward funnel of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, which sets sail in summer 2022! With an enchanting and elegant design inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana; incomparable ocean views; and premium Disney service, this incredible 1,966-square-foot penthouse in the sky will be a true celebration of the spirit of the sea.

“Each of our theme parks has a majestic icon that captures our guests’ imaginations,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “On a Disney cruise ship, that beacon of magic is our signature red funnels. For the first time ever, guests aboard the Disney Wish will be able to book an incredible two-story suite that’s actually located within one of our funnels. With the Wish Tower Suite, we are creating a breathtaking experience that continues our tradition of the most unique and enchanting accommodations at sea.”

The Wish Tower Suite is the latest addition to the new Disney ship, where every storybook-inspired stateroom will be a luxurious, peaceful retreat designed with ample room for families, plenty of storage, and upscale amenities. Every guest will find their perfect home-away-from-home aboard the Disney Wish—a full 90% of the 1,254 staterooms will offer ocean views; more than 900 rooms will connect to accommodate larger families; and more premium concierge accommodations will be available than ever before.

This suite will be Disney Cruise Line’s most unique accommodation yet! With nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, it’ll comfortably sleep up to eight guests with two main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that converts to a bedroom, and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The magnificent living room will be flanked by an open dining area, a large pantry, and a bar—all offering extraordinary views across the upper decks to the horizon through an expansive two-story window wall. Located on the upper-level loft, the main bedrooms will be lavish and serene with king beds, walk-in closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the living area below to the views beyond. The main bathrooms will each have double vanities, soaking tubs, and rain showers.

The Wish Tower Suite is being designed with artwork, iconography, and materials that evoke the Oceania-inspired world of Moana. A beautiful palette of blues, whites, and corals will lay the foundation for rest and relaxation—while creative ornaments and custom artwork will offer their own sophisticated nods to the characters and locales of the film.

The true pièce de résistance will be a hand-crafted porcelain sculpture that comes alive in an only-Disney-can-do way! When guests arrive home to the Wish Tower Suite, they may discover the statue pulsing in myriad hues of green amid soft chimes that recall the film’s distinctive soundtrack, revealing itself as the heart of Te Fiti. The special lighting and audio effects will eventually fill the room to provide a truly magical, one-of-a-kind greeting.

Other film-inspired decorations include a custom canvas piece depicting Moana sailing on the sea; dimensional props that celebrate the treasures of the ocean and the local crafts of Moana’s village; and a glittering sculpture composed of shiny objects—a playful interpretation of Tamatoa’s dazzling collection. The children’s room, which will feature uniquely designed built-in bunkbeds, will enchant kids of all ages with a sparkling constellation pattern that lights up the ceiling to reveal imagery from the movie composed entirely of stars: Moana’s oar, Gramma Tala, Maui’s hook, and the heart of Te Fiti.

Guests can expect the full “royal treatment” while staying in the Wish Tower Suite, marked by the expert service of a personal concierge team, an elegant array of curated experiences, a delightful selection of daily treats, and even a private elevator! The Wish Tower Suite will feature plush Frette duvets, bed linens, bath towels, and robes; motorized sheer and block-out curtains; a wet bar stocked with water and sodas; complimentary internet access; and a deluxe menu of hypo-allergenic, feather, and therapeutic memory foam pillows. Guests will also enjoy VIP access to the concierge lounge and sun deck with two whirlpools, a wading pool, a bar, lush lounge furniture, and the superlative service of a pool deck host.

The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four- night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings open to the general public on May 27, 2021.

To learn more about the Disney Wish or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500, or contact your travel agent today!

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Adds New Cast—Plus More in News Briefs

May 14, 2021

By Courtney Potter

**New Cast Announced for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney+**

Fun news this week from our Disney+ pals: Several amazing actors are joining the cast of the new animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder!

Billy Porter (Tony® award-winning star of FX’s Pose) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) will voice Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, respectively—the mixed-race adoptive parents to 14-year-old activist Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, previously announced to be voiced by Keke Palmer. Meanwhile, EJ Johnson (Rich Kids of Beverly Hills) will voice Michael Collins, Penny’s best guy friend who is a non-conforming trendsetter, serving up fierce looks at school and on the basketball court.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will pick up the story of its central character Penny Proud and also include her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy; twin siblings BeBe and CeCe; and her grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). Of course, it would not be The Proud Family without Penny’s loyal crew Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez and Zoey Howzer, among others.

Cast members reprising their voice roles from the original series include: Kyla Pratt as Penny, Tommy Davidson as Oscar, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy, 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.

Look for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney+ in 2022!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

We’re slowly inching our way towards full-fledged summer, which means more time outside… gardening; going to the beach; lounging lazily in a backyard hammock with a cold beverage (boy, that sounds delightful). But don’t leave your couch hanging! Inside the house can be fun too—especially when you consider the great stuff from around the worlds of Disney airing this very weekend. New episode of ABC’s Shark Tank? Murder on the Orient Express on FXM? Tell us more!

A “Magical Surprise” for Shanghai Disney Resort’s 5th Birthday

If you’ve been keeping up with News Briefs—or news from our Parks and Resorts around the world, in the general sense—then you know Shanghai Disney Resort has just kicked off celebrations for its big 5th birthday… and they’re doing it with style! Case in point: a brand-new anthem and accompanying dance routine! Disney Ambassadors from across the globe shared in the excitement with a very special birthday message choreographed to Shanghai Disney Resort’s said birthday theme song, “Magical Surprise.” Check it out, courtesy the good folks at Disney Parks Blog, above.

The “Magical Surprise” anthem was specially created for this enchanting milestone, a collaborative effort between Yaron Spiwak, Senior Music Producer & Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering; Grammy® nominated producer Chris Sernel; songwriter and The Voice contestant Jeff Lewis; and pop singer Liu Yuning. You can even learn how to do the moves at home right here!

Stay tuned for more fun surrounding Shanghai Disney Resort’s big birthday in the coming months…

Jungle Cruise Coming to Theaters and Disney+ on July 30

If you’ve been clamoring to see the back side of water as much as we have, then you’ll be just as tickled as we are to learn that Disney’s Jungle Cruise will premiering in U.S. theaters and on Disney+ (with Premier Access) on Friday, July 30. Read more about the big announcement and prepare for adventure! (Did you know we have an exclusive scoop from the set of Jungle Cruise in the summer 2021 edition of Disney twenty-three? It’s true! More info here)

**New Featurette for Disney’s Inaugural LAUNCHPAD Short Films Collection**

Earlier this week, Disney+ released “Embrace Yourself”—a new featurette for the inaugural season of Disney’s LAUNCHPAD, a collection of live-action short films from a dynamic new generation of storytellers.

The goal of Disney’s LAUNCHPAD is to diversify the types of stories that are being told and to give access to those who have historically not had it. Inspired by life’s journey, these first six short films for Disney+ are based on the theme “Discover,” and all six titles will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning Friday, May 28.

The season one short films include American Eid, written and directed by Aqsa Altaf; Dinner Is Served, directed by Hao Zheng, written by G. Wilson & Hao Zheng; Growing Fangs, written and directed by Ann Marie Pace; Let’s Be Tigers, written and directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz; The Last of the Chupacabras, written and directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros; and The Little Prince(ss), written and directed by Moxie Peng.

Aspiring filmmakers, listen up: Submissions for season two are being accepted now through June 11; visit launchpad.disney.com to find out more.

**Dates Change for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022**

Mark your calendars: The dates for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim are moving up! Yes, the galactic good times are shifting dates by a few months, from August 18-21, 2022, to May 26-29, 2022.

As explained in the announcement from our pals at StarWars.com this week, current ticket holders who wish to keep their existing tickets will have their order automatically transferred to the new event dates, and they’ll receive a new confirmation email in the coming months. So if fans want to keep their tickets, no further action is required; but if ticket holders wish to request a refund for their ’22 ticket order, they can do so by visiting StarWarsCelebration.com. FYI: Ticket refund requests must be submitted before June 11, 2021. All ticket holders will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to submit a refund request, if they choose to do so.

Cosplayers, this means slightly less time to create all those incredible outfits you usually bring to the festivities. Plan accordingly, y’all.

Sizzle Through the Summer with Freeform

Fill your summer viewing calendar with some superb summer shenanigans courtesy Freeform, who on Monday announced its summer schedule—including season premieres of Motherland: Fort Salem (photo seen above), grown-ish, and Good Trouble. And as previously announced, the final season of the fan-favorite The Bold Type will debut on Wednesday, May 26, and end on Wednesday, June 30. All titles will be available to stream on Hulu the day after broadcast. (Honestly, we love the fact that Freeform has sorted out our summer viewing this early in advance.)

The critically acclaimed series The Bold Type premieres its fifth and final season beginning Wednesday, May 26, at 10 p.m. ET. On Motherland: Fort Salem (Tuesday, June 22, at 10 p.m. ET), Raelle (Taylor Hickson), Tally (Jessica Sutton), and Abigail (Ashley Nicole Williams) will confront higher stakes, dangerous magic, and a new threat from an ancient group of witch hunters, The Camarilla, over the course of their second season. Meanwhile, grown-ish (premiering Thursday, July 8, at 8 p.m. ET) returns for a fourth season, chronicling Zoey’s (Yara Shahidi) ups and downs during senior year. And following its spring finale this past April, Good Trouble (Wednesday, July 14, at 10 p.m. ET) begins the second half of their thrilling third season.

We can’t wait to see what it’s store!

**ICYMI: The Lion King and Aladdin Return to Broadway This Fall**

As unabashed musical theater fans, it’s news we’ve been waiting for: Disney on Broadway just announced that two of their hugely popular productions—The Lion King and Aladdin—will reopen this September! For the inside scoop on what to expect, and how you can purchase tickets, click here.

Lucasfilm Fans, Be on the Lookout for These Easter Eggs at Disney Parks

May 13, 2021May 12, 2021

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This month, D23 is celebrating 50 blockbuster years of Lucasfilm’s movie magic—but now we’re taking the movie magic beyond the silver screen and into Disney Parks! Some of Lucasfilm’s most iconic movies have continued their stories with beloved theme park attractions—and even epic lands. While we’re sure you’ve found all the Star Wars Easter eggs in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and decoded the mysterious writings in the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, we wanted to showcase some secrets and details that shout out both Lucasfilm and their movies that we love. Check out the list below, and make sure to keep an eye out next time you’re at the parks to see if you can find any of these details for yourself.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland)

Thank the Maker!

Sharp-eared Lucasfilm fans might hear a strange-named fellow being paged over the intercom while waiting in the Star Tours terminal. No, Mr. Egroeg Sacul isn’t an alien name unfamiliar to our human ears—it’s actually George Lucas’ name backwards. That’s not the only (literal) shout-out to the namesake of Lucasfilm. Another announcement identifies a land speeder with the license plate THX 1138, which is the title of Lucas’ debut film.

Tokyo’s THX

Next time you land your X-wing starfighter at Tokyo Disneyland’s Star Tours terminal, make sure to take note of some Easter eggs unique to the park’s Star Tours attraction. Here, the spaceport is named THX 1138, and ads in the queue reveal that the Starspeeder 1000 you travel in is created by none other than The Sacul Industries Group, once again using a backwards version of Lucas’ name in a creative and sneaky shout-out.

Not bad… for tourists

If you’re a Lucasfilm fan looking for a flight in the Star Wars galaxy, one of the ads running in the Star Tours terminal may capture your attention. The ad for the desert planet Tatooine begins with the tagline, “If adventure had a name, it must be Tatooine!” If that pithy introduction sounds familiar, that’s because it’s almost word-for-word the tagline for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: “If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones!”

Keep scanning for Easter Eggs

In the queue for Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, you’ll encounter a G2 droid in charge of scanning luggage for anything suspicious… and boy, does the luggage there have some questionable contents! In addition to shout-outs to movies such as The Black Hole and Toy Story there are also some shout-outs to other Lucasfilm properties. One piece of luggage contains a fedora and whip that look like they belong to a certain adventurous archeologist (hey, maybe he’s going to Tatooine!) and another contains Major Domo, a character from the 3-D film Captain EO, which was written and executive produced by George Lucas for Disney parks around the world.

If you want to learn about even more Easter eggs and details in Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, make the lightspeed jump to this article featuring more things to spot!

Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland Park)

One of the most iconic shout-outs to another Lucasfilm movie in Indiana Jones Adventure is actually a double shout-out, referencing both an in-universe moment from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Star Wars. In the queue, once you exit the projector room you’ll find Indiana Jones’ office. It seems like his office was created in a hurry—it’s made out of wooden crates, including some from a place called “Club Obi Wan.” This nightclub is featured in the opening of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and serves as a shoutout to Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars films.

Film buffs will also want to check out the truck and mine car featured in the attraction’s queue—they are both props from Indiana Jones films! You can read more about these props—plus more fun details to spot—here.

Lost River Delta (Tokyo DisneySea)

Adventurers who visit the port-of-call Lost River Delta at Tokyo DisneySea are probably planning on making a beeline to the rollicking rollercoaster Raging Spirits or gearing up for their expedition on Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull. Before you head over to the attractions, make sure to stop… not to smell the flowers (although, that’s nice, too) but to look along the river for a parked airplane. The plane bears a name familiar to any Lucasfilm fan: C-3PO! Besides being the name of our favorite protocol droid, it also reminds us of Jock Lindsey’s plane from Raiders of the Lost Ark, which bears “OB-CPO” on its side, a shout out to both Obi-Wan Kenobi and our pal Threepio.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Disney Springs)

Don’t let these details fly under the radar

This bar for adventurous spirits is inspired by the character Jock Lindsey, who helped Indy make a daring escape by plane in the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Naturally, his plane-themed bar is chock full of Indiana Jones references, but film buffs with an eye for details and a cargo full of patience can find shout-outs to other movies, including some Lucasfilm favorites. One of the first ones you’ll spot is the bar’s address—1138 Seaten Ave. is another reference to the film THX 1138! The bar also has references to Star Wars shout outs from Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom—namely, Lindsey’s plane (OB-CPO) and Club Obi Wan.

The droids you’re looking for

If you’re seated in or near the bar’s booths, there are two unique Easter eggs you’ll need to spot—just remember to look up! Printed on one of the walls are “RTO-D2” and “RXE 2-4,” which are nods to two Star Wars droids we know and love: R2-D2 and RX-24, the captain of the original Star Tours attraction.

BONUS

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! (Disney California Adventure)

This one isn’t a direct Lucasfilm reference, but it still quacks us up anyway. During the attraction’s pre-show video, when The Collector introduces his newest exhibit, keep an eye out in the background for Howard the Duck on display! This feathered Marvel Comics fellow was also an Easter egg in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, but that wasn’t the character’s big screen debut—Howard was first adapted to film in 1986 for Lucasfilm’s own Howard the Duck movie. The one-sheet for that film—plus every other film Lucasfilm has made—is featured in a collage poster that will be sent out to D23 Gold Members as a gift with their summer 2021 issue of Disney twenty-three. You can get more info on the publication and poster here.

Want make the lightspeed jump to even more epic celebration for Lucasfilm’s 50^th? D23 Gold Members get an exclusive Lucasfilm poster with their copy of the summer 2021 issue of Disney twenty-three. Plus, check out our exclusive Lucasfilm pin set, which will go on sale May 24, exclusively to D23 Gold Members.

Derek Hough Talks High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season Two

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Derek Hough is dancing to a different beat in season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The affable Dancing with the Stars judge and six-time Mirror Ball champion joins the cast in a recurring role, playing Zack Roy, a Broadway star who returns to Salt Lake City and becomes the drama teacher at North High—East High’s biggest rival. Like Hough, Zack is charming—but unlike Hough, he’s also pretty smug. Oh, and did we mention Zack used to date Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders) back in the day?! Talk about drama!

Before the new season begins streaming this Friday on Disney+ (with new episodes debuting every Friday), Hough joined us for a virtual chat to answer our burning questions.

D23: What can you tell us about Zack and Miss Jenn’s backstory?
Derek Hough (DH): Zack and Miss Jen have a history with one another, both romantically and competitively, I suppose. Just like any type of high school romance, there’s a bit of heartbreak or disappointment—or whatever it might be—going on. And now, with Zack coming back onto the scene, there’s a connection there. It’s genuine. But I think above all, there’s a rivalry and competitiveness that is going to fuel this season, because it’s personal.

D23: Miss Jenn gets flustered after she bumps into Zack and learns that North High will be staging a production of The Little Mermaid, so she decides to change the East High drama club’s production of High School Musical 2 to Beauty and the Beast. Is it fair to assume that Zack and Miss Jenn’s dynamic will only become more competitive?
DH: Absolutely. Absolutely! And I think that it’s only going to get worse. More things will be revealed as the season goes on. Zack will do pretty much anything it takes, and unfortunately, that will lead to some questionable decisions. We’ll see how that all unfolds.

D23: Did you watch the first season before you were cast?
DH: I was a big fan. I love how they’ve approached this whole show in general. I’m really impressed with the pace, the tone, the humor, and the style, and to be part of it is an honor.

D23: How much dancing will we see you do as Zack?
DH: Not a crazy amount. The dancing I do is more character driven. It’s more like a song and dance moment—but it’s a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to people seeing it. It’s cool.

D23: Just to confirm, you said you’ll be singing this season too, right?
DH: There will be some singing. It’s a great, original song. I’m looking forward to people hearing it. I’m also looking forward to seeing it, to be honest, because we filmed it on set and I saw, like, two seconds of playback. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.

D23: Aside from Kate, did you get to share the screen with any other cast members?
DH: Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with cast in person. I think we did a few Zoom table reads, so I was able to see a lot of them do the performance pieces. But from afar, just seeing this amazing cast thrive—even in their solo careers outside of the show—is phenomenal. It’s quite extraordinary, you know? There’s just something about High School Musical that’s magical. It’s produced such incredible talent.

D23: If Dancing with the Stars does another Disney Night next season, would you consider dressing up as your High School Musical: The Musical: The Series character?
DH: Ha! Maybe. Who knows? I like getting dressed up. I like playing characters. If there’s a Disney Night again, I might have some fun. It’s always fun to get dressed up as a character.

Hear more from Derek Hough on the November 19, 2020 episode of D23 Inside Disney here.