Be the Coolest Cat Around with Scentsy’s The Aristocats-Inspired Collection

February 29, 2024

By the D23 Team

Searching for the purr-fect way to bring that extra Disney magic to your home? Scentsy’s new Disney The AristocatsCollection is where it’s at for both Disney fans and cat lovers alike, with products inspired by the classic film and fan-favorite kitten Marie.

If you’re feline like updating your collection, you’ll love the Disney Marie – Scentsy Warmer, featuring our favorite little lady, Marie, playing with a ball of yarn. Soon, your home will both look sweet and smell sweet! Lift the top of the yarn ball to reveal the wax dish; wax can be warmed with the lid on or off—both release beautiful fragrance. Just break off a couple cubes of a Scentsy Bar and toss them in. If you’re dedicated to being the coolest cat around, we recommend pairing the scented wax warmer with the Absolutely Purr-fect – Scentsy Bar. Designed exclusively for this collection, the Absolutely Purr-fect fragrance combines sweet cherry blossoms, creamy vanilla, and fresh spring air.

Need even more Marie? The darling Disney Marie − Scentsy Buddy is a soft and sweet plush for all ages, and she’s dolled up with a pink ribbon and bow. All Scentsy Buddies feature a zippered pouch to hold one Scent Pak in a signature Scentsy fragrance, and each Disney Marie – Scentsy Buddy comes with one Absolutely Purr-fect – Scent Pak.

Ready to make your The Aristocats dreams come true? Explore the collection here. All products are available while supplies last.

D23 Exclusive: Q&A With Kingdom Keepers Inheritance Author Ridley Pearson

February 27, 2024

By Alison Stateman

Fans of New York Times best-selling Disney author Ridley Pearson have something very special to celebrate today—the publication of the newest installment in the Kingdom Keepers Villains’ Realm trilogy! D23: The Official Disney Fan Club had the opportunity to sit down with Pearson to discuss his latest book and how it fits into the Kingdom Keepers universe. As an added bonus, Pearson shared an excerpt from the book to give both new and returning readers a taste of the adventure to come.

D23: This is the second entry in the Kingdom Keepers Inheritance trilogy. How did you approach writing the new series?
Ridley Pearson (RP): When starting a series, I work hard to develop an overall story and character arcs to be as fulfilling a read as possible. But it’s so important to any series to make sure each book can be read as a “one-off.” For the writer, that means finding ways to include events from the story or stories that came before while not giving too much away.

D23: What do you hope new readers take away from your new book?
RP: Well, I also work hard to deliver books with a good deal of action and characters you care about. My aim is to keep young readers reading! I’m a firm believer in “the more you read the smarter you get,”—but that’s, ironically, a take-away that might turn off young readers. For the young reader, I hope they come away with a sense of wild entertainment and a new or renewed sense of the importance of teamwork. In Inheritance 2, the Kingdom Kids must learn to trust each other, to listen, to push when they need to push: to relate. As a team they are capable of things impossible on their own.

D23: What do you think fans of the original series and first book in the trilogy will enjoy most about this new book?
RP: Continuing series readers will appreciate how the children of the original Kingdom Keepers remind us of their parents, in their skill sets and their determination and friendships. I have so much fun in combining personalities and “supernatural abilities” that result from these adult partnerships. Eli Whitman has his father’s determination and his mother’s ability to “push” objects without touching them. The original Kingdom Keepers make cameos and refer to earlier times.

D23: In what ways does the new book build upon the first in the trilogy? The universe of Kingdom Keepers?
RP: There are new ways the Disney Villains (Ursula and others) are once again working to change the in-Park experience in favor of Villains’ stories being featured, and our beloved stories being pushed into the background. It’s a disaster in the making, and the Kingdom Kids have their hands full.

D23: What inspired the plot this time around?
RP: The plot of Inheritance 2: Villains’ Realm revolves around two things. (Remember, this is 2040, not 2024!) Disney had built a new attraction, the Villains Realm, that proved incredibly popular. It also ended up providing the Overtakers (Disney Villains intent on changing the Disney world) a haven and headquarters to regroup and attempt to change things. Disney executives shut down Villains Realm for the problems they saw—but mysteriously, they decide to reopen and build new Realms. That is not good! Connected to that is the fictional Walt Disney’s magical ink—the ink he used to draw all our memorable characters, and the ink the Kingdom Kids use to open portals to and from EPCOT. Ursula is working to duplicate Walt’s ink, and if that happens, look out! The charge of the Kingdom Kids is to find Ursula’s secret lab (and destroy it if possible) and prevent her from obtaining the duplicate ink.

D23: What inspired you to focus on Ursula, and what areas of EPCOT might readers expect to experience anew given the book’s apparent lead villain?
RP: The kids and their famous parents reside in the CommuniTree, a small city of 40,000 that live in a planned community surrounding EPCOT (once part of Walt’s plans for Walt Disney World, and my homage to the great man). So, we are all over the place inside EPCOT—and other Disney Parks. With Maleficent unseen and unheard from for years, following the Kingdom Keepers series, Ursula and others (Evil Queen anyone?) have taken the lead to destroy Disney.

D23: Characters in prior Kingdom Keepers books were described as employees of The Walt Disney Company. This time around, the plot includes the fictional CEO of the company. Who or what inspired the depiction of the novel’s CEO character (and the tip-off that something is amiss when the CEO orders that Villains Realms be built in every Disney Park across the globe)? Might the blue-sky presentation at the Disney Parks panel at D23 Expo 2022—featuring conceptual images of such a realm—have influenced its inclusion?
RP: I’ve had the honor of meeting several Disney executives, and am always so impressed at how they care so deeply about continuing the magic. I wanted to put one “onstage” for a few minutes. As to the Villains attraction concept… we won’t go there…

D23: You conduct in-depth research for all your books. This includes behind-the-scenes research after hours in Disney Parks, which is such a fascinating opportunity. Can you share some memorable moments from your after-hours research for this book, or others in the series?
RP: I think the one that surprises readers the most was my experience in “it’s a small world.” It’s too long to recount here, but let me say, while alone with an Imagineer guide, in a boat in that attraction, with no lights, no music, and the dolls turned off, two of the dolls moved. I literally jumped off my seat in the boat. That gave way to a full chapter in Disney After Dark.

D23: Were there any discoveries this time around that surprised you or impacted the trajectory of the story?
RP: I’m constantly surprised how characters that I write end up dictating to me things I don’t expect them to do or say. This may sound absurd, but it happens. My unexpected joy in the Inheritance series is bringing The Fairy Godmother (the marvelous FGM) to the forefront. She is funny, adorable, forgetful, and oh, so sweet. I’ve had so much fun getting to know her.

D23: What did you enjoy most about writing the new book? What was the biggest challenge?
RP: The biggest challenge is always “getting it right.” I hope I have and that readers enjoy the series. Now, what do I enjoy? Every single minute! I also had the pleasure of working with Editor-in-Chief of Disney Books, Kieran Viola, who, at every wrong turn, steered me back onto the page. Kieran, a writer herself, had such good instincts and intuition of where these books could be improved, the characters strengthened, and the plot made clearer.

D23: Readers of D23.com are the ultimate Disney fans. Are there any Easter eggs in the new book that they should keep an eye out for?
RP: Readers will see my vision of what 2040 will look like. I add in attractions that I hope are there in 2040—all fictional.

D23: Can you share any details about how this book will connect with the third book in the series?
RP: Book 3 is the finale not only to the Inheritance series, but likely to all the Kingdom Keepers books, so it connects in many, I hope, unexpected ways. I rarely get emotional when finishing a book. I always know how much more work there is to do to “get it right.” When I completed the first draft of Book 3, I cried. That says it all.

D23: Anything you can tease that is to come?
RP: We all know Vanessa (Ursula’s alter ego) is beautiful… but just wait until you meet her in Inheritance 3. You do not want to have this woman over for dinner! Nor, do you want to run into her on a beach–which is exactly what happens to Eli…

BOOK EXCERPT >

Behind the Scenes of Shōgun, FX’s Most Ambitious Production in History

February 27, 2024February 26, 2024

By Zach Johnson

Premiering Tuesday, February 27, on FX and Hulu, the highly anticipated, 10-episode limited series Shōgun is an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling 1975 novel—a sprawling story set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war.

“We have never made a show on this scale before,” says John Landgraf, Chairman of FX Content and FX Productions. “What’s unique about this adaptation versus the [award-winning 1980 miniseries] is that it tells the story from the Japanese perspective, not just the European perspective. We had two full production crews: one in English and one in Japanese. We hired most of the cast out of Japan, and I think that choice is why Shōgun has one of the best and most indelible acting ensembles of any program FX has ever made.”

FX’s Shōgun is created for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca and Kondo. The series follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga (producer Hiroyuki Sanada), who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents conspire against him. When a mysterious ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies: the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her, and her duty to her late father.

Needless to say, adapting such rich source material was an exhaustive endeavor—and everyone involved was committed to telling an authentic, engaging story. Following a lengthy development process, principal photography began in September 2021 in Vancouver, where cameras would continue to roll for the next 10 months. Says Marks, “Without a doubt, the hardest aspect [of making FX’s Shōgun], the thing we grappled with from the beginning up until the moment we delivered the last episode, was, ‘How do we tell this story in a way that brings us closer to our Japanese partners, who worked on the show with us and who were in the mud and the rain and the darkness with us for the very, very long time it took us to prep and shoot this show? How do we reflect this experience authentically in a way that feels like it is speaking with something new to say? And how do we [avoid] making the mistakes of previous Hollywood depictions of stories set in Japan?'”

Whereas the story had previously been told from Blackthorne’s perspective, FX’s Shōgun gives its Japanese characters greater agency. In fact, the majority of the dialogue is spoken in Japanese and subtitled in English, immersing audiences even deeper into the characters’ world. “In this day and age where the reach of a television show is very global, we’re trying to scratch at something that isn’t being made specifically with one culture’s audience in mind,” Marks says. “With Rachel and I being American, coming to it with a Western sensibility, at no point did I think we could realistically deny our gaze and what we were bringing to this. What we tried to do with that gaze was find a way to transcend culture.”

Clavell adds, “The book is a very complex group of thoughts and stories, and because the viewership is so sophisticated, as is the technology, Rachel and Justin were able to write the complexities of the stories and the characters from the Japanese point of view, as well as Blackthorne’s point of view. We were very proud of being able to translate the novel’s complexities in the series. It comes through beautifully—very simply, but very beautifully.”

FX’s Shōgun features an acclaimed Japanese cast and crew, which is unprecedented for a U.S. production. “For the first time ever, I had a team to make it authentic as much as possible,” recalls Sanada, who adds how “happy” he was to produce an accurate drama series using both Japanese and Western crews. “We had a dream East-meets-West team.”

Initially, Marks says he and Kondo “were dying” to film FX’s Shōgun on location in Japan. “We got out of the writers room super excited to start that journey, and then about six weeks later, it was March 2020, and everything came to a pause [due to the COVID-19 pandemic],” he recalls. “There were good things that came out of that, in terms of our process. But the one real casualty was our ability to plausibly shoot this in Japan anytime over the next couple of years… It meant that we had to, in a lot of ways, bring Japan to us.”

Committed to being authentic to the era, the sets, locations, décor, props, and construction builds for FX’s Shōgun were designed to make audiences—and cast—believe they stepped into 1600 feudal Japan. “Ultimately, we built as much scenery as we would have built for an 80- to 100-day feature film in time to be ready for the first two episodes,” recalls Helen Jarvis, the series’ production designer. “It was no small feat. We were just flying. It was fun.”

Fun was also had by costume designer Carlos Rosario, who oversaw each costuming detail, from the fabric and the colors to the styling and the way patterns were cut and sewn. “Every single costume piece that you see on Shōgun has been handmade,” he says. “We decided from the beginning that it was extremely important for us to make everything.”

Collectively, these thoughtful efforts make for a truly cinematic experience. “This is the most ambitious production in the history of FX,” Landgraf says. “The incredible beauty and attention to detail the producers devoted to recreating feudal Japan is just breathtaking.”

Meet the Characters of Disney Animation’s Iwájú

February 26, 2024March 4, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Set in futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, and debuting on Disney+ on February 28, Iwájú tells a beautiful coming-of-age story that follows Tola, a young girl from the Lagos island where the wealthy live, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech aficionado who lives on the mainland. Together, they unravel the enigmatic truths and perils concealed within their different worlds, often grappling with the intersection of their disparate upbringings.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Walt Disney Animation Studios teams up with Pan-African entertainment company Kugali to take viewers on a unique journey with striking visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos. “We didn’t take on tropes of science fiction for the sake of incorporating flying cars into the narrative,” production designer Hamid Ibrahim tells D23. The collaboration aims to authentically capture the essence of African culture and storytelling while pushing the boundaries of animation and technology.

“If you ever get a chance to visit [Lagos], you will see so many things you do not think are possible,” says cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku. “Lagos has this certain ‘audacity,’ where, if someone wants to make something happen, it will happen,” he adds, remarking on the essence of the Lagosian spirit. This vibrant metropolis pulsates with an undeniable energy, where innovation thrives amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. It’s a city where every corner tells a story of resilience and creativity.

Below, we introduce many of the faces of the Iwájú universe, with comments from the show’s director, Olufiayo Ziki Adeola.

Tola Martins
Voiced by Simisola Gbadamosi, Tola, the protagonist of Iwájú, embodies the spirit of an ambitious 10-year-old who challenges the status quo and envisions a better world. She serves as an inspiration to those around her, leveraging her empathy and keen perception to forge meaningful connections with others. “Going from 9 to 10 [years old] is a huge milestone for many young people,” says Adeola, “and it highlights one of the important themes of the show, which is the transition of innocence to experience.”

Tunde Martins
Tunde Martins, voiced by Dayo Okeniyi, is Tola‘s father. His dedication to work, coupled with pressure from his ambitious boss, leaves him with scant moments to spare for his daughter. As a prosperous tech executive, Tunde is deeply immersed in the creation of robotic protectors designed to counteract a rising trend of abductions.

Bode DeSousa
Femi Branch voices Bode DeSousa, who, standing at seven feet tall, emerges as a towering, compelling figure in the show. Raised in modest conditions, he orchestrates an underground criminal syndicate. While he perceives himself akin to a modern-day Robin Hood, in reality, he hoards the wealth he amasses and evades accountability for his actions, attributing everything to the affluent class.

Kole Adesola
In Iwájú, Kole Adesola, voiced by Siji Soetan, is Tola’s closest friend. He comes from modest beginnings and works in Tunde and Tola’s household, taking care of gardening and other tasks. With the health of Kole’s mother declining and few prospects for improvement, he faces a situation that challenges his true nature. “Kole and Tola represent two different walks of life,” says Adeola. “The dichotomies that exist between the two characters serve as the foundation for how their relationship evolves.”

Otin
Otin, voiced by Weruche Opia, is a robotic pet lizard given by Tunde to an unsuspecting Tola. Initially created for child security, Otin undergoes significant development throughout the series. As she grapples with the complexities of the world, Otin evolves to possess greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding beyond her basic programming.

Yes, Chef! FX’s The Bear Cast Wins 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards

February 26, 2024February 26, 2024

On Saturday, cast members from FX’s The Bear won in three categories at the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards^®, hosted at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Jeremy Allen White, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

At the Producers Guild of America Awards on Sunday, hosted in the Ovation Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland, The Bear received another accolade: the Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy.

Season 2 of FX’s The Bear, now streaming on Hulu, follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they work to transform their grimy sandwich joint into a next-level spot. As they strip the restaurant down to its bones, the crew undertakes transformational journeys of their own, each forced to confront the past and reckon with who they want to be in the future.

Of course, it turns out the only thing harder than running a restaurant is opening a new one, and the team must juggle the insane bureaucracy of permits and contractors with the beauty and creative agony of menu planning. The transition brings a newfound focus on hospitality as well. As the entire staff is forced to come together in new ways, pushing the boundaries of their abilities and relationships, they also learn what it means to be in service, both to diners and to each other.

The comedy series also stars Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Matty Matheson. Edwin Lee Gibson, Oliver Platt, and Molly Gordon appear in recurring roles.

Relive Beloved Classics in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection

February 23, 2024

By Jocelyn Buhlman

During the recent Nintendo Direct, Disney fans rejoiced with the news of the return of two beloved titles: Disney Epic Mickey (2010) and Star Wars™ Battlefront (2004). Fans with fond memories of playing these games can now relive the fun on modern gaming platforms—and anyone who wants to see what all the hubhub is around these titles can discover the action for the first time.

Star Wars™ Battlefront Classic Collections
Aspyr and Lucasfilm Games revealed the Star Wars™ Battlefront Classic Collection will be headed to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam March 14, 2024 for $35.01. The Classic Collection brings together two fan-favorite Star Wars games, Star Wars™ Battlefront (2004) and Star Wars™ Battlefront II (2005), to modern platforms allowing fans to experience the classic games in one definitive collection.

Return to the battle front with restored online play for up to 64 players, expansions to Hero Assault mode, and all previously released bonus content for both titles. Steam users will also enjoy Steam Deck support.

Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection includes a galaxy of content inspired by the original and prequel trilogies, from famous battles across Episodes I-VI, to playable heroes and villains like Asajj Ventress, Darth Vader, and more, to unique modes and challenges.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
An exciting piece of news from the presentation was the reveal that THQNordic and Purple Lamp are launching Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, a faithful remake of the beloved classic adventure, in collaboration with Disney Games. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is scheduled for release across PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo® Switchand PC in 2024.

The development team was assisted in the remaster by Warren Spector, director of the original Disney Epic Mickey. In this classic action-adventure game, players will send Mickey Mouse, armed with a magical paintbrush, on an epic creative journey to brave the dangerous world of Wasteland. Players will be summoning their creativity and sense of discovery as Mickey Mouse when they find themselves drawn into Wasteland – another world from Disney’s creative pen! Wasteland is ruled by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, one of several Disney creations of the past that players can look forward to interacting with in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed. Players will determine how their in-game story develops through the use of paint and thinner, facing enemies, overcoming challenges, and meeting new friends along the way.

The Clone Is a Platypus: The Many Voices of Dee Bradley Baker

February 22, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

In the expansive world of voice acting, Emmy and Annie nominated actor Dee Bradley Baker stands as a titan, his talent reverberating through iconic characters. He provides the voices for members of titular clone troopers in Star Wars: The Bad Batch—the third and final season of which began streaming on Disney+ on Wednesday—but beyond that galaxy far, far way, he’s done it all, from whimsical creatures to stoic warriors.

Join us as we delve deeper into some beloved personas Baker has brought to life, sometimes including multiple roles in the same show, as in Star Wars: The Bad Batch. All of the following (except for the video game) are now streaming on Disney+

Perry the Platypus in Phineas and Ferb (2007–2012)
Baker’s vocal prowess shines brightly in Phineas and Ferb, as he lends his voice to the iconic Perry the Platypus. With his playful platypus noises in place of traditional dialogue, Baker brings Perry to life, endearing him to audiences with his unmistakable style and wit.

Hunter and others in Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–2024)
In the action-packed Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Baker voices Hunter, leader of the Bad Batch and a stoic soldier with a special set of skills. Baker also voices four more characters in the show, who often are talking to each other. As a testament to Baker’s talent, you’d never know it was one actor performing all the parts in real-time!

Waddles in Gravity Falls (2012–2014)
Baker’s talent knows no bounds in Gravity Falls, where he voices the adorable Waddles, the pet pig of Mabel Pines. Waddles quickly became a fan-favorite character in the show, stealing scenes with his oinks and antics.

Captain Rex and the entire clone army in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars marked the beginning of Baker’s impressive work voicing not just a few of the titular characters, but lending voice to every single clone featured in the show. Thanks to Baker, clones such as Captain Rex, Commander Cody, Fives, and more became fan-favorite characters in the Star Wars galaxy.

M.E.R.C. in Miles from Tomorrowland (2015–2016)
In this animated series, Baker voices M.E.R.C. (short for Mechanical Emotionally Responsive Creature), a pet robotic ostrich who serves as the sidekick to Miles Callisto, the protagonist of the series. Baker’s lines primarily consist of ostrich sounds, which means lots of chirping.

Nubs in Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023)
In Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Baker voices the adorable Nubs, a member of a brand-new species called Pooba. Nubs possesses innate physical strength, which he demonstrates in protecting both friends and strangers from potential threats. Throughout the series, we can often hear Baker cooing, squealing, and speaking Poobian.

Captain Rex in Star Wars Rebels (2014–2017)
Baker reprises his Clone Wars role of Captain Rex in Star Wars Rebels, where he joins the crew of the Ghost to fight against the Empire, showcasing his experience and wisdom as a veteran clone trooper. Throughout the series, Rex struggles with his past as a soldier but remains a steadfast ally to the Rebels, using his skills to aid their cause.

Eda and Lilith in owl beast form in The Owl House (2020–2022)
In The Owl House, Baker voices Edna and Lilith in their owl beast forms, contributing to the magical and whimsical atmosphere of the animated series. Against the backdrop of the perilous Boiling Isles, Eda and Lilith’s cursed forms serve as compelling reminders of the complexities of power, redemption, and sisterhood.

Diogee in Milo Murphy’s Law (2016–2019)
Diogee Ex Machina Murphy is Milo Murphy’s faithful pet dog, whose stamina and intellect seem to surpass the average canine. Diogee’s intelligence often comes to the rescue when Milo and his friends find themselves in sticky situations. In this role, Baker embodies Diogee through playful barks and endearing whines, particularly when urged to “Go home!” by Milo.

Cheese and Fiona in Secret of the Wings (2012)
In the enchanting world of the Pixie Hollow feature film Secrets of the Wings, Baker embodies Cheese, one of the many mice in Pixie Hollow, and Fiona, pet lynx to the Hollow’s Keeper, Dewey. You’ll catch Baker communicating mainly through chirps and squeaks in this fourth installment in the Disney Fairies franchise!

Animal and 10 more characters in Muppet Babies (2018–2021)
In Muppet Babies, Baker brings to life the toddler version of Animal, an excitable, frenzied monster who plays the drums. In this animated series, Animal is joined by Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Bear, Gonzo, and Summer Penguin as they embark on imaginative adventures while under the care of their loving nanny, Miss Nanny. Baker’s portrayal of Animal perfectly captures the character’s wild nature, infusing each line with the energy that fans have come to expect from the beloved Muppet.

Nix in Star Wars Outlaws (2024)
In the upcoming action-adventure video game Star Wars Outlaws, Baker takes on the role of Nix, Kay Vess’s loyal companion, adding another compelling character to the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. The game takes place during the period between Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983).

Who Is Ludwig Von Drake?

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024

By The D23 Team

He looks great for a nearly 63-year-old duck, but who is Ludwig Von Drake? You may have seen his latest appearance in a video that explains “How to Vote for Disney” as part of The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders coming up on April 3. But you may not know a lot about Donald Duck’s brilliant and eccentric professor uncle. To remind you of Ludwig’s many entertaining appearances, we’re sharing here some of the “8 Genius Facts About Ludwig Von Drake” compiled by Disney historian Jim Fanning on the occasion of the character’s 60th birthday in 2021:

His 1961 Debut
Ludwig Von Drake first appeared on the premiere episode of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color on September 24, 1961. The only major animated character Walt created especially for television, Professor Von Drake is Donald Duck’s father’s brother. (He has a different last name because Donald took his mother’s name when he went into show business.) As quoted from Von Drake’s official bio by Walt Disney, Ludwig is “an eminent psychologist, renowned color expert, etymologist” and “the most sought after lecturer in the world. He is undoubtedly the outstanding genius of the century.”

His Colorful Origins
Walt Disney’s arrival at the forefront of color television programming in 1961 was big news. His move to NBC, “the Color Network,” from ABC, home to the Disney TV hour since 1954, made headlines. To signal his serious intent to produce must-see full-color broadcasts Walt created an all-new animated character: Ludwig Von Drake, who held forth on “An Adventure in Color/Mathmagic Land,” the first Wonderful World of Color episode. He let loose with the first of his loony lectures, on color, of course, especially as seen via color TV.

His Distinctive Voice
One of Walt’s favorite voice artists, Disney Legend Paul Frees, was the vocal powerhouse behind Professor Von Drake’s zany on-screen personality. Gifted with a three-octave vocal range and an unerring ear for impressions, Frees was also a talented actor whose vocal improvisations helped shaped the Von Drake character beyond simply a wild Austrian accent. “Walt Disney gave me a lot of liberty in portraying the Professor, and I’ve made him more personal than any of my other characters,” Frees once said. The actor voiced a variety of Disney roles, including many of the buccaneers in Pirates of the Caribbean and the weirdly welcoming Ghost Host at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park. He took a live-action role in Walt Disney’s The Shaggy Dog (1959), playing a psychiatrist.

His Famous Nephew
In his appearances, Ludwig emphasized academia, reveling in rants and ramblings about geometry, geography, atomic energy and especially psychiatry. In “Inside Donald Duck” (1961), the learned loony actually succeeds in curing Donald of his infamously fiery temper—until Ludwig presents his nephew with the bill. And in the DuckTales TV series, the learned professor took on perhaps his greatest challenge (since Donald anyhow) as psychiatrist to Launchpad McQuack.

His LP Recording
Ludwig crashed the spoken-word recording trend of the 1960s by yakking it up about color theory, music (singing some specially composed Sherman Brothers songs along the way), and the art of sound recording on his own LP album, Professor Ludwig Von Drake. Once available only as a vinyl LP, this classic comedy album is accessible today via online music stores.

His Appearances in Print
Ludwig jumped from the television screen to the printed page with such hardcover classics as “Ludwig Von Drake, Dog Expert” as well as his own comic book title. Ludwig also joined the comic-page cast of the classic Donald Duck newspaper strip drawn by Disney Legend Al Taliaferro and written by Bob Karp. On September 22, 1961, Donald starts preparing for the arrival of the “all-around genius” from Vienna by redecorating his guest room with a telescope, test tubes, and maybe even a “hunk of uranium 255.” Donald unveils an oversized painting of his Uncle Ludwig (sent as a gift by the Professor himself) in the Sunday color comic page published on September 24, 1961—the very date Von Drake debuted on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. From that point on, Ludwig was a supporting star of the Donald Duck strip for the next four decades.

His Beetle Buddy
Such a talkative talent needs someone to converse with besides the television audience, so Ludwig was given a pet named Herman to interact with. A bootle beetle—that particular Disney species of insect—Herman popped up from time to time to help Ludwig with his presentations. In “Music for Everybody” (1966), Ludwig introduces his own 99-piece orchestra made up entirely of bootle beetles. Herman and his musical pals also appear as the Bughouse Five, a spoof of the Disney-artist jazz band, Firehouse Five Plus Two, headed by frequent Ludwig animator Ward Kimball.

His Recent Roles
In addition to playing it up in various video games, Ludwig has thrived in recent TV productions, starring in his own segment, “Ask Von Drake,” on House of Mouse (2003–2009). His tricky song wherein the wacky vocalist rapidly rattled off an endless list of Disney characters has become a YouTube favorite. On Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Von Drake invented the titular high-tech clubhouse, equipping it with outlandish accessories. In the stylized and crazily creative Mickey Mouse series of newly produced cartoons from 2013, the kooky professor fits right in. This Disney favorite continues to delight video audiences whether or not they are aware of his zany television debut 62-plus years ago!

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this communication may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s expectations; beliefs; plans; strategies; business or financial prospects or outlook; future shareholder value; expected growth and value creation; profitability; investments; capital allocation, including dividends and share repurchases; expected benefits of new initiatives; cost reductions and efficiencies; content offerings; priorities or performance; and other statements that are not historical in nature. These statements are made on the basis of the Company’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance and plans as of the time the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these statements unless required by applicable laws or regulations, and you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, including restructuring or strategic initiatives (including capital investments, asset acquisitions or dispositions, new or expanded business lines or cessation of certain operations), our execution of our business plans (including the content we create and intellectual property we invest in, our pricing decisions, our cost structure and our management and other personnel decisions), our ability to quickly execute on cost rationalization while preserving revenue, the discovery of additional information or other business decisions, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including: the occurrence of subsequent events; deterioration in domestic or global economic conditions or failure of conditions to improve as anticipated, including heightened inflation, capital market volatility, interest rate and currency rate fluctuations and economic slowdown or recession; deterioration in or pressures from competitive conditions, including competition to create or acquire content, competition for talent and competition for advertising revenue; consumer preferences and acceptance of our content and offerings, pricing model and price increases, and corresponding subscriber additions and churn, and the market for advertising and sales on our direct-to-consumer services and linear networks; health concerns and their impact on our businesses and productions; international, political or military developments; regulatory or legal developments; technological developments; labor markets and activities, including work stoppages; adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; and availability of content. Such developments may further affect entertainment, travel and leisure businesses generally and may, among other things, affect (or further affect, as applicable): our operations, business plans or profitability, including direct-to-consumer profitability; our expected benefits of the composition of the Board; demand for our products and services; the performance of the Company’s content; our ability to create or obtain desirable content at or under the value we assign the content; the advertising market for programming; income tax expense; and performance of some or all Company businesses either directly or through their impact on those who distribute our products.

Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2023, including under the captions “Risk Factors”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business”, and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including, among others, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
Disney has filed with the SEC a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, containing a form of WHITE proxy card, with respect to its solicitation of proxies for Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) FILED BY DISNEY AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ANY SOLICITATION. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by Disney free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Disney are also available free of charge by accessing Disney’s website at www.disney.com/investors.

Participants
Disney, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees will be participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to a solicitation by Disney. Information about Disney’s executive officers and directors is available in Disney’s definitive proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting, which was filed with the SEC on February 1, 2024. To the extent holdings by our directors and executive officers of Disney securities reported in the proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3, 4 or 5 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

D23 Gold Member Discount & Experience Offer at The Anaheim Hotel

February 22, 2024April 1, 2024

Where: The Anaheim Hotel

What: 15% Room Discount and Complimentary Amenities

Expires: December 31, 2024

The Anaheim Hotel and D23 invite D23 Gold Members to an exclusive hotel experience that puts you directly across the street from the Disneyland Resort—only an eight-minute walk from hotel to main gate!

D23 Gold Members will receive a 15% discount on direct bookings with an members-only welcome gift; two breakfast vouchers redeemable at The Pizza Press to use during your stay; and a 23% discount off food and beverage orders at The Pizza Press, Front Room Lounge, and Poolside Dining... a true VIP experience awaits you!

Awarded “Best of the Best” by TripAdvisor for two consecutive years, The Anaheim Hotel is one of the world’s top family-friendly hotels—with the largest swimming pool in the Anaheim resort area, and multiple on-site games and activities.

Experience Includes:

D23 Welcome gift will include membership into The Anabella Club*
Two breakfast vouchers from The Pizza Press
23% discount at The Pizza Press, Front Room Lounge, and Poolside Dining

*The Anabella Club is the guest loyalty program at The Anaheim Hotel. There’s no charge to join and members enjoy the following benefits:

One complimentary night* given after six room nights stayed
Two complimentary water bottles provided for every stay
Enhanced Room Upgrade (based on availability)
Member-Exclusive Collectible Gift on their 50th Stay (gift subject to change)

This offer does not apply to any stay booked between August 4 – 13, 2024. Offer and welcome gift is valid through December 31, 2024; blackout dates and restrictions applicable based upon availability; tax is additional. Cannot be combined or stacked with any other special offers, deals, or discounts. Travel must be completed by December 31, 2024. Proof of D23 Membership must be presented at check in. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the D23 App.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away.
Access your benefits from your phone!

Get More Disney With D23 Gold Membership
Enjoy exclusive discounts and access to special events and merch.
Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set.

BECOME A GOLD MEMBER

Everything New Coming to Disney+ in March 2024

February 21, 2024

By Cecilia Sarantopoulous

March on Disney+ is shaping up to be an extraordinary lineup of classic favorites and fresh releases, catering to fans of every age and interest. Whether you’re a dedicated Swiftie, a fervent Marvel enthusiast, or both, get ready for an exciting month of entertainment.

Kicking off the month is Queens, a new nature docuseries from National Geographic. Guided by award-winning actress Angela Bassett, the first season showcases the wildest places on the planet that have always been home to powerful leaders. All episodes will be streaming on Tuesday, March 5.

Next up, Star Wars: The Bad Batch has returned for its highly anticipated third season, chronicling Clone Force 99’s struggle for survival in the wake of the Empire’s ascension. The saga unfolds with the debut of Episode 305, “The Return,” on March 6, followed by weekly releases throughout the month.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) will make its streaming debut on Friday, March 15, exclusively on Disney+. The concert film in its entirety for the first time includes the song “cardigan” and four additional acoustic songs.

Marvel fans, mark your calendars as X-Men ’97 makes its grand premiere on Wednesday, March 20, transporting audiences back to the beloved era of the 1990s. Join the iconic X-Men as they confront unprecedented challenges and navigate an uncertain future, all while striving to safeguard a world that fears and mistrusts them.

Finally, on Friday, March 29, prepare to be moved by Madu, the poignant tale of 12-year-old Anthony Madu’s extraordinary journey from his Nigerian homeland to one of the world’s most esteemed ballet academies in England. Madu promises to inspire audiences with its universal themes of ambition and resilience.

All titles coming to Disney+ in March are listed below:

Friday, March 1
Morbius (2022)

Tuesday, March 5
Queens (All Episodes Streaming)

Wednesday, March 6
Kiff (Season 1, 4 Episodes)
Life Below Zero (Season 7, 10 Episodes)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 305 “The Return”)

Friday, March 8
Cinderella (2015)

Saturday, March 9
NHL Big City Greens Classic (Livestream at 12:00 p.m. PT/ 3:00 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, March 13
Morphle (Shorts) (Season 1, 14 Episodes)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 306 “Infiltration,” Episode 307 “Extraction”)

Friday, March 15
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)

Tuesday, March 19
Photographer

Wednesday, March 20
Life Below Zero (Season 22, 9 Episodes)
Morphle and the Magic Pets (Season 1, 18 Episodes)
X-Men ’97 (Premiere)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 308 “Bad Territory”)

Wednesday, March 27
Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Season 7, 7 Episodes)
Random Rings (Shorts, Season 3, 6 Episodes)
X-Men ’97 (New Episode)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3, Episode 309 “The Harbinger”)

Friday, March 29
Madu (Premiere)
Renegade Nell (Premiere, All Episodes Streaming)