Sydney to the Max Season 3 Promises Plenty of Growing Pains

March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

By Zach Johnson

The times, they are a-changin’!

The fan-favorite daughter-father comedy Sydney to the Max returns for its third season starting this Friday, March 19, at 8:25 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. It will continue to follow the adventures of Sydney (Ruth Righi), who lives in Portland, Oregon, with her dad, Max (Ian Reed Kesler), and her grandmother, Judy (Caroline Rhea). As Sydney navigates becoming a teenager alongside her best friend, Olive (Ava Kolker), flashbacks to the ’90s show a young Max (Jackson Dollinger) and his best friend, Leo (Christian J. Simon), experiencing similar growing pains, mirroring Sydney and Olive’s lives. Season three promises plenty of hilarious high jinks, while also tackling challenging and relevant topics, like cultural identity and divorce, as well as the impact of microaggressions.

The first new episode will find Sydney entering eighth grade and remodeling her bedroom to fit her new, artsy persona. Max, meanwhile, struggles with being the shortest kid in class. Ahead of the eagerly awaited season premiere, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club spoke with Righi, Kolker, Dollinger, and Simon about what else to expect as the season continues.

Righi began by acknowledging that the young cast has “changed a lot” since Sydney to the Max premiered in 2019. “I think we’ve grown together,” she explained. “Everybody’s changed in some way or another. I’ve definitely changed a lot since the pilot. We’re sort of coming into our own and figuring out our place in the world, just like our characters are doing this season.” To that point, Kolker added, “I am a very different person than I was in the first season. In the pilot, I was only 11—and now I’m 14. I feel like in the last couple of years, we have all sort of discovered ourselves and gotten to know ourselves a little better.”

Now that Sydney and Olive are in eighth grade, they inevitably get into countless “sticky situations,” said Righi. “They learn a lot from them. They deal with some really important, heavy stuff that a lot of people deal with.” No matter what curveballs are thrown their way, the girls’ friendship is their saving grace. “What’s so great about them is that they’re such true friends,” Righi said. “They’re there for each other through every crazy and tough time.”

Meanwhile, Simon revealed Max and Leo will experience their own share of “ups and downs.” While they may not always see eye to eye, they always keep each other in check. “Max struggles with being more responsible,” Dollinger said. “He’s a little immature, but he starting—with Leo’s help—to grow up a little bit and take responsibility for his actions.”

Things only get more complicated when Leo’s cousin, Alisha (Cassidey Fralin), returns to the mix—and Max develops a crush on her. “You’ll see Leo, especially, trying to balance family and friendship,” said Simon. However, Dollinger added, Max must also figure out how to “make time for his crush and keep her happy while making time for his best friend.”

In its first two seasons, Sydney to the Max didn’t shy away from tackling relatable topics, telling heartfelt, honest, and humorous stories about real things, from feminist protests to the awkward transition into young adulthood. And its third season is no exception. The effects of microaggressions, for example, will be explored in an upcoming episode, and it “does a really good job of showing kids and explaining to viewers what a microaggression is,” Simon explained. “The episode also teaches kids to stand up for themselves. Sometimes, people will make it seem like just because you’re a kid, you can’t use your voice. But everybody has a voice, and you have to use it—especially when it comes to something like this.” Through this episode, Righi said she hopes fans realize “that there’s a place for you to speak up, that your feelings are real.”

Meanwhile, another episode will deal with divorce. “It’s going to be a really great one for kids all over the world,” predicted Dollinger. Kolker called it a “very important subject,” adding, “It’s really cool we get to portray that, to make sure kids know they’re not alone.”

The third season of Sydney to the Max is proof that the more things change, the more they stay the same. So, Righi said, “There’s something everyone can take from it—young or old.”

The first two seasons of Sydney to the Max are now streaming on Disney+.

9 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Disney+

March 17, 2021

By Courtney Potter

Éirinn go Brách, friends! It’s time once again to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—when everyone is just a wee bit Irish. The holiday, which was made official in the early part of the 17th century, is named for the patron saint of Ireland and commemorates Irish (and Irish-American) culture.

This year, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations might look a little bit different…but we have a sure-to-be-fortuitous idea: Why not whip up a batch of green-frosted cookies (or maybe even this recipe for Potato Leek Soup, an Irish classic served recently at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival), take to your favorite spot on the couch, and enjoy the following films or TV-series episodes streaming on Disney+? We’ve got a little St. Paddy’s-themed something for everyone—including a green character or two from around the worlds of Disney; both literal and figurative “good luck charms”; and, naturally, a couple of leprechauns.

As the Irish say: “A wish that every day for you will be happy from the start, and may you always have good luck and a song within your heart.”

Darby O’Gill and the Little People
The granddaddy of St. Patrick’s Day films, this 1959 fantasy is based on H. T. Kavanagh’s Darby O’Gill stories and stars Albert Sharpe in the title role—the caretaker of Lord Fitzpatrick’s estate in South Ireland known for spinning fairy tales instead of tending to his job. Fearful of what his daughter Katie (Janet Munro) will think if he’s replaced, and unwilling to give up his own standing in the community, he attempts to act as matchmaker for Katie and town newcomer Michael (a young Sean Connery) to ensure their future. To further his plans, he captures his old friend, King Brian (Jimmy O’Dea) of the leprechauns, who must grant Darby three wishes—with consequential results.

The Luck of the Irish
When junior high basketball star Kyle Johnson (Ryan Merriman) starts to question his heritage, in this 2001 Disney Channel Original Movie, he discovers that his mother is actually—wait for it—a leprechaun… and he’s starting to change into one, too, all because someone stole his gold Celtic good luck coin! In order to retrieve it, and to keep him and his family human, Kyle has to ward off an evil, step-dancing leprechaun named Seamus McTiernan (Timothy Omundson) by challenging him to a contest. Shenanigans ensue.

The Happiest Millionaire
Whilst not strictly a St. Patrick’s Day movie, 1967’s The Happiest Millionaire features Tommy Steele as John Lawless, a newly-arrived-to-America Irishman who begins working as a butler to the unconventional Biddle family in early 1900s Philadelphia. The film (based on the true story of the Biddles, as penned by daughter Cordelia) features a dozen songs by Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman, including “I’ll Always Be Irish.”

Good Luck Charlie
Okay, hear us out: This isn’t the most clear-cut of St. Patrick’s Day-themed offerings available on Disney+… but this Disney Channel series has to do with a colorful family whose eldest daughter often ends her video blogs—created for her baby sister to watch in the years to come—with the phrase, “Good luck, Charlie!” Honestly, who couldn’t use a little bit of sitcom-y fun right about now?

Kermit the Frog
He may not be Irish, but Kermit the Frog is certainly green! As you’ve hopefully heard by now, all five seasons of the celebrational, inspirational The Muppet Show are available on Disney+; featuring Kermit and all his pals, as well as a slew of amazing guest starts, it’s sure to put you in a happy-go-lucky, St. Paddy’s Day-appropriate mood.

Elliott from Pete’s Dragon
Another of our favorite green pals is Elliott, the adorable, kind-hearted dragon at the center of 1977’s Pete’s Dragon. Y’see, Elliott can make himself invisible—which means he often wreaks unintended havoc in Passamaquoddy, a quaint Maine fishing village. In the midst of helping a young orphan named Pete escape the clutches of his evil foster family and find happiness with lighthouse keeper Nora (Helen Reddy) and her father, Lampie (Mickey Rooney), Elliott must avoid the clutches of the greedy con man Dr. Terminus (Jim Dale).

Scrooge McDuck’s lucky Number One Dime from DuckTales
As far as “good luck charms” go, this one’s pretty iconic… There’s a certain billionaire duck who’s kept the first dime he ever earned, and it’s so special it’s kept under lock and key. Good ol’ Scrooge McDuck keeps that dime around as a reminder of how far he’s come—but there’s no wonder Magica De Spell wants to steal it; lucky coins like that are hard to come by! See Scrooge in action on DuckTales, now streaming on Disney+.

Doc McStuffins: “St. Patrick’s Day Dilemma”
Here’s a great addition to your St. Paddy’s viewing for the little ones in your life: The first segment of the 85th episode of Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins finds Doc’s new Irish paper doll, Fiona, getting her dress dirty on St. Patrick’s Day—and refusing to change… that is, until Doc explains how staying clean can help keep you healthy.

The Simpsons: “Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment”
This one might lean more towards the grown-ups in your home… but this St. Patrick’s Day-themed episode of the iconic FOX animated series—the 18th episode of season eight—finds Homer (voice of Dan Castellaneta) starting a secretive beer-bootlegging business once the town of Springfield institutes prohibition after a particularly rowdy St. Paddy’s celebration.

Mindy Kaling Joins the Cast of Monsters At Work on Disney+

March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

By Zach Johnson

The multitalented Mindy Kaling—who voiced Disgust in Inside Out, portrayed Mrs. Who in A Wrinkle Time, and created and starred in the Hulu comedy series The Mindy Project—has joined the hilarious cast of Disney+’s highly anticipated animated series Monsters At Work. Kaling will voice the character Val Little, who is an enthusiastic member of the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (aka MIFT). Additionally, Bonnie Hunt will reprise her role as Ms. Flint. Formerly in charge of training new Scarers at Monsters, Inc., Ms. Flint now manages the department responsible for recruiting and training the funniest monsters to become Jokesters. Monsters At Work will begin streaming on Friday, July 2, exclusively on Disney+.

Ben Feldman voices the lead character Tylor Tuskmon in the series, which will introduce new monsters alongside returning favorites—including Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, who will again be voiced by Disney Legends Billy Crystal and John Goodman. Starring alongside Feldman and Kaling as part of the MIFT crew are Henry Winkler, who voices Fritz, the scatterbrained boss; Lucas Neff, who voices Duncan, an opportunistic plumber; and Alanna Ubach, who voices Cutter, the officious rule follower.

New character images were also released today:

Monsters At Work takes place the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children in order to fuel the city of Monstropolis (thanks to Mike and Sulley’s discovery that laughter generates 10 times more energy than screams). The series follows the adventures of Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and always dreamed of becoming a Scarer… until he landed a job at Monsters, Incorporated and discovered that scares are out and laughs are in. After being temporarily reassigned to the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT), Tylor must work alongside a misfit bunch of mechanics as he works toward becoming a Jokester.

In addition to Crystal, Goodman, and Hunt, returning voice actors from the beloved film franchise include John Ratzenberger as Yeti and Tylor’s dad, Bernard; Jennifer Tilly as Celia Mae; and Bob Peterson as Roze, the twin sister of his original Monsters, Inc. character, Roz. Voicing additional new characters are Stephen Stanton as Smitty and Needleman, the bumbling custodial team at Monsters, Inc., and Aisha Tyler as Tylor’s mom, Millie Tuskmon.

Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series was developed and is executive produced by Disney animation veteran Bobs Gannaway. It is produced by Academy Award^®-nominated producer Sean Lurie. Kat Good and Steve Anderson are supervising directors. The late Rob Gibbs (Monsters, Inc.) served as director on some earlier episodes.

Before Monsters At Work debuts this July, enjoy the movies Monsters, Inc. and Monster University and the shorts Mike’s New Car and Party Central, currently available on Disney+.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Disneyland Resort Announces Plans to Reopen Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on April 30 with Limited Capacities

March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

By the D23 Team

Is there extra magic in the air today? Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just revealed exciting news—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity. Not only that, but the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also plan to welcome guests once again, with a phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.

Guests with valid theme park admission who are planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel will need to also book theme park reservations in advance, as a hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation. Hotel capacity will be limited. Guests may soon book hotel stays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a nearby Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, by visiting Disneyland.com or contacting a travel professional.

“The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”

In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests after more than a year of closure.

From favorite attractions to exclusive shopping, many of the beloved Disney Parks experiences are returning to Disneyland Resort so guests can continue to make cherished memories at the Disneyland Resort. Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.

More details about this new reservation system will be available soon. In addition, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com for the latest updates as they become available for theme park tickets, hotel booking and vacation packages, dining reservations and activity reservations such as Droid Depot.

The health and well-being of guests and casts members remain a top priority. Just as the Downtown Disney District reopened at Disneyland Resort on July 9, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Cast members throughout the resort will be dedicated to assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for the most current health and safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.

A Touch of Disney, the limited-time ticketed experience which has sold out, will go on as planned at Disney California Adventure from March 18 through April 19.

Here’s what magic is in store for guests when they return to Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure at the end of April:

Attractions

Classic and favorite attractions will begin to open at both parks—from epic experiences like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind—plus new magic is coming to Haunted Mansion. Disneyland park guests will also be able to experience the newly reimaginedSnow White’s Enchanted Wish. The timeless tale comes alive in dazzling new scenes, including a dancing figure of Snow White joining the dwarfs in their cottage as the scent of a baking pie wafts through the air. Vibrant new shadow projections show the dwarfs as they march off to the mine happily singing “Heigh Ho,” and the new lighting, glittering jewels and shimmering effects make the mine sparkle. Guests then travel through the Queen’s den to see a new library of spell books, glowing potions and bubbling flasks, toward the famous magic mirror. In the end, Snow White and her Prince ride joyfully into a golden sunset to live happily ever after.

Avengers Campus, a completely new land where guests can live their Super Hero dreams, will open at a later date at Disney California Adventure.

Your favorite characters

From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from dozens of favorite Disney and Pixar stories will entertain and delight guests across both parks. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing.

At Disneyland, guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving from the train station, or Disney Princesses such as Mulan appear at the Royal Theatre to wave and pose at a distance for guests taking selfies. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar pals may wave from the bandshell at Pixar Pier, and guests can share a laugh while taking photos with Mater and Lightning McQueen along Route 66 in Cars Land.

Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings—such as parades and nighttime spectaculars—will return at a later date.

Dazzling Disney dining

Tasty, tantalizing and ready for social media, Disneyland Resort snacks and dishes are a food-lover’s fairytale wishes come true. Park favorites such as the DOLE Whip®, corn dogs, and churros are fun treats offered alongside memorable dining experiences that include lobster nachos and novel drinks at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace and Mediterranean-California fare at Carthay Circle Lounge– Alfresco Dining. The parks offer a multitude of food and drink options, from uniquely themed candy apples and specials like Walt’s Chili to the always popular Plaza Inn fried chicken.

At several locations around the resort, mobile ordering* on the official Disneyland app now is the primary way to order food and drinks. Dining reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants.

Your digital guide to Disneyland magic

To make the most of a visit to the Disneyland Resort, guests will have digital tools right at their fingertips with the Disneyland app. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the Disneyland app to plan ahead and utilize mobile ordering* for food and beverage purchases from select locations, as well as to check park hours, make dining reservations, and view maps and other important resort updates. Mobile wait list (subject to availability) and mobile check-in options will be available for table-service dining at select locations. Disneyland Resort also recommends cashless transactions such as electronic payment to reduce contact.

Check Disneyland.com for the latest updates

For everything they need to know about their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com regularly for the latest information, including upcoming details about ticket sales and reservations, and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.** Guests also are also encouraged to follow the Disney Parks Blog for reopening details.

The plans to open Disneyland Resort are phased and subject to change, to align with guidance released from time to time by health authorities and appropriate government agencies. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available, and the status of indoor and outdoor experiences.

* Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

** Upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Walt Disney Archives Exhibit at Bowers Museum Extended Through June 20

March 16, 2021

By the D23 Team

Disney fans will be able to enjoy the stunning collection on display at the Bowers Museum as the exhibition Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic is now on view through June 20, giving visitors the full spring season to experience the long-awaited return of this collection. With robust health and safety precautions in place, guests are invited to step into the Walt Disney Archives as they walk through a dazzling display of 465 objects, including 50 pieces of original artwork, 15 original screen-worn costumes, three cars, and other props that tell the story of The Walt Disney Company. Check out Bowers for more information. D23 Gold Members receive a discount on tickets to the exhibit, as well as a discount on merchandise in the museum store. Bowers Museum is one of Southern California’s finest museums, showcasing exquisite examples of art and culture from around the world since 1936.

The Bowers Museum is set to reopen March 17, and you can view a full list of Bowers’ newly enhanced safety precautions here. With the highest standard of excellence in mind, Bowers precautions include reduced capacity with timed entry, staff and visitor temperature checks, decals for enforced social distancing, masks requirements, additional hand-sanitizing stations, increased cleaning schedule, Plexi shields at transaction areas, removal of high-touch and interactive gallery elements, and more.

“Flying Flivver” Returns to The Walt Disney Company

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives

The road leading to the Walt Disney Archives has been traveled by many forms of transportation over the last 50 years. Volkswagen “beetles” from The Love Bug (1997) television movie, and Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) reside in a secret warehouse, side by side. Models of the Black Pearl (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2003) and the Endeavour (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, 2006) are docked between the gold carriage from Cinderella (2015) and a pink golf cart driven by Sharpay Evans in High School Musical 2 (2007). A recent and exciting acquisition by the Archives is one of the oldest vehicles in the collection; a 1915 Model T Touring car.

Disney fans will instantly recognize the vehicle from its high-flying appearance in The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) and a return engagement in Son of Flubber (1963).

Production materials from The Absent-Minded Professor in the Archives indicate that at least three Model T’s were obtained by the studio for use in the film. Model T “#1” was functional and driven on screen by Professor Ned Brainard, played by the first Disney Legend, Fred MacMurray. It is believed that this car remained in the possession of the Disney studio and was last displayed by the Walt Disney Archives in 2014 at a special VIP event hosted by Bob Iger on the grounds of The Walt Disney Studios. Prior to that, the Model T was featured for over a year in the Archives’ 2012 exhibit, D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

A second car used in production had all mechanical parts removed and was “flown” via cables attached from above. Model T “#3” also appeared to fly by being lifted and hoisted in the air from below.

After the completion of both films, cars “#2” and “#3” were liquidated from the studio’s assets. It’s unclear exactly when and to whom the vehicles were dispersed, but one of the cars found its way into the possession of casino tycoon and avid car collector Bill Harrah. Bill was the founder of Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos and after acquiring over 1,400 cars, he had amassed one of the world’s largest collections of historic automobiles.

After Bill’s death in 1978, the bulk of the Harrah collection was sold for over $100 million at auctions held between 1984 and 1986. Several hundred cars remained in the collection and became the basis for what is now the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.

It was at the first auction on September 29, 1984, that long-time Reno native, William C. Thornton, registered as bidder No. 132. With his winning bid of $5,000, William became the owner of a 1915 Model T Touring car (Flubber not included). Also sold that day was a 1935 Auburn Speedster for $105,000. With that kind of price tag, it’s understandable why William Thornton bought the Model T. As he recently told the Archives, “It was the only thing at the auction I could afford!”

The 1984 auction catalogue listed the Model T as “Lot No. 108 – 1915 Ford ‘Flying Fliver’ Touring Model T.” Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “flivver” as a “small, cheap, usually old automobile.” Henry Ford’s Model T car was also known as a “Tin Lizzie” or the “Leaping Lena.” At one point, Henry Ford had his team design a single-seat aircraft dubbed “The Ford Flivver,” nicknamed the “Model T of the Air.” Ford’s particular design never really got off the ground. Maybe Mr. Ford should have contacted Professor Brainard about his gravity-defying substance known as Flubber!

For many years, the Model T owned by William Thornton was on display at the Reno-Tahoe Visitor Center along with other antiques and memorabilia. When the building housing the Visitor Center was demolished in 1992, Thornton sold many of the exhibit objects from his personal collection, but retained possession of the Model T. Thereafter, the famous car resided in a private garage.

In May 2018, Thornton’s family contacted the Walt Disney Archives regarding his Model T. He had decided that perhaps it was time for the famous vehicle to make one last trip. After some discussion, William and his family agreed that the best place for the well-preserved car would be a home where the its magical past could be celebrated and appreciated. So, after several phone calls, text messages, emails and photo exchanges, plans were made to transfer ownership of the Model T back to The Walt Disney Company. William’s thoughtfulness and generosity will long be appreciated by Disney fans as future generations get the opportunity to view a real “classic” of both American automobile culture and Disney film history.

Surrounded by the Thornton family (and several inquisitive neighbors!) the “Flying Flivver” posed for photos on June 20, 2018, before beginning its journey from Reno to Los Angeles. Exactly how the Model T was transported is a secret closely guarded by the staff of the Walt Disney Archives. Let’s just say that for a few days in June, a security report detailing the disappearance of Flubber from the Archives was posted. The missing substance was eventually located in a warehouse next to Model T “#2” and a Volkswagen van from ABC’s hit television show Lost. A coincidence? Perhaps. Disney magic? More likely. The Model T is currently on display at the Bowers Museum, Anaheim, California as part of the “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” exhibit. The Bowers Museum re-opens on March 17 and the exhibit has been extended through June 20.

Be sure to bounce on over to Disney+ to catch that fantastical Flubber-ific flick, The Absent-Minded Professor!

Genius: Aretha Stars and Filmmakers Celebrate the Queen of the Soul at Music-Filled World Premiere

March 15, 2021

By Beth Deitchman

“Miss Aretha Franklin’s genius alchemizes, synthesizes, endures, unites,” said Genius: Aretha executive producer and showrunner Suzan-Lori Parks in a spoken word performance that was part of Thursday night’s world premiere for the brand-new season of National Geographic’s Emmy® Award-winning series. The Queen of Soul’s power to unite was affirmed during the virtual event that featured Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar®-nominated and Tony®, Emmy, and Grammy® Award-winning actress and singer who stars in the series as Franklin; Courtney B. Vance, who plays Aretha’s father, Reverend C.L. Franklin; executive producer Brian Grazer; members of the talented Genius: Aretha cast; and other soulful musicians who paid tribute to Franklin’s genius as a performer and an outspoken civil rights advocate.

Those in attendance were among the first to watch the inaugural episode of Genius: Aretha, which premieres Sunday, March 21 (9/8 c), with double-stacked episodes over four consecutive nights. The premiere episodes will be available the following day on Hulu, with all eight episodes available for streaming by Thursday, March 25—which happens to be Aretha Franklin’s birthday.

From 20th Television and Imagine Television, the third season of the Genius series will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion and widely considered the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career. Genius: Aretha is the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul.

“This series has been a labor of love for everyone involved,” Grazer emphasized, kicking off an evening bookended by Franklin’s music, beginning with heartfelt performances from artists such as trumpeter Marquis Hill, the Detroit Youth All-Star Choir, and Genius: Aretha cast members Antonique Smith (who plays Franklin’s mother, Barbara) and Patrice Covington and Rebecca Naomi Jones (who portray her sisters); and ending with an exclusive concert by Erivo, performing at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.

“In Genius: Aretha, we witness the story of Miss Franklin’s life. The bedrock underneath the firmament of her stardom. The things she endured and the ways in which she triumphed,” Parks shared in her stirring monologue, saluting Franklin as “Black, American, soul sister, mother, musician, church woman, Queen of Soul,” who “didn’t just shut up and sing. She learned from the greats and then she made her own glory.”

Introducing his talented co-star, who embodied the Queen of Soul on screen and dominated the stage at the Greek during her performance of four Franklin songs, Vance said, “Cynthia Erivo is phenomenal. That voice in that small frame is so powerful; there’s an unlimited wealth of talent within her. It was a pure joy to be able to witness Cynthia’s tremendous vocal talents on set. She literally took our breath away.”

Erivo performs many of Franklin’s most iconic songs in Genius: Aretha’s eight episodes, and during the world premiere she delivered powerful renditions of “Don’t Play that Song,” “Border Song,” ”Pastoral Overture,” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Erivo shared, “This has been one of the greatest honors in my life to play Miss Aretha Franklin, whose music changed the world, changed the way I sing music.” She urged viewers to take a minute after the premiere event, switch on their favorite song, and sing along; “because I know when I listen to [Franklin’s] music, it makes me feel good,” she said, moving effortlessly between speech and song.

Genius: Aretha also stars Malcolm Barrett as Ted White, Franklin’s first husband and business manager; David Cross as legendary music producer Jerry Wexler, who guided Franklin as she developed into a confident singer and commercial success; Patrice Covington and Rebecca Naomi Jones as Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, Aretha’s sisters and frequent background singers, who supported and collaborated with their famous sibling; Steven Norfleet as older brother Cecil Franklin, who stepped in as Aretha’s manager following her divorce from Ted White; veteran actress Pauletta Washington as Aretha’s nurturing and loving paternal grandmother, Rachel; Omar J. Dorsey as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson as King Curtis, Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Ruth Bowen; and introducing Shaian Jordan as young Aretha Franklin, aka Little Re.

Executive producers include Grazer and his Imagine Entertainment partner, Ron Howard; Parks; Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA TV Award winner Anthony Hemingway, who also serves as director; as well as legendary hit-record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman. Imagine’s Anna Culp also serves as executive producer, and Peter Afterman is producer. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo, Ken Biller, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane, and Sam Sokolow.

“I’m excited for viewers to go on this journey,” Vance stressed in the premiere event. “Our series is all about soul, and tonight we are honoring the life, legacy, and soul of Aretha Franklin. Miss Aretha Franklin is deserving of every single celebration of her life that the world can offer.”

7 Highlights from The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Press Conference

March 15, 2021

By Zach Johnson

The first episode of Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will begin streaming this Friday on Disney+ and explore brand-new corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The six-episode series follows the adventures of Sam Wilson aka The Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), both of whom are trying to find their place in a world without their friend and mentor, Steve Rogers aka Captain America (Chris Evans). On Sunday, the lead actors joined executive producer Kevin Feige, director Kari Skogland, and head writer Malcolm Spellman at a press conference to discuss what’s in store for their fan-favorite characters.

Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, in which the Avengers and their allies defeated Thanos (Josh Brolin) and “blipped” half of the universe’s population back into existence, Phase 4 of the MCU will see many ancillary characters taking on larger roles. Sam, for example, was last seen accepting Steve’s shield—even though, at the time, he admitted, “It feels like it belongs to someone else.” Sam’s reticence to succeed Steve as Captain America boils down to the “pain” of losing his friend, said Mackie. “Just like everybody else, you don’t want to see Steve Rogers go away. You don’t want to see Captain America go away,” he added. “Just like Captain America was your Captain America, he was Sam Wilson’s Cap.”

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will be the second series from Marvel Studios to debut on Disney+, following WandaVision… but it was actually the first to be developed for the streaming service. “We were working just as hard on it—putting all of our blood, sweat, and tears into it—which is why in this first episode really starts off with a bang,” Feige said of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. “We kept saying, ‘If we’re going to do a series with Falcon and Winter Soldier in it, we need to at least start off with the best action that we’ve ever seen.’” And by telling these characters’ stories episodically, Feige explained, their stories inherently become more multifaceted and richer: “It was really an opportunity to go deep.”

In response those who are already crossing their fingers for a second season of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Feige stayed typically tight-lipped. “We really did approach [this season] like we do the movies, which is: ‘We better make this great or we won’t be able to do another one,’” Feige said. “If we were able to do another one, there are certainly ideas. The slight difference, of course—as you’ve all heard me say and I think is becoming clear with WandaVision—is they really will go back and forth between the Disney+ series and the Marvel Studios features. Where characters show up and how sometimes will be in a direct season two, and sometimes will be in a feature and then into an additional season.”

Below, we’ve assembled seven key takeaways from the virtual press conference:

1. Sam revisits his strong Southern roots.
Sam made his soaring MCU debut in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, joining Steve, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and others in dismantling HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D. At the time, Sam divulged a bit about his time as a pararescue in the Air Force but said little about who he was off-duty. That will change in the first episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier when Sam returns to his native Louisiana and reunites with his sister, Sarah Wilson (Adepero Oduye), and his nephews. “To be able to go back and dive into his backstory, his family, and his surroundings only betters the character for the audience,” Mackie explained. “We’re in a place now where we want the audience to know and learn about these new characters—especially since Kevin Feige killed Iron Man!”

2. Sam and Bucky continue to experience grief and suffering.
Both Sam and Bucky have lived through the horrors of war. Although they deal with their emotions in different ways, they are bonded by their similar experiences. “The whole subject of PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and the experience that they both share as soldiers—as men who have served—is one of the things that brings them together,” said Stan. “And there’s sort of a bit of an honor code between them… There’s a mutual respect.” Depicting PTSD respectfully and properly was important to everyone involved. “As everybody knows, PTSD is not something you’re just done with. It’s really something one has to continue to grow with and to become better at dealing with,” Stan said. “Obviously, it’s a major part of our show, and it grounds both of these characters in very realistic ways.”

3. Sam and Bucky are more than just Avengers.
Like Iron Man 3, WandaVision, and many other MCU stories, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier isn’t planning to shy away from sensitive subject matter. “What’s great about the Marvel characters, as you’ve always heard us say, is their flaws,” said Feige, adding that every story is anchored in the characters’ emotions and experiences. “There has been a lot of trauma for these characters over the years, and you can easily forget or brush that under the carpet because there are sparkling portals opening, people cheering, and Giant Man punching a flying lizard. But really, if you think about it—which we do—we think about, ‘What if we were these characters? What if we lived this?’ There’d be horrific elements to that, which would have repercussions years down the line. And that is very fun to explore.”

4. The series is an ambitious, feature film-sized production.
“From the beginning, we were making a six-hour film,” Skogland said of their approach to bringing the titular characters from the big to the small screen. As such, Spellman said, “We didn’t just tackle one episode at a time; we spent months doing this.” They employed a “horizontal storytelling” approach, he explained, so “the rhythm of the storytelling was completely different in that characters can befriend each other, fall out, and evolve in a much different way.” They couldn’t have planned it any better. “It’s almost like this fabric that’s draped over the entire series,” Spellman said, “and that was born from the process.”

5. The series was made under unique and unusual circumstances.
Like hundreds of productions around the world, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier briefly paused filming in 2020 until health and safety protocols were established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Skogland said, the temporary delay didn’t affect the series too dramatically. “The story didn’t change, but we had to pivot and react to what was happening in the world,” she said. “What really was exciting was once we were shut down through COVID, we didn’t skip a beat and went straight into post-production. We were able to continue editing and sharpening the pencil. So, it turned into a weird opportunity.”

6. A new hero is about to step into the spotlight… or is he a villain?
Wyatt Russell joins the MCU as John Walker (his casting was announced at D23 Expo 2019), one of the highest-ranking soldiers in the U.S. military. Russell’s character is described as patriotic, strong, and well-intentioned—but whether he will stay true to his comic book origins remains to be seen. “The past is prologue, and the clues are everywhere,” Feige teased. “Oftentimes, we do pull from the lineage of [a character’s] biography from the comics, then tweak it as appropriate for the point of time that we are introducing those characters into the MCU. But… stay tuned over the course of this series.”

7. In a post-Thanos world, “good” and “bad” are subjective.
In the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, in which Iron Man sacrificed himself in order to bring half of the universe’s population back from the “blip,” Spellman said, “The entire world is dealing with one single issue, which is very familiar to what’s going on today. And everything is borne from that. The villains in this series are responding to that—and, in fact, every villain in the series would tell you he or she is a hero.” What Thanos did—and what Iron Man undid—”galvanizes and affects everybody on the planet at the same time.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

March 15, 2021

By Zach Johnson

This week has a bit of everything: a chance to say goodbye, a reason to get reacquainted, and something to remember. It all starts Monday when Disney XD airs the series finale of DuckTales, capping off three incredible seasons. (The animated series, beloved by fans of all ages, continues to be available on Disney Channels and Disney+ worldwide.) Then, on Wednesday, join us in celebrating the anniversary of Beauty and the Beast (2017) by streaming it on Disney+. The following day, Freeform will air the spring finale of grown-ish, while Hulu will add the second season of the animated series Trolls: Trollstopia. Last but certainly not least, Marvel Studios on Friday will debut the first episode of the highly anticipated new series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, available exclusively on Disney+.

DuckTales—Monday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on Disney XD
Disney’s critically acclaimed series will solve some mysteries and rewrite history in an unforgettable 90-minute series finale special (also available ungated in DisneyNOW). In “The Last Adventure!,” the future of adventuring hangs in the balance as the Duck family uncovers earth-shattering secrets in a final standoff with the Fiendish Organization for World Larceny (F.O.W.L.). The voice cast includes David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck, Danny Pudi as Huey, Ben Schwartz as Dewey, Bobby Moynihan as Louie, Kate Micucci as Webby Vanderquack, Beck Bennett as Launchpad McQuack, Toks Olagundoye as Mrs. Beakley, Paget Brewster as Della Duck, and Disney Legend Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck. Returning guest voices include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Giancarlo Esposito, Julie Bowen, Jaime Camil, Jameela Jamil, Catherine Tate, Stephanie Beatriz, Paul F. Tompkins, Jim Rash, Margo Martindale, Jason Mantzoukas, John Hodgman, Retta, Kimiko Glenn, Libe Barer, Jaleel White, and Amy Sedaris, with Noël Wells and Riki Lindhome voicing new characters.

Beauty and the Beast—Wednesday, March 17, on Disney+
It’s a tale as old as time. The live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic features an extraordinary ensemble cast that includes Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Kevin Kline as Maurice, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Hattie Morahan as Agathe/Enchantress, and Nathan Mack as Chip, with Sir Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Dame Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts. Directed by Bill Condon, the film features a score by Disney Legend Alan Menken, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Disney Legend Howard Ashman, plus three new songs written by Menken and Disney Legend Sir Tim Rice.

grown-ish—Thursday, March 18, at 8 p.m. ET on Freeform
“Who Do You Love?” is an apt title for the spring finale, as Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) debates backing away from Aaron (Trevor Jackson). But is space what either of them really wants? Aaron has a lot on his mind, and with the support of the senior class, he turns his graduation ceremony into a protest against the university’s investment in private prisons. Meanwhile, Zoey and Aaron’s friends Jazz (Chloe Bailey) and Doug (Diggy Simmons) make a major decision about the future of their relationship.

Trolls: TrollsTopia (Season 2)—Thursday, March 18, on Hulu
Friendships between the various tribes are stronger than ever with the arrival of “Pal-entine’s Day” and the help of the new Metroll train station, which connects all of the neighborhoods together. But after smooth jazz troll Chaz (voice of Sam Haft) arrives, Poppy (voice of Amanda Leighton) realizes she accidentally left out an entire tribe from TrollsTopia. Now, she must do everything possible to make her new friends feel at home.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier—Friday, March 19, on Disney+
Sam Wilson/The Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), who came together in the final moments of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience. Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the six-part series marks the returns of Zemo (Daniel Brühl) and Sharon Carter (Emily Van Camp), last seen in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and also introduces John Walker (Wyatt Russell).

The Walt Disney Company Earns 15 Oscar® Nominations

March 15, 2021April 19, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Get ready to roll out the red carpet!

Nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards® were announced earlier this morning, with The Walt Disney Company receiving 15 in total. Nomadland leads the pack with six nods; the feature films Soul, Mulan, The One and Only Ivan, Onward, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday and the short film Burrow are also recognized across a variety of categories.

Nomadland earned six nominations, including Best Motion Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing and Best Cinematography. With Nomadland, Searchlight Pictures has now received 19 Best Picture Oscar® nominations and a total of 164 Academy Award nominations. Since 1994, it has won 28 Golden Globe® Awards, 45 BAFTA awards, and 40 Oscars, including four Best Picture winners since 2009: Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, and The Shape of Water.

Disney+ received its first Oscar nominations since its launch in 2019. The service is home to a variety of nominated content, including Disney and Pixar’s Onward and Soul, both nominated for Best Animated Feature. Soul also received nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound; Mulan received nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects; Disney’s The One and Only Ivan received a nomination for Best Visual Effects; and Disney and Pixar’s Burrow received a nomination for Best Animated Short Film.

The Hulu Original film The United States vs. Billie Holiday garnered one nomination, Best Actress in a Leading Role, for Andra Day’s performance as the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Hulu is also the exclusive streaming home to Searchlight Pictures’ Nomadland.

The Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 25, and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. A list of The Walt Disney Company’s Oscar nominations is as follows:

Nomadland

Nomadland

Best Motion Picture (Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Dan Janvey, Mollye Asher, Chloé Zhao)
Best Actress in a Leading Role (Frances McDormand)
Best Achievement in Directing (Chloé Zhao)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Chloé Zhao)
Best Achievement in Editing (Chloé Zhao)
Best Achievement in Cinematography (Joshua James Richards)

Soul

Best Animated Feature
Best Original Score (Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross, Trent Reznor)
Best Achievement in Sound

Soul director Pete Docter, producer Dana Murray, and co-director Kemp Powers said, “Thank you to the Academy for this incredible honor. We are truly humbled. Soul represents several years of research, intense work, self-doubt, and also a good deal of fun. Our journey on the film was similar to that of Joe Gardner’s—well, except the part where he falls down a manhole. As we struggled with story clarity and tried out who-knows-how-many different endings, we began to realize how important it was to savor what may have felt like minor moments along the way: the satisfaction of jotting down a preliminary sketch on a scrap of paper; hearing the first chords from the earliest music demos; laughing with the crew. Though we might not have known it at the time, moments like these helped inspire us and fed back into the film in innumerable ways. Though we are living through challenging times, being recognized by the Academy gives us hope that the joy we found and put into our film was shared by audiences, and nothing could be more meaningful than that.”

Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste, who created the score for Soul, added, “We are astounded and incredibly grateful to be considered for the Academy Award for Best Original Score on behalf of Soul. This was a profoundly rewarding creative collaboration filled with so much love, light and lineage. The warm reception of the film continues to humble us. We will be celebrating this tremendous honor in anticipation of the ceremony to come.”

Mulan

Mulan

Best Costume Design
Best Visual Effects

Best Visual Effects nominees Sean Faden, Anders Langlands, Seth Maury, and Steve Ingram said, “The VFX team of Mulan is so thrilled and deeply honored to be recognized by our branch! Thanks to our VFX producer Di Giorgiutti, our production family and our actual families! Thanks to our SFX team and all of the VFX companies (Weta, Imageworks, Framestore, Image Engine, and Crafty Apes) for their stellar work and friendship. A special thanks to the amazing team at Disney—including producer Jason Reed and our wonderful executive Mimi Steele, our fearless director Niki Caro and incredibly supportive DP Mandy Walker, and amazing production designer and costume designer Grant Major and Bina Daigeler—for giving us such rich textures to work with. It was fun bringing this world to life and I hope people will get a chance to see the work again.”

Onward

Best Animated Feature

“Thank you to the Academy for honoring our film,” Onward director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae said. “We share this nomination with the entire cast and the crew at Pixar who were essential in bringing the magic and wonder of Ian and Barley's journey to life. Onward was a very personal story, exploring the idea of what one would do if they had more time with a loved one they’d lost. It’s incredibly meaningful to see how this has resonated with audiences, and we couldn’t be more thankful to the Academy for their recognition.”

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan

Best Visual Effects

“This nomination is a testament to the passion and talent of the visual effects artists at MPC Film,” said The One and Only Ivan’s Production VFX Supervisor Nick Davis. “We are honored to receive an Oscar nomination for the visual effects of The One and Only Ivan. I’d also like to thank our friends at Disney and our director, Thea Sharrock.”

Burrow

Best Animated Short Film

“We are incredibly honored to receive this nomination and be celebrated alongside such an inspiring collection of shorts—it means the world to us and the entire Burrow crew. Burrow is a short that encourages people not be afraid to open themselves up to others—and to be recognized in a year when maybe a lot of people have been feeling isolated really means the world to us,” said Burrow director Madeline Sharafian and producer Michael Capbarat. “A sincere thank you to the Academy for this recognition.”

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Best Actress (Andra Day)