With PRIDE: The Props of Love, Simon

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020

By Jennifer Vanoni, Walt Disney Archives

Love, Simon is a charming adaptation, notable as the first film by a major Hollywood studio to focus on a gay teenage romance. The film features a diverse cast and fun, everyday film props.

Nerdy side-note: Alexandra Shipp plays Abby, one of Simon’s best friends in the film and also stars as Storm in more than one X-Men film.

…But now back to props, some films feature state-of-the-art technological creations or huge VFX sequences, but stories like Love, Simon that are about the everyday lives of teens and families tend to bring in more “ordinary” props. Make no mistakes, the props in this film are just as important as anything you’d find in the latest blockbuster.

Enjoy a few on-set archival images that feature props from Love, Simon. Take note of Simon’s iconic denim jacket—it was borrowed from the Walt Disney Archives for production of the new spin-off series, Love, Victor, now streaming on Hulu.

Love, Victor Now Streaming on Hulu

June 17, 2020June 17, 2020

By the D23 Team

School’s back in session as all 10 episodes of Hulu’s original YA dramedy series Love, Victor, set in the world of the 2018 groundbreaking film Love, Simon, are now streaming.

Set in the world of the 2018 groundbreaking film Love, Simon, which was inspired by Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the series follows Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and exploring his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school.

The series stars Michael Cimino (Annabelle Comes Home), Ana Ortiz (Whiskey Cavalier, Ugly Betty), James Martinez (One Day at a Time), Isabella Ferreira (Orange is the New Black), Mateo Fernandez, Rachel Naomi Hilson (This Is Us), Bebe Wood (The Real O’Neals, The New Normal), George Sear (Will, Into the Badlands), Anthony Turpel (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Mason Gooding (Booksmart).

The film’s original writers, Isaac Aptaker (This Is Us) and Elizabeth Berger (This Is Us), serve as executive producers alongside Brian Tanen (Grand Hotel), Jason Ensler (The Passage), Isaac Klausner (The Hate U Give), Marty Bowen (First Man), Adam Fishbach (Narcos), Wyck Godfrey (I, Robot), Pouya Shahbazian (Divergent), and Adam Londy. 20th Century Fox Television serves as the studio.

ABC Unveils 2020–21 Prime-Time Schedule

June 17, 2020June 18, 2020

By Zach Johnson

Mark your calendars, D23 fans!

Having just solidified its position as the No. 1 network in entertainment among Adults 18–49 for the first time in four years, ABC today announced its 2020 premiere schedule. The network’s previously announced programming slate includes renewals for 20 series and two straight-to-series orders from its current crop of pilots—David E. Kelley’s thriller Big Sky and Kari Lizer’s comedy Call Your Mother—as well as the revival of alternative series Supermarket Sweep with Leslie Jones. In addition to Call Your Mother, new seasons of American Idol, The Bachelor, For Life, and mixed-ish will premiere later in the season. Additional pickups and schedule information, including specific premiere dates, will be announced at a later date.

Monday

8 p.m. ET: Dancing with the Stars
10 p.m. ET: The Good Doctor

Tuesday

8 p.m. ET: The Bachelorette
10 p.m. ET: Big Sky (New Series)

Wednesday

8 p.m.: The Goldbergs
8:30 p.m. ET: black-ish
9 p.m. ET: The Conners (New Date/Time)
9:30 p.m. ET: American Housewife
10 p.m. ET: Stumptown

Thursday

8 p.m. ET: Station 19
9 p.m. ET: Grey’s Anatomy
10 p.m. ET: A Million Little Things

Friday

8 p.m. ET: Shark Tank
9 p.m. ET: 20/20

Saturday

8 p.m. ET: Saturday Night Football

Sunday

7 p.m. ET: America’s Funniest Home Videos
8 p.m. ET: Supermarket Sweep (New Series)
9 p.m. ET: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (New Date/Time)
10 p.m. ET: The Rookie

Descriptions for the season’s three new series are as follows:

Big Sky
Series creator Kelley will write multiple episodes and serve as showrunner in its premiere season. Private detectives Cassie Dewell and Cody Hoyt join forces with his estranged wife and ex-cop, Jenny Hoyt, to search for two sisters who have been kidnapped by a truck driver on a remote highway in Montana. But when they discover that these are not the only girls who have disappeared in the area, they must race against the clock to stop the killer before another woman is taken. Based on the series of books by C.J. Box, the cast includes Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, Brian Geraghty as Ronald Pergman, Dedee Pfeiffer as Denise Brisbane, Natalie Alyn Lind as Danielle Sullivan, Jesse James Keitel as Jerrie, John Carroll Lynch as Rick Legarski, and Ryan Phillippe as Cody Hoyt.

Call Your Mother
This multicamera comedy (formerly titled My Village) follows an empty nester mom who wonders how she ended up alone while her children live their best lives thousands of miles away. She decides her place is with her family, and as she reinserts herself into their lives, her kids realize they might actually need her more than they thought. The cast includes Kyra Sedgwick as Jean Raines, Rachel Sennott as Jackie Raines, Joey Bragg as Freddie Raines, Patrick Brammall as Danny, Emma Caymares as Celia, and Austin Crute as Lane.

Supermarket Sweep
ABC is bringing back the classic TV game show, hosted and executive produced by Jones, an Emmy® Award-nominated comedienne and actress. The energetic series follows three teams of two as they battle it out using their grocery shopping skills and knowledge of merchandise to win big cash prizes. The original format aired on ABC from 1965–67. It was later adapted in 13 international territories and, most recently, relaunched in the U.K.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in July 2020

June 17, 2020July 7, 2020

By Zach Johnson

It’s been nearly eight months since Disney+ launched as the dedicated streaming home for movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, alongside exclusive Disney+ Originals—and there’s plenty more content coming this July! From big premieres, including the Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton and new series Muppets Now, to the season finale of It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer, July can’t come fast enough. The month will also see dozens of new titles added to the vast Disney+ library, including Solo: A Star Wars Story, Critter Fixers: Country Vets, Ice Age: Collision Course, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet (Season 8), and many more!

All the confirmed film and television titles coming to Disney+ in July are listed below:

Friday, July 3
Animal ER (Seasons 1-2)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Ice Age: Collision Course
Ice Road Rescue (Seasons 1-4)
Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
The Big Green
The Mighty Ducks
Hamilton
Pixar in Real Life (Episode 109 – “Up: Balloon Cart Away”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 135 – “Peter Pan: Shadow Box Theater”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 131 – “Zama Magudulela: The Lion King Madrid, Spain”)
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer (Episode 108 – “Movie Star Dogs & Hounds and Horses”)

Friday, July 10
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Season 1)
Gigantosaurus (Season 1)
Secrets of the Zoo (Season 3)
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 136 – “Lilo and Stitch: Family Tree”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 132 – “Marc Smith: Story Artist”)
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer (Episode 109 – “Avalanche Rescue Dogs & The Beagle Brigade”)
X-Men: Days of Future Past

Friday, July 17
A Pre-Opening Report from Disneyland
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
Disney Junior Music Lullabies
Lost City of Machu Picchu
Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! (Seasons 1-2)
The Mousketeers at Walt Disney World
Wild Chile (Season 1)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 137 – “Moana: Tomato Photo Holder”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 133 – “Mike Davie: Imagineering Project Manager”)
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer (Episode 110 – “Snake Search Dogs & Hawaiian Conservation Dogs”) (Season Finale)
X-Men: Apocalypse

Friday, July 24
Wild Congo (Season 1)
Wild Sri Lanka (Season 1)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 138 – “The Jungle Book: Finger Puppet”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 134 – “Chris Cristi: Helicopter Reporter”)
Rogue Trip (Season 1) (Premiere)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Friday, July 31
Alaska Animal Rescue (Season 1)
Animal Showdown (Season 1)
Black Is King
Best Job Ever (Season 1)
Big Cat Games
Cradle of the Gods
Destination World (Season 1)
Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet (Season 8)
Fearless Adventures with Jack Randall (Season 1)
Hidden Kingdoms of China
Hunt for the Abominable Snowman
India’s Wild Leopards
Incredibles 2
Jungle Animal Rescue (Season 1)
King Fishers (Season 1)
Lost Temple of the Inca
Marvel Funko (Seasons 1-2)
Surviving the Mount St. Helens Disaster
Weirdest, Bestest, Truest (Season 1)
What Sam Sees (Season 1)
Muppets Now (Episode 101 –“Due Date”) (Premiere)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 139 – “Mickey and Minnie: Pillows”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 135 – “Lauren Cabo: Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive”)

More Wonderful Wisdom from Disney Dads

June 17, 2020June 16, 2020

By Courtney Potter

Comfort, understanding, unconditional love… As we’ve detailed before, fathers from around the worlds of Disney are often known for these traits—and so much more. Just in time for Father’s Day, we’re looking to a few other favorite Disney Dads for some wonderful words of wisdom. There’s a little something in here for all of us—from those trying to find their place in the world to those striving to attain a near-impossible dream, and everyone in between.

Looking for something to do this weekend with dear ol’ dad? You’re in luck: All the films mentioned are available on Disney+!

“Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars… So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.”—Mufasa in The Lion King (1994)
As far as Disney Dads go, Mufasa just may be the king of them all. Brave and smart, strong and kind, Mufasa tries to instill all of his life’s lessons into young Simba… and even after he’s gone, his words of wisdom ring loud and true over the Pride Lands, thanks to his son.

“We’re not cooks, but we are family. You tell us what to do, and we’ll get it done.”—Django in Ratatouille (2007)
Some dads aren’t able to articulate their feelings as well as others, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care… far from it. Case in point: Remy’s dad, Django, in Ratatouille. Gruff and rough around the edges, Django (and the rest of their family) eventually recognizes his son’s gift for fine cuisine, and comes to Remy’s rescue just when he needs his help the most.

“You are my greatest adventure… and I almost missed it.”—Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible in The Incredibles (2004)
Occasionally, it takes saving the world (literally) to truly see what’s most important. That’s what happened to father and super hero Bob Parr, aka Mr. Incredible, in The Incredibles. Faced with vanquishing the villainous Syndrome, Bob realizes his family—wife Helen (Elastigirl), daughter Violet, and sons Dash and Jack-Jack—should always come first, and rightly tells them so.

“You are the future of our people, Moana. They are not out there. They are right here. It’s time to be who they need you to be.”—Chief Tui in Moana (2016)
Chief Tui utters these words of wisdom to his daughter early on in Moana—not yet realizing how true they’d be. Moana may have “disobeyed” her father’s orders, but she went on to save her people, bravely facing all manner of peril in the process. She knew who she needed to be—and ultimately, her dad came around to that undeniable fact.

“Go on… ”—Professor Porter in Tarzan (1999)
Short, sweet, and to the point: Professor Porter could see that his daughter Jane had fallen for the mysterious Tarzan, and realized it would be wrong to stand in her way. Just as they were about to leave that special island off the Congolese coast, the good professor uttered those two words to Jane, changing her life—and his, in fact—forever.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Jimmy Kimmel to Host the 72nd Emmy® Awards on ABC

June 16, 2020

By Zach Johnson

The 72nd Emmy® Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who returns for the third time. He will also be serving as executive producer for television’s biggest night. The show will be broadcast on Sunday, September 20, from 8-11 p.m. ET/5-8 p.m. PT, on ABC. Previously, Kimmel hosted both the 64th and 68th Emmy Awards. Additional details regarding the show’s production will be announced soon, and nominations will be announced on July 28.

“I don’t know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it,” said Kimmel, who last hosted the Emmys in 2016.

“We know Jimmy Kimmel will deliver a uniquely entertaining, funny and moving Primetime Emmys show,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “He’s a true master of ceremonies who reveres this industry and its people; and just as Jimmy has done with his own show over the past few months, he will tackle this momentous event with heart and humor, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism to our television colleagues and viewers at home.”

Kimmel currently serves as host and executive producer of the eight-time Emmy Award-nominated Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ABC’s longest-running late-night talk show. Now in its 18th season, it produces some of the most popular comedy bits in late-night television and features a diverse lineup of guests including actors, musicians, athletes, comedians, authors, politicians, and newsmakers. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET. Outside of his late-night duties, Kimmel has also hosted some of the biggest events in pop culture. He was the host of the Academy Awards® for two years in a row, in 2017 and 2018, as well as the host of the 2012 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C. Kimmel recently hosted and was an executive producer of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’s prime-time return to ABC, featuring celebrity contestants playing for charity, 20 years after its series debut starring Regis Philbin. It was recently picked up for another season by ABC.

The World is a Carousel of Color with the 2020 “Rainbow Disney Collection”

June 15, 2020June 15, 2020

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Here’s something colorful to kick off June! The 2020 “Rainbow Disney Collection” launched today with an assortment of products available at shopDisney.com in the U.S. and Canada. This year’s collection features a colorful selection of items including ear headbands, T-shirts, tanks, plush, accessories, pins, and more.

In recognition of Pride Month 2020 and in honor of the Rainbow Disney Collection, Disney is donating $100,000 to GLSEN, a leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K–12 schools for LGBTQ+ students.

Check out some of the happily-hued collection in the gallery below, and then head over to shopDisney.com for additional information.

And don’t forget to use your D23 Gold Member discount for 10 percent off your purchases of $50 or more!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

June 15, 2020June 17, 2020

By Zach Johnson

This week, join us in celebrating Pride Month with the release of Hulu’s Love, Victor; the complete first season will debut this Wednesday. The next day, the streaming service will debut the first episode of Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, giving foodies a sample of what’s cooking in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, with Summer Fun & Games in full swing on ABC, you don’t want to miss a hilarious episode of the Ryan Reynolds-produced game show Don’t on Thursday! Right now on Disney+, you can stream more than 50 Schoolhouse Rock! Interstitials. Then, on Friday, enjoy the conclusion of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian!

Love, Victor—Wednesday, June 17, on Hulu
Set in the world of the groundbreaking film Love, Simon, the six-episode series will debut simultaneously on the streaming service. It follows Victor (Michael Cimino), a new student at Creekwood High School, on his journey of self-discovery, where he faces challenges at home, adjusts to a new city, and explores his sexual orientation. When it seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school. The coming of age drama co-stars Mateo Fernandez, Isabella Ferreira, Mason Gooding, Rachel Naomi Hilson, James Martinez, Ana Ortiz, George Sear, Anthony Turpel, and Bebe Wood.

Don’t—Thursday, June 18, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Host Adam Scott will invite a Los Angeles family to show off their upside-down-baseball-catching, tug-of-war-rope-pulling, slingshot-fire-extinguishing skills in challenges “Don’t Play Ball in the House,” “Don’t Play with Matches,” “Don’t Budge,” “Don’t Lose Your Grip,” and “Don’t Stop.” It’s another episode of the brand-new game show you don’t want to miss!

Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi—Thursday, June 18, on Hulu
Join host and executive producer Padma Lakshmi as she takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups, seeking out the people who have so heavily shaped what American food is today. In the series premiere, “Burritos at the Border,” Lakshmi eats her way through the border city of El Paso, Texas, while discovering the origins of one of the country’s most beloved cuisines.

Schoolhouse Rock!—Now Streaming on Disney+
Disney+ surprised fans by adding the series to its library weeks ahead of its previously announced June 19 release date. From “Three is a Magic Number” to “I’m Just a Bill” and “Lolly, Lolly,” fans can once again sing along to the series of shorts featuring topical tunes.

Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian—Friday, June 19, on Disney+
In the highly anticipated season finale, “Connections,” Disney Legend Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni will look back at some of the Star Wars characters and props that made their way into The Mandalorian—a few of which may surprise even the biggest Star Wars fans! The episode will also take a moment to showcase the fans who make up the 501st Legion, a global group of costume fanatics who worked as extras in season one of the Disney+ series.

Calling Dick Tracy Fans: Walt Disney Archives Celebrates 30 Years of Crime-Fighting Capers

June 15, 2020June 17, 2020

By Kelsey Williams, Walt Disney Archives

Come in, D23. Disney’s take on the iconic fedora-clad detective, Dick Tracy, hit big screens on June 15, 1990. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Touchstone release, we’ve put together a lineup of some of our favorite historical objects related to the film from the Walt Disney Archives collection.

The colorful world of Dick Tracy was made to resemble the namesake comic strips originally created by Chester Gould in 1931. Filmmakers used only 6 colors to mirror the ink that newspapers use to print Sunday comics with. Bringing the visuals of a comic book to life isn’t a simple task, especially when filming on a studio lot. Matte paintings on glass were combined with actors’ performances to help set the tone and create the perfect setting.

The Walt Disney Archives contains an extensive collection of publicity and promotional materials, including these character posters featuring Dick Tracy, Big Boy Caprice, Breathless Mahoney, Flattop, and The Brow.

Costume designer Milena Canonero had the task of taking simple comic-strip characters and giving them a new life on the silver screen. Producer, director, and star Warren Beatty lifted Tracy’s look straight off the page, featuring a black suit, white shirt, red stripped tie, yellow coat and fedora.

When cracking down on crime, Tracy used a wristwatch radio to stay abreast of the “goings on” around town. Here are three variations of his wristwatch radio preserved in the Archives collection: a screen-used edition worn by Warren Beatty, a prototype, and a stunt version.

Madonna as Breathless Mahoney performed three new songs written by Stephen Sondheim in Dick Tracy. She wore this backless black sequined dress while performing “Sooner or Later” during the raid of Club Ritz.

Each character in Dick Tracy was given a distinct color to help them stand out, with the palette going from black to white without using any mid-tones or muddy colors. As the main crime boss in the film, Big Boy Caprice wore a flashy double-breasted red suit with black pinstripes to showcase the character’s anger…and danger surrounding him!

Actor William Forsythe spent three and a half hours in the make-up chair each day to transform into Flattop. Add in this purple 1940s-inspired double-breasted suit, and you’ve got one infamous mobster.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Believe in Magic as Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Reopening on June 18

June 14, 2020June 17, 2020

By the D23 Team

Today, Disney announced that Hong Kong Disneyland will reopen to the public on June 18.

As Hong Kong Disneyland’s team carefully welcomes guests back to the park, they plan to draw on the learnings from the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Similarly, the team will also implement new and enhanced health and safety measures following the guidance of local government and health care officials.

For further information on their approach, the recent post on Disney Parks Blog from the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel, provides insight into Disney’s plans and considerations as they prepare for the reopening of parks, resorts, and stores. While some things will look and feel different than before, the magic continues and Disney is excited to once again share the park with you because the magic begins with you.

During this initial reopening phase, the park will open with limited attendance. The park will implement social distancing requirements in queues, restaurants, attraction vehicles, and at other facilities throughout the park, and will increase the frequency of sanitization and disinfection in high-guest contact areas.

As Hong Kong becomes the second Disney park to reopen, the rest of the Disney Parks family around the world continues to believe in magic and prepare for their own reopening moments. They’re eager to welcome guests back to reunite with family and friends—to imagine all that is possible regardless of the situation, to celebrate postponed milestones and to make magical, new memories.

We’re also thrilled to share a sneak peek of magic in the making as we enter into the final stage of the Castle of Magical Dreams transformation (pictured at the top of the article), which will be a magnificent centerpiece of the park.

Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more Disney Parks news and stories from Hong Kong Disneyland on reopening day! And remember, you can always experience the magic of Disney from anywhere you are on DisneyMagicMoments.com and share your stories with #DisneyMagicMoments on social media.