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.

John Legend to Host a Special Father’s Day Celebration on ABC

June 12, 2020

By Zach Johnson

John Legend will host a celebration of dads in a one-hour variety special, John Legend and Family: A Bigger Love Father’s Day, on Sunday, June 21, at 8 p.m. ET, ABC announced today.

The program will be a tribute to fathers everywhere that will blend live musical performances with some much-needed levity and touching moments—with plenty of surprises, too. Legend, an EGOT winner, will perform new material from his highly anticipated album Bigger Love (out June 19). Some of his celebrity friends—and fellow dads—will join him for a hilarious “Fatherly Feud” game. Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, will make sure viewers have the perfect gift for dad… in case they forgot. And the couple’s children, Luna and Miles, will also pamper their dad in ways that only kids under age 5 can.

Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Common, Michael Ealy, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jim Gaffigan, Tony Gonzalez, Lil Rel Howery, Taran Killam, Ne-Yo, Shaquille O’Neal, Patton Oswalt, Scottie Pippen, Ahmad Rashad, Andy Roddick, Deion Sanders, Marlon Wayans, Stevie Wonder, and Roy Wood Jr. will make guest appearances in the one-hour special.

“Some of us may wonder if it’s okay to laugh right now,” said Legend. “But music and humor have always lifted our spirits during tough times. This special celebrates love and the connection to the ones you care about most. I hope it brings joy and laughter into everyone’s homes this Father’s Day.”

“Now, more than ever, is a time to celebrate family and togetherness,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “John has an immeasurable talent, and we know he will entertain and unite families far and wide.”

The One and Only Ivan to Premiere Exclusively on Disney+

June 12, 2020

By Zach Johnson

The Walt Disney Studios announced today that the heartwarming adventure The One and Only Ivan, an adaptation of the bestselling, award-winning book about one very special gorilla, directed by Thea Sharrock, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on August 21, 2020.

The film, which was previously scheduled to be released theatrically by The Walt Disney Studios, is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualization, and the significance of the place one calls home. The One and Only Ivan, which comes to the screen in an impressive hybrid of live-action and CGI, is based on Katherine Applegate’s book, which won numerous awards upon its publication in 2013, including the Newbery Medal. Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant and Bob the dog. He has few memories of the jungle where he was captured, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, it touches something deep within him. Ruby is recently separated from her family in the wild, which causes him to question his life, where he comes from, and where he ultimately wants to be.

“The world has changed in a heartbeat. People all over the globe have shared important, life- changing experiences in ways we have not seen for a century,” said Sharrock. “In response to this, I am so happy that we can share Katherine Applegate’s delightful and original story, The One and Only Ivan, with the world this August on Disney+, bringing some joy through this unique movie of true friendship, inspired by a true story.”

The film features the voices of Sam Rockwell as Ivan the gorilla; Angelina Jolie as Stella the elephant; Danny DeVito as Bob the dog; Helen Mirren as Snickers the poodle; Chaka Khan as Henrietta the chicken; Mike White as Frankie the seal; Brooklynn Prince as Ruby the baby elephant; Ron Funches as Murphy the rabbit; Phillipa Soo as Thelma the parrot; and stars Ramón Rodríguez, Ariana Greenblatt, and Bryan Cranston. Mike White wrote the screenplay based on Applegate’s novel. The late Allison Shearmur, Jolie, and Brigham Taylor are producers, with Sue Baden-Powell and Sharrock serving as executive producers.

Myth: A Frozen Tale Brings the World of Frozen 2 to Fans’ Homes Now on Oculus Quest

June 12, 2020June 12, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

If you’ve ever tried to imagine what it truly might be like to explore the magical world of Frozen 2, Walt Disney Animation Studios has the ultimate experience for you—and best of all, it’s now available to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Disney Animation has just released the VR short Myth: A Frozen Tale for home viewing on Facebook’s Oculus Quest, an all-in-one VR headset.

Audiences were first dazzled by Myth: A Frozen Tale at Frozen 2’s world premiere in Hollywood last November. It marks the first VR short from Disney Animation to be inspired by one of the studio’s feature films and was nominated for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Real-Time Project by the Visual Effects Society. Jeff Gipson, who previously directed Disney Animation’s Cycles, is the director of this stunning, immersive film that uses the latest advances in VR technology, an original music score, and stylized art direction to deliver a unique virtual and visceral experience.

“The entire filmmaking team behind Myth: A Frozen Tale is excited to be able to bring our film to the Oculus Quest,” producer Nicholas Russell said. “Being able to immerse our audiences directly into this unique cinematic experience, to truly feel the power and presence of the elemental spirits in Frozen 2 from the comfort of their home, is an incredible reward for a lot of hard work. We hope it shows you that storytelling in VR has a very bright future.”

The partnership between Facebook’s Oculus and Walt Disney Animation Studios was facilitated by The Walt Disney Studios StudioLAB, which is dedicated to assisting studio creatives push the limits on advanced technology.

Matt James to Star in the 25th Season of ABC’s The Bachelor

June 12, 2020

By Zach Johnson

After meeting Matt James as a prospective suitor for Clare Crawley’s upcoming season of ABC’s The Bachelorette, thousands of fans swooned over the would-be cast member. He is the total package, with strong family values and a great career—and, over the past few months, he has used his growing platform for good. Today, James announced on Good Morning America that he will take on the role as the lead of his own love story when he stars in the momentous 25th season of ABC’s hit romance reality series The Bachelor.

While much of Bachelor Nation has fallen in love with him already, many will meet the 28-year-old real estate broker, entrepreneur, and community organization founder on his journey to find love for the first time. The North Carolina native went to Wake Forest University, where he majored in economics and played wide receiver for the football team. He went on to play professional football, before moving to New York City, where he now resides. His love of food and passion for giving back led to his creation of an organization that is designed to find creative ways to engage kids from underserved communities in New York City, encouraging physical and mental wellness, while also giving them opportunities for new experiences throughout the city.

“Matt has been on our radar since February, when producers first approached him to join Bachelor Nation, as part of Clare’s season,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “When filming couldn’t move forward as planned, we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor. We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we’re seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in, and we are proudly in service to our audience. This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel so privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him.”

Season 25 of The Bachelor is scheduled to premiere in 2021. Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelor is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton, Nicole Woods, Bennett Graebner, Peter Gust, Tim Warner, Louis Caric, and Peter Geist are the executive producers.

New Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge Now Playing—Plus More in News Briefs

June 12, 2020June 11, 2020

By Courtney Potter

Check Out the Brand-New Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge Game Show!

There’s a brand-new game show set in a galaxy far, far away—and it’s perfect for the whole family! Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge follows Jedi Master Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best), wise-cracking protocol droid AD-3 (Mary Holland), and astromech LX-R5 as they guide three teams of Padawans in their quest to become Jedi Knights. The 10-episode series will test the Padawans’ bravery, knowledge, and strength in a series of thrilling trials. Take a look at the trailer for the series, above.

The first two episodes of the series just premiered on StarWarsKids.com and at the Star Wars Kids YouTube Channel, and new episodes will be released every Wednesday. Check them out and enjoy, you will…

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

This weekend’s “must-view” shows and films run the gamut from family-friendly fare such as Lilo & Stitch (part of Freeform’s Funday Weekend movie marathon) to a new episode of ABC’s Celebrity Family Feud featuring—coincidentally—the cast of Freeform’s The Bold Type taking on Emmy® winner RuPaul and his judging panel from the ultra-fabulous RuPaul’s Drag Race. Click here to make sure your calendar is up to date!

Major Milestone Reached for Zootopia-Themed Land at Shanghai Disneyland

Great news this past week from our pals at Shanghai Disney Resort… Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s new home in Shanghai Disneyland reached a super-exciting milestone on Monday, when the first steel column of their upcoming Zootopia-themed land was installed!

In longstanding Disney tradition, prior to installation, this steel column was signed by leaders and representatives from all around the resort, as well as folks from the Administrative Commission of Shanghai International Resort; Shanghai Shendi Group; and Walt Disney Imagineering.

It’s the first-ever Zootopia-themed land at any Disney park, and the eighth land overall at Shanghai Disneyland. “Today’s Zootopia construction milestone brings us another step closer to the beloved Zootopia story and characters coming to life in Shanghai,” Joe Schott, president and general manager, Shanghai Disney Resort, recently said. “We are always looking for new ways to delight and entertain our guests here in Shanghai with unique Disney storytelling and magical experiences. The steel column installed today is an integral part of our new land, which is sure to offer incredible adventures to our guests for years to come.” Stay tuned for more info about the land in the coming months.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to Host MLS is Back Tournament

Got a hankerin’ for some live sports? Well you’re in luck—because it was announced this past week that Major League Soccer (MLS) will resume its 25th season at Walt Disney World Resort, hosting the MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from July 8 through August 11!

The tournament will include all 26 MLS clubs competing in a continuous schedule of 54 total matches that will take place nearly every day. The matches will count in the 2020 MLS regular season standings, and the tournament winner will also earn a spot in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. The event—which will be held without spectators in attendance—will be staged with an emphasis on the health and safety of all players, coaches, staff, crew, and cast members. (MLS players and staff will follow specific medical protocols, including regular testing, throughout the tournament.)

Clubs will begin arriving in Orlando as early as June 24 for preseason training. Beginning July 8, games will be played nearly every day at 9 a.m., 8 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. ET, with the vast majority of the matches being played in the evening. For more information, visit MLSSoccer.com—and make sure to keep checking back for specific matchup dates and a full broadcast schedule.

Marvel to Offer Free X-Men and Spider-Man/Venom Comic Books This July

Comic book fans, rejoice: This July, readers will get a chance to relish in some of Marvel’s most exciting new titles (with brand-new stories) for free at participating comic shops! Originally part of May’s Free Comic Book Day, Marvel will be now be releasing two never-before-seen titles for fans to get a first look at some of Marvel’s biggest upcoming events. Each issue will contain two tales involving the X-Men, Spider-Man, and more from Marvel’s most revered creators.

Available on July 15, Free Comic Book Day 2020: X-Men will feature a brand-new X-Men story by Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz that will lead into the game-changing X of Swords crossover; the second story will also foreshadow an upcoming epic tale by Tom Taylor and Iban Coello. And on July 22, Free Comic Book Day 2020: Spider-Man/Venom will provide two tales connected to the coming major storylines in Venom, Amazing Spider-Man, and Black Cat from Donny Cates, Ryan Stegman, Jed MacKay, Patrick Gleason, and more.

Before picking up these incredible new titles, don’t forget to check in with your favorite local comic shop to ask about their current business polices—like curbside pick-up or other convenient services. And head on over to Marvel.com/LoveComicShops for more info!