Your Primer for Season Seven of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

May 27, 2020May 26, 2020

By Zach Johnson

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. might reshape history when it returns tonight on ABC at 10|9c. When we last saw the agents in the season six finale, Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) realized that in order to save the future, they must change the past. And so, they agreed to an ambitious plan to stop the Chronicoms from usurping Earth by upgrading their ship’s jump drive with time travel technology. When the first episode of the seventh and final season airs tonight, the agents will find themselves in New York City, circa 1931. Their mission: Prevent the Chronicoms from killing people who might be important in the early development of S.H.I.E.L.D…. people like SSR’s Daniel Sousa (guest star Enver Gjokaj).

The Chronicom ally Enoch (Joel Stoffer) had warned FitzSimmons his master plan would “alter the course of their natural lives.” This season, the star-crossed lovers are once again separated—this time voluntarily—for the sake of the greater good. Meanwhile, Mack (Henry Simmons) remains in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D., despite Coulson (Clark Gregg) being back in the mix. (That’s because he’s actually a Life Model Decoy who has been enhanced with advanced Chronicom tech.) And as May (Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen) continues to recover from near-fatal wounds, agents Daisy (Chloe Bennet), Yo-Yo (Natalia Cordova-Buckley), and Deke (Jeff Ward) are trying to save the day in their new (old?) surroundings.

Although season seven begins in the 1930s, expect more time traveling. The Chronicom hunters, led by Malachi (Christopher James Baker), have pinpointed different moments in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s history that should help them eliminate the organization. With the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents’ plane set to time-jump at any moment, they must race to find out exactly what’s going on… because if they should fail, it will spell disaster for Earth’s past, present and future. Then comes the biggest twist: To save S.H.I.E.L.D., they also have to save HYDRA!

23 of Our Favorite Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Guest Stars

May 26, 2020September 16, 2021

By Zach Johnson

When Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. debuted in 2013, it reintroduced a revived Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) after Loki (Tom Hiddleston) killed him in the 2012 film Marvel’s The Avengers. It was Coulson who recruited Daisy Johnson (Chloe Bennet) to join a team of agents that included Melinda May (Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen), Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker), and Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge)… and the double agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton). Over the next five seasons, Alphonso “Mack” MacKenzie (Henry Simmons), Elena “Yo-Yo” Rodriguez (Natalia Cordova-Buckley), and Deke Shaw (Jeff Ward) joined S.H.I.E.L.D.’s ranks—as did the Inhuman Lincoln Campbell (Luke Mitchell), who sacrificed himself to save billions from a nuclear blast. Then there’s agents Lance Hunter (Nick Blood) and Bobbi Morse (Adrianne Palicki), who got the “spy’s goodbye” after their cover was blown.

Each season has featured memorable guest stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and beyond, and we’re sharing some of our favorite guest stars to appear on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

1. Disney Legend Stan Lee as Debonair Gentleman
Technically, this is a cameo… but who can argue that Lee deserves a spot on the list? In the pilot, he played a train passenger traveling from Verona to Zagreb. Flanked by two women, he interrupted a fight between Coulson and Simmons (who were undercover), presciently instructing Coulson: “Now is your chance to do better. Why don’t you see that you take it?”

2. Ruth Negga as Raina
After cutting ties with HYDRA, an obsessed and determined Raina sought to discover the truth about her Inhuman heritage. After being duped by the “clairvoyant” John Garrett (Bill Paxton), she set off to find a Diviner and the Kree city. There, she unlocked the Terrigen Crystals, triggering her Inhuman transformation—and Daisy’s. It altered Raina’s physical appearance and gave her visions of the future. One thing she didn’t see coming? The Terrigen Crystals were dispersed throughout the world, triggering untold Inhuman transformations.

3. Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
Jackson reprised his role from the MCU twice in season one. He first appeared in the second episode, scolding Coulson for damaging his state-of-the-art plane on a mission in Peru—and warning him that bringing on Daisy (then known as Skye) was a “risk.” He then returned for the season finale, when he instated Coulson as the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

4. Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter
Before she starred in Marvel’s Agent Carter on ABC, Atwell reprised her role from Captain America: The First Avenger in the second season premiere. The episode featured flashbacks to 1945, where Peggy, Dum Dum Dugan, and Jim Morita attacked the last known HYDRA base after the defeat of the Red Skull. They confiscated all weaponry and technology, including a blue corpse and the Obelisk—a Kree artifact that will petrify anyone without Inhuman potential.

5. Jaimie Alexander as Lady Sif
In season one, the Asgardian warrior was dispatched to Earth to find Lorelei (Elena Satine), a fellow Asgardian who had enslaved a biker gang to build her own army. The following season found Lady Sif in Portugal… with no memory of why or how she got there. Her memory was later restored by Vin-Tak (Eddie McClintock), a Kree warrior who came to Earth to find the newly activated Inhumans. With the help of S.H.I.E.L.D.—and a newfound interest in Daisy’s powers—Sif called on Heimdall to open the Bifrost Bridge and take her and Vin-Tak home.

6. Patton Oswalt as the Koenigs
In season one, Oswalt made his first appearance as Eric Koenig, a Level 6 S.H.I.E.L.D. operative entrusted with some of Nick’s greatest secrets. Throughout the series, Oswalt also portrayed Eric’s brothers: Billy, Sam, and Thurston. As if that weren’t enough, he’s set to take on a fifth role in “The New Deal,” the first episode of the upcoming seventh season.

7. Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill
Smulders reprised her role from the MCU in the pilot. She returned later in the season after appearing in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where it was revealed HYDRA had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. Later, in season two, Coulson gave Maria the location of Baron Strucker. She shared it with the Avengers, which set the stage for Avengers: Age of Ultron.

8. J. August Richards as Mike Peterson/Deathlok
Through the Centipede Project, Mike received an arm implant that empowered him with superhuman strength. For a brief time after that, he joined S.H.I.E.L.D.—until he was recaptured by the Centipede Project and transformed into a cybernetic operative. After Coulson’s team ended the Centipede Project during the Battle at Cybertek, Mike became a free agent and began a journey of self-discovery—but he still remains an ally of S.H.I.E.L.D.

9. Kyle MacLachlan as Cal Zabo
Cal is… complicated. Over 20 years ago, he was violently separated from his wife, Jiaying (Dichen Lachman), and watched HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D. take their infant daughter Daisy away. Driven mad, he began a quest to avenge his wife’s death and find his daughter… while also committing countless crimes. During this time, Cal also developed a formula that gave him improved strength to rival the Inhumans. But after reuniting with his wife and daughter at the Inhuman settlement Afterlife, the monster inside came out… and he killed Jiaying to save Daisy. After his mind was wiped, he began a new life as a veterinarian.

10. Dove Cameron as Ruby Hale
Genetically engineered by HYDRA to eventually become the perfect leader for the organization, Ruby desperately wanted to become the prophesized Destroyer of Worlds. Though she was technically and physically skilled, she exhibited little emotional control—which is why she sliced off Yo-Yo’s arms in a fit of rage. Wanting to become a super soldier à la Captain America, she forced FitzSimmons to fix the Particle Infusion Chamber so she could receive a gravitonium infusion. She received just 8 percent of it before they pulled the plug—and the side effects were debilitating and loud, to say the least. Ultimately, Yo-Yo decided to use one of Ruby’s chakrams to put her out of her misery… and get her revenge.

11. Adrian Pasdar as Glenn Talbot/Graviton
Pasdar’s character was introduced as a United States Air Force colonel—a man who respected Coulson, despite their differences. He went on to become a brigadier general who hunted active S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, which led to a job as head of the Advanced Threat Containment Unit (ATCU). But after being shot in the head and placed in a coma, he was brainwashed by HYDRA. Talbot eventually entered the Rebirth machine to absorb gravitonium, becoming Graviton. In his aim to protect the Earth from Thanos, he tried to gain more Gravitonium and endangered the entire world in doing so—forcing Daisy to challenge him. She eventually launched Talbot into space, ending his rampage for good.

12. Bill Paxton as John Garrett
A rough-and-tumble S.H.I.E.L.D. agent left for dead, John only managed to survive by becoming the first Deathlok. Joining HYDRA, he became The Clairvoyant, leader of the Centipede group. He was determined to discover the secret to Coulson’s resurrection, as the Deathlok technology was outdated. Eventually, Raina was able to synthesize the GH-325 drug, which saved his life… for a little while. But after learning HYDRA had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. and John was revealed as the Clairvoyant, Coulson disintegrated him.

13. Maximiliano Hernández as Jasper Sitwell
Several times Hernández reprised his role as a HYDRA mole posing as a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. In his third appearance, Coulson recruited Jasper to hunt down the Clairvoyant and Deathlok. However, the Triskelion ordered Jasper to report to the S.H.I.E.L.D. vessel Lumerian Star, setting the stage for Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

14. Blair Underwood as Andrew Garner/Lash
Andrew was much more than May’s ex-husband and a psychologist who assessed gifted people for S.H.I.E.L.D. As Lash, he was a monstrous Inhuman who used his energy abilities to hunt and kill “unworthy” Inhumans. Not long after his Jekyll and Hyde situation was discovered, Lash took over Andrew completely. So, he surrendered to S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to say goodbye to May. Later, in a final attempt to kill the parasitic Inhuman Hive, Lash successfully saved Daisy—only to later be killed by J.T. James/Hellfire (Axle Whitehead).

15. Constance Zimmer as Rosalind Price
As the head of the ATCU, Rosalind was tasked with reducing the growing number of Inhumans appearing across the world. Although her organization was formed as a replacement for S.H.I.E.L.D., she worked alongside the agents—and became romantically involved with Coulson—amid their fight against Lash. Tragically, she was assassinated by Ward.

16. Parminder Nagra as Ellen Nadeer
The senator and leader of the Humans First movement developed a hatred for Inhumans after her mother died during the Chitauri invasion in Marvel’s The Avengers. Believing Inhumans are aliens who took over people’s bodies, she even tried to kill her brother, Vijay Nadeer (Manish Dayal), who resisted Terrigenesis for seven months before being freed. Despite supporting the armed radical hate group The Watchdogs, when high-ranking member Tucker Shockley (John Pyper-Ferguson) tested her humanity with a Terrigen crystal, it revealed his own explosive Inhuman abilities—killing everyone in an epic blast.

17. Neal McDonough as Dum Dum Dugan
First seen in Captain America: The First Avenger, McDonough reprised his role in the season two premiere alongside Atwell and Jim Morita (Kenneth Choi). Together, the SSR raided a HYDRA base and arrested Daniel Whitehall (Reed Diamond) and the other HYDRA agents.

18. Lucy Lawless as Isabelle “Izzy” Hartley
Lawless made a brief but memorable one-episode appearance in season two, playing a loyal and lifelong agent. Working undercover after the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D., Izzy established a team of her own alongside Lance and Idaho (Wilmer Calderon). She was later killed after being forced to touch the Obelisk while being attacked by Carl Creel (Brian Patrick Wade).

19. Eve Harlow as Tess
Not long after being unwittingly transported to the future in season five, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents met Tess—a resourceful, self-sufficient inhabitant of the Lighthouse. She was later hanged by the Kree Watch after they suspected she had helped hide the Inhuman Flint (Coy Stewart). Afterward, Kasius (Dominic Rains) had a Kree doctor perform a procedure to revive Tess so she could deliver a message for Mack and Yo-Yo to surrender Flint… or else. But once Kasius was killed, Tess realized that Flint’s abilities could help rebuild Earth.

20. Anthony Michael Hall as Mister Kitson
Hall appeared in season six as ruler of the planet Kitson and proprietor of the House of Games, which he inherited from his father and grandfather. After Kitson III had his enforcer, Montalban (Louie Ski Carr), capture Fitz, Simmons and Enoch (Joel Stoffer), he intended to have FitzSimmons fight a man named Wayne (Douglas Bennett) in a game where one of them would be decapitated with a Veroovian Steel blade. However, Izel (Karolina Wydra) threatened him with a knife, ordering Wayne to lose so she could acquire the two humans.

21. Drea de Matteo as Karla Faye Gideon
In season two, de Matteo sunk her claws into her role as a former nurse with bladed finger nails—one whose killing spree ended when she landed on S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Index. Having her hands locked in metal shackles made Karla furious, so when Cal offered her the chance to finally get revenge, she eagerly joined the Slicing Talons. However, during their very first battle against S.H.I.E.L.D., Cal was quickly apprehended and Karla lost her bout with Bobbi.

22. Patrick Warburton as General Rick Stoner
A high-ranking United States Army officer and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Stoner was entrusted to spearhead Project Reclamation—a secret operation designed to save mankind’s elite in the event of a catastrophic event. He only appeared to the agents as a hologram from the ’70s.

23. Enver Gjokaj as Daniel Sousa
Introduced in Marvel’s Agent Carter, Gjokaj will reprise his role as an agent in season seven of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. As for the circumstances… you’ll have to watch to find out!

Legendary Handprints – Fess Parker

May 25, 2020May 20, 2020

By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives

To those who grew up in the 1950s, he was known as the “King of the Wild Frontier.” While not initially considered for the role, Fess Parker was handpicked by Walt Disney to play Davy Crockett in the new Disneyland television series after spotting him in the 1954 sci–fi picture Them! Debuting on December 15, 1954, to an audience of 40 million, Davy Crockett became the first mainstream miniseries to air on television. Somewhat surprisingly, Parker’s interpretation of the Alamo defender made him a household name and set off a national “Crockett craze”—the popularity of raccoon skin caps and “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” enamored fans far and wide. The unexpected acclaim for the series resulted in the production of two additional episodes to meet audiences’ enthusiasm that starred Parker—Davy Crockett’s Keelboat Race and Davy Crockett and the River Pirates—which aired in late 1955.

Parker also appeared in several other films for Disney, including The Great Locomotive Chase (1956), Westward Ho the Wagons! (1956), Old Yeller (1957), and The Light in the Forest (1958). He further cemented his position of “television’s top frontiersman” by playing Daniel Boone in the NBC series of the same name from 1964 to 1970, and would go on to become a noted screenwriter, author, recording artist, and businessman. He was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1991.

Parker’s original Disney Legends handprints were once located in front of the main Theatre at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA, along with those of other early Disney Legends Award recipients. With the addition of Disney Legends Plaza in 1998, the original handprints were removed and preserved by the Walt Disney Archives. It is important to save artifacts like these to chronicle different facets of Company history, such as changes to the studio lot and the ways we honor our Legends. These handprints were most recently displayed at the 2019 D23 Expo in honor of the 65th anniversary of the debut of Walt Disney’s Davy Crockett series. It was very special to be able to showcase such a unique piece of Company’s history at the Expo, where it could be enjoyed and appreciated by Disney fans of all ages.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

May 25, 2020May 22, 2020

By Zach Johnson

Travel back in time with National Geographic’s Barkskins, set at the turn of the 17th Century, and ABC’s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., set in the early 1930s—both of which premiere this week! If you’re in the mood to watch something more contemporary, tune in for the series premiere of ABC’s The Genetic Detective on Tuesday, the “fin-tastic” season finale of Freeform’s Siren on Thursday, and the season premiere of Hulu’s Ramy on Friday.

Barkskins—Monday, May 25, at 9 p.m. ET on National Geographic
Settle in for back-to-back episodes airing over four weeks. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Annie Proulx, National Geographic’s new limited series will examine the mysterious massacre of settlers in the vast and unforgiving wilds of 1690s New France, which threatens to throw the region into all-out war. The historical, fictional drama boasts an all-star cast that includes David Thewlis, Marcia Gay Harden, Aneurin Barnard, James Bloor, Christian Cooke, David Wilmot, Thomas M. Wright, Tallulah Haddon, Kaniehtiio Horn, Lily Sullivan, and Zahn McClarnon. The premiere episode “New France,” follows a disparate group of outcasts who must navigate brutal hardships, competing interests, and tangled loyalties. The second episode, “The Turtle King,” will feature Charles Duquet (Bloor) escaping indentured servitude and finding himself at the mercy of the vast forest.

The Genetic Detective—Tuesday, May 26, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC
ABC News presents a new prime-time series that follows investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore and her work with DNA technology company Parabon NanoLabs. In the series premiere, Moore teams up with Seattle’s Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and takes on her first-ever cold case as a genetic genealogist: the double homicide of Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg. With a smattering of clues, but no real leads, the case was cold for 30 years. Can Moore solve it? The episode includes interviews with the victims’ family members, as well as sheriff Rick Bart, detective Jim Scharf, and radio reporter Hanna Scott.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.—Wednesday, May 27, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC
Clark Gregg, Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, and Jeff Ward return for the seventh and final season. Coulson and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are thrust backward in time and stranded in 1931 New York City in the season premiere, “The New Deal.” With the Zephyr set to time-jump at any moment, the team must hurry to find out exactly what happened. If they fail, it would spell disaster for the past, present, and future of the world.

Siren—Thursday, May 28, at 10 p.m. ET on Freeform
The third season comes to an end with “The Toll of the Sea.” In an effort to save Hope, Ryn (Eline Powell) and Ben (Alex Roe) confront Tia (Tiffany Lonsdale) in an undersea battle between the mermaid tribes. Meanwhile, Maddie (Fola Evans-Akingbola) and Robb (Deniz Akdeniz) work to find a cure for Xander (Ian Verdun), while Helen (Rena Owen) and the hybrids try to restore order—all while Ted (David Cubitt) struggles to accept Ben’s reality.

Ramy—Friday, May 29, on Hulu
Golden Globe® Award winner Ramy Youssef is back for season two of the comedy series. The next 10 episodes will continue to follow first-generation, Egyptian-American Ramy Hassan (Youssef) on a spiritual journey in his politically-divided New Jersey neighborhood, where he’ll find a new Muslim community and embrace a deeper commitment to his faith.

Two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali joins the Ramy cast alongside Mohammed Amer, Hiam Abbass, Amr Waked, May Calamawy, Dave Merheje, Laith Nakli, and Steve Way.

Laugh-O-Gram Megaphone

May 23, 2020June 9, 2020

By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives

As an Archivist at the Walt Disney Archives, I’m often asked, “What is your favorite thing in the Archives?” and “What is the oldest object in the Archives?” For me, the most interesting pieces are the assets that were once the personal property of Walt Disney. One example that encompasses both Walt’s ownership and longevity with the Company is a small megaphone from 1922. Made from heavy duty cardboard that has been painted black, the eight-inch long bullhorn has white stenciled letters that spell LAUGH-O-GRAM across the cone shaped exterior. A tarnished metal mouthpiece with several minor dents caps off the small end of the megaphone. Although the white paint has faded and a small ragged tear can be found on the back, this historical piece has survived for almost one hundred years and represents Walt’s earliest foray into live-action filmmaking. Laugh-O-gram Films in Kansas City produced a series of seven updated fairy tales: The Four Musicians of Bremen, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, Jack the Giant Killer and Cinderella. Shortly before the Laugh-G-gram studio filed for bankruptcy in 1922, Walt moved to California to established what would later become The Walt Disney Studios. An early Hollywood director and his megaphone—it doesn’t get much better than that here in the Walt Disney Archives!

Muppets Now Debuts on Disney+ This July—Plus More in News Briefs

May 22, 2020

By Courtney Potter

Get Ready for Muppets Now, Coming to Disney+ July 31

If you’re anything like us, this news will leave you positively jubilant: As announced at D23 Expo by Kermit the Frog himself, the Muppets are coming to Disney+… and just this week, we found out exactly when! Their new short-form series, Muppets Now, will premiere on the streaming service in July.

In the six-episode season, our pal Scooter rushes to make his delivery deadlines and upload the brand-new Muppet series for streaming. The episodes are due ASAP, naturally, and he’ll need to navigate whatever obstacles, distractions, and complications the rest of the Muppet gang throws at him. Overflowing with spontaneous lunacy, including science experiments with Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his anxious-yet-trusty sidekick Beaker; lots of surprising celebrity guest stars; and more frogs, pigs, and bears (and whatever else—we’re looking at you, Gonzo) than legally allowed, the Muppets cut loose in Muppets Now with the kind of startling silliness and heartfelt fun that first made them world-famous.

So mark your calendars for some fabulous Disney+ fun beginning Friday, July 31—we certainly are!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

It might be a little different this year, but we’re heading into Memorial Day Weekend—which, for many of us, means several more hours during which we can watch some highest-of-quality Disney entertainment. Make sure to set aside some time for the likes of LANCE, a two-part documentary on ESPN about the rise and fall Lance Armstrong; the debut of adorable Skeeter and Scooter on Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies; and a Toy Story marathon on Freeform. Get your weekend watchlist sorted by clicking here.

Freeform Announces Programming Slate for 2020 and 2021

Speaking of Freeform, they just announced a whole bunch of programming news—and it’s all terrifically exciting…

Their critically acclaimed new series Everything’s Gonna Be Okay—created by and starring Josh Thomas—has been picked up for a second season, as has Motherland: Fort Salem. Additionally, the hit black-ish spinoff grown-ish; the debut of the new psychological thriller series Cruel Summer (formerly known as Last Summer); and the return of Good Trouble have all been moved to 2021. But if you’re looking for brand-new stuff to watch this summer, never fear: the limited scripted series Love in the Time of Corona will debut on the network this August, and fan-favorite The Bold Type continues its big fourth season beginning Thursday, June 11.

Check out the brand-new trailer for all this Freeform fun, above.

Cute Baby Alert: Babirusa Pig Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Have you ever heard of a babirusa? They’re a part of the hog family, and they’re native to swamps and rainforests of the Indonesian Islands. They have very unique snouts and amazing tusks that can grow to over 17 inches long—and they count among their close relatives the warthog (made famous in The Lion King, natch), and KuneKune pigs.

Several examples of all three animals live at Disney’s Animal Kingdom… and just this week, they announced their very first babirusa birth! The Disney animal care team has chosen to name the baby girl Kirana, which translates to “sunbeam” in Indonesian.

As explained by our pals at the Disney Parks Blog, over the last 15 years, Disney animal care experts have partnered with reproductive biologists and the SSP to “crack the code” on breeding a babirusa pair. This cute new piglet is making an important contribution toward the worldwide conservation and understanding of the species, which will help ensure a future generation for these vulnerable animals.

Congrats to the happy babirusa family, and to everyone at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Disneyland’s Dapper Dans Wish You a Happy Birthday

Do you have a birthday coming up? Or is it your un-birthday? Either way, here’s something super joyful to help celebrate the big day, no matter when you’re due to mark that next trip ’round the sun.

As part of their continuing #VoicesFromHome series for #DisneyMagicMoments, the fellas from Disneyland’s Dapper Dans are back with an amazing a capella performance of “Happy Birthday”—and they welcome you to sing along!

Take a look at the fun clip, above… and make sure to keep those eyes peeled on DisneyMagicMoments.com for more oh-so-special fun from around the worlds of Disney.

Fantastic Foxes

May 22, 2020May 13, 2020

By Cesar Gallegos, Walt Disney Archives

Wes Anderson’s Academy Award® nominated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox, follows the adventures of a clever fox and his family. The 2009 film also pays a nice homage to another film featuring an animated fox as its main character—Disney’s Robin Hood (1973).

The scene in question shows Mr. Fox and his family relaxing outside a huge tree they call their home, while a record player plays the song “Love,” as performed by Nancy Adams. In Robin Hood, “Love” accompanies the beautifully animated romantic stroll between Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Written by Disney Legend George Bruns and Floyd Huddleston, the song was nominated for an Academy Award in 1974.

For those keen fox-eared fans out there, there’s also another Disney reference in Fantastic Mr. Fox—when the film introduces Mr. Fox, he’s leaning against an apple tree, listening to “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” from Disney’s popular Davy Crockett television series, and as covered by The Wellingtons, on his portable radio. Oo-de-lally!

Catch these fantastic foxes now streaming on Disney+!

10 Perfect New Ways to Chill Out with Disney Animation

May 22, 2020May 21, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

Imagine skimming the ocean waves, gliding over breathtakingly blue water toward the horizon. You hear the crashing sea and the rustle of a gentle breeze. A hand reaches out from your canoe to touch the rushing water. You discover you’re immersed in the world of Moana, and the calming moment you were experiencing on screen has become something much more magical. This is the feeling Disney fans will discover while watching Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new short-form series Zenimation, which debuts today on Disney+.

Zenimation invites viewers to disconnect from the real world and get lost in the dazzling and diverse environments of favorite Disney animated films. The episodes are designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness, with the help of iconic characters and their stunning locales. Ten episodes of Zenimation are available to stream today. Each installment brings together several familiar faces around a single theme for a mesmerizing experience that could only come from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Every short is a treat for the eyes and a celebration of Disney Animation’s decades-long legacy. Additionally, the accompanying soundscapes are a showcase for the talented sound designers and editors who go to great lengths to ensure that Moana’s ocean sounds completely different than Ariel’s sea. The first episode, “Water,” quite literally dives into the world of both of these heroines, and also takes viewers on a thrilling ride with Elsa and the Nokk across Frozen 2’s Dark Sea. Zenimation creator and editor David Bess has taken inspiration from every corner of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ vast library, allowing us to fly over the streets of San Fransokyo with Hiro and Baymax; explore the sights and sounds of the metropolis of Zootopia with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde; and watch the sun rise over the savanna of The Lion King. Here is just a sampling of the people and places to visit anew in Zenimation:

Episode 101: “Water”—Explore the sea with Moana, Ariel, and Elsa.

Episode 102: “Cityscapes”—Visit New Orleans, Mt. Olympus, San Fransokyo, and Atlantis.

Episode 103: “Discovery”—Discover the world around you with Elsa, Tarzan, and Rapunzel.

Episode 104: “Flight”—Fly with Aladdin and Jasmine, Baymax and Hiro, and Cody and Marahuté.

Episode 105: “Explore”—Explore new places with Judy Hopps, baby Moana, and Aurora.

Episode 106: “Night”—Gaze at the night sky with Tiana, Rapunzel, and Jim Hawkins.

Episode 107: “Nature”—Take in the beauty of nature with Simba, Pocahontas, and Tarzan.

Episode 108: “Serenity”—Have a moment of calm with Belle, Mulan, and Gramma Tala.

Episode 109: “Water Realms”—Surf with Lilo, cross the Dark Sea with Elsa, and restore the heart of Te Fiti with Moana.

Episode 110: “Levity”—Have a laugh with Flash the Sloth, Stitch, and Baymax.

Disney fans may recognize individual vignettes in Zenimation, but as they are stripped of dialogue and music, each takes on a new life to become a unique visual and aural experience that remains true to the spirit and feeling the scene evoked when we were first introduced to it on the big screen. The episodes lend themselves to repeat viewing, partly so you can be sure you spot all of your favorite characters and films, but also because the only thing better than a little relaxation is more relaxation.

Zenimation’s episodes are no more than seven minutes long and serve as a short but magical respite any time you and your family are looking to forget about your worry and your strife. So head over to Disney+ now… take a deep breath… and lose yourself in this truly one-of-a-kind new series.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

May 21, 2020

By Savannah Salazar

Say hello to the weekend, as the arrival of Fantastic Mr. Fox and Hello, Dolly! on Disney+ is music to our ears! And the next day, you’ve got a friend in Freeform as they air a much-needed Toy Story marathon, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together! After last weekend’s much-anticipated finale of The Last Dance, ESPN keeps the ball rolling with the premiere of another riveting documentary, LANCE, on Sunday night. For more to watch, check out our suggestions below:

Fantastic Mr. Fox—Friday, May 22, on Disney+
Based on Ronald Dahl’s novel, watch the world of Mr. Fox come to life in Wes Anderson’s whimsical stop-motion adventure. The story begins with Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney) trying to overcome his thieving ways; But of course, after a night gone awry, Mr. Fox steals food from three mean farmers who will stop at nothing to dig their way into the foxes’ home. The cast includes Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox, Bill Murray as Badger, and Jason Schwartzman as Ash.

Hello, Dolly!—Friday, May 22, on Disney+
Call on Dolly to have a great Friday night! Directed by Gene Kelly, the iconic romantic comedy musical stars Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levi, a matchmaker extraordinaire, who travels to Yonkers, New York to find a match for Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau).

Muppet Babies—Friday, May 22, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW
Gather around, Muppets fans, because fan-favorite twins Skeeter and Scooter are making their Muppet Babies debut. Watch the two visit Miss Nanny’s playroom in a special episode entitled “Win a Twin/Skeeter and the Super Girls.” The Muppet Babies voice cast includes Matt Danner (Kermit), Jenny Slate (Miss Nanny), Melanie Harrison (Piggy), Dee Bradley Baker (Animal), Eric Bauza (Fozzie), Jessica DiCicco (Summer), and Ben Diskin (Gonzo).

Toy Story Marathon—Saturday, May 23, at 4:55 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Spend a couple of hours with your favorite toys, as Freeform airs Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Toy Story 3 back-to-back. See how Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) went from frenemies to ultimate BFF’s, relive the introduction of the beloved yodeling cowgirl Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) and Bullseye, and have tissues at the ready for the rousing and emotional journey that is Toy Story 3.

LANCE—Sunday, May 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ESPN
ESPN Films’ Peabody and Academy Award®-winning 30 for 30 series is premiering director Marina Zenovich’s LANCE, a two-part documentary chronicling the rise and fall of athlete Lance Armstrong. The first part, dropping this Sunday, features unprecedented access to Armstrong, including interviews and personal perspective on his full story. The second and final part will conclude the following Sunday, May 31, on ESPN.

Yvette Nicole Brown Tells the Truth About Disney+’s The Big Fib

May 21, 2020

By Courtney Potter

True or false: Is there a lively new game show that’s not only hilariously entertaining for the whole family, but also able to teach kids how to ask insightful questions; consider the responses; and trust their instincts… and might even reveal some fascinating facts, to boot? Thankfully, the answer is—true! And it debuts on Disney+ this Friday, May 22.

The Big Fib, hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown (the Disney+ Original Lady and the Tramp), is a brand-new comedy game show full of outrageous truths that sound like lies, and audacious lies that sound like the truth! Based on the popular kids podcast Pants on Fire, each episode of The Big Fib begins as a kid contestant plays a warm-up round, where a silly liar and an authentic expert share fabulous fibs and fun facts. Later, the main round finds the contestant asking questions of a true expert who’s paired with a really good liar on the same topic—and it’s up to the contestant to find the fibber; the always-interesting topics are often illustrated with cool visual clues and compelling props. And in the last round, the expert and the liar are put into the “hot seat” for some final rapid-fire queries from the contestant. Each episode culminates with the expert and liar standing under the not-so-dreaded Fib Foam machine to await their fate; if the kid chooses correctly, the liar gets foamed! Along the way, Brown is assisted in her hosting duties by C.L.I.V.E., a know-it-all robot sidekick (with a penchant for zany sound effects) played by comedian Rhys Darby.

D23 recently chatted with Brown about her involvement in The Big Fib—and her excitement for such a fun, thought-provoking new show for kids is unmistakable. “I happily came on board as a producer,” Brown says, “because I believe in educating kids with fun. I think that’s the best way for kids to learn! I also love entertainment where parents and kids can all watch together. And I think that we’ve created something that all ages will enjoy—and it just so happens that the kids get to be in control, which I also love.”

Speaking of, it was important for Brown to let the kid contestants know they were in a totally safe, and totally awesome, space: “I made sure that all the kids were taken care of,” she explains. “I made sure that everyone felt accepted and loved… When we got on set, and it became time to decide what we should do in regards to, how do we deal with the kids that don’t ‘win’—how do we treat them? Where do they stand? I was the one who was there [saying] ‘This is what I think we should do’… [But] the show is not about winning, and I want to make sure that everyone that watches the show knows that it’s not about whether the kid actually can pick out the fibber; it’s about learning fun things and celebrating the fact that kids are in charge… I’m proud that I got to set the tone for what we were doing.”

Each episode of The Big Fib begins, strategically, with “a first round that cleanses your palate and lets you know that this is the world you’re in,” explains Brown. “We have an outlandish comedic actor come out and say crazy things, so that the kid can think, ‘There’s no way that person is telling the truth,’ right? So then by the time we get to the actual expert, they’re ready to go.” And when it comes time for the contestant to question the expert and the really good liar, that’s where the real thrills begin. “The funny thing about it is, a lot of the fibbers know a lot about the subject as well,” she says. “It wasn’t like every fibber came out telling total lies and every expert told total truths. That’s what made it so interesting… because every liar puts a little bit of truth in there. That’s really the crux of the game.”

Adding to the shenanigans is C.L.I.V.E. (an acronym for “Computerized Library of Information & Virtual Expert”), portrayed by actor, comedian, and vocal sound-effect whiz Rhys Darby (Jumanji). “Rhys brings the magic wherever he goes,” admits Brown. “He is a beast when it comes to comedy… C.L.I.V.E. is there to be the voice of all knowledge—he’s there to be able to insert some [info] that we don’t know.” But unlike the true experts, C.L.I.V.E. does occasionally try to trip the contestants up; “Sometimes he’ll throw something in that makes you go, ‘Wait a minute, what is that?’ And then it’s always the expert’s job to come in and go ‘Well, maybe’,” Brown explains, chuckling. “There were times when I was literally chewing the inside of my jaw [trying not to laugh], because I never knew what he was going to do with C.L.I.V.E. The two of us didn’t have rehearsal. So I get out there and take the ride with him… I think what [Rhys] brings is a sense of whimsy, that sense of Disney magic.”

Brown’s favorite round of the show? “Everything about the final [interrogation] round delighted me every single time we got there,” she says, laughing. “They put the adult in these really tiny, uncomfortable chairs—so funny! [And] these kids are ‘lording’ over these adults and there’s the harsh light and the kids are talking at rapid speed… That was my favorite part, every time!”

Ultimately, by enjoying The Big Fib, Brown hopes audiences “take away that learning is fun. That being an expert in something is cool, and that it’s not ‘nerdy’ to really care about things to the point where you can be considered an expert. And I hope they learn that kids’ thoughts and opinions and questions matter… I would come out and talk to the studio audience before every show, to thank them for coming, and I’d always say, ‘This is technically a kids’ game show, but it’s not just for kids. Everybody can learn something’… It’s a lesson for all of us, but it’s a fun lesson. It’s a Disney lesson—it’s just great!”

See The Big Fib beginning Friday, May 22, only on Disney+!