5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

March 23, 2020

By Zach Johnson

Three finales. Two premieres. One week. Our calendar is filing up fast, and we’re anxiously awaiting the finales and premieres of original series from Disney Channel, ABC, Freeform, and Disney+. It all begins tonight with the season two premiere of Sydney to the Max and extends through Friday with the series premiere of Be Our Chef. So plan accordingly, because we’ve rounded up five series you should watch this week:

Sydney to the Max—Monday, March 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
The season two premiere, “Farther of the Bribe,” kicks off a weeklong rollout of new episodes. Set in the present day with flashbacks to the 1990s, Sydney to the Max continues to follow outgoing middle schooler Sydney (Ruth Righi) who lives with her single dad Max (Ian Reed Kessler) in his childhood home, along with her free-spirited grandmother Judy (Caroline Rhea). In the season opener, Sydney is excited when she makes the school’s first girls fencing team. But when she learns her dad helped Coach Carlock (guest star Eric Allan Kramer), Sydney fears she may have gotten on the team for the wrong reason. Episodes of Sydney to the Max will also be available in DisneyNOW.

Stumptown—Wednesday, March 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The freshman series’ season finale finds Dex (Cobie Smulders) taking matters into her own hands after finding herself at the forefront of a murder investigation where she’s the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Hoffman (Michael Ealy) struggles to remain impartial in the investigation—and he just might lose everything if he continues to help Dex. Elsewhere, Grey (Jake Johnson) attempts to work on his budding relationship with his estranged father, Michael (Matt Craven), while a familiar face from the past makes a surprise visit.

The Bold Type—Thursday, March 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The spring finale, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” is set on Sutton (Meghann Fahy) and Richard (Sam Page)’s wedding day—and Sutton is faced with a big decision. Jane (Katie Stevens) tries to celebrate their big day while also struggling to process recent discoveries. Meanwhile, Kat (Aisha Dee) faces unexpected and life-altering consequences for her continued crusade against Scarlet magazine’s board.

A Million Little Things—Thursday, March 26, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
There are a million little reasons to tune in for the season two finale! It starts with Eddie (David Giuntoli) and Katherine (Grace Park) preparing to renew their vows—just before Eve (Ebboney Wilson) goes into labor and everyone rushes to the hospital. Meanwhile, things are getting serious with Delilah (Stephanie Dzostak) and Miles (Parker Young). Maggie (Allison Miller) shares some shocking news with Gary (James Roday)—and Eddie learns more about his involvement in the mysterious lake accident.

Be Our Chef—Friday, March 27, on Disney+
This new cooking competition series invites five food-loving families to create themed dishes, all inspired by the magic of Disney! They will compete for a once in a lifetime opportunity to present their very own signature dish to be served at Disney Parks. In each episode, hosted by Angela Kinsey, two of the five families go head-to-head in a themed cook-off challenge, using family traditions and learned skills. The two families with the most wins make it to the spectacular finale. The premiere episode, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Bon Appetit,” is a Cinderella-inspired challenge that asks the Merrill and Robbins families to magically transform a classic comfort food in to a gourmet meal.

Dining at Disney’s – The Commissary at The Walt Disney Studios Turns 80

March 21, 2020March 24, 2020

By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives

When The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank opened in 1940, employees were struck by the admirable lawns and pedestrian thoroughfares which were ideal for walks, picnicking, or leading to the nearby studio restaurant, or “Commissary” as it is called, which featured relaxing outdoor patios or air-conditioned indoor seating areas. The Commissary itself opened 80 years ago today. Please enjoy the following excerpt from the book “The Walt Disney Studios: A Lot to Remember” (by Steven Clark and Rebecca Cline, Disney Editions, 2019):

The Commissary was both convenient for employees and practical given rigorous production schedules. “Our restaurant was designed on the basis of feeding the maximum of people in the shortest length of time, and give them food that would keep them from going off the lot,” explained architect Frank Crowhurst. The facility was divided into two parts: “…a restaurant for those who want to linger over their dinner, and a coffee shop where they can be served quickly and where they can turn them over three times an hour.” Both areas, of course, offered high food quality and service at an affordable price. After all, given the lack of lunch options in the Burbank area in the 1940s and the distance to the nearest restaurants, Walt ensured that the studio commissary was subsidized, operating at either break-even or a slight loss, so that his staff would remain on campus and productive.

Before the Commissary opened on March 21, 1940, a temporary restaurant was located on the soundstage, offering “Fine Food at Popular Prices,” according to the January 12, 1940, Bulletin. The article continued:

A complete restaurant, even flowers on the tables, has been laid out in the Live Action Stage on the Burbank lot and is being operated by the Brittingham Commissary. This has been done for the comfort and convenience of the employees and everyone is invited to take advantage of its excellent facilities.

This restaurant came into being over last weekend, with carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians working night and day to complete the setup for Monday’s lunch.

The Brittingham Commissary is to be complimented on the fine food and service. Both a cafeteria and dining room have been installed. A full-course luncheon in the dining room may be had for 60¢ — the same luncheon is 50¢ in the cafeteria. Sandwiches and salads are offered at popular prices, pies and desserts are 10¢ and coffee is a nickel.

In order to provide the best possible facilities and insure that only the highest quality food is served, the studio pays a flat rate of 80¢ for each person served, regardless of the amount of the check.

The “Cartoon Special,” on the menu daily, is a particular feature. This consists of an entrée, rolls and butter, coffee, milk, or buttermilk, and is offered at 35¢ in the cafeteria, and 40¢ in the dining room.

The temporary location was a fine offering, but once the permanent commissary opened, it was an instant hit.

Walt Disney's Studio Restaurant Menu 1940

The Commissary became a vital place to dine and to see and be seen. Most Disneyites would frequent the restaurant, including Walt himself. According to Katherine Beaumont, the voice of Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Wendy from Peter Pan, “Walt was a person who was quite visible. Most studio heads, I had learned, you know…they’re in an office somewhere. But, Walt would come down to the cafeteria and go through the line at lunchtime, with his tray, and find a place to sit just as everybody else was doing at lunch. He would visit with people.”

Years later, during one of her visits with Walt in June 1963, renowned Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper joined Walt at the Commissary, noting, “Disney employees were standing under the trees talking, or sitting on the many benches that are scattered over his campus. Some were playing ball. Walt said, ‘I used to have a baseball field and a putting green, but had to take them out and make parking spaces.’”

Hopper continued, “A small boy was playing ping pong. A little boy with a yellow necktie and yellow socks was playing around outside the entrance to the dining room. Walt said, ‘Hello, Matthew. How are you?’ and as he passed patted him on the head. The little boy glowed.” Of course, Hopper’s visit was during the production of Mary Poppins, and the little boy on his lunch break was Matthew Garber, who played young Michael Banks. Moments later, as Hopper recounts, “Julie Andrews came by in a pert little hat with a daisy sticking up in front. Walt said, ‘I’m gonna give you that when the picture’s done,’” referring to Mary Poppins’ signature hat. Julie replied, “’I want it so badly and didn’t want to ask.’”

As Walt and Hopper left the Commissary, she noted, “In the serve yourself cafeteria is a big case that holds the Oscar with the seven little Oscars Walt got for Snow White; the Legion of Honor from France; the Irving Thalberg Awards and right beside the Legion of Honor are two Mickey Mouse watches – one for a boy, one for a girl. On the girl’s watch is a sign: ‘The 5,000,000^th watch.’ On the boy’s, ‘The 25,000,000^th watch.’ On his way out [of the Commissary, Walt] stopped to weigh [himself]. You get a fortune with this. He weighed 191 – was upset. His fortune read: ‘You have great self control and can take great abuse.’”

Walt Disney Studios Commissary Main Room

Walt Disney and Kathy Beaumont at the Studio Commissary

From Ink and Paint to Imagineering: The Remarkable Career of Joyce Carlson

March 20, 2020March 23, 2020

By Nicole Carroll, Walt Disney Archives

Disney Legend Joyce Carlson began her impressive career with The Walt Disney Company in 1944, in the studio traffic department, where she was responsible for delivering mail and other items like pencils, brushes, or coffee to animators and artists. “Traffic was where you could get the lay of the land. It wasn’t a place you’d be very long. Just a place to see where you wanted to go,” Joyce recalled. Just six months later she transferred to the Ink and Paint Department where she would spend 16 years as an inker working on such films as Victory Through Air Power (1943), The Three Caballeros (1945), Cinderella (1950), Peter Pan (1953), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and countless others. Throughout her time in Ink and Paint, Joyce honed her skills at various art schools including: Chicago Art Institute, USC, and the Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts).

As the studio’s use of the Xerox process developed and began to replace Inkers, many were trained on the Xerox machine, went back to painting, left the company, or like Joyce, went to WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering). One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) would be Joyce’s last film before leaving the Ink and Paint Department and being hired by WED in 1962 where she worked in the famed model shop.

Not long after transferring, Joyce was busy working on attractions for the 1964–1965 World’s Fair in New York. She worked on the models for the Progressland pavilion, including General Electric’s Carousel of Progress and recalled using a coworker’s earring collection as models for lamps and other room décor. Perhaps her most well-known contribution to The Walt Disney Company, however, was her involvement in making “it’s a small world” a reality, where she worked side-by-side with Disney Legends Mary Blair and Marc Davis. Joyce worked on both the original model for the attraction and many of the dolls inside. In a call back to her previous role in the Ink and Paint Department, Joyce naturally took a liking to painting many of the small props for the attraction. Because of her involvement, Joyce was among the artists Walt sent to New York to install “it’s a small world” for its big debut. Following the fair, she helped move the popular attraction to Disneyland Park. As she was essentially the “small world” expert, Joyce helped create new versions of the attraction for both the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in 1971 and Tokyo Disneyland in 1983.

With a remarkable career spanning 56 years (a rare feat itself!) it should come as no surprise that Joyce was the first woman in The Walt Disney Company to reach both 50 and 55-year service milestones. Even though she retired and became a Disney Legend in 2000, Joyce continued consulting and sharing her expansive knowledge with the young artists tasked with the upkeep of attractions until 2006. Today, there are five “it’s a small world” attractions to be enjoyed by Guests around the world – thanks in part to the incomparably joyous Joyce Carlson.

Joyce posing with a remarkably similar “it’s a small world” doll.

Inter-Office Communication listing Joyce’s art schooling, early in her career.

Joyce working on an “it’s a small world” doll.

Super Sculpey cat model created by Joyce. This whimsical model is part of the Joyce Carlson Collection preserved in the Walt Disney Archives.

Celebrate the Music of Coco in a Whole New Way—Plus More in News Briefs

March 20, 2020

By Courtney Potter

Mark your calendars for Disney+’s new Coco special, and go behind the scenes of Artemis Fowl… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Get Ready to Relive Your Favorite Music from Disney and Pixar’s Coco

We can’t get enough of the incredible music from Disney and Pixar’s Coco ’round these parts, so you can imagine our excitement when Disney+ announced this brand-new special just a few days ago… A Celebration of the Music from Coco is a reimagined live-to-film concert experience recorded at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, and it’s coming to Disney+ next month! Bringing to life performances from the spectacular animated film, this magical celebration of the Day of the Dead includes performances and appearances by Benjamin Bratt, Jaime Camil, Felipe Fernández del Paso, Alex Gonzalez, Sarah Hicks, Natalia Jiménez, Eva Longoria, Rudy Mancuso, Mariachi Divas, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Miguel, Carlos Rivera, and Alanna Ubach—along with Lee Unkrich, the film’s director.

The special features a full 60-piece orchestra, and will include performances of the Academy Award®-winning original song “Remember Me”… plus other incredible tunes from the film, including “Un Poco Loco,” “The World Es Mi Familia,” “Proud Corazón,” and some fan favorites from the Latin-American soundtrack, to boot—including “La Bikina,” “Bésame Mucho,” “Recuérdame,” and many more.

Directed by Fernandez del Paso and produced by Disney Concerts and Live Nation/Andrew Hewitt & Bill Silva Presents, A Celebration of the Music from Coco premieres on Disney+ on April 10! Mark those calendars!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

There’s a ton of new content to watch from all around the worlds of Disney this very weekend—and because we’re friends (hi friends!), we’ve put together a handy-dandy round-up of what you can expect on your favorite streaming apparatus. From a brand-new Descendants special featuring Descendants 3 star Cheyenne Jackson on Disney Channel to the next installment of the ever-surprising Hollywood Week on ABC’s American Idol, and everything in between, there’s something for every taste. Click here for the full rundown.

Go Behind the Scenes with Artemis Fowl

Wanna see how the incredible story of a 12-year-old genius and his battle against a hidden race of fairies comes to life? Check out this brand-new Artemis Fowl featurette, above.

Disney’s Artemis Fowl, based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of Artemis (Ferdia Shaw), a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father (Colin Farrell) who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler (Nonso Anozie), Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.

Artemis Fowl is directed by Kenneth Branagh and also stars Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel, Adrian Scarborough, Miranda Raison, and Judi Dench.

You’ve Just Gotta Check Out the Brand-New Imagineering in a Box!

Who amongst us has never thought about designing their very own theme park? (If you haven’t, your imagination is seriously missing out.) Well, thanks to a partnership between Khan Academy and Pixar, now you can!

Imagineering in a Box is a brand-new, free online program designed to “pull back the curtain” and show people how artists, designers, and engineers work together to create theme parks. Users will go behind the scenes with Disney Imagineers and complete project-based exercises to design a theme park of their very own. The series of interactive lessons includes 32 videos of Imagineers; actual case studies (neat!); and a ton of fun activities.

People of all ages can experience firsthand how science, technology, engineering, and math can be combined with creativity and design to create larger-than-life entertainment for millions all around the world. The lesson plans will guide the building of worlds, attractions, and characters; modules range from a tutorial on engineering software to an interactive exercise where users are encouraged to gather items around them and create something new. And the best part? Each activity is designed to be scalable, meaning it’ll allow people to learn on their own or in a classroom-style setting.

Click here for more information, and to get started!

Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris Resorts Give Back

During their temporary closure, the good folks at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disneyland Paris Resort are continuing their commitment of reducing food waste by donating surplus food to help their local communities.

Earlier this week, Walt Disney World Resort cast members joined the Distribution Services team that oversees collection and delivery of donations to help the community and share surplus food inventory like fresh salads, greens, and expertly cooked hot items with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Meanwhile, at Disneyland Resort, food donations actually started over the weekend; while closely following safety guidelines, excess inventory of dairy, fruit, vegetables, packaged goods, and banquet meals were shared with Second Harvest Food Bank to be quickly moved out to pantries and food distribution sites throughout Orange County.

And “across the pond,” Disneyland Paris recently donated 15 tons of surplus food inventory to local and national associations in France, including Secours Populaire Français and Restaurants du Cœur. The large-scale donation operation was accomplished thanks to resort cast members who were mobilized to identify, collect, and redistribute fresh products—including salads, fruit, dairy, and more—as quickly as possible.

ICYMI: Frozen 2 is Now Available on Disney+!

Looking for a very special treat to watch on Disney+? Look no further than this week’s amazing streaming surprise: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film Frozen 2! Streaming a whopping three months early! Read all about it right here at D23.com.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in April 2020

March 20, 2020April 21, 2020

By Zach Johnson

This spring, we’re going to steal the Declaration of Independence…. well, not really. But we are going to watch Ben Gates pull off one of the most epic heists in movie history when National Treasure begins streaming on Disney+ April 30. That’s just one of the many beloved titles coming to the streaming service next month. Enjoy new episodes of Disney+ Originals such as Be Our Guest, One Day at Disney, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as the finale episodes of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Shop Class. Plus, Walt Disney Studios also announced Onward will arrive on Disney+ early!

On April 3, Academy Award® winner Natalie Portman narrates Dolphin Reef, a Disneynature documentary that follows a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin named Echo. A week later, A Celebration of the Music from Coco arrives on Disney+. The reimagined live-to-film concert experience was recorded at the legendary Hollywood Bowl last year. Bringing to life performances from the spectacular Disney and Pixar film Coco, this magical celebration of the Day of the Dead includes performances and appearances by Benjamin Bratt, Jaime Camil, Felipe Fernández del Paso, Alex Gonzalez, Sarah Hicks, Natalia Jiménez, Eva Longoria, Rudy Mancuso, Mariachi Divas, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Miguel, Carlos Rivera, and Alanna Ubach. Lee Unkrich, the movie’s director, is featured, as well.

All the confirmed titles coming to Disney+ in April are listed below:

Wednesday, April 1
Doctor Doolittle

Friday, April 3
A Tale of Two Critters
In a Nutshell
Don’s Fountain of Youth
Donald’s Dog Laundry
Double Dribble
Dragon Around
Elmer Elephant
Fish Hooks (Seasons 1–3)
How to Play Football
Lambert, The Sheepish Lion
On Ice
Onward
Out of Scale
Penguins
Pluto’s Party
Sea Scouts
Sonny with a Chance (Seasons 1–3)
The Boy Who Talked to Badgers
The New Neighbor
The Small One
The Straight Story
Life on the Edge (“Penguins Behind the Scenes”) (Premiere)
Dolphin Reef (Premiere)
Diving with Dolphins (“Dolphin Reef Behind the Scenes”) (Premiere)
Elephant (Premiere)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 707—“Dangerous Debt”)
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings (Episode 208—“Marry ME”) (Finale)
Shop Class (Episode 106—“Downhill Derby”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 122—“Minnie Mouse: Apron”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 118—“Patti Murin: Frozen Musical, Broadway”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 102—“Diagnosis: Delicious”)

Friday, April 10
Life Below Zero (Season 14)
Paradise Island (Season 1)
Playtime with Puppy Dog Pals (Season 1)
Running Wild with Bear Grylls (Season 5)
Tut’s Treasures: Hidden Secrets (Season 1)
A Celebration of the Music from Coco (Premiere) (Special)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 708—“Together Again”)
Shop Class (Episode 107—“Ready for Launch”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 119—“Minnie Mouse: Kite”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 119—“Francheska Roman: Candy Maker”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 103—“Hidden Within”)

Sunday, April 12
PJ Masks (Season 3)

Friday, April 17
Brain Games (Season 8)
Let’s Stick Together
Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Nutty Tales (Seasons 1-2)
Pluto’s Purchase
The Incredible Dr. Pol (Season 16)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 709—“Old Friends Not Forgotten”)
Shop Class (Episode 108—“Build Your Own Adventure”) (Finale)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 124—“Finding Nemo: Terrarium”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 120—“Steve Sligh: Golden Oak Ranch Manager”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 104—“Curiouser and Curiouser”)

Sunday, April 19
Just Roll with It (Season 1)

Monday, April 20
Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa (Season 1)

Tuesday, April 21
The Disney Family Singalong

Wednesday, April 22
Fury Files
Jane Goodall: The Hope

Thursday, April 23
Disney Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (Season 3)

Friday, April 24
America’s Funniest Home Videos (Seasons 12–19, 23)
Man in Space
Mars and Beyond
The Olympic Elk
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 710—“The Phantom Apprentice”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 125—“WALL•E: Recycling Container”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 121—“Tia Kratter: Pixar University”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 105—“Beyond the Reef”)

Thursday, April 30
National Treasure

Throughout April, Disney+ will be celebrating Earth Month with a curated collection of documentaries, series, and films from National Geographic and Disneynature, including:

African Cats (Disneynature)
Chimpanzee (Disneynature)
Bears (Disneynature)
Born in China (Disneynature)
Crimson Wing (Disneynature)
Monkey Kingdom (Disneynature)
Wings of Life (Disneynature)
America’s National Parks (National Geographic)
Wild Yellowstone (National Geographic)
The Flood (National Geographic)
JANE (National Geographic)
Before the Flood (National Geographic)
Planet of the Birds (National Geographic)
Sea of Hope: America’s Underwater Treasures (National Geographic)
Kingdom of the White Wolf (National Geographic)
Tree Climbing Lions (National Geographic)
Hostile Planet (National Geographic)
Wild Russia (National Geographic)
One Strange Rock (National Geographic)
Giants of the Deep Blue (National Geographic)
Kingdom of the Blue Whale (National Geographic)
Great Migrations (National Geographic)
Earth Live (National Geographic)
Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise (National Geographic)
Into the Grand Canyon (National Geographic)

JUST ANNOUNCED: Disney and Pixar’s Onward to Arrive Early on Digital and Disney+

March 20, 2020March 20, 2020

By the D23 Team

Behold: The most enchanting news! The Walt Disney Studios announced today that Disney and Pixar’s Onward will be available to buy digitally and on Movies Anywhere beginning today at 5 p.m. PST/ 8 p.m. EST and on Disney+ on April 3 in the U.S.

The film premiered in theaters on March 6 and earned rave reviews from audiences, including a 95% Verified Audience Score on RottenTomatoes. With cinemas currently impacted by closures due to the global health crisis, Disney will offer the film ahead of schedule to purchase on digital platforms in the U.S. beginning today at 5 p.m. PST /8 p.m. EST for $19.99.

“While we’re looking forward to audiences enjoying our films on the big screen again soon, given the current circumstances, we are pleased to release this fun, adventurous film to digital platforms early for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes,” said Dan Scanlon (Director, Onward) and Kori Rae (Producer, Onward).

In Onward, teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot (voices of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) get an unexpected opportunity to spend one more day with their late dad, embarking on an extraordinary quest aboard Barley’s epic van Guinevere. Like any good quest, their journey is filled with magic spells, cryptic maps, impossible obstacles and unimaginable discoveries. But when the boys’ fearless mom Laurel (voice of Julia Louis-Dreyfus) realizes her sons are missing, she teams up with a part-lion, part-bat, part-scorpion, former warrior—aka The Manticore (voice of Octavia Spencer)—and heads off to find them. Perilous curses aside, this one magical day could mean more than any of them ever dreamed.

Meet the Characters of Mira, Royal Detective

March 19, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

Jalpur, the fairytale land that’s the setting of Mira, Royal Detective, the brand-new animated series from Disney Junior, is a spectacular world inspired by the customs and traditions of India. Its inhabitants make for a pretty beguiling bunch, as well. Before you tune in to the series premiere this Friday, March 20, on Disney Channel (11 a.m. ET/PT), Disney Junior (7 p.m. ET/PT), and in DisneyNOW, get to know Mira, her mongoose sidekicks, and more.

Mira

Mira may be the most diminutive royal detective Jalpur has ever known, but no sleuthing is needed to understand why the Queen appointed the young commoner to the prestigious role. Nothing can stop Mira when she’s on the case, and she never hesitates to make solving mysteries a team effort, bringing her friend Prince Neel, cousin Priya, and mongoose mates Mikku and Chikku along on the adventure. Mira is voiced by newcomer Leela Ladnier.

Queen Shanti

Jalpur is in benevolent and compassionate hands with Queen Shanti as their ruler. It is Queen Shanti who saw in Mira all the qualities that are so important in a royal detective, and she becomes a mentor to Mira as the young girl grows into her role. Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) lends her voice to Queen Shanti.

Auntie Pushpa

Mira’s aunt, Auntie Pushpa, is proprietor of the high-end boutique in Jalpur where the royal detective’s first adventure in the series, “The Case of the Royal Scarf,” unfolds. Auntie Pushpa is voiced by Jameela Jamil (The Good Place).

Mikku and Chikku

What could be better than a mongoose sidekick? How about a pair of them? Mikku is charming and quirky, and he’s a stickler for rules. He’s also obsessed with food. Chikku is certainly not one to pass up a snack himself; the zany, cuddly mongoose also has a fondness for the spotlight. Kal Penn (Sunnyside) lends his voice to Mikku, while Utkarsh Ambudkar (Brittany Runs a Marathon) plays Chikku.

Pinky

The sweet and bubbly Pinky is a commoner in Jalpur, just like the royal detective herself. She loves animals—especially goats!—and is one of Mira’s closest friends. Hannah Simone (New Girl) voices Pinky.

Sahil

Mira’s sweet and funny father oversees transportation for Queen Shanti and the rest of the royal family. He is voiced by Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show).

Meena

You’ll often find Mira’s stylish cousin Meena among the beautiful scarves and accessories in Auntie Pushpa’s boutique. Aparna Nancherla (BoJack Horseman) lends her voice to Meena.

Prince Veer

Queen Shanti’s eldest son loves being a member of Jalpur’s royal family and he enjoys all of the trappings that come with his status. Prince Veer has strong opinions on, well, most things—and he’s always happy to share those opinions with Mira and her friends. Prince Veer is voiced by Karan Brar (Disney Channel’s BUNK’D).

As you watch these characters in action on Mira, Royal Detective, get ready to see some magical, musical moves created by acclaimed Bollywood choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan. And get clued in on all the reasons why Disney fans are sure to love Disney Junior’s new animated mystery-adventure series right here on D23.com.

We’re On the Case with the Cast of Mira, Royal Detective

March 19, 2020

By Courtney Potter

Disney Junior’s brand-new animated series Mira, Royal Detective introduces viewers young and young-at-heart to a brave and resourceful girl named Mira, a commoner appointed to the role of royal detective by the queen. Mira’s often joined by best pal Prince Neel, cousin Priya, and some hilarious mongoose sidekicks named Mikku and Chikku; their mystery-solving adventures not only entertain, but also help encourage those ever-crucial deductive reasoning skills along the way. Set in the fairytale land of Jalpur—inspired by the cultures and customs of India—the series features a truly all-star cast of South Asian actors… not to mention a host of original songs, and some incredible dance sequences created especially for the show by Bollywood and So You Think You Can Dance choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan. (For some D23-exclusive behind-the-scenes info from the creators of Mira, Royal Detective, be sure to click here and here!)

As the theme song to the series explains, “We’ll take in the world with a whole new perspective!” And D23 found that out firsthand when we were lucky enough to sit down recently with the royal detective herself, newcomer Leela Ladnier—as well as Utkarsh Ambudkar (Chikku) and Freida Pinto (Queen Shanti)—to get some inside scoop on the show, and to find out what the messages they hope families take away.

Leela Ladnier (Mira) on the moment she found out she’d been cast, and what the opportunity to be a voice in a Disney Junior series means to her…
“My mom actually took me to an ice cream shop and told me,” says the teenage Ladnier, chuckling. “I understand a lot more now how monumental this project is, [and] how much the show means to so many people—more so than I did then… I’m still trying to come to terms with it! Disney’s been the biggest part of my life since I was little. I had all the dresses and the playsets; watched all the movies; sang all the songs. And to think now that I’m a part of this company that’s been such a big part of my life—I can’t even explain to you how much that means to me. It’s amazing!”

Utkarsh Ambudkar (Chikku) explains how he got involved with the show…
“I’m good friends with Anthony Veneziale; we’re in this group called Freestyle Love Supreme,” explains Ambudkar—for the uninitiated, FLS is a hip hop-improv group, co-founded by Oscar® nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda, that just finished a successful run on Broadway—“and [Veneziale and Mira, Royal Detective executive producer] Sascha Paladino are friends. That’s how we got in each other’s worlds. And they came to me with the offer for the role—and I saw the cast that was involved, and it looked really exciting… [The show is] a home run; it’s really great. It’s special, it’s cute, it’s rhythmic, it’s fast-paced—I think kids are really gonna love it.”

Freida Pinto (Queen Shanti) on how she connects to her character…
“I feel like there are parts of my character that I do relate to,” admits Pinto, “in the sense that she’s the leader and the ruler and has to make all the right decisions; she has this big responsibility to rule the kingdom and to guide the people of the kingdom in the right way. And so I do feel like in my own role as a leader—whether it’s at my production company or growing up, when I would lead the children’s choir [I took part in], just simple things like that, I had to always come from a place of inclusivity—making sure that the quiet ones and the shy ones were not being left out, making sure that I encouraged people to come forward, but at the same time also [offering] tough love. I feel like a combination of that is truly Queen Shanti’s character… Every time I’d have a recording session, there’d be a sense of pride that I was getting to be a part of this show.”

Ladnier on what it was like the first time she saw her character come to life in animation…
“I honestly was at a loss for words,” admits Ladnier. “Obviously, with anything, when you work really hard on something, it’s so rewarding to [watch] that actually manifest itself and to see it… I’m still getting used to hearing my voice alongside an animated character. This is my first voiceover job and so, it’s definitely very surreal.”

Ambudkar on the chance to record together with actor Kal Penn, who voices Chikku’s mongoose cohort Mikku…
“We got to record together in New York a few months ago,” says Ambudkar, “and that was super fun. They finally wrangled us both in the same room! It’s different when you get to play together—especially when you’re so connected on the show; our characters are basically finishing each other’s sentences. So to be able to do that in the room [together] was really cool… [But] something special happened with the show, where the rhythm [Kal] hit and the rhythm I hit—totally independent of one another—just happened to work. And that’s cool and rare. It doesn’t happen often.”

Pinto on what she thinks kids and adults—of any cultural background—will be able to take away from Mira, Royal Detective…
“For the South Asian kids, they’re gonna feel seen and heard,” believes Pinto. “And for the kids who are not South Asian, I think there’ll be a sense of curiosity and excitement that they’re learning new things. Kids ‘get’ the most when they watch their favorite animated movies or animated shows; they learn [and] absorb, and they’re taking themes and ideas from it into their everyday lives—from fantasy to real life… And I feel like it’s gonna be a fun time for the American adult audience [too], to go beyond America. And in a way, [the stories are] also deal with so much humanity and kindness and smarts and intelligence—common sense. All those themes tie in wonderfully.”

Ultimately, Ladnier cannot wait for audiences to see the show…
“I think that Disney Junior’s done a great job with the series,” she says, “and anyone can relate to the messages and the themes of the show—like persevering in tough situations; being independent; not looking to other people to solve your problems for you… I really think that everyone deserves to grow up seeing themselves represented. I’m growing up in a time where you’re seeing more diversity in the media—which has definitely encouraged me to pursue acting, and has encouraged me and helped me believe that I can do this. [And] I think that one of the things I really wanted to drive home when I was playing Mira was that she’s just a regular girl. This does happen to be a show that features South Asian culture—but I’m hoping that young kids everywhere will be able to grow up [universalizing] our culture and learning to embrace diversity.”

Don’t miss Disney Junior’s Mira, Royal Detective—premiering Friday, March 20, at 11 a.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel, and at 7 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Junior!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

March 19, 2020March 19, 2020

By Savannah Salazar

From the waters of Massachusetts to magical countries and a wicked dance floor, the worlds of Disney are vast—and you don’t even have to leave your house to enjoy them. This weekend is full of exciting new content from Disney+, National Geographic, and more. So, cuddle up on your couch, grab some snacks, and get streaming because we’ve rounded up five things you should watch this weekend:

Descendants Remix Dance Party on Disney Channel – Friday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. EDT/PDT
Hosted by Cheyenne Jackson (aka Hades himself from Descendants 3), this high-energy party is perfect for those looking to bust out their wicked dance moves. And like the VKs (short for Villain Kids), you won’t be dancing alone. Featuring musical performances by stars Sofia Wylie and Dara Reneé from Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and Kylie Cantrall from Gabby Duran & The Unsittables, Descendants fans are in for a real treat! For more wickedly good news, D23 got to talk to Jackson about the upcoming special, which you can find here.

Diary of a Future President on Disney+ – Streaming Friday, March 20
Way before Elena Cañero-Reed became the President of the United States, she was navigating the highs and lows of sixth grade. Be sure to catch the season finale, “Two Party System,” as Elena tries to resolve a feud between her and her friend Jessica. Created by Ilana Peña, Diary of a Future President airs its final episode of the season tomorrow, with the whole season available to stream, only on Disney+.

The BFG on Disney XD – Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m.
Get ready for a magical time. This weekend, director Steven Spielberg’s The BFG makes its big debut on Disney XD. The wondrous story tells the tale of an unexpected friendship as a young girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant as she embarks on a big adventure. Based on the classic Ronald Dahl novel, this heartfelt film stars Mark Rylance, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, and Ruby Barnhill.

American Idol on ABC – Sunday, March 22, at 8 p.m. ET
Sing your heart out! After a glitzy start to Hollywood Week, American Idol is back with another round. After performing a song of their choice, the remaining contestants are now being paired to sing a duet, which is sure to bring double the excitement!

Wicked Tuna on National Geographic – Sunday, March 22 at 9 p.m.
Now, from the American Idol stage to Gloucester, Massachusetts, the other must-watch of the day is Wicked Tuna. The interesting series follows local fishermen as they vie to reel in the best bluefin tuna. Now in its ninth season, the upcoming episode of Wicked Tuna, “Follow the Leaders,” follows a veteran fleet of fishermen as they encounter a group of new boats on the hunt for their disappearing quota of tuna. And if that has you hooked, be sure to cruise on over to Disney+ for the first two seasons, streaming now!

Cheyenne Jackson Brings Fire to the Descendants Remix Dance Party

March 19, 2020

By Zach Johnson

You didn’t think you’d seen the last of Hades, did you?

Cheyenne Jackson is reprising his villainous role when he hosts Descendants Remix Dance Party: A Disney Channel Music Event on Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m. The half-hour, high-energy immersive dance party will feature upbeat musical performances of reimagined Descendants hits—and Hades is the perfect emcee, according to Jackson: “He’s witty, he’s irreverent, he loves music, and he LOVES to be the center of attention.”

Jackson had been itching to get back into character… if only to wear his blue-flame wig again! “I always feel 95 percent instantly cooler when I have it on,” jokes Jackson. The new special will also feature Sofia Wylie, Dara Reneé, and Kylie Cantrall performing remixes of “Night Falls,” “Chillin’ Like a Villain” and “What’s My Name,” respectively, with 5-year-old rapper ZaZa making a special appearance during Cantrall’s set. Keep an eye on Jackson, who says he’ll be “jamming in the background of all their numbers!”

The Emmy^®-winning choreography duo NappyTabs is producing the special, marking their third partnership with Disney Channel Music Events. Jackson, who also worked with choreographer Cameron Lee, says he developed an “instant love connection” with all three collaborators. “We’re already trying to find out next art project together,” he says. “They have the most positive, wonderful attitudes, and it’s a joy to work with them.”

NappyTabs, in particular, bring “pace, scope, energy, humor, skill, and gorgeous visuals” to the production, Jackson adds. The actor himself also played an active role behind the scenes, participating in “many meetings and work sessions on the script.” And, in addition to joining the other actors in blocking and dance rehearsals, Jackson also logged extra hours in the recording studio. “I recorded not only the lead vocals on my song, ‘Set It Off,’ but all the backing vocals and all the vocal call and responses and sound effects, which is not typical,” he explains. “It was a huge amount of work, but fun.”

Finally, Jackson offers one more reason to tune in March 20: “Because Hades said so!”