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Can you believe it’s been a full 16 years since we first met the Parr family—otherwise known as The Incredibles—and all their super pals in Disney and Pixar’s action-packed animated hit? Naturally, that means it’s a most excellent time to celebrate all things Incredible… so we’ve come up with a handy-dandy quiz to find out what your super power might be. Ready to save the day alongside Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their super kids? (And don’t forget: Being “super” doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable… there may be a fabulous super-frock, designed by the one and only Edna Mode, in your future!)
Favorite color?
What’s your favorite breakfast food?
Favorite mode of transportation?
What’s one word to describe you?
In your day-to-day life, how do you usually get out of a sticky situation?
Favorite Marvel movie?
Pick a dream job…
You’ve Got Invisibility!
From the outside, like Violet Parr, you might be a “shrinking violet”—preferring to fade away from the spotlight. But underneath that enigmatic exterior is someone who’s always willing to lend a helping hand… as well as a keen intellect. Just don’t get too embarrassed the next time your parents say something weird in front of your friends.
You’ve Got Super Strength!
Much like Bob Parr, patriarch of the Parr clan and the inimitable Mr. Incredible, you have amazing super strength; you’re always ready and willing to fight off the toughest of supervillains! But it’s not just your strength and stamina that get you by… You’ve got a good heart, and will often try to appeal to someone’s benevolent nature.
You’ve Got Super Stretch!
If you’re anything like Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl, this particular power can come in real handy; whether you’re fighting crime or running a busy household, you’ll never stretch yourself too thin… All that and a kindhearted nature make you a well-rounded Super—who looks great in a jumpsuit, to boot!
You’ve Got Super Speed!
Like Dash Parr, eldest son of the Parr clan, you probably have a fair amount of kinetic energy that’s just waiting to be unleashed! (Not to mention the ability to get anywhere in minutes flat.) If you channel it right—and we know you can—you’ll wind up a truly integral part of any “super” group you belong to… just don’t pull too many more pranks on those unsuspecting teachers, OK?
You Have All the Super Powers!
You’ve won the proverbial lottery when it comes to powers, just like adorable baby Jack-Jack. Shooting lasers from your eyes? Check. Duplicating yourself? Naturally. Spontaneously morph into flame? No doubt! But make sure to use those powers for good, OK? We wouldn’t want Syndrome recruiting you for some nefarious purposes…
With the launch of Disney+ just around the corner, Disney fans are busy planning out exactly what they will watch first—and there’s a lot to choose from! Check out the full list here.
While you’re making your future movie night plans, consider exploring a new part of the Disney catalogue—these classic movies from 20th Century Fox! Disney+ will feature many films from 20th Century Fox’s decades of movie magic, and we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites that we think you should add to your must-watch list.
1. Avatar (2009)
Disney fans are already familiar with space adventures, strange languages, and cool aliens—in fact, if you’ve been to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you’ve had the chance to experience the world of the Na’vi for yourself! Now you can stream the film that started it all. James Cameron’s groundbreaking and Academy Award®-winning film held the title of highest grossing movie of all time for 10 years (at least until a certain set of heroes saved the day back in April!).
2. Thumbelina (1994)
Animated adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales featuring the vocal talents of Jodi Benson are already a big hit with Disney fans, so you’ll definitely want to make Thumbelina a “part of your world.” Featuring a toe-tapping soundtrack helmed by Barry Manilow, Thumbelina is the big story of a small girl trying to make her way back home—and a story that you can’t help but want to stream again and again!
3. Home Alone (1990), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Home Alone 3 (1997)
The classic film and two of its sequels will be available for streaming at launch—just in time for your holiday movie marathons. Three tales of kids left to fend for themselves (with often ingenious solutions) have become a key part of the pop-culture lexicon, so whether you’re watching the films for the first time or introducing the films to your friends and family, you just might catch yourself wishing everyone, “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals,” this holiday season.
4. Flicka (2006)
Disney fans are no strangers to heartwarming tales of human-animal friendships, so Flicka is a natural fit in future movie night rosters. This charming tale of a girl and her horse who work to beat the odds will make you laugh, cry, and hug the important animals in your life.
5. The Sound of Music (1965)
If you haven’t seen this Academy Award-winning film starring Disney favorite Julie Andrews, mark your calendar for November 12 because this is required watching. This tale of a nun-turned-governess who brings music into the life of a widower and his seven children has won the hearts of viewers for more than 50 years. The songs are classic, the performances memorable, and the story will put a smile on your face. Find out why the American Film Institute named this film the fourth greatest movie musical of all time—or rewatch this classic for an instant pick-me-up. (And be prepared to be humming “Do-Re-Mi” for the rest of the week!)
6. Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)
If you’ve ever been on Tokyo DisneySea’s fan-favorite attraction Journey to the Center of the Earth, then you know what wonders are in store when you explore the Earth’s core. This fun adaptation of the classic Jules Verne novel will thrill sci-fi fans with a story full of action, adventure, and (what else?) dinosaurs.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Just in time for Christmas, you can stream Miracle on 34th Street on Disney+ starting at launch—so now, more than ever, is the time to watch or revisit this timeless holiday classic. Do you believe in Santa Claus? When a man named Kris Kringle starts playing Santa Claus at the Macy’s store on 34th street, Doris Walker starts to ask herself that question. Find out for yourself if he’s telling the truth—and why this film is a holiday season must-watch!
8. Never Been Kissed (1999)
Call up your friends and start planning a night-in with this ’90’s throwback. This charming romantic comedy, starring Drew Barrymore, follows reporter Josie Geller as she goes undercover at her former high school. Covering the good, the bad, and the downright awkward moments of high school, Never Been Kissed is ultimately too sweet to resist.
9. The Sandlot (1993)
Batter up and get ready to add TheSandlot to your queue! This classic film truly needs no introduction but for those uninitiated (you’re killing us!), The Sandlot follows the adventures of a group of baseball playing friends during the summer of 1962. From playing baseball and going to the carnival with your friends, to an encounter with the Beast (no, not that Beast!), this movie is all about having fun—and that’s exactly what you’ll have watching The Sandlot.
10. Millions (2005)
What would you do if you found a bag of money? This idea becomes a reality for two young kids—Damian and Anthony—when they come across a rich sum in this hilarious film. Whether you’re watching it for the first (or millionth) time, it’s a heartwarming must-watch.
Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!
These burning questions will be answered in Frozen 2—Walt Disney Animation Studios’ eagerly anticipated follow-up to its beloved 2013 film—when it opens in theaters on November 22. Ahead of that, the film’s writer/director Jennifer Lee and stars Kristen Bell (voice of Anna) and Josh Gad (voice of Olaf) share a peek at the incredible journey all of the characters must take to save the kingdom of Arendelle in the latest issue of Disney twenty-three. The issue’s gorgeous wrap-around cover, created exclusively for D23, will give you chills in the best possible way.
Of course, there’s another must-see movie marked on our calendar and that’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the 42-years-in-the-making thrilling climax to the Skywalker Saga. Star John Boyega and director J.J. Abrams talked to Disney twenty-three about reaching the cinematic apex to the nine-film saga, and Boyega revealed some inside scoop from the production. Among the tasty tidbits he shared was the bill of fare for the final on-set meal Boyega and fellow cast members Daisy Ridley and Naomi Ackie enjoyed together: “burgers and donuts.”
Plus, the creative team behind Disney+’s Forky Asks a Question sporks to the occasion and discusses bringing the hysterically frustrating character to the streaming service in a new collection of 10 shorts. They also reveal some of the big-name comedy stars lending their voices to the show, including Carol Burnett, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Betty White (who play the hilariously named Chairol Burnett, Melephant Brooks, Carl Reinosceros, and Bitey White, respectively).
Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:
The author of One Day at Disney reveals the stories behind some of his favorite interviews in the dazzling new book
Lea Michele takes a Hawaiian holiday for the new ABC movie Same Time, Next Christmas
A look at the new Disney+ series The Imagineering Story from award-winning documentarian Leslie Iwerks
Stars Billy Campbell and Kathy Najimy preview the new animated series The Rocketeer
The stars and creative team behind Togo—about a man, a dog, and an unbelievable adventure—talk about the real-life inspiration for the new Disney+ film
Kristen Bell enjoys an Encore!, her delightful unscripted series that reunites the casts of high school musicals for one more unforgettable performance
Stunning concept art from beloved films celebrating milestone anniversaries, including Cinderella, Fantasia, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The cast of the new Frozen on Broadway national tour takes a bow
A peek at all of the incredible Star Wars content and experiences on the way
Every exciting announcement from D23 Expo 2019
From the Desk Of: Disney store’s Jonathan Storey
Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave
Disney twenty-three,which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-November.
Not a Gold Member? Click here to join or to upgrade now.
The newest book from award-winning author and historian Mindy Johnson, Pencils, Pens & Brushes—A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation, is dedicated to “Dreamers in search of their Greatness.” And, with the help of illustrations by Disney artist Lorelay Bové, Johnson shines a light on a host of women trailblazers in animation at The Walt Disney Company—from writer Dorothy Ann Blank, who founded the Story Development Department at the Disney Studios; to Mary Weiser, a talented artist who became an expert in all things related to paint—so much so that she earned two patents for inventing a new animation technique; to Retta Scott, the first woman to receive a credit as an animator on a Disney film. The vibrant book follows Johnson’s stunning and comprehensive 2017 book, Ink & Paint: The Women of Disney Animation, which revealed the never-before-told story of the women who made an indelible contribution to The Walt Disney Company in its early days. Johnson recently spoke to D23 about what went into bringing these incredible women’s stories to the page.
D23: How did you get started with these books? Mindy Johnson (MJ): Ten years ago, while working on an earlier book exploring Disney animation, I noticed that what I’d written about the women involved with the development of a particular character was the most ever written about women’s roles and contributions within any other book about Disney animation—other than Mary Blair. I also noticed there was nothing really that explored the work of the women in Ink & Paint, or whether there were any women who animated besides Retta Scott—the one woman usually mentioned for her work as an animator.
I proposed a book on the women of animation and we presumed it would be a “charming” book about the ladies of Ink & Paint, as well as a few others of note. However, about six or seven months into my research, I began to lock down the growing number of remarkable and influential women who worked at Disney over the decades, and I came to fully understand what their contributions really were. Thus far, I’ve discovered well over 2,000 women whose talents and contributions throughout the studio advanced animation to an unsurpassed level of artistry—and the list continues to grow! With all these new discoveries and so many wonderful stories, Pencils, Pens & Brushes—A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation, was a fun extension of the Ink & Paint volume.
D23: What were some of the surprising things that you discovered? MJ: No one had ever written about women and their work to this extent before, and the truth is, the contributions, circumstances, and overall numbers of women within the industry were very different than what we ever thought. Clearly, there were countless myths that needed to be corrected, and because no one had written accurately about the women and their contributions, we all bought into these stories, myths, and inaccuracies, thinking that was how it really was.
D23: What are some of these myths? MJ: There are so many myths I work to dispel in my books. Some people thought Disney only had a couple of women in key roles in its early years, but women were at the forefront of a full range of roles. Walt Disney’s hiring practices were always ahead of general U.S. industry standards for women. In fact, the very first employee of The Walt Disney Company was a woman! Some people think in the early days women at Disney only worked in Ink & Paint or as secretaries, but there were many women working within story development, Conceptual Design, Special Effects, Camera, Editorial, Backgrounds, and so many other areas where they contributed immensely to the creative storytelling throughout the years. And while there were overall societal differences about women’s roles and capabilities in the 1930s and ’40s, Walt Disney is on record as seeking to ensure that the women working at Disney Studios had a comfortable and safe place to work.
D23: You cover a lot of ground in your books that no one had ever really explored, and you obviously sourced everything meticulously. How did you do it? MJ: For my previous books on women within animation, I did well over 200 interviews ranging from direct interviews with women who worked within animation, to friends, colleagues, and family members of these women. It’s also important to have a working understanding of the larger history and processes involved with animation along with a sense of the records that exist from our animated past. Thankfully these materials exist and they help us to understand what we’re researching, but they provide only a portion of the story. Various photos, artwork, journals, and other items were vital and I’ve been discovering more new materials all the time. With each new discovery, this information advances what we know and will help to complete the overall picture of women and their contributions. Ultimately, this completely changes what we thought we knew about our animated past, and it’s exciting to see where this continued work will take us!
With an abundance of parks and squares, along with its picturesque riverfront, Savannah, Georgia, is a positively fetching city for a dog—refined, purebred cocker spaniel and charming, mildly mischievous mixed breed alike. Add the city’s timeless quality to that stunning vista and it’s no wonder why the filmmakers behind Disney+’s Lady and the Tramp decided to make this metropolis its home base for their re-telling of the 1955 animated classic—which is available to stream on Disney+ on November 12, the day the service launches.
Last year, we traveled to the set of Lady and the Tramp near the end of production, where we met the film’s “leading Lady” and her Tramp—Rose and Monte—along with their human co-stars and filmmakers. Here are some of the behind-the-scenes tales (and tails) that we discovered.
1. Director Charlie Bean is as passionate a fan of the 1955 original film as we are. Disney+’s Lady and the Tramp is rich with themes that feel relevant for 2019 audiences, while paying homage to the animated classic. “I knew when I first talked to Charlie that he was going to be the right guy for the job because he is steeped in Disney history,” the film’s producer, Brigham Taylor, told us. “He knew the names of the animators and the directors and storyboard artists who made that film. He’s very respectful of the animation history.”
2. Canine co-stars Rose and Monte have some serious acting chops. As the pampered house dog Lady, Rose is playing a little against type, said her on-set trainer, Mathilde de Cagny: “She’s more of a tomboy and she likes to give orders and take charge and all that stuff.” The cocker spaniel was originally trained to be a hunting dog, and de Cagny observed that the pup is always thinking. “She is very strong-willed, determined, dominant, and very smart,” the trainer emphasized.
“[Monte] isn’t necessarily a tramp, but he’s more of a rascal,” said animal trainer Mark Forbes, who first discovered the Airedale-Schnauzer mix on Petfinder, before adopting him from a shelter in Arizona. “He’s just playful—he’s very mouthy and footy, and just wants to play all the time.”
3. The actors who play Jim Dear and Darling had no problem bonding with their on-screen pet. “The movie is all about the bond between humans and dogs, and vice versa,” said Thomas Mann (Jim Dear). That’s just an extension of what we’re experiencing on set. They’re my co-stars, just like any other actor would be. The only difference is they don’t really know they’re at work.”
Kiersey Clemons, who plays Darling, joked that Rose “runs this set. I can tell when she’s not into it that day. She’s so smart and she’s so ‘on it,’ that when she’s not, I’m like, oooh, she knows this is her movie and she knows ‘I don’t feel like it today so I don’t have to.’ I have lots of respect for Rose.”
Having a cast of canines made coming to work every day a treat for the Lady and the Tramp cast and crew. “You work with tremendously creative and talented people,” said Taylor, “But it’s just an added bonus that you have these wonderful dogs that are so well-trained. And when they’re not hitting their marks, they’re just being dogs and they’ll come up and give you some love and nuzzle.”
4. The film’s “villains” had to work hard to muster animosity toward their canine co-stars. Yvette Nicole Brown, who plays Darling’s Aunt Sarah—a cat lady at heart—revealed, “The toughest scene for me to film was the pet store scene, when I had to be mean to Rose.” Brown adored Rose and even adopted one of her doubles, Harley, after production wrapped. “For me, to even have to put the crate down and just be hateful to this beautiful puppy was the hardest thing for me to film,” she said. As the main antagonist, dog catcher Elliott, actor Adrian Martinez went out of his way to build a rapport with Monte: “I just doused him with love, and ever since then he was able to make the separation between character and actor.”
5. Brown has a unique take on the character of Aunt Sarah. The actress—a Disney fan through and through—joked, “In the original film, some would say she’s the villain but I feel she’s the star of the story, because without Aunt Sarah, Lady doesn’t meet Tramp. So let’s just change our perspective and appreciate Aunt Sarah!” Brown was drawn to Lady and the Tramp for its inspiring, quintessentially Disney story. “It’s told through the eyes of a dog that’s on the streets and being followed every day by a dog catcher, and his life is in danger; and he meets another dog, helps her, and his whole life changes. So by giving and doing for other people, his life gets better,” she detailed, adding, “If that’s not the perfect thing that we need right now for people to hear, I don’t know what is. And that’s Disney.”
6. Hair and makeup isn’t just for humans. Though Rose and Monte are the primary “actors” bringing to life Lady and Tramp, each had several doubles to serve as stand-ins or pull off more specialized stunts and skills. “We try to get the double as close as we can, and then [hair and makeup] helps us the rest of the way,” said Forbes. The dogs had their own trailer and tent where they would go for grooming, which might involve fake dirt, to create the look for a grimy street dog; or even dog-safe hair color, so that Rose’s cocker spaniel doubles could sport the same “blaze” seen on her face.
7. The dogs spent four months training for their breakout roles. According to Forbes, a veteran animal trainer for film and television, “If one dog in a scene is hard, two are twice as hard. Three are three times as hard as that second one. Every time you add a dog it just compounds the difficulty of it.” The trainers had their work cut out for them, with 16 principal dogs, including the two leads. And Forbes believes that the hardest thing to achieve with dogs is the eyeline, or where the dog is looking. While training the dogs, Forbes and his team modified sunglasses, placing a treat in the middle, so that the pups would learn to look into a human actor’s eyes.
8. What training can’t accomplish, cutting-edge animation technology can. In the new retelling of Lady and the Tramp, the filmmakers seamlessly move between live-action footage of real dogs and CG-animated sequences with the pups’ digital doubles. And that animation goes beyond simply moving the dog’s mouths to make it appear they are really speaking to each other. “The whole body is a performance,” said Forbes, pointing out that when people speak, they typically use their hands and eyes, along with their mouths. That will be the case for Rose and Monte and their digital doubles. “The hope is that you don’t notice any difference,” Forbes said.
9. Disney+’s Lady and the Tramp is filled with Easter eggs for fans of the original. As a Disney fan himself, production designer John Myhre—whose Disney credits include his Oscar®-nominated work on last year’s Mary Poppins Returns—wanted to honor the 1955 film, as well as Walt’s legacy. Noting that Disneyland opened in California the same year that Lady and the Tramp was released, Myhre kept Main Street, U.S.A. in mind as he was envisioning the Disney+ film’s “anytown, U.S.A.” Viewers may take note of riverboats and trolley cars in the new film, which he sees as nods to Walt’s first park.
Lady’s house has been furnished with Victorian-era furnishings that, coincidentally, happen to have ornate detailing closest to the floor—at about the level of a cocker spaniel. As in the original film, Lady’s house has two stories, with a stained glass window at the top of the interior staircase. Myhre took inspiration from the original window in the animated film and made it more realistic and appropriate for the turn-of-the-century era.
Myhre and his team went back to the animated film and studied every sign and anything else with lettering. “In the original film, there was Francois Pastries with this really beautiful pink and green, very unusual awning, so I re-created the awning, I re-created the lettering style, and even re-created [the pastries] in the window,” he explained.
And, of course, Tony’s Restaurant is still the romantic café where Lady and Tramp share their first strand of spaghetti and their first kiss. “We took the Tony’s sign but made it look more real to the period,” Myhre said, noting that they used a more detailed font but kept the iconic red and white awnings.
10. The film’s stars deliver the loveliest live-action bella notte. Is there a Disney fan who ever looked at a plate of spaghetti the same way after their first viewing of the animated Lady and the Tramp? The new retelling will make fans’ hearts sing once again during the adorable couple’s romantic dinner at Tony’s. In addition to Tramp’s dashing nudge of the last meatball, the canine stars re-created the shared spaghetti strand on set. “They actually both chewed on it,” recalled de Cagny. “The best part of it was that you could hear a pin drop. The whole crew was behind the camera, just wide open. It was so emotional for every one of us.”
Meet Lady (along with Jim Dear and Darling) in the exclusive clip below, and stream the movie in its entirety on November 12 when Disney+ launches.
Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!
Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” lineup really sleighs!
The network is kicking the holidays into high gear with today’s announcement of its highly anticipated “25 Days of Christmas” lineup, which begins December 1. This year’s festive holiday programming includes the premiere of the Freeform original feature Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas, starring The Bold Type star Aisha Dee and The Guest Book’s Kimiko Glenn, airing December 4 at 9 p.m. Good Trouble will also air a two-hour holiday episode December 16 at 9 p.m. featuring the full cast of The Fosters!
But wait—there’s myrrh! For the first time ever on cable television, Freeform will debut the timeless Christmas classics of Rankin-Bass with Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer December 6 at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively. Back-to-back installments of the Freeform original holiday series Wrap Battle will air Mondays at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the finale airing December 9. In addition to original holiday specials, Freeform will offer nonstop Christmas cheer that will keep viewers reaching for the cocoa with a full slate of holiday hits like Home Alone, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, The Santa Clause, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Holiday, and more!
To celebrate, Freeform also released its first-ever “25 Days of Christmas” jingle, featuring Freeform Santa and Good Trouble star Emma Hunton. Watch it online now:
Below is the full list of the programming airing during 25 Days of Christmas:
Sunday, December 1
7 a.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
9:05 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
11:10 a.m.—Arthur Christmas
1:15 p.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
2:45 p.m.—The Santa Clause
4:50 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
6:55 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
9 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
11:30 p.m.—Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
1:30 a.m.—The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
Monday, December 2
7 a.m.—The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
7:30 a.m.—The Muppets Christmas Carol
11 a.m.—Wrap Battle
12 p.m.—Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
2:05 p.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
4:15 p.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
6:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
9 p.m.—Wrap Battle (New Episode)
10 p.m.—Wrap Battle (New Episode)
Tuesday, December 3
7:30 a.m.—Santa Baby
11 a.m.—The Preacher’s Wife
1:40 p.m.—Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
2:40 p.m.—Rise of the Guardians
4:45 p.m.—Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
5:50 p.m.—Home Alone
8:20 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
Wednesday, December 4
7:30 a.m.—Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe
11 a.m.—Rise of the Guardians
1 p.m.—Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
2 p.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
4 p.m.—Home Alone
6:30 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9 p.m.—Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas (Freeform Original Feature Premiere)
12 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
Thursday, December 5
7:30 a.m.—Holiday in Handcuffs
11 a.m.—Wrap Battle
12 p.m.—Kung Fu Panda Holiday
12:30 p.m.—Unaccompanied Minors
2:30 p.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
4:35 p.m.—Arthur Christmas
6:40 p.m.—Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m.—Unaccompanied Minors
Friday, December 6
7:30 a.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
11 a.m.—Kung Fu Panda Holiday
11:30 a.m.—Home Alone 3
1:35 p.m.—Arthur Christmas
3:40 p.m.—Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
8 p.m.—Frosty the Snowman (Freeform Premiere)
8:30 p.m.—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Freeform Premiere)
9:30 p.m.—The Santa Clause
11:30 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
1:30 a.m.—The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
Saturday, December 7
7 a.m.—Cricket on the Hearth
8 a.m.—Home Alone 3
10 a.m.—Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
12 p.m.—The Santa Clause
2:05 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
4:10 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
6:15 p.m.—Frosty the Snowman
6:45 p.m.—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
7:50 p.m.—Home Alone
10:20 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
1 a.m.—Wrap Battle
Sunday, December 8
7 a.m.—Wrap Battle
8 a.m.—Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
10 a.m.—I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
12 p.m.—Prancer Returns (Freeform Premiere)
2:05 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
4:10 p.m.—Home Alone
6:40 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:20 p.m.—Despicable Me 2
11:25 p.m.—Shrek
1:30 a.m.—Kung Fu Panda Holiday
Monday, December 9
7:30 a.m.—I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
11 a.m.—Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
12 p.m.—Home Alone 3
2:10 p.m.—Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
4:20 p.m.—Kung Fu Panda Holiday
4:50 p.m.—Shrek
6:55 p.m.—Despicable Me 2
9 p.m.—Wrap Battle (New Episode)
10 p.m.—Wrap Battle (Season Finale)
Tuesday, December 10
7:30 a.m.—Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
11 a.m.—Wrap Battle
12 p.m.—The Mistle-Tones
2:05 p.m.—Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas
4:10 p.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
6:15 p.m.—Arthur Christmas
8:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
Wednesday, December 11
7:30 a.m.—12 Dates of Christmas
11 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
1:10 p.m.—Arthur Christmas
3:20 p.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
5:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
8 p.m.—Same Time, Next Christmas (Freeform Premiere)
10 p.m.—Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
12 a.m.—Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 12
7 a.m.—The Preacher’s Wife
11 a.m.—This Christmas
1:35 p.m.—The Perfect Holiday (Freeform Premiere)
3:35 p.m.—The Holiday
6:50 p.m.—The Santa Clause
8:55 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
12 a.m.—Snow
Friday, December 13
7 a.m.—Love the Coopers
12:30 p.m.—The Santa Clause
2:35 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
4:40 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
6:45 p.m.—Home Alone
9:15 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
11:55 p.m.—Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
Saturday, December 14
7 a.m.—Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
9 a.m.—Arthur Christmas
11:00 a.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
2:00 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
4:05 p.m.—Home Alone
6:35 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:15 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
11:55 p.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
Sunday, December 15
7 a.m.—Arthur Christmas
9:05 a.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
11:10 a.m.—Unaccompanied Minors
1:20 p.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
3:25 p.m.—Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:05 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
7:45 p.m.—The Santa Clause
9:50 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
11:55 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Monday, December 16
7 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
9 a.m.—Disney’s Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
11 a.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
1:05 p.m.—Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
2:45 p.m.—Rise of the Guardians
4:50 p.m.—The Santa Clause
6:55 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
9 p.m.—Good Trouble (Holiday Special Event)
Tuesday, December 17
7 a.m.—Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown
8:30 a.m.—Prancer Returns
10:30 a.m.—Rise of the Guardians
12:35 p.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
2:40 p.m.—The Holiday
5:50 p.m.—Home Alone
8:20 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
Wednesday, December 18
7 a.m.—Prancer Returns
9 a.m.—I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
11:05 a.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
1:10 p.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
3:10 p.m.—Home Alone
5:40 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
8:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
12 a.m.—Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas
Thursday, December 19
7:30 a.m.—Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
8:30 a.m.—Snowglobe
10:30 a.m.—12 Dates of Christmas
12:30 p.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
2:35 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
4:40 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
7:20 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
9 p.m.—Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story
11 p.m.—Rise of the Guardians
1 a.m.—Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
Friday, December 20
7 a.m.—Snow
9 a.m.—Snow 2: Brain Freeze
11 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
1 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
3 p.m.—Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:40 p.m.—Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
5:45 p.m.—Frosty the Snowman
6:15 p.m.—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
7:20 p.m.—Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story
9:20 p.m.—Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 2
11:25 p.m.—Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story That Time Forgot
11:55 p.m.—Arthur Christmas
Saturday, December 21
7 a.m.—The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
7:30 a.m.—Prancer Returns
9:40 a.m.—Arthur Christmas
11:50 a.m.—Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
12:55 p.m.—Frosty the Snowman
1:25 p.m.—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
2:30 p.m.—Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 2
4:35 p.m.—Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story That Time Forgot
5:05 p.m.—The Santa Clause
7:10 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
9:15 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
11:55 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Sunday, December 22
7 a.m.—The Holiday
10:15 a.m.—The Santa Clause
12:25 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
2:35 p.m.—The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
4:40 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
7:20 p.m.—Home Alone
9:50 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12:30 a.m.—The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
1 a.m.—Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
Monday, December 23
7 a.m.—Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic
8 a.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
10 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
12 p.m.—Prancer Returns
2:05 p.m.—Arthur Christmas
4:10 p.m.—Home Alone
6:40 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:20 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Tuesday, December 24
7 a.m.—The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
7:30 a.m.—Prancer Returns
11 a.m.—Kung Fu Panda Holiday
11:30 a.m.—Arthur Christmas
1:30 p.m.—The Santa Clause
3:35 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
5:40 p.m.—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
8:20 p.m.—Frosty the Snowman
8:50 p.m.—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
9:55 p.m.—Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
12 a.m.—The Simpsons Holiday-thon
Wednesday, December 25
7 a.m.—Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
9 a.m.—Disney’s Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
11 a.m.—The Santa Clause
1:05 p.m.—The Santa Clause 2
3:10 p.m.—Frosty the Snowman
3:40 p.m.—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4:45 p.m.—Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
5:50 p.m.—Home Alone
8:20 p.m.—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
12 a.m.—Deck the Halls (2006)
Get ready to meet one of the most infamous bounty hunters in the galaxy, and find out the latest from the world of Disney Junior’s Puppy Dog Pals… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!
Brand-New The Mandalorian Trailer: You’ve Just Got to See This!
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for, and it’ll be here before you know it—when Disney+ begins streaming its sure-to-be-incredible content in just about two weeks’ time. And one piece of said incredible content? The first-ever live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. To wet our proverbial whistle, the good folks at Lucasfilm just released a brand-new trailer for the series, and it’s seriously exciting… Check it out, above!
After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe… The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. Viewers will follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
Starring Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Werner Herzog, Nick Nolte, Emily Swallow, Taika Waititi, Giancarlo Esposito, and Omid Abtahi, The Mandalorian debuts November 12 exclusively on Disney+.
Save the Date! Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
Studios November 22, 2019 Frozen 2 opens in U.S. theaters December 20, 2019 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters March 6, 2020 Onward opens in U.S. theaters March 27, 2020 Mulan opens in U.S. theaters May 29, 2020 Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters Television November 5, 2019 ABC airs The Wonderful Word of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! (8—10 p.m. EST) November 8, 2019 High School Musical: The Series airs on ABC, Disney Channel, and Freeform (8 p.m. EST) November 8, 2019 The Rocketeer premieres on Disney Channel (11 a.m. EDT), Disney Junior (5 p.m. EDT), and DisneyNOW November 16, 2019 Big City Greens Kicks Off Season Two on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. EST/PST)
Disney Junior’s Puppy Dog Pals Announces Fourth Season
There’s nothing quite like the antics of adorable puppies, so we’re tickled to learn that Disney Junior has just greenlit a fourth season of their popular animated series Puppy Dog Pals, ahead of its Season 3 debut on Friday, November 8, at 10 a.m. on Disney Channel.
Created by comedian Harland Williams, the series centers on fun-loving pug puppy brothers Bingo and Rolly, whose thrill-seeking appetites take them on adventures in their neighborhood and around the globe. Whether helping their owner Bob, exploring with their pal Keia, or overseeing their own Puppy Playcare center, the pugs’ motto is that life is more exciting with your best friend by your side!
Season 3 guest stars include Hootie and the Blowfish’s Darius Rucker as musician Ramblin’ Rhodes; country music star Jennifer Nettles as Capo, a guitar guru dog; Jaime Camil (Star vs. The Forces of Evil) as Hector, a dancer; comedian Bill Burr as Butch, a quirky dog who lives at a tire shop; sitcom veteran Stephen Tobolowsky as a worried elf; Hawaii Five-0’s Chi McBride as Mr. Kimble, the host of the television program Mr. Kimble’s Community; and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Resident) as Mr. Kimble’s dog, Floyd.
Here’s Who You’ll be Meeting on One Day at Disney…
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a Disney cast member or employee—from more interesting and exciting departments than we can count—you cannot miss Disney+’s new short-form series One Day at Disney. (Its accompanying book would make a lovely present this holiday season; just sayin’.) Mere hours ago, we here at D23.com were gifted with an exclusive listing of who you’ll see on that series and in that book, and you can check out the rundown by clicking here!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Makes Merry This Holiday Season
Spending time at Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays is always memorable, with fan-favorite frolics at every park… and this year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting in on the holly-jolly action in a whole new way!
Guests will delight in new entertainment and holiday décor in every land—beginning on Discovery Island, where they’ll be surrounded by a celebration of winter. Look for the village to be filled with sparkling white holiday decorations and colorful, animal-inspired luminaries… and throughout the day, the area springs to life with a “Merry Menagerie” of winter animals, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.
Want to see just how the team at Disney Parks Live Entertainment brought this amazing collection of adorable critters to life? Take a gander at the new video from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, above—and look for the “Merry Menagerie” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning November 8!
Mark Your 2020 Calendars for Disney California Adventure Fun
Hard to believe, but 2020 is just around the corner—which means that Disney Parks and Resorts around the world are announcing their special events. Break out that new day planner we know you already bought (no shame; we’re suckers for a sale, too!), and make sure to mark down these two highly anticipated Disney California Adventure park events…
Welcome another year of good fortune with 24 days of Lunar New Year celebrations, from January 17 to February 9. This year, we’re celebrating the Year of the Mouse with memorable multicultural performances; fun-filled activities for the whole family; gorgeous décor around every corner; delicious cuisine; and specialty merchandise. Lunar New Year is a joyous celebration for all ages to commemorate traditions of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures, along with favorite Disney characters. One of the event’s many highlights is “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu.
Later in the spring, look for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival—from February 28 to April 21. Foodies of all stripes will enjoy the all live entertainment, culinary seminars, and demonstrations (with a distinctly Disney twist) the event has to offer…
The popular culinary festival will feature more than a dozen mouthwatering Festival Marketplaces, featuring small plates, specialty wines, and craft beers; guests looking to try a variety of Marketplace dishes may appreciate the special Sip and Savor Pass. Additionally, a new line of event merchandise will be offered—from festival-themed headwear and apparel, to kitchen gadgets and décor. Kids can even join in on the fun with hands-on “cooking” experiences with Chef Goofy.
School officially begins November 12 when High School Musical: The Musical: The Series debuts on Disney+, Disney’s highly anticipated new streaming service. In this hilariously heartfelt, tunefully terrific reimagining of the beloved High School Musical franchise, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series picks up nearly 13 years after the original movie aired, at the real-life location where it all began: East High. High school junior Ricky (Joshua Bassett) finds ex-girlfriend Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) has just returned from summer camp with a newfound voice, loads more confidence, and an ambitious new boyfriend, E.J. (Matt Cornett). With the help of best friend Big Red (Larry Saperstein), Ricky launches a bold plan to win back Nini by auditioning to star opposite her in the school’s first-ever production of High School Musical: The Musical. In the weeks leading up to an against-all-odds opening night, “show-mances” blossom, rivalries flare, and lives are literally changed forever…
Before the bell rings for the first class of East High’s school year, we wanted to get to know our new classmates (and a couple of their teachers)—and what better way to learn about ’em than by hearing from the actors themselves? D23 recently spoke with several members of the cast about what makes these characters so special. We’re sure you’ll wanna be BFFs with every single one!
Ricky (portrayed by Joshua Bassett) A charismatic “skate rat,” Ricky would rather spend his afternoons hanging out with best friend Big Red (Larry Saperstein) than participating in the school musical… that is, until he realizes ex-girlfriend Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) and her new boyfriend, E.J. (Matt Cornett), are planning to audition. He skateboards and plays a little guitar… on a whim, he goes and auditions [for HSM: The Musical]—and there’s a whole mess that comes from that! It’s very exciting and goes to some really cool places.” In fact, the character of Ricky hits close to home for Bassett: “Time and time again, the writers amaze me by perfectly encompassing me in Ricky… the way he cares about things, but tries to play it off like he doesn’t, is very accurate [for] me. I just think Ricky is a pure, genuine dude—and that’s mostly what drew me to him, along with him being very similar to me. That’s ultimately what made me want this role the most.”
Nini (portrayed by Olivia Rodrigo) Ricky’s ex-girlfriend Nini—who was a bit blindsided by their break-up—returns to East High after a super-successful summer (both onstage and in her personal life) at theater camp… Fiercely loyal to her two moms, Nini really is a star—if she can just believe in herself long enough to stay put in the spotlight. “When East High decides that they’re going to put on a production of HSM: The Musical in the drama department, she can’t wait,” Rodrigo tells D23, “and she really wants to audition for Gabriella. And she gets the part! But while that is going on, she’s also caught between two boys in this love triangle, which is really exciting. She’s just a teenage girl who’s finding herself in the world and [trying to be] comfortable being ‘center stage’ playing Gabriella, which I think is a really relatable thing for teenage girls.” Rodrigo also appreciates Nini’s family dynamic: “I remember the first time I [saw] the character breakdown—the script—I was really intrigued by the way that my character had two moms, and I really liked the way that they portrayed it as just something normal. It wasn’t a ‘social statement’ because in reality it isn’t; it’s just reality for many kids, and it should be presented as normal as it is in real life. I really resonated with that.”
E.J. (portrayed by Matt Cornett) Nini’s new love interest, E.J. is the super-confident son of two corporate lawyers, who secretly battles the pressure of living up to his picture-perfect Instagram account. Co-captain of the East High water polo team, senior class treasurer, and “trust-fund baby,” it’s not a good idea to cross E.J. if you get something he wants… like the lead in the musical. Which is to say, Ricky better watch his back. Says Cornett, “He’s got a great heart, but he gets himself in trouble quite often… I think he’s trying to go about the right things, just in the wrong ways. So, it’s [often] just a matter of him getting himself in trouble and trying to figure his way out of that trouble… It’s a very fun thing about E.J. to get to play, because he has his super-sweet moments—he loves Nini to death, and he loves getting to be a part of the theater side of things in the school. There’s so many different kinds of dynamics to him. That alone drew me to [the role].”
Gina (portrayed by Sofia Wylie) Gina is a recent transfer to East High and a diehard theater kid—with as many skeletons in the closet as she has credits on her résumé. She is both ambitious and entitled, and dead-set on showing the school’s new drama teacher, Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders), that she’s made a huge mistake in casting her as the Gabriella understudy. “She’s kind of mischievous and she definitely comes in strong,” admits Wylie, “but I think there’s a lot of twists to her character and a lot more under the surface… [She’s] kind of like the ‘Sharpay 2.0,’ but she has a lot of layers, and I think that’s going to be fun for the audience to see her development over the series.”
Kourtney (portrayed by Dara Reneé) Kourtney is Nini’s “ride-or-die” BFF, and she’s obsessed with makeup tutorials and feminism in equal measure. She works on the costume crew for East High’s production of HSM: The Musical, pulling together runway-ready looks on a high school budget. “She’s really into fashion and hair, but also, she is not afraid to speak her mind,” explains Reneé, “which I love! And she stands up for people who she believes are right, which I really appreciate, because not a lot of people do that—and you don’t really get to see that a lot on screen. And she’s also Nini’s best friend and she roots for her from the corner, being like, ‘Yes, girl! Get it!’ So, I’m really excited to play this character. I mean, playing a character who can say whatever she wants? Yes! I’ll take that and a thousand!”
Ashlyn (portrayed by Julia Lester) E.J.’s cousin, Ashlyn is an “old soul” who worships singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles—and is herself an aspiring songwriter on the sly… although something tells us that talent won’t be on the sly for too long. “My character is definitely, I would say, the peacemaker of the group,” Lester admits. “She just wants everyone to be happy, and has a very loving heart—she just wants everyone to have peace of mind.” As a fan of the original High School Musical franchise, it was truly a dream come true when she first walked through the doors of the real-life East High School in Salt Lake City: “It was a whirlwind of emotions. I mean, we grew up watching the movies and that set is so iconic that stepping into it for the first time was kind of like, ‘I can’t believe this place exists!’ I might have cried a little bit… ”
Carlos (portrayed by Frankie A. Rodriguez) Carlos is captain of the East High color guard and the student choreographer for the school’s production of HSM: The Musical. It should come as no surprise that he thinks of Miss Jenn not as a teacher, but as a peer. He eats lunch in her office, has been drinking espresso since the third grade, and already has his Tony® Awards speech memorized. And, if you’ve seen the show’s hilarious trailer, you know you can expect Carlos to have some truly “meme-worthy” moments throughout the series. When it comes to the show’s filming location, Rodriguez was equally as taken aback as Lester: “My first scene was in the [East High] auditorium—my first scene ever. I remember in between takes, just looking around and being like, ‘This is it! This is it!’ It’s just crazy.”
Big Red (portrayed by Larry Saperstein) A “skater boy” through and through, Big Red is the spiritual cousin of both Bill and Ted: always fuzzy and he’s been sleep-deprived since preschool. He’s surprisingly devastated by Ricky and Nini’s breakup, since his most enduring role was as their wisecracking third wheel. Leave it to Ricky, however, to change both of their junior year trajectories… “Big Red doesn’t know much about musical theater at first,” says Saperstein, “and he’s a little bit apprehensive, but Ricky—his best friend—really wants to audition for the musical and he really wants to play Troy Bolton, so Big Red is like, ‘All right! Let’s go! Let’s do this.’ And he sort of enters this world of theater and gives it everything he’s got, which I think is so awesome.”
Miss Jenn (portrayed by Kate Reinders) Miss Jenn is East High School’s brand-new, high-energy, low-reality drama teacher—who truly believes musicals can save lives. She may suffer from serious imposter syndrome, but she would do anything for her students, even if it means fudging a few credits on her resumé. (In real life, Reinders is known for treading the Broadway boards in Wicked, Gypsy, Something Rotten!, and Beautiful: The Carol King Musical.)
Mr. Mazzara (portrayed by Mark St. Cyr) Mr. Mazzara is East High’s somewhat robotic S.T.E.M. teacher. His belief in preparing students for the future often leads him to butt heads with Miss Jenn, who would rather sing about life than live in the real world. But don’t be mistaken by Mr. Mazzara’s seemingly dry behavior; his moment with Carlos in the school’s gym—as seen in the show’s trailer—is most assuredly a portent of further hilarity to come.
Look for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series when Disney+ begins streaming November 12!
Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!
Next week, The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! will take us to the magical fathoms below with a new tail, weaving the original film with live musical performances by a star-studded cast of comprised of Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel; Queen Latifah as the menacing sea witch Ursula; John Stamos as an eccentric French cook, Chef Louis; Shaggy as Sebastian; Graham Phillips as Prince Eric and Amber Riley as the emcee, presenting the Daughters of Triton with a special performance for King Triton and his subjects.
D23 recently sat down with Phillips to talk all things The Little Mermaid Live! before the premiere of the ABC live production on November 5.
D23: How does it feel to be cast as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Live! Graham Phillips (GP): Well, it’s been about 15 years since I was cast as a prince [in The Little Prince], so it’s exciting for me to go back to my roots. The Little Mermaid was the first Disney film I remember watching. I was about 5 years old, and I have a really distinct recollection of watching that film with my family, so it was kind of surreal to even just audition for that role. Because at that age you don’t think they’re just characters, you see them as real people. So to breathe life back into that character—that I loved at an early age—was pretty awesome.
D23: How have you prepared to be Prince Eric? GP: The preparation has been quite rigorous. I’ve been swimming a lot and am basically trying to get in touch with my aquatic self. Prince Eric is obsessed with the water, and I think that’s pretty telling. He’s on a search for the unknown. He’s looking for adventure and something new. He’s happy to be free from the castle walls. I grew up in Laguna Beach so I’ve always been around the ocean, but I figured why not take some sailing lessons? I’ve always wanted to do that. But also, most of this role is vocal because we’re not just doing the scenes—we’re also doing the songs, so the singing is very important. I read the original Hans Christian Andersen story and that gave a little more insight to the prince, but honestly there’s so much in the lyrics that were written, too. Just listening to Howard Ashman’s lyrics tells you everything you need to know about what’s rattling around the prince’s head with his memory of Ariel and his search to be reunited with her. There’s a lot more material in the songs that we’re going to be performing than maybe there is in the original film. In the original, there’s not too much to [help] deduce what’s going on in Prince Eric’s head, so I’m really thankful that we’re getting to also do the songs that were written after the fact, because they shed more light on Prince Eric.
D23: With this unique experience using both screens and stage, how are all of you preparing for the live musical performances? GP: What’s interesting is that there are certain transitions where we really have to match our body language to the frames of the film that we’re using from the original film. For instance, there’s one moment where we transition from Prince Eric and Max on the beach, when he’s playing his flute and saying something along the lines of ‘her voice, I just can’t get it out of my mind’ and that’s what we’ve taken as the cue to insert a song that wasn’t in the original film, “Her Voice [from the Broadway musical].” We’re matching that little tableau with him and Max. But really, it’s just the same preparation for anything that’s live—making sure you know it backwards and forwards.
D23: Who is your favorite character from The Little Mermaid? GP: My favorite character has got to be Ursula. Although it does shift from day to day, but today it’s Ursula. I think she’s one of the best Disney villains that there are, and I just love her powerful, sultry, conniving manner, and Queen Latifah is nailing that.
D23: Speaking of your other cast members, who are you most excited to be working with? GP: Obviously, most of my interactions are with Ariel, so getting to work with Auli’i has been a delight. She’s incredible. She’s got this amazing voice and brings so much of her emotion to that voice. She’s such a giving actress. We’re doing “Kiss the Girl,” which is a big number for Sebastian, but for us, we’re just sitting in a boat for two minutes looking at each other. I’m sure you can imagine how that can be either awkward or boring or any combination, but with her, it’s dynamic and interesting. It has an arc, which is something I was initially a little worried about, but not now.
D23: She’s now a two-time Disney princess, so she has some experience. GP: Yeah! I have some big shoes to fill.
D23: Is there something you’re most excited for audiences to see in The Little Mermaid Live! GP: For anyone who has fallen in love with the film but hasn’t seen the Broadway musical, there are a few songs that I think they’re really going to like. Perhaps I’m biased, but I love “Her Voice.” I think that song is such an interesting part of the story. It’s the other side of the coin, in the sense that you hear a lot about what Ariel is going through, but you don’t really explore what Prince Eric is going through. Getting a sense for what he feels about Ariel, I think, makes the romance more powerful and the magnetism between the two characters more powerful. I think it helps the story out, so I think that’s something people will really enjoy.
D23: Would you say that’s your favorite song from The Little Mermaid Live! ? GP: It’s definitely my favorite new song, but I mean, “Part of Your World” has got to be my favorite song. It’s so iconic. And it resonates with me in a way that I’m sure resonates with a lot of people because there will be these moments where you think you’ve got it all figured out, yet you still feel like there’s something that you’re missing. Just getting in touch with the idea that the things that you need the most are the things you can’t necessarily see is a really powerful message. I mentioned playing a prince before; that was when I was 12 years old and played the Little Prince. That book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has a saying, “anything essential is invisible to the eye,” and I think “Part of Your World” encapsulates the yearning for that essence.
At D23 Expo 2019, we announced an incredible collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney+ highlighting one day in the life of 79 Disney Cast Members and employees all over the world. One Day at Disney is a gorgeous 224-page coffee table book highlighting the 76 photoshoots that all occurred on the same day, as well as an exclusive docuseries headed to Disney+. Both the book and the series will be available on December 3. You can preorder One Day at Disney here.
Check out the full list of Disney Cast Members and employees featured in the book and series:
Alfredo Ayala: Walt Disney Imagineering—Executive, Research & Development
Alice Taylor: The Walt Disney Studios—Vice President, Content Innovation and StudioLAB
Amanda Lauder: Disney Springs—Chef Chocolatier at The Ganachery
Angela Morales: Aulani—Resort Performer (“Aunty”) and Live Music Coordinator
Anthony Anderson: ABC—Star and Executive Producer of black•ish
Ashley Girdich: Walt Disney Imagineering—Technical Program Manager, Research & Development
Billy Ray Chubbs: Lucasfilm—Motion Capture Performer and Receptionist
Bob Iger: Chairman & CEO, The Walt Disney Company
Brie Larson: Actor in Captain Marvel
Bryce Dallas Howard: Director of Episode 4 of The Mandalorian on Disney+
Candice Valdez: Radio Disney—On-Air Talent
Carlton Fu: Shanghai Disney Resort—Team Manager, Attraction Engineering Services
Chris Cristi: KABC Los Angeles—Helicopter Reporter
Cyril Soreau: Disneyland Paris—Fruit and Vegetable Sculptor
Dana Amendola: Disney Theatrical Productions—Vice President, Operations
David Muir: ABC News, Anchor and Managing Editor, ABC World News Tonight
Ebony Winski: Disneyland Resort—Princess Tiana in Mickey and the Magical Map
Ed Fritz: Walt Disney Imagineering—Ride Engineering Executive
Ellen Pompeo: ABC—Star and Producer of Grey’s Anatomy
Eric Baker: Walt Disney Imagineering—Creative Director
Eric Goldberg: Walt Disney Animation Studios—Animator and Director
Eric Stonestreet: ABC—Actor on Modern Family
Este Meza: Lucasfilm Senior Events Manager
Fabian Dib: Disney Cruise Line—Captain
Fabiola M Kersul de Salles: Walt Disney World—PhotoPass Photographer
Francheska Roman: Disneyland Resort—Candy Maker
Gabriela Clark: Walt Disney Studios—Senior Manager, Creative Print Services
George Montano: Disneyland Resort—Staff Shop, General Lead
George Pennacchio: KABC Los Angeles—Entertainment Reporter
Grace Lee: Disney Publishing Worldwide—Senior Illustration Manager
Heather Bartleson: Walt Disney World—Senior Facilities Coordinator, Holiday Services
Jackie Ma: Hong Kong Disneyland—Senior Arborist
Jason Benetti: ESPN—Play-by-Play Announcer/Analyst
Jerome Ranft: Pixar Studios—Sculptor
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: ABC—Actor on Modern Family
Jon Favreau: Executive Producer of The Mandalorian on Disney+
Jose Zelaya: Disney Television Animation—Character Designer
Joseph Hernandez: Disneyland Resort—Mark Twain Riverboat Attraction Working Lead
Juan Estrella: The Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank—Security Guard
Justin Tse: Shanghai Disney Resort—Area Manager, Costuming and Walt Disney Grand Theatre Wardrobe Supervisor
Kae Namiki: Tokyo Disneyland—Stage Manager, Show Operations (pictured above)
Katie Whetsell: Disney’s Animal Kingdom—Principal Actor in Finding Nemo—The Musical
Kenneth Ko: Hong Kong Disneyland—Pavement Art Team Leader and Custodial Guest Services Manager
