New Disney+ Docuseries Explores the Stories Behind the Attraction

By Zach Johnson

Ever wondered about the stories behind your favorite attractions and destinations from Disney Parks and Resorts around the world? Look no further than Behind the Attraction, a new 10-episode, hour-long series that will stream exclusively on Disney+. The series, from Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions and The Nacelle Company, will give viewers an exclusive glimpse “behind the curtain” of some of Disney’s most popular attractions by speaking directly with Disney’s Imagineers and other creative minds involved in bringing each to life. The episodes will feature a deep-dive into the storied history of how these popular Disney attractions came to be, and how they’ve been refined as new ideas surface and technology evolved. It will also feature special interactions with the fans who lovingly obsess over every magical detail.

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“Since 1955, when Disneyland first opened its doors, the rides and attractions have been impacting generations in such a fun and magical way around the world. This first-of-its-kind series will bring you behind the scenes to experience and celebrate how these beloved attractions creatively came to be. Hope to make Walt and the ‘mouse house’ proud with this one,” said Johnson, executive producer and co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to lift the curtain and offer our global audience a captivating experience by bringing the stories behind these magical attractions to life, alongside our brilliant partners at Disney+ and The Nacelle Company,” added Garcia (pictured below), also the executive producer and co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions.

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Behind the Attraction will also be executive produced by Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz, and Kevin Hill from Seven Bucks Productions, as well as Brian Volk-Weiss, Robin Henry, and Cisco Henson from The Nacelle Company. Brian Volk-Weiss is the director.

“I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming that I’m in business with Seven Bucks AND Disney+ at the same time—and on such a fun and exciting show!” said Volk-Weiss (pictured below), executive producer and founder of The Nacelle Company.

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“Behind the Attraction is the quintessential Disney+ project. Best-in-class storytellers collaborating across multiple Disney units to mine and pull back the curtain on our rich Disney history,” added Dan Silver, Vice President, Originals—Unscripted Content, Disney+. “Dwayne, Dany, and Seven Bucks have not only established themselves as some of the most accomplished and prolific producers across multiple genres, but have been long time valued members of The Walt Disney family. And Brian and Nacelle’s track record, mindset, and über-geekdom make them the ideal partners for this project. This is going to be a special series.”

This original series is a part of Disney+’s diverse unscripted and nonfiction slate including launch titles The World According to Jeff Goldblum from National Geographic; Encore!, executive produced by Kristen Bell; and the upcoming unscripted short-form series Muppets Now. Disney+ will launch in select geographic territories on November 12, including the U.S., Canada, and The Netherlands, followed shortly by Australia and New Zealand, with the expectation to be available in all major markets within the first two-years. Visit DisneyPlus.com to learn more.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

This Disney Wish Comes True in 2022—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter 

Take in a preview of Disney Cruise Line’s next ship, and find out when you can bring home the music from Frozen 2… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Take a Wish-ful Peek at the Next Disney Cruise Line Ship

If you attended the incredible “Sneak Peek! Disney Parks, Experiences and Products” panel inside Hall D23 at the recent D23 Expo—or you read about it right here at D23.com—you know there was a veritable cornucopia of amazing announcements… one of which, as fans of Disney Cruise Line (DCL), made us ridiculously excited! Of the three new ships coming to the DCL fleet, one’s official name was announced to the enraptured crowd by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek—the Disney Wish. And just this week, thanks to our pals at the Disney Parks Blog, we were treated to a special look at the new ship; check out the clip, above.

The Disney Wish is scheduled for delivery in late 2021, and is expected to set sail in January 2022; guests will be welcomed by an airy and elegant three-story grand atrium that evokes the beauty of an enchanted fairy tale. Like her two new brethren, the Disney Wish will be powered by liquefied natural gas—and at approximately 144,000 gross tons (and featuring 1,250 guest staterooms), they’ll all be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. Plus, you may have spotted the iconic character who’ll be adorning the Disney Wish’s stern: none other than Rapunzel from Tangled!

Keep your eyes peeled for more Disney Wish updates as they become available.

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
October 4, 2019
The Muppets Take Manhattan—Exclusive Screening in Manhattan
October 13, 2019
D23 Heads to the Hollow
October 14, 2019
Be Among the First to See Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil!
October 21, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
October 21, 2019
D23’s Sip & Stroll at Epcot
October 29, 2019
D23’s Mostly Ghostly Halloween on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
November 14, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
January 31, 2020
Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets
August 9, 2020
Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23
Parks
August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30;
September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29; October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31;
November 1, 2019
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
August 29—November 23, 2019
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 2019;
October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31, 2019
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24;
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
November 29—December 30, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
December 5, 2019
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
January 17, 2020
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disneyland park
March 4—June 1, 2020
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort
Studios
October 18, 2019
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in U.S. theaters
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
October 1-31, 2019
Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween
November 5, 2019
ABC airs The Wonderful Word of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! (8—10 p.m. EST)
November 16, 2019
Big City Greens Kicks Off Season Two on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. EST/PST)

More Frozen 2 News Than You Can Shake a Snowflake At…

The mega-anticipated premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 is just around the corner—and that means it’s time to learn about the film’s sure-to-be-incredible soundtrack. Seven all-new songs have been penned for the film by Frozen’s Oscar®-winning team, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez, and you can hear a snippet of one of those new songs—“Into the Unknown,” sung by Idina Menzel as Elsa—in the clip above!

Frozen 2’s soundtrack, with all those new songs as well as the original score by Grammy® nominee Christophe Beck and end-credit artists Panic! At The Disco, Kacey Musgraves, and Weezer, is set for release from Walt Disney Records on November 15. But you can pre-order on digital now—or even pre-save it on Spotify or pre-add it on Apple Music. (And for all you record-album lovers out there, the film’s vinyl soundtrack will be available the same day.)

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But there’s more fun-‘n’-frosty Frozen 2 news: Frozen Fan Fast (with its musical moments, in-store events, and so much more) has now begun—and this Friday, October 4, will see all manner of amazing new products debuting worldwide! Everything from clothing and Pandora charms, to toys and home accessories… essentially, it’s all you need to complete your holiday shopping a few months early. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resorts this weekend, be on the lookout for more Frozen 2-themed fun, including photo opportunities for guests in Anaheim and special food and beverage offerings in Orlando.

Look for Frozen 2 in theaters beginning November 22!

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Big City Greens Kicks Off Second Season This November

Ready to reacquaint yourself with Cricket Green and his wacky family? You won’t have to wait too much longer, because Disney Channel’s hit animated series Big City Greens is returning for its big second season on Saturday, November 16, at 9:30 a.m. EST/PST.

The series will continue to follow all of Cricket’s hilarious adventures, now that he and his family—older sister Tilly, father Bill, and Gramma Alice—have moved from the country to the “big city.” Guest stars for Season Two include NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live), YouTube sensation SungWon Cho, and many more. Plus, the second season includes a holiday musical featuring seven original songs—and a video game-themed episode with CG animation.

And here’s something else to look forward to: After appearing in an episode of Disney Channel’s new animated short-form YouTube series Broken Karaoke, Tilly Green will join brother Cricket in several new Random Rings shorts—in which the siblings calling unsuspecting real-world people (yes, really!); the shorts will continue to roll out every Sunday through October 27 on Disney Channel and Disney Channel YouTube.

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes Need Your Help in Avengers: Damage Control

It’s time to suit up! There’s a new virtual reality, multi-sensory fan experience coming to The VOID at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort (as well as to locations in New York City, Atlanta, and Santa Monica) for a limited run… and it puts you right in the thick of it with some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

Avengers: Damage Control, from Marvel Studios and ILMxLAB, will give fans the chance to step into the action and become part of the Avengers story for the very first time. Fans will be enlisted by Black Panther’s Shuri (Letitia Wright, heard in the trailer above) to test her latest prototype design: Emergency Response Suits, created with a proprietary blend of Wakandan and Stark Industries technology. When sinister forces intervene, guests at the Wakandan Outreach Centers will soon find themselves recruited into action, exploring iconic locations throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Draftees will fight side by side with Avengers like Doctor Strange, the Wasp, Ant-Man, and more.

Avengers: Damage Control begins October 18, for a limited time only—don’t miss your change to “assemble” with some of your MCU favorites!

Watch an Exclusive Clip from the Season Premiere of Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure

By Beth Deitchman

If you keep wondering and wondering (and wondering and wondering) when Rapunzel’s new adventures will begin, you’re in luck. Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure kicks off its third season on Monday, October 7 (1–2 p.m. EDT), on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW app.

We’ve got an exclusive clip from the special one-hour season premiere, which finds Rapunzel and Eugene returning home to Corona to discover that the kingdom is oddly quiet… the streets are empty and even the bakery, Attila the Bun, appears to be closed. Rapunzel is still coming to terms with Cassandra’s betrayal, but she’ll now need to summon her inner strength as she takes on an old enemy and sets out to save Corona and its people—including her parents, King Frederic and Queen Arianna. But lucky for us, Rapunzel will have Eugene, Pascal, Maximus, and Lance by her side. This sounds like the makings for the Best. Season. Ever.

Mandy Moore (This Is Us) and Zachary Levi (Shazam!) return as the beloved couple Rapunzel and Eugene, along with Eden Espinosa (Broadway’s Wicked) as Cassandra, James Monroe Iglehart (Broadway’s Aladdin) as Lance, Paul F. Tompkins (Bob’s Burgers) as Shorty, and Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl) as Varian. We’ve combed through the roster of guest stars for season three, and are happy to report that fans will also hear from Sean Giambrone (ABC’s The Goldbergs) as the teenage version of Eugene, Khary Payton (The Walking Dead) as the new age thug Kai, Chris Diamantopoulos (Silicon Valley) as a budding Flynn Rider, Betsy Sodaro (Disjointed) as the memory-stealing witch Clementine, Artemis Pebdani (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as the werewolf hunter Creighton, Gina Torres (Suits) as the rival Queen of Ingvarr, and Tara Fitzgerald (Game of Thrones) as Zhan Tiri, the ancient threat to Corona.

The music for Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure comes from Oscar®-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Emmy® Award winner Kevin Kliesh composes the series’ score. The series has been nominated for multiple Emmys®, including Outstanding Music Direction and Composition (2018) and Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special (2018 and 2019). Chris Sonnenburg and Shane Prigmore developed Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, and Sonnenburg serves as executive producer, with Benjamin Balistreri as co-executive producer, Jase Ricci as story editor and co-producer, and Alan Bodner as art director. The artist behind Rapunzel’s tower murals from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature film Tangled is the series’ visual development artist.

National Geographic Casts Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha

By Zach Johnson

Cynthia Erivo is ready to earn your R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

National Geographic, with Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, announced today that the Tony Award®-, Emmy Award®-, and Grammy® Award-winning actress will star as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of the Emmy-winning anthology series Genius: Aretha. This upcoming season will be the first-ever, definitive, and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Filming will begin this November for a Spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.

The production will feature many of Franklin’s biggest recordings and hit songs from the comprehensive Warner Music catalogue, including “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” “Chain of Fools,” “Don’t Play That Song,” “Since You’ve Been Gone,” and “Baby I Love You.” In addition, the series will feature Franklin’s performances of “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Freeway of Love,” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.” Erivo, renowned for her role in productions of The Color Purple, will also perform many of the songs from Franklin’s catalogue.

“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion, and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity, and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.”

Sabrina Owens, the Queen of Soul’s niece, raved, “For Genius to honor Aretha is a great affirmation of her legacy, and Cynthia Erivo is an extraordinary talent with an amazing voice!”

Executive producer Suzan-Lori Parks is the showrunner. Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Group for Genius: Aretha, which will again be executive produced by Imagine’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Francie Calfo. Record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Ken Biller, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, and Sam Sokolow. Diana Son joins as an executive producer, and Imagine’s Anna Culp serves as a producer alongside Peter Afterman.

“Cynthia Erivo blew me away. Not only is she an incredible and bona fide star, but she is soulful and has tremendous depth as a musical artist,” Grazer said. “Cynthia is the perfect person to portray the profoundly human story behind the genius that is Aretha.”

“The fabulously talented Cynthia Erivo is dream casting to play iconic musical genius Aretha Franklin,” added Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president, global scripted content and documentary films, National Geographic. “On the heels of her Tony Award-winning turn in The Color Purple and breakout performance in upcoming feature film Harriet, we can’t wait to see Cynthia bring her fierceness to the role as the Queen of Soul.”

Suit up with Citizen’s Marvel Watch Collection

By D23 Team

A hammer, a shield, a cape, a web-shooter.

Every superhero has something that stands out, and now, you can wear your fandom on your sleeve—well, wrist—with the brand-new Citizen x Marvel Watch Collection celebrating Marvel’s 80th anniversary. Featuring designs inspired by incredible heroes, this collection is out of this world with super details and powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive® technology. We’ve rounded up some timepieces from the amazing collection that you can check out below!

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Captain Marvel
Spotlighting the powerful Captain Marvel with gold accents and her iconic star symbol, these three beautiful watches go higher, further, faster.

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Spider-Man
You may not be able to sling webs, but you can don Spider-Man’s instantly recognizable blue and red suit colors and signature spider logo with great style.

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Captain America
Inspired by Steve Rodger’s roots, this watch is a nod to his history as a soldier in World War II. A camo strap and Captain America’s shield emblazoned on the watch’s face make for a super detailed homage to the first Avenger.

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The Hulk
Hulk smash in style! This watch displays the Hulk at full-force “shattering” the dial.

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Black Panther
Keep Wakanda forever by your side with this sleek watch inspired by the Black Panther suit featuring the pendants of T’Challa’s necklace and violet accents.

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The Avengers
Can’t pick a favorite hero? Why not support them all with a watch representing our favorite team of heroes: The Avengers! With two designs representing the rich history—featuring the vintage comic strips and the signature Avengers logo—these watches have something for every Marvel fan.

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Marvel 80th Anniversary Watch
The grand timepiece. Limited to 1,939 pieces, this collector’s keepsake is a beautiful homage to 80 years of vibrant storytelling with Marvel’s signature stylization and logos from years past.

And for even more Marvel, don’t miss an exclusive event on October 5 with Marvel comic artists, Adi Granov and Mark Brooks with a Q&A hosted by Nick Lowe, Ultimate Spider-Man editor, in New York City. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to meet and snap a photo with them! Plus, with a purchase of a Citizen x Marvel Watch at Macy’s Herald Square, you’ll also receive a meet-and-greet fast pass and exclusive artwork designed by Granov and Brooks. Click here for more information!

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How to Celebrate Halloween at Disneyland without Leaving Your Hotel

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Halloween time is when the goblins and ghoulies come out from their hiding places to cause frightful fun around Disneyland Resort—but some days we’d rather kick back, relax, and stay out our hotels. Do ghosts ever lounge by the pool? Do creepy creeps eat crepes at brunch? What is there to do when you love spooky sights but also love relaxing at your hotel?

Never fear—there’s plenty of Halloween treats to be found at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

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Oogie Boogie’s New Lair
Everyone’s favorite boogieman has taken center stage in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in his sweetest form yet: a ghoulishly good confectionary delight! Featuring a 4-foot-tall cauldron, this rendition of Oogie Boogie took a lot of spirit to create. Here’s some more scary good numbers about the display:

  • 260 pounds of powdered sugar
  • 380 eggs
  • 220 pounds of rice cereal
  • 95 pounds of marshmallow
  • 80 pounds of butter
  • 120 pounds of dark chocolate
  • 80 pounds of white chocolate
  • 480 pounds of fondant
  • 370 hours of planning and hands-on work
  • 13 hidden Mickeys!

To learn more sugary secrets, meet a pastry chef from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays now through October 2019.

Eerie A Cappella
The Skeletones singers perform in front of Oogie Boogie at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on select evenings in October. Be mesmerized by their harmonizing tunes!

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

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Beware the Sea Witch!
If you’re looking for someone to cast wicked spells, just find Ursula and her “poor unfortunate souls” at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel—you can see her tentacles enveloping the lobby in a deviously good display of her villainous powers. Just be careful about any contracts you sign with her!

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Create Your Own Villainously Good Art
During select days this Halloween season, you can paint Ursula or Captain Hook and learn about the history of the Disney hand-drawn animation cel process at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. This complimentary, one-hour class is for guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and is recommended for ages 6 and older. Supplies are provided; space is limited and registration is required.

All Disneyland Resort Hotels

A Ghoulishly Good Room Makeover
 Surprise your loved one with Disney Halloween-themed goodies delivered right to your Disneyland Resort hotel room. The magic makers from Disney Floral & Gifts can either deliver a Halloween treats pumpkin bucket, candies, and plush to your room, or more fully decorate with a Disney Halloween In-Room Celebration including a door sash, blanket, a Mickey Mouse collapsible bucket, plush, luminaries, glow necklaces, and more. Some of these items are available only through Disney Floral & Gifts. For more details and prices, please call (714) 781-4438 or visit www.DisneyFloralAndGifts.com.

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Trick-or-Treating for Hotel Guests
On select afternoons in October, overnight guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are invited to enjoy exclusive, complimentary trick-or-treat festivities. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will have a treat map of locations, so little ghosts and goblins (and their parents) can visit all three hotels. Hotel guests are encouraged to sign up at the Guest Services desk upon check-in.

Star Wars Resistance Soars to New Heights—and Adventures in Season Two

By Savannah Salazar

“The sky’s the limit for season two.”

Dressed in a deep purple blazer over a Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back shirt, Suzie McGrath, the voice of Tam Ryvora, beams with excitement as she talks to us about the upcoming final season of Star Wars Resistance, including what lies ahead for Tam and the rest of Team Fireball after the rousing season one finale.

From the destruction of Hosnian Prime—Kaz’s home planet and a major plot point from Star Wars: The Force Awakens—to the harrowing escape from the clutches of the First Order, one of the finale’s more shocking moments involved the fate of McGrath’s character, as she’s coaxed to join the First Order by the manipulative Agent Tierny (voiced by Sumalee Montano).

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“For Tam, we’re definitely seeing the character at her most vulnerable… we meet her at one place in season one and by season two, she’s kind of a completely different person,” McGrath said.

The rift between Tam and Kaz sets the tone for season two, as both Tam and Kaz set off on different adventures: Kaz with the Colossus and Tam with the First Order.

“It nearly took a whole season to get to a good place, a trusting place between Kaz and Tam, but he goes and blows it up,” McGrath said. “It will be interesting to see how they interact with each other—if they interact with each other. She’s hurt, and it’s not just Kaz she’s upset with.”

Christopher Sean (voice of Kazuda Xiono) adds to the sentiment, saying season two finds Kaz wrestling with himself over his broken relationship with Tam. “Kaz doesn’t want to believe that Tam is choosing the dark side, however, the wonderful thing about Star Wars Resistance is getting to watch both these stories evolve,” he said.

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Through Finn’s journey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we’ve seen a character leave the First Order, but Star Wars Resistance features the first on-screen recruitment to the First Order. “It’s awesome to see the flip side of the story, what life is like with the First Order and on the Star Destroyer,” executive producer Athena Portillo said.

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Set during the events of the sequel trilogy, Star Wars Resistance dives into an often-untold story within the Star Wars universe: how the conflicts between the dark side and the light side impact the regular, everyday people of a galaxy far, far away. And, telling that story was always what appealed to the series’ three executive producers Justin Ridge, Brandon Auman, and Portillo, who Sean likes to call the “Jedi Masters” to their cast of Padawans.

“Having the chance to tell a new story within the Star Wars sandbox, creating new characters that don’t deal with the force, and being able to explore their slice of life is such a cool opportunity,” Ridge said.

Now, in season two, the sandbox gets even larger for all our favorite characters, as the Colossus leaves the vast waters of the planet Castilon and ventures into the unknown. “It creates this major conflict with the characters. They were always so used to seeing the sky above them, and now, they don’t have that,” Portillo said. “So, they’re trying to find another home planet throughout the series.”

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Though, that causes problems for Team Fireball and the residents of the Colossus, which hasn’t flown in years. Auman even compares the old ship to the likes of the Millennium Falcon, the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. “In some ways, the Colossus is in even worse shape than the Falcon,” Auman jokes. “This thing is barely staying together, but it opens up so many opportunities for more adventures.”

With an incredible roster of diverse characters and voices, the impact of Star Wars Resistance isn’t lost to the cast and crew. “We try to make them as genuine as possible,” Ridge said. “And, from the get-go, that’s one thing we really wanted to try and do for the show.”

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The fan-favorite shopkeepers Flix (voiced by Jim Rash) and Orka (voiced by Bobby Moynihan) even get their own, fun arc this season, Moynihan said. “Anytime Jim Rash and I are allowed to expand upon the relationship of Orka and Flix is my favorite thing in the world,” he said. “The best part of Star Wars is the minutia, the escape part of it, and being able to play in this universe for a little bit is exciting, so the Office of Acquisitions, with Orka and Flix, is a whole world that I love.”

With its tales of high-flying adventures, tense conflicts, and impressive characters moments—such as Kaz’s growth from awkward yet great pilot to a leader of Team Fireball—the prospect of ending of the show is bittersweet, for the creative team and fans alike. But leading up to the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is no small feat—it’s an opportunity that Star Wars Resistance takes on with open arms.

With designs starting as far back as 2015, the animated show was always meant to align with the current Star Wars trilogy. “We planned to wrap it up so it could roll into Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, so it could feel like its own thing within the sequel trilogy,” Auman said. “Star Wars Resistance is happening in real time with these movies, unlike The Clone Wars or Star Wars Rebels, so it feels like a neat little package.”

The first episode of season two, “Into the Unknown,” premieres Sunday, October 6, at 6 p.m. on Disney XD and 10 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel. Star Wars Resistance’s second season will feature 19 episodes that Sean describes as “action-packed and humorous, while also exploring the idea of broken family… There are great things that could potentially unfold this season.”

Just Roll With It: You Decide LIVE! Scares Up the Most Spooktacular Scenario of All

By Beth Deitchman

They’ve eaten sardines with a vanilla ice cream chaser. They’ve plunged into a root beer float dunk tank. They’ve even shared their stage with a pig. But on Friday, October 4 (9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT), the cast of Just Roll With It face their most challenging scenario yet as the producers unveil some new tricks that make for an amazing treat for fans. Disney Channel kicks off the spooky season with a Halloween-themed special, Just Roll With It: You Decide LIVE!, the network’s first-ever live comedy telecast. And, as if performing live wasn’t already exciting enough, viewers nationwide are invited to join the fun. While fans watch the episode unfold in real time, they’ll have the opportunity to vote along with the studio audience to determine key plot twists—and the cast, including special guest stars Raven-Symoné (Raven’s Home) and Miranda May (BUNK’D), will “just roll with it.”

“I hope they throw the craziest things at me,” an excited May tells D23 during our visit to the set during a rehearsal for the telecast. Strange foods… stranger smells… crazy antics… None of it daunts May, who says, “I’m expecting the biggest things in the world. I’m ready for whatever it is.” And as she good-naturedly points out, “It’s only an hour! I can live through that and I know it will be fun.”

For inspiration, May plans to draw upon the 10 years she spent in stand-up comedy before joining BUNK’D. Fellow guest star Raven-Symoné also has a wealth of live performance experience that’s prepared her for Friday’s telecast, from starring in Sister Act on Broadway to her tenure as a co-host on ABC’s The View. “The only thing I’m not prepared for is some of the ‘askings’ that will be there, which the audience gets to choose from,” she shares. “That’ll jolt me but I’ll pop right in to it. It’s going to be interesting.”

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Neither May nor Raven-Symoné would spoil the surprise by revealing how their characters fit into the plot, which finds the Bennett-Blatt family trying to reverse an evil curse. They encounter a host of strange characters, including one played by May, who promises, “I expect to not look at all like myself.” Actors on Just Roll With It simply can’t help but try to guess when the horn will sound and an unexpected scenario will begin. Raven-Symoné tells D23 that she has reason to feel at least a bit sheltered from some of the crazier shenanigans, but she’s up for anything: “My character is the one who does everything, so rarely does anything happen to me—that I know of right now!”

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Just Roll With It cast members Tobie Windham (Byron), Suzi Barrett (Rachel), Ramon Reed (Owen), and Kaylin Hayman (Blair) have bonded over the last few months, as they’ve learned to roll with whatever comes their way, together. They’re a tight-knit group, and they’ve welcomed May and Raven-Symoné into the fold with open arms. “I’m somebody that, if you throw the ball I’ll catch it, and I think they’re the same way,” says May, an improv veteran. “It’s so fun to have people that are like that, where we can just play with each other and off of each other.”

The hour-long special will feature additional surprises, including a musical performance by Kylie Cantrall (Gabby Duran & The Unsittables). May’s BUNK’D cast mates will be in the studio to cheer her on, and Raven’s Home will also be represented by Issac Ryan Brown, who serves as one of the evening’s hosts alongside Ruby Rose Turner (Coop & Cami Ask the World), and Ruth Righi (Sydney to the Max). “This is a big event and it’s something we should all participate in in any way that we can,” Raven-Symoné says of Disney Channel’s history-making telecast, which she’s thrilled to be part of. “It’s such an innovative way to do television,” she says. “I was very, very honored to be asked to be a part of it.”

Don’t miss a minute of the frightfully fun interactive live telecast, which kicks off on Disney Channel this Friday, beginning at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT. And be sure to also follow in the DisneyNOW app or DisneyNOW.com to cast your vote and watch Raven-Symoné, Miranda May, and the series’ incredibly talented cast just roll with it… live!

How Wonderful! Inside the Majestic Maleficent: Mistress of Evil World Premiere

By Zach Johnson

Well, well… imagine our delight when we received an invitation to attend the world premiere of The Walt Disney Studios’ latest live-action adventure film, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Hosted at the famed El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, thousands of fans lined Hollywood Blvd. to get a glimpse of Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer. A few famous fans even hoped to meet the film’s titular antihero as she walked the red carpet, with Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Julia Lester, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sofia Wylie—stars of the upcoming Disney+ Original Series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—unanimous in their reason for seeing the movie: “Angelina Jolie!”

In addition to actors Chiwetel Ejiofor (Conall), Sam Riley (Diaval), Harris Dickinson (Prince Philip), Ed Skrein (Borra), Jenn Murray (Gerda), and Judith Shekoni (Shrike), the premiere brought out director Joachim Rønning; co-screenwriters Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster; producers Duncan Henderson and Joe Roth; production designer Patrick Tatopoulos; costume designer Ellen Mirojnick; composer Geoff Zanelli; and singer Bebe Rexha, whose original song “You Can’t Stop the Girl” appears on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Speaking to D23 on the carpet, Jolie—who pulled double duty as a producer—explained that getting back into character came fairly easily. “It’s impossible not to feel powerful with giant wings and being eight-feet tall with horns!” Jolie said. “You just have to go with it and have fun, and it allows you to be free.”

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In fact, every actor relied on Mirojnick’s designs to help them fully realize their characters. “With this film, you had to move like the wind; there was no dawdling! It was quite a task,” recalled Mirojnick, praising her “great” team. “You have three huge female characters, the supporting cast, the Dark Fey… There are so many different characters!”

The addition of actors such as Ejiofor and Pfeiffer to the cast only added to the buzz surrounding the sequel. “Michelle Pfeiffer is an incredible actress. She’s just amazing,” Murray raved. “I grew up watching her onscreen, and she is so graceful and intelligent.”

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And as Riley told D23, it was a thrill to both expand upon his role and to reconnect with his co-stars. “It was like it was only yesterday,” Riley said. “As soon as I put the leather trousers on, the six years [between filming Maleficent and its sequel] vanished.” Fanning was similarly keen to show how Aurora has grown since audiences last saw her. “Aurora is someone who [radiates] love and kindness and acceptance. That’s just who she is,” she said. “She is feminine, and there’s strength in femininity and softness.”

Although she faces some uncomfortable truths in the sequel, Maleficent is “having fun,” Jolie assured D23. “If you’re having fun and you’re yourself—your true self—you shine.”

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in theaters nationwide October 18, 2019.

These 5 Fun Facts About The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Will Lift Your Spirits

By Zach Johnson

You know the story of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, but do you know the story behind Walt Disney Productions’ animated classic? The package film, released on October 5, 1949, includes two episodes. The first is based on the 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows, by Scottish author Kenneth Grahame, and the second is based on the 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by American author Washington Irving. In celebration of the acclaimed film’s 70th anniversary and the Halloween season, we visited the Walt Disney Archives to unearth some lesser-known facts about the legend.

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1. Walt Disney was intimately involved in the episode’s production. To capture the feel of the location and sense of background and tradition for the Ichabod Crane episode, Walt personally visited the Tarrytown region on the Hudson River in New York. The filmmakers also researched the music of the colonial period, to ensure the film’s historical accuracy.

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2. Ichabod’s story was intended to be a full-length feature. Following World War II, the cost of making a full feature film was deemed too high, and the studio decided it would be a featurette and bundled it with The Wind in the Willows. The package was initially titled Two Fabulous Characters, but was later altered to The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.

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3. The flirtatious and vivacious Katrina was a look-alike. The superstitious schoolmaster Ichabod, largely animated by Disney Legend Frank Thomas, looked unlike any other character Disney had ever put onscreen before. His paramour, however, looked decidedly more familiar. In fact, animators used the model of Grace Martin from the The Martins and the Coys sequence of Make Mine Music for Katrina—and both bore a resemblance to Slue Foot Sue in Pecos Bill!

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4. Bing Crosby viewed the project as a labor of love. The Old Groaner worked with The Rhythmaires, the choral group on his radio program, while recording the three songs for the Ichabod Crane episode. In addition to narrating the film, he made the recording of the song “The Headless Horseman” a family affair, inviting his sons—Gary, twins Phillip and Dennis, and Lindsay—to join him in the recording studio.

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5. The Horseman May Have Fought For the British in the Revolutionary War. Although the Headless Horseman made his first appearance in Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” first published in England in 1820, it was the 1917 U.S. edition that gave him his backstory as possibly a “Hessian trooper, whose head had been carried away by a cannon-ball, in some nameless battle during the Revolutionary War.” Since Hessian troopers fought for the British, the rumors surrounding the Headless Horseman’s past would have made Ichabod Crane particularly wary of this menacing figure.