Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Lineup is Scary Good!

August 29, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Do you have the chills? Because we do! Freeform has just announced its annual 31 Nights of Halloween programming lineup, and it’s a scream! From October 1-31, fans of the most spooktacular time of year can conjure up a scary good time with hit films, a new special, marathons of The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror, and more. The original special 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest will tape September 12 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and celebrate the holiday’s biggest pop culture moments. It will honor the icons of the season by highlighting the movies, television shows, and musical artists who’ve become synonymous with All Hallows’ Eve. Additional details about the special will be announced at a later date.

Freeform is also adding more chills and thrills to its film lineup. Marking its 35th anniversary, the classic hit Ghostbusters and its sequel, Ghostbusters II, will be airing throughout the month. The first three Scream movies will also be joining 31 Nights of Halloween staples including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Addams Family. Of course, Freeform is still the home for Hocus Pocus, airing throughout the month and in a back-to-back-to-back marathon on October 31. For the second year, Freeform’s Halloween House is opening its ghoulish gates for fans, offering an interactive experience in the heart of Hollywood. Open to the public from October 2-7, it will feature buzzed-about photo opportunities and new activations. Tickets are available to purchase here; D23 Gold Members can take advantage of a special discount and go early on October 1.

Below is the complete list of the programming airing during 31 Nights of Halloween:

Tuesday, October 1
12:30 p.m. – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
3 p.m. – Monster House
5:05 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:45 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Wednesday, October 2
11:30 a.m. – Scared Shrekless (Freeform Premiere)
12 p.m. – Monster House
2:05 p.m. – R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly: One Night in Doom House (Freeform Premiere)
4:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon (Freeform Premiere)

Thursday, October 3
12:30 p.m. – Edward Scissorhands
2:40 p.m. – ParaNorman
4:45 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
6:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
8:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values

Friday, October 4
11 a.m. – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins (Freeform Premiere)
11:30 a.m. – Hook (1991)
2:35 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
4:40 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
6:45 p.m. – Addams Family Values
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Saturday, October 5
7 a.m. – ParaNorman
9 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:10 a.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon
1:40 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
3:45 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
5:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8 p.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest (Freeform Premiere)
9 p.m. – Goosebumps (Freeform Premiere)
11:30 p.m. – Monster House

Sunday, October 6
7 a.m. – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
9:30 a.m. – Monster House
11:30 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
1:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
3:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
5:45 p.m. – Goosebumps
8:15 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
10:20 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Monday, October 7
11:30 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
12:30 p.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
1:30 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
4:10 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6:20 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
8:25 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)

Tuesday, October 8
11 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1 p.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
3 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
5:30 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
8 p.m. – Iron Man

Wednesday, October 9
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:40 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
2:45 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
4:55 p.m. – Iron Man
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon

Thursday, October 10
11 a.m. – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins
11:30 a.m. – R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly: One Night in Doom House
1:40 p.m. – Monster House
3:45 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo
6:15 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:25 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
10:30 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!

Friday, October 11
11 a.m. – Scared Shrekless
11:30 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo
2 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
4:05 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles
6:45 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
7:15 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
9:20 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Saturday, October 12
7 a.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
9:30 a.m. – Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles
12:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
1:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
3:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values
6 p.m. – Scream (Freeform Premiere)
8:40 p.m. – Scream 2 (Freeform Premiere)
11:20 p.m. – Scream 3 (Freeform Premiere)

Sunday, October 13
7 a.m. – Ghostbusters II
9:35 a.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
11:10 a.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
1:15 p.m. – Addams Family Values
3:20 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory
5:25 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
7:30 p.m. – Disney’s Moana
10 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Monday, October 14
11:30 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
1:40 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
3:45 p.m. – Matilda
5:50 p.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
8:55 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania

Tuesday, October 15
11:30 a.m. – Matilda
1:40 p.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
4:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
6:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
8:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values

Wednesday, October 16
11 a.m. – Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
1:40 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
3:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
5:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon

Thursday, October 17
11 a.m. – ParaNorman
1:05 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
3:10 p.m. – Disney’s 101 Dalmatians (1996) (Live Action)
5:15 p.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
6:50 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
8:55 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

Friday, October 18
11 a.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
12 p.m. – National Treasure
3 p.m. – Scream
5:40 p.m. – Scream 2
8:20 p.m. – Scream 3

Saturday, October 19
7 a.m. – ParaNorman
9:05 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:15 a.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon
4:15 p.m. – Disney’s Zootopia
6:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:55 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
11:25 p.m. – Ghostbusters II

Sunday, October 20
7 a.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
8 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
10:05 a.m. – Disney’s Zootopia
12:35 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
3:05 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
5:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
7:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
9:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
11:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values

Monday, October 21
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
12:35 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
2:40 p.m. – Addams Family Values
4:45 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:25 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
8:30 p.m. – Goosebumps

Tuesday, October 22
11 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
12:03 p.m. – Scared Shrekless
12:35 p.m. – Monster House
2:40 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:20 p.m. – Goosebumps
6:50 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
8:55 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

Wednesday, October 23
11 a.m. – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
3:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
5:30 p.m. – Disney’s Moana
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon

Thursday, October 24
11 a.m. – Matilda
1:10 p.m. – Disney’s Moana
3:40 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
6:15 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Friday, October 25
11 a.m. – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins
11:32 a.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
2:05 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
4:40 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
6:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:55 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.

Saturday, October 26
7 a.m. – Monster House
9:10 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:20 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
1:25 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
3:30 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
5:35 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
7:40 p.m. – Addams Family Values
9:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
11:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Sunday, October 27
7 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
9 a.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
11:05 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
1:15 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
2:55 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
5 p.m. – Addams Family Values
7:05 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
9:10 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:20 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)

Monday, October 28
7 a.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
11:30 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:30 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:10 p.m. – Scream
5:40 p.m. – Scream
8:20 p.m. – Scream 3

Tuesday, October 29
7:30 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:35 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
2:40 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
4:45 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
6:50 p.m. – Addams Family Values
8:55 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania

Wednesday, October 30
7:30 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
12:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
2:35 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
4:40 p.m. – Addams Family Values
6:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Thursday, October 31
11:30 a.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
12:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
2:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
4:40 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

You Have to See These Celebrity Photos from D23 Expo 2019

August 29, 2019September 3, 2019

By Karina Schink

While we were all privy to jaw-dropping announcements at D23 Expo 2019, we were also treated to celebrity sightings galore! From your favorite Star Wars cast members, to brand-new casts from upcoming films and series, there were so many amazing actors and creators to meet. We went backstage, where we had the opportunity to snag some scrapbook-worthy photos and notes from the talent over the weekend. Check them out below.

Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Through the Black Spire Novel

August 28, 2019August 29, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Your own adventure awaits in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—but in Delilah S. Dawson’s new novel Black Spire, it’s all about Vi Moradi’s exploits on the planet Batuu. The story explains how the Resistance and the First Order came to inhabit the remote outpost planet and reveals why the First Order is keen to track down the plucky Resistance spy.

“They’ve heard Vi Moradi is there and might be trying to make a Resistance Base,” Dawson teases. “They got their intel correct. They’re hunting for her.” A prequel to the Disney Parks experience, Black Spire bridges the gap between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (in theaters December 20, 2019), and Moradi’s mission is central to the story. General Organa has tasked her with setting up a hidden camp and recruiting potential allies to rebuild the Resistance—no easy feat, seeing as they’re still licking their wounds after back-to-back losses at D’Qar and Crait.

Guests at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort can mimic Moradi’s escapades when they visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—and they might even see her roaming the land! “We’ll start with the forest surrounding Batuu. We’ll see the ancient ruins, we’ll visit Oga’s Cantina, we’ll go to Mubo’s Droid Depot, we’ll have a brief time in Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, we’ll drink the Blue Milk, and we’ll enjoy Ronto Roasters,” Dawson promises. “We’ll see a little bit of everything, because Vi and her people are all over the world.” Readers will also learn about the Black Spire itself, which is steeped in lore. “Everybody tells a different legend about the Black Spire,” she says. “In the book, depending on whether you’ve talked to someone who lives in the heart of the city or someone who has just gotten on planet, they all have different perspectives. No one knows for sure, so it’ll be fun to make up different legends and let the readers and visitors consider which one they think might be true.”

A version of this story also appears in the Summer 2019 issue of Disney twenty-three magazine, which is sent to D23 Gold Members. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Black Spire is available now. Dawson will go on tour on the East Coast in early October.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Has an Out of This World Dedication Ceremony at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

August 28, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Bright suns, D23 Members and Star Wars superfans!

Today marked the highly anticipated grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was joined by Hondo Ohnaka, R2-D2, Chewbacca, BB-8, and Vi Moradi as fireworks exploded overhead during the land’s dedication ceremony. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will officially open to the public August 29, 2019.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened at Disneyland Park in California on May 31, 2019, is the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion in Disney history. The 14-acre land takes guests to the remote planet of Batuu, full of unique sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. In the new land, you’ll become part of your own Star Wars story as you experience galactic food and beverages, like the iconic Blue Milk and Green Milk. You can craft your own lightsabers or build your own droids in immersive, interactive retail experiences. You can also explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and may even cross paths with Star Wars characters, like Rey and Kylo Ren—not to mention the garrison of Stormtroopers patrolling Black Spire Outpost!

“With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we’ve set a new standard for the most immersive storytelling in the galaxy,” Chapek said. “Every experience in Batuu—from piloting the Millennium Falcon to building your own droid—puts guests deeper into their own Star Wars story.” It’s for those reasons—and many more—that TIME magazine recently named Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2019.”

In one of the land’s signature attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests take the controls of the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” as pilots, gunners, or flight engineers in an experience that responds in real time to the actions they take. A thrilling and ambitious second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opens December 5, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 17, 2020, at Disneyland. In the most immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined, you’ll join the Resistance’s fight against the First Order for an experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality!

You Have to See These D23 Expo Cosplays

August 28, 2019September 5, 2019

Download high resolution photos from the cosplay photo shoots here.

By Karina Schink

Sadly, D23 Expo 2019 has come to an end. It was a weekend filled with magical announcements, surprise guests, exclusive items to buy, and of course, the most fantastical cosplays to gasp at around every corner.

From life-size Baymaxes, to groups representing Donald’s famous adventuring nephews, the D23 Expoers really came out and showed off their best Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel looks.

For the first time ever, we held three cosplay photo shoots over the weekend, and were able to capture some of the creations. Check them out below, and get inspired for your next sartorial design.

A Marvel Fan’s Guide to Disney+

August 28, 2019May 11, 2021

By The D23 Team

We have a good feeling about this. Disney+ gives subscribers access to their favorite Marvel Studios titles, including brand-new live-action and animated series, classic films, and documentaries. Disney+ has a lot of out-of-this-world entertainment, so here’s a look at what to watch—and what to look forward to:

Marvel fans, assemble! Disney+ is bringing the greatest team-up of shows and films from Marvel Studios. It’s a lineup that fans of all ages will love 3,000.

What’s available to stream now?

Marvel’s Hero Project
Not all superheroes wear capes. This new series explores the remarkable change several young heroes make in their own communities and their selfless acts of bravery.

Iron Man

Thor

Iron Man 2

Captain America: The First Avenger

Marvel’s The Avengers

Iron Man 3

Thor: The Dark World

Captain America: The Winter Solider

Guardians of the Galaxy

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Ant-Man

Captain America: Civil War

Doctor Strange

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

Thor: Ragnarok

Black Panther

Captain Marvel

Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Endgame

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (animated series)

Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man (animated series)

Marvel’s The Runaways

Agent Carter

Inhumans

Marvel Rising (animated series)

X-Men the Animated Series

Spider-Woman (animated series)

Spider-Man (animated series)

The Incredible Hulk (animated series)

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (animated series)

Avengers Assemble (animated series)

What’s Coming Soon?

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
Sam Wilson (otherwise known as The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (aka The Winter Soldier) are setting off on new adventures, and we can’t wait! The duo will hit the streaming service in Fall 2020.

Marvel’s 616
An anthological documentary series from Marvel New Media in partnership with Supper Club that explores the intersection between Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators and the world outside your window. Each documentary will dive into the rich historical, cultural and societal context that has become inseparable from stories of the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s 616 is set to be released during year one of Disney+.

Loki
Tom Hiddleston is back! Because really, is the God of Mischief ever really gone? Who knows, but we’ll soon find out what Loki’s been up to in Spring of 2021.

WandaVision
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany return as Wanda Maximoff and The Vision, respectively, in this unique series coming in Spring of 2021. The duo will be joined by Kat Dennings and Randall Park, reprising their roles from Thor and Ant-Man and the Wasp, along with MCU newcomers Teyonah Parris (playing an adult Monica Rambeau, first seen in Captain Marvel) and Kathryn Hahn.

Marvel’s What If…?
Marvel Studios unveiled their first animated series, inspired by the namesake comic books. Fans will get to explore iconic moments from the films being turned on their heads to answer the questions of what if? Jeffrey Wright will voice The Watcher along with a star-studded cast from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise their roles as voice talent in this brand-new series premiering in the Summer of 2021.

Hawkeye
This brand-new series brings Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and a popular character from Marvel comics, Kate Bishop, together for the first time. The series is set to premiere in Fall 2021.

And that’s not all! Assembling an impressive roster of shows, Marvel Studios recently announced at D23 Expo 2019 three new shows coming exclusively to Disney+, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk. And of course, the Marvel Studios lineup could not be complete without the groundbreaking Avengers: Endgame, coming soon.

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

The Disney History Buff’s Guide to Disney+

August 28, 2019November 8, 2019

By Savannah Salazar

Launching on November 12, Disney+ is the one-stop streaming service for all things Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, giving fans access to a variety of favorite titles. When it comes to being an ultimate Disney history aficionado, the anticipated streaming service has everything you need—from exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary series to fresh-from-the-vault Disney classics made and produced by Walt Disney. For all the Disney history buffs—and those looking to become one—here’s a look at what is coming to Disney+.

What’s available to stream at the launch of Disney+?

Untitled Walt Disney Imagineering Documentary Series
For fans of the Disney parks, this documentary series takes you behind-the-scenes of the 65+-year history of Walt Disney Imagineering. You’ll see exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from Disney parks all over the world, and discover what it takes to bring Disney stories to to life in the parks.

Clear your schedules, because these quintessential Disney classics will also be available to stream on the day of launch:

101 Dalmatians
Bambi
Fantasia
Fun and Fancy Free
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Mary Poppins
Sleeping Beauty
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Steamboat Willie
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (short)
The Sword in the Stone
The Three Caballeros

Released in Year One

Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2
Trek into the unknown with this multi-episode documentary series on the making of the highly-anticipated sequel to 2013’s Frozen. Like never before, Walt Disney Animation Studios has opened its doors to take viewers through the intimate process of making Frozen 2 with the film’s cast, directors, and team of artists.

Magic of Animal Kingdom
Coming soon to your screens is an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes with the animal caretakers who run one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the world, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Epcot’s SeaBase aquarium.

Prop Culture
A look at the greatest props of pop culture, this anthology series hosted by film historian and collector Dan Lanigan will take a unique look at some of our favorite films and talk to the craftspeople who made them, the actors who interacted with them, and the collectors and archives who cherish them. The first eight episodes will feature five films—Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Mary Poppins, The Muppet Movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Tron.

Released in Year Two

Ink & Paint
Based on the book of the same name, this documentary series tells the story of Animation at Disney and spotlights the unsung group of trailblazing women who helped create some of the best animated films of all time.

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

Watch All the Disney+ Trailers Unveiled at D23 Expo 2019

August 28, 2019November 8, 2019

By Zach Johnson

During the Disney+ First Look Showcase at D23 Expo 2019 Friday, attendees were the first to see trailers for original movies and series premiering on Disney+, the ultimate streaming destination for films and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Disney+ will launch in the U.S. November 12, available for $6.99 per month. D23 Members can take advantage of a special “Founders Circle” offer, priced at $23 less per year with a three-year commitment—or 33 percent off the standard annual price. This limited-time offer is open to D23 Members until September 2, 2019.

As part of the presentation, some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate—including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide—gave guests a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles. Here are the trailers shown at the Disney+ First Look Showcase, all available at launch:

Encore!
Executive producer Kristen Bell brings together former high school musical castmates, tasking them with re-creating their original performance in a reunion unlike any other. Emotions run high as the former students face faded friendships, former flames, self-doubt, and killer choreography. Through it all, each unlikely group of friends—with the help of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars—just might pull off a standing-ovation-worthy performance of musicals like The Sound of Music and Beauty and the Beast.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the Disney Channel Original Movie and its sequels were filmed, follows a group of students as they count down to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical. With meta references and some docu-style elements, it’s a modern take on the “classic” from 15 years ago. Show-mances blossom; friendships are tested, while new ones are made; rivalries flare; songs are sung; and lives are changed forever as these young people discover the transformative power only high school theater can provide. Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Kate Reinders, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Larry Saperstein and Mark St. Cyr star in the fresh take.

Lady and the Tramp
This is a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic about a prim and proper house dog and a tough, but lovable stray. Despite their different upbringings, they grow closer and come to understand the true meaning of “home.” Directed by Charlie Bean, from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski, it stars Tessa Thompson (voice of Lady) and Justin Theroux (voice of Tramp), Kiersey Clemons (Darling), Thomas Mann (Jim Dear), Janelle Monáe (voice of Peg), Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah), and Sam Elliot (voice of Trusty).

The Mandalorian
Written and executive-produced by Emmy®-nominated producer, actor and Disney Legend Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian is the first ever live-action Star Wars series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, the series follows a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Omid Abtahi, Werner Herzog, and Nick Nolte. Executive producer Dave Filoni directed the first episode, with Deborah Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, Bryce Dallas Howard and Taika Waititi directing subsequent episodes. Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are producers and Karen Gilchrest is co-executive producer.

Noelle
Nick Kringle (Bill Hader) may be first in line to become Santa Claus, but he struggles every step of the way. His little sister, Noelle (Anna Kendrick), enjoys all the perks of being a Kringle without any of the expectations or responsibility. As Christmas draws near, Nick caves to the pressure and disappears just weeks before the big day. Now it’s up to Noelle to scour the globe to find him, bring him home, and save the holiday. Kingsley Ben-Adir, Billy Eichner, Julie Hagerty, and Shirley MacLaine round out the cast.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Through the prism of Jeff Goldblum’s inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new series. Each episode is centered around something everyone loves—like sneakers or ice cream—as the actor pulls the thread on these deceptively familiar objects and unravels a wonderful world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and history, amazing people, and countless surprising big ideas and insights.

One Day at Disney
On February 21, 2019, more than 70 unique photo shoots took place around the world, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of the employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and the set of Modern Family, these spectacular photographs—and the stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book by Bruce Steele, out December 3 (available for pre-order).

The magical trailer was unveiled during a media preview Thursday night. The same day the book hits shelves, the feature-length documentary will debut on Disney+, followed by a new, 52-episode short-form series, with episodes ranging in length between four and seven minutes. Debuting weekly, each will profile a single remarkable person and their unique job at The Walt Disney Company—including new Disney Legend Robin Roberts!

The Disney+ app will include unlimited downloads, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, profile customizations, and concurrent streaming. Available in multiple languages, it also offers closed captioning, descriptive audio, and navigation assistance.

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

5 Magical Moments from D23 Expo’s Unforgettable Characters Presentation

August 26, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Tonight at D23 Expo, the talented actors who voice some of Disney’s most beloved characters, from Mickey Mouse to Moana, came together for Disney Character Voices, Inc: The 30th Anniversary Celebration in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Rick Dempsey, SVP of Character Voices, led the presentation, praising those who currently voice the characters and remembering those who did the honors before them.

The presentation featured six Disney Legends—Tony Anselmo (voice of Donald Duck), Bill Farmer (voice of Goofy and Pluto), Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel), Linda Larkin (voice of Jasmine), Paige O’Hara (voice of Belle), and Anika Noni Rose (voice of Tiana)—and special guests Bret Iwan (voice of Mickey Mouse), Corey Burton (voice of Ludwig Von Drake, Captain Hook and more), Jim Cummings (voice of Darkwing Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Ray, and more), Anthony Gonzalez (voice of Miguel), Ginnifer Goodwin (voice of Judy Hopps) and Auli‘i Cravalho (voice of Moana). Below, we highlight five magical moments from Disney Character Voices, Inc: The 30th Anniversary Celebration.

1. Dempsey treated the audience to rare footage of an “embarrassed” Walt Disney recording dialogue as Mickey Mouse for the animated short Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip. Filmed in 1940, it also showed Billy Bletcher doing the voice of Pete, Mickey’s nemesis.

2. Fans auditioned on the spot for a chance to read original dialogue—written just for D23 Expo—alongside Burton and Cummings. A lucky two were chosen to join them onstage, with one voicing both Alice and Wendy (just as Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont did) and the other voicing the Queen of Hearts. Sound-alike voice actors Burton and Cummings, meanwhile, played multiple roles—almost too many to count!

3. Like his character in Coco, Gonzalez is obsessed with music. Since his voice has deepened since the film’s release, he surprised fans by bringing out his younger brother to sing the Academy Award^®-winning song “Remember Me”—together for the first time!

4. O’Hara, a fine artist, surprised Benson, Larkin, and Rose with water color portraits of their respective princesses, bringing each of the women to tears. “I saw Paige backstage, and she gave me a big hug,” a touched Rose told the audience. “Since the first time we met, she has been one of the warmest, most welcoming people… I want you to know that this is who she is; this is not for the stage. This is this woman’s heart.”

5. Cravalho closed the show by performing “How Far I’ll Go,” her signature song from Moana. Earlier in the presentation, she recalled performing it at the Academy Awards in 2017 and laughed about a recurring production mishap in which she was hit in the head!

Marc Davis In His Own Words—Imagineering the Disney Parks Panel Celebrates the Timeless Work of One of Disney’s Greatest Artists

August 26, 2019August 26, 2019

By Max Lark

Had his Disney career ended with what he accomplished as an animator, Marc Davis would be considered one of the greatest artists in Disney history. But in 1962, Walt Disney moved Davis from Walt Disney Feature Animation to WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering), where he would become a driving force behind the designs of some of the most iconic Disneyland park attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, and more—all featuring environments, staging, and storylines that were heavily influenced by his conceptual artwork.

The Marc Davis In His Own Words—Imagineering the Disney Parks panel held on Stage 28 on Sunday afternoon at D23 Expo 2019 celebrated Davis’s incredible second act at Disney. Hosted by Imagineer Christopher Merritt and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who co-wrote the magisterial two-volume Disney Editions book of the same name, out September 3, the presentation reminded all in attendance, if they needed it, of the towering accomplishments of one of Disney’s most significant artists of all time. Through rarely seen photos and video sequences, as well as myriad examples of his art—from pencil sketches and designs to fully realized works of art—Merritt and Docter celebrated the work of this seminal artist, who Walt once described as “my Renaissance man.”

“It was a labor of love,” Merritt said during the panel about his and Docter’s five-year effort to write the book (after all, they both have day jobs). “A lot of lunch hours, a lot of late nights.” Merritt and Docter met Davis and his wife, Alice, during their student years at CalArts, visiting them at their Los Angeles home where the two aspiring artists became good friends with two world-class ones. “Chris went to the Library of Congress and unearthed some amazing photographs, unposed pictures of Marc and the Imagineering team working with Walt at the WED Building in Glendale,” Docter said. “We wanted the book to be akin to getting into a time machine and getting to sit alongside Marc,” Merritt added.

Their close friendships with Marc and Alice yielded incredible benefits when it came time to write the book. “Alice basically turned their house over to us,” Merritt says. “We were able to go through old drawers and boxes,” helping them find artwork no one had seen in decades. The Davis household, as photos projected during the panel plainly revealed, was a mini-museum, with walls covered in art of all kinds from all around the world. “Animated versions of some of the artwork made appearances in Up,” Docter, who directed the film, said.

Davis brought a sense of “whimsy and humor” to Disneyland, Merritt added, citing during the panel the playful elephants that charm Guests during their enchanting rides on Jungle Cruise. “He instilled characters with a quintessential Disney touch,” Merritt said. “You don’t notice it right away. But the elephants smile, especially the baby ones. Marc made them look as if they came from nature, but had them do things real elephants wouldn’t.

“One thing that we discovered that surprised us the most was that Marc actually started contributing designs for the theme park in fall 1960, a couple years before he transitioned to WED,” Merritt said.

The book Marc Davis In His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks really has to be seen to be believed. It is chockful of rarely or never-before-seen photos—many of Marc and fellow Imagineers working alongside Walt—as well as drawings, artwork, Marc’s notes and staging ideas, and more. As far as time machines go, you can’t find a better way to journey back to this marvelous era in Disney history.