The Most Memorable Moments from San Diego Comic-Con 2019

July 23, 2019July 23, 2019

By Jim Frye

San Diego Comic-Con celebrated its 50th year this past weekend, drawing fans from across the world with panels and events spotlighting TV, movies, comic books, and all aspects of pop culture. The brands of Disney—Marvel, Lucasfilm, ABC, FX, Fox, Disney Channel, and National Geographic—showed up in force, producing some of the biggest and most exciting moments of the convention. There’s no way to feature everything, but here’s just a sample of the excitement.

Walt Disney Television

ABC kicked off the action on Thursday, the first day of Comic-Con, with the all-star Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. panel, taking place in the 6,500-seat Hall H. Jeph Loeb, executive producer and Marvel’s head of Television, moderated the panel that included actors Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker, Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, and Jeff Ward, along with executive producers Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, and Jeff Bell. The panel was a look back and a celebration of the show, featuring video clips showcasing some of the biggest and most memorable moments of the series. And even though the long-running series—Marvel’s longest, actually—is ending its run after the upcoming seventh season, the cast and producers promised an exciting ride and epic conclusion that fans will love.

ABC’s soon-to-premiere new drama Stumptown, staring Cobie Smulders, (who also portrays agent Maria Hill of S.H.I.E.L.D. for Marvel Studios) and based on a graphic novel about a bold private investigator in Portland, Oregon, also hosted a panel on Thursday, including cast members Smulders, Jake Johnson, Michael Ealy, Camryn Manheim, Tantoo Cardinal, Cole Sibus, and Adrian Martinez, with executive producer Jason Richman and Stumptown graphic novel author Greg Rucka.

But ABC wasn’t done! It also brought the cast and producers from shows The Rookie—with perennial fan-favorite Nathan Fillion and showrunner Alexi Hawley—and brand-new series Emergence, with stars Allison Tolman, Alexa Swinton, Owain Yeoman, Ashley Aufderheide, Robert Bailey Jr., Zabryna Guevara, Donald Faison and Clancy Brown, as well as executive producers Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters.

Thursday morning also saw the return of the DuckTales panel, its theme song woo-ooing loud-and-clear above the commotion of the convention! But in addition to cast members Paget Brewster (Della Duck), Bobby Moynihan (Louie Duck), Ben Schwartz (Dewey Duck), and Kate Micucci (Webby Vanderquack), fans were treated to a huge surprise appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the multi-talented Broadway sensation (and star of Mary Poppins Returns) who voices Gizmoduck/Fenton Crackshell. It caused enough of a ruckus to ruffle the most dignified duck’s feathers.

Fox and FX delivered laughs and chills in droves in San Diego with their panels and off-site activation events. The nearly impossible-to-get-into Bob’s Burgers panel (the line of wannabe-attendees stretched all the way down the waterfront behind the Convention Center!) shoveled out laughs by the barrel, with creator/executive producer Loren Bouchard and executive producer Nora Smith previewing the upcoming season, along with actors H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Larry Murphy, and Megan Mullaly.

After the Bob’s Burgers panel concluded, H. Jon Benjamin returned to the stage as the star-voice actor for the immediate next panel, Archer, FXX’s award-winning animated comedy series, now in its 10th season. After a sneak peek of a season 10 episode, fans were treated to a hilarious Q&A with the voice cast, including Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates, plus executive producers Matt Thompson and Casey Willis.

Other popular shows spotlighted at Comic-Con, included Fox’s Family Guy and The Orville, both with executive producer Seth MacFarlane and cast. And the intriguing documentary-style comedy series about vampires called What We Do in the Shadows on FX showed up for its first appearance.

In addition to the panels, major off-site activation experiences were created to promote these series. The Orville Experience offsite museum had props, costumes, models, and more. The Fox Fan Fair featured free carnival games, super-sized lawn games, an ice cream truck, and a hulking 70-foot ferris wheel, all themed to The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy. The massive FX Fearless Forum installation featured activations for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Archer, and What We Do in the Shadows at a space adjacent to the Convention Center.

MARVEL

Heading into the weekend, all eyes were on Marvel, and the House of Ideas didn’t disappoint! The Saturday night unveiling of Marvel Studios’ next two years of films was the undisputed king of the con. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige presided over the 90-minute extravaganza with special guests that included Angelina Jolie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, and Mahershala Ali. From films Thor: Love and Thunder and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, to Disney+ series WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier—not to mention the surprise announcement of the film Blade!—Marvel Studios’ panel completely dominated Saturday night.

Immediately following the panel, Feige discussed one of the marquee announcements of the night—the new film Black Widow! “It’s a remarkably unique story,” he said. “People think they know everything there is to know about the Black Widow, but I promise you they do not.” The Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johansson, added, “Even when times are impossible and they [the Avengers] are facing the unface-able, she [Black Widow] has a certain sense of her own mortality and how fragile that is, and she’s accepted it. So she kind of laughs it off and takes it with a grain of salt—which grounds her.”

Elsewhere during the convention, Marvel publishing unveiled details about its Issue No. 1000, one of the biggest Marvel Comics projects ever assembled. Additionally, editors and writers from Marvel’s storied “bullpen,” including Marvel editor-in-chief C. B. Cebulski, also delivered panels on Spider-Man, what comes next for the X-Men after the senses-shattering revelations of the House of X and Powers of X, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a Marvel comic book is made.

Of course, this being the 80th anniversary of Marvel, a few celebrations marked the occasion (including D23’s Gold and Gold Family Member Mixer). In the world of Marvel Animation, Cort Lane (senior vice president, Animation and Family Entertainment), Kalia Ramirez (director, Family Entertainment, Development and Partnerships), writers Mark Hoffmeier (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) and Marty Isenberg (X-Men: The Animated Series), and voice actors Josh Keaton (Spectacular Spider-Man, Marvel’s Avengers Assemble) and Jennifer Hale (Wolverine and the X-Men, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy) celebrated five decades of Marvel cartoons.

Mickey Mouse and D23

Speaking of D23, the Official Disney Fan Club boogied the night away at a party in honor of the 40th anniversary of the multiplatinum Mickey Mouse Disco album. Earlier that day, the grooves were flowing at the panel, “Mickey on Vinyl: D23 Celebrates the Mouse, the Music, and the Movement,” which took attendees on a funky trip through Mickey Mouse’s influence on pop culture.

The list goes on and on, with too many presentations and panels and events to mention, but we’ll end with this one. On Saturday, Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo climbed aboard the IMDB boat, docked just behind the convention center, and kicked off the Marvel We Love You 3000 tour, celebrating the home release of Avengers: Endgame (now the BIGGEST box-office champion of all time!). The tour, featuring special guests, will hit several cities and culminate at D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim—which means all D23 fans will get a chance to celebrate this amazing film, along with all the other worlds of Disney. It’s the largest gathering of Disney fans on the planet—we’ll see you there!

D23 Expo Marvel News You’ll Love 3,000

July 23, 2019March 31, 2020

by D23 Expo Team

Today marks one month until D23 Expo 2019. That’s right, there’s just ONE month to go! Can you tell we can hardly wait?

Well, we’re excited (x 3000) to announce all of the awesome things Marvel is assembling at D23 Expo 2019!

Inside the Marvel Studios Pavilion on the show floor, you can step inside the action of the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame at a D23 Expo-exclusive video experience, and tour the costume gallery to see costumes worn by characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Throughout the weekend, Marvel Studios will host panels with filmmakers and artists, as well as special talent signings inside the Pavilion. You can even test your knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with daily trivia games for prizes, proving you’ll do whatever it takes.

Showcasing brand-new experiences for guests around the world to enjoy for years to come, the Disney Parks’ “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” Pavilion will give you a unique look at Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guest to join the Avengers in a fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.

The weekend is also filled with exciting Marvel film, television, animation, and comic book panels and stage events you can’t miss:

How to Draw the Marvel Way
Friday, August 23, 3:30 p.m. PT, and Saturday, August 24, 3 p.m. PT, Center Stage
Brian Crosby, Creative Director of Themed Entertainment for Marvel, takes you step by step through a creative tutorial on how to draw your favorite Marvel characters!

Marvel Animation’s Venom Invasion and a World Premiere!
Friday, August 23, 6 – 7 p.m. PT, Stage 28
Join Marvel Animation for an exciting panel full of sneak peeks, special guests, and big announcements, including scoop on fan-favorite series Marvel’s Spider-Man and the world premiere of the new Marvel Rising special Battle of the Bands!

The Walt Disney Studios Hall D23 Presentation
Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. – noon, Hall D23
The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films, including a peek at exciting projects from Marvel Studios. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!

MARVEL COMICS: Marvel 80th Anniversary
Saturday, August 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT, Stage 28
Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort take you through the amazing, incredible, and uncanny history of Marvel Comics! Get the inside scoop on the House of Ideas—from Captain America to Captain Marvel! As part of Marvel’s 80th anniversary celebration this year, this commemorative panel looks back at the history of the Marvel Universe, honoring the iconic characters and timeless stories that have inspired fans all around the world. Marvel will continue celebrating this milestone with its characters and fans in exciting ways all year—from comics and games, to digital shows, toys, collectibles, and more.

9 Chilling Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Facts

July 22, 2019September 30, 2024

By Jocelyn Buhlman

October 31, 1939: The date of the fateful night when five passengers from glamorous Hollywood took their one-way trip into the Twilight Zone. July 22, 1994: The date the Hollywood Tower Hotel reopened its doors for us at Disney Hollywood Studios—and reopened the mystery behind the hotel. And now? July 22, 20204 marks 30 years since we first made that thrilling drop on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, and we’ve been hooked ever since.

This, as you may recognize, is a list of nine facts about The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. We dive into the secrets of the famed Hollywood Tower Hotel and you might even take our own trip into… The Twilight Zone! Read on, if you dare:

1. Now Entering the Binge-Watching Zone
To accurately create our journey into the Twilight Zone, Disney Imagineers screened each of the 156 episodes of the classic series at least twice! Many episodes were screened three or four times and studied in regard to props, guest stars, settings, and music. To help craft that iconic preshow video, Imagineers observed Rod Serling’s opening and closing comments separately at least 10 times each to determine the most representative quotes and characteristic phrases used by Serling in his role as host of the show.

2. Unlocking the Door into the Fifth Dimension
During their tireless marathon of The Twilight Zone episodes, one thing stood out to the team—every week, Rod Serling told viewers that, with the key of imagination, one unlocks the door to another dimension–to the Fifth Dimension. The creative team behind the attraction decided it was time to go there! While Rod Serling could show us the fifth dimension on the television series, only this attraction could take us there.

3. Influential Episodes
While The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is not inspired by one specific episode from the series, certain episodes did have a major impact on the attraction’s plot. For example, the episode “Little Girl Lost” inspired Imagineers to include the Fifth Dimension in the attraction—and maybe some more Easter eggs, if you listen closely in the Boiler Room. You can also physically watch part of a Twilight Zone episode during Rod Serling’s introduction of the attraction. The original footage of Serling was taken from the episode “It’s a Good Life,” but has now been transformed into the introduction for a new episode—one where you are the main character.

4. This is a “Lost” Twilight Zone Episode Where YOU Are the Star
If you’re trying to remember an episode involving lightning striking a hotel, don’t worry—there wasn’t one! The goal wasn’t to recreate a famous episode, but to make a brand-new experience for guests at Disney Hollywood Studios. Now, we have the chance to be stars in a “lost” episode of The Twilight Zone, where we get to experience the story for ourselves.

5. Giving Props to Classic Episodes
What’s a classic Disney attraction without Easter eggs? Sharp-eyed visitors should pay attention in the hotel’s Library—especially if you’re a Twilight Zone fan. While the hotel is full of intriguing pieces—apparently collected by its globetrotting owner—some of the artifacts look strangely familiar, from a small metal spaceman suit and a nickel fortune-telling machine to a pair of cracked reading glasses and a cookbook ominously titled “To Serve Man.”

6. What Kind of Party, Indeed…
Hollywood’s most famous hotel naturally features its brightest star. Mickey Mouse makes cameo appearances, his most famous being the Mickey Mouse doll held by the child star in imagery throughout the attraction. The Library already has a wealth of Twilight Zone Easter eggs as well, but Disney fans should search for sheet music for the song that asks the age-old question, “What! No Mickey Mouse? (What Kind of Party is This?)”

7. Classic Californian Architecture
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is inspired by the “Hollywood that never was—and always will be,” but The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes particular inspiration from certain key landmarks that lend an air of authenticity to the once-glittering hotel in the heart of Tinseltown. Taking visual cues from the revival styles that swept California in the early 20th century, The Hollywood Tower Hotel echoes famous buildings such as the Mission Inn and the Biltmore Hotel. Emotionally, it recalls the legend and lore of the historic Chateau Marmont. Its landscaping—now abandoned and overgrown, but once an extravagant masterpiece—was inspired by the chaparral-covered hills of L.A.’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.

8. Disney’s Hollywood
Besides references to classic The Twilight Zone episodes, there’s another special shout-out to a certain famous American. “Four Pages of Hilarious Star Caricatures by Walt Disney” is featured in the Photoplay magazine on the Concierge Desk.

9. Terror-ific Towers all Over the World
Traveling to a Disney park in France or Tokyo? Make sure to “drop in” on the unique version of Tower of Terror that each park features. Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris features a similar adventure to that of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but over in Tokyo, you can stop by the Hightower Hotel for a very different story. Tokyo DisneySea features a unique spin on the Tower of Terror attraction, where you can investigate Harrison Hightower III’s disappearance thanks to a mysterious idol. Will you follow his fate? Whichever version of the experience is your favorite, one thing’s for sure—you’re going down for a great time!

Breaking News from San Diego Comic-Con—Everything New That’s Coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

July 20, 2019July 22, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

As we learned from Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, part of the journey is the end… And as we discovered this evening in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, after the end comes a new beginning. Tonight, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige thrilled the packed house—with the help of special guests that included Angelina Jolie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, and Mahershala Ali—as he unveiled eagerly anticipated details about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the coming months and years, we can look forward to new big-screen adventures for Black Widow, Doctor Strange, and Thor, as well as series for Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Disney+, the streaming service that launches in the U.S. on November 12. Here is everything we know about the unbelievable lineup Marvel Studios is bringing to a screen near you:

COMING TO THEATERS:

Marvel Comic-Con 2019 — (L-R) President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, director Chloe Zhao, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh, Don Lee and Angelina Jolie

The Eternals—November 6, 2020
Get ready to meet an exciting new team of Super Heroes in The Eternals, to be directed by Chloé Zhao. The film stars Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh, and Angelina Jolie as Thena.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—February 12, 2021
Fans who have been following the Marvel Cinematic Universe closely know that there have been hints about this legend since the very first Iron Man. Tonight, Feige brought actor Simu Liu to the Hall H stage, along with the film’s director, Destin Daniel Cretton, and he revealed some other exciting casting news. Legendary Chinese actor Tony Leung has been cast as the real Mandarin, while we can also look forward to Awkwafina in a mysterious role that has yet to be revealed…

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—May 7, 2021
As excited as we are for a second film centered around Doctor Strange, we’re even more thrilled by the news that he will be joined in the new film by Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. Elizabeth Olsen revealed that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will have a direct connection to the Disney+ series WandaVision, in which she’ll also star, and you can color us intrigued. Benedict Cumberbatch stars once again as Doctor Stephen Strange and Scott Derrickson returns to direct.

Thor: Love and Thunder—November 5, 2021
There’s a new God of Thunder and she’s more than worthy—she’s also a Goddess. Natalie Portman joined director Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, and Tessa Thompson on stage, wielding Thor’s hammer as it was revealed that her character, Jane Foster, will become the Mighty Thor in the next installment in the Thor franchise.

Black Widow—May 1, 2020
We have less than a year to wait for the first film of Phase Four to hit the nearest multiplex. Black Widow is in production now, with Scarlett Johansson reprising her role of Natasha Romanoff. Cate Shortland directs the film, which also features David Harbour as Alexei, aka The Red Guardian; Florence Pugh as Yelena; O-T Fagbenle as Mason; and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

Blade
Details were scant about the film, but two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali was announced to star as the title character, who in Marvel comics is a half-human/half-vampire who has made it his mission to protect mortals from the undead. We’re already on the edge of our seats!

COMING TO DISNEY+:

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier—Fall 2020
We last saw this pair of Super Heroes in the final moments of Avengers: Endgame, and in the fall of next year, Sam Wilson (aka The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (aka The Winter Soldier) will embark on a new chapter. Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) will be joined by Daniel Brühl as villain Baron Zemo.

WandaVision—Spring 2021
We already knew that this series would feature two fan-favorite characters—Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Vision, played by Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, respectively—but it was revealed in Hall H that we’ll be seeing a third when WandaVision premieres on Disney+. An adult Monica Rambeau—the adorable daughter of Maria Rambeau from Captain Marvel—will be played by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris.

Loki—Spring 2021
The God of Mischief is coming to Disney+. Will we discover what happened after Loki took off with the Space Stone in Avengers: Endgame? We hope to find out, come spring 2021.

What If…?—Summer 2021
As fans, it’s fun to speculate on alternate realities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but we can’t wait to see what the talented minds at Marvel come up with. Jeffrey Wright will voice The Watcher in the new series, and Marvel Studios is assembling a stellar voice cast from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise their roles as voice talent.

Hawkeye—Fall 2021
Jeremy Renner was on hand to reveal the series’ title, and to announce that a popular Marvel comics character will be an integral part of the series. Stay tuned for more details about Hawkeye—and Kate Bishop, who will be joining the Super Hero—as they’re announced.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned to D23.com for all of the details about Phase Four of the MCU.

What You Need to Know From the DuckTales Comic-Con Adventure

July 20, 2019July 22, 2019

By Jim Frye

Let’s hear it for Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, and the whole gang from Duckburg, as they take off on brand-new adventures in DuckTales, the fresh new take on the fan-favorite 1987 animated series. DuckTales follows the adventures of Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby Vanderquack, Donald Duck, Della Duck, Launchpad McQuack, and Scrooge McDuck. Executive produer Matt Youngberg and co-producer/story editor Frank Angones gave attendees at the DuckTales San Diego Comic-Con panel an exclusive peek behind the feathers at the rest of Season 2 and the upcoming third season, including a mid-season trailer:

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came when Lin-Manuel Miranda—who voices Gizmoduck/Fenton Crackshell—showed up and joined stars Paget Brewster (Della Duck), Bobby Moynihan (Louie Duck), Ben Schwartz (Dewey Duck), and Kate Micucci (Webby Vanderquack) on the panel. Sitting with his fellow voice cast, he said, “All of the Disney Afternoon theme songs are perfect,” before singing a few lines himself.

But Miranda wasn’t the only surprise, as the producers showed off a parade of characters who would be making their way to Duckburg this next go-round. They included beloved characters Daisy (yay!), Goofy, Gadget, Chip, Dale, and Monterey Jack from Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers; a grown-up Kit and Molly from TaleSpin; Gosalyn Mallard from Darkwing Duck; and more.

A new poster for the upcoming season 2 of DuckTales was also revealed.

The “woo-oo” that so embodies the show was altered in unforgettable ways as Scrooge’s arch nemesis, Flintheart Glomgold, took over the iconic DuckTales theme song with his own unique rendition. It’s part of Disney Channel’s “Disney Theme Song Takeover” short-form series, which spotlights animated characters doing their own unique take on series theme songs.

New episodes of DuckTales will premiere in September on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW.

Fans also got a special exclusive first look at two upcoming new series: First up was The Rocketeer, based on the live-action film favorite, which tells the story of Kit, a young girl who receives a jetpack for her birthday and becomes the namesake Rocketeer to protect the citizens of Hughesville, along with the help of her best friend, Tesh, bulldog sidekick, Butch, and airplane mechanic grandfather, Ambrose Secord. It will air on Disney Junior later this year.

Next up was The Owl House, which premieres early in 2020 on Disney Channel. Created and executive produced by Dana Terrace (Gravity Falls), the series is an animated fantasy-comedy that follows Luz, a teenage human girl who accidently stumbles upon a portal to a magical new world where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and an adorably tiny warrior, King.

A Major Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Milestone—Plus More in News Briefs

July 19, 2019

By Courtney Potter

The Ridgeway family from Mississippi gets a galactic surprise, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. makes a big announcement… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Celebrates its 1 Millionth Rider!

Disneyland park made history when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the universe’s first Star Wars-themed land—not to mention Disney’s largest single-themed land, period—opened in late May. And earlier this week, they made history again! But this time, they had very special help from the Ridgeway family of Ocean Springs, Mississippi…

Jonathan Ridgeway, 8—along with mom Becky, dad Roger, and brother Logan, 4—climbed aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and became the 1 millionth member of Hondo Ohnaka’s flight crew to take the controls of the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy”! The Ridgeways spent some time in the ship’s main hold and lounge, where they sat at the famous Dejarik table and met a surprise guest, Chewbacca. Then, Jonathan settled into the cockpit as a co-pilot of the Falcon; after their flight, the family was treated to Blue Milk for a delicious celebratory toast. Take a peek at the Ridgeways in action in the new video, above.

Make sure to visit Hondo and his crew—and take your own spin—at Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, now soaring at Disneyland park… and soon to be racing through the stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, beginning August 29.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
July 20, 2019
D23 is Coming to San Diego Comic-Con 2019
July 20, 2019
D23 Member Mixer—San Diego
July 20, 2019
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
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, 2019
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
August 29, 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort
August 29—November 23, 2019, 2019
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
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
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 2019; 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
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Studios
July 19, 2019
The Lion King opens in U.S. theaters
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
Television
July 16, 2019
The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight with Robin Roberts airs on ABC (8 p.m. EDT/PDT)
August 2, 2019
Descendants 3 premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW (8 p.m. EDT/PDT).

ABC’s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to Conclude After Seventh Season

Marvel fans, we’ve got some news to share from our pals at ABC: Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the longest-running Marvel television series, will end its groundbreaking run in Summer 2020, at the conclusion of its seventh season. The final 13 episodes will air throughout next summer. “Agent Coulson is one of the most beloved cinematic heroes of our time, and we’re so glad to have spent seven seasons with him and the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as they saved the world from countless unimaginable big bads,” Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment, recently said. “I am so impressed with the eternally fresh, heart-pounding, and emotional stories the writers and creative team at Marvel Television brought to life that led S.H.I.E.L.D. to be the longest-running Marvel series to date. ”

Season six of the series, starring Clark Gregg, Chloe Bennet, and soon-to-be-inducted Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen, is currently airing Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Kermit the Frog and Disney Channel’s Amphibia: A Match Made in Marshland

What’s cooler than the world’s most famous amphibian visiting the writers and creators of Disney Channel’s hit new show Amphibia? Not much! And we’ve got video to prove it: Check out the clip, above, to follow along as Kermit the Frog heads to Disney Television Animation for a sojourn as an “unofficial frog consultant” for the channel’s frog-out-of-water animated series.

You’ll see him interacting with Amphibia creator Matt Braly, as well as trying (hilariously yet unsuccessfully) to pitch an idea for the show that involves a “demanding new girl in town” who just happens to be… a pig.

Don’t miss Amphibia—featuring Brenda Song as the voice of Anne Boonchuy, a 13-year-old who’s magically transported to a fantastical rural marshland full of frog people—airing now on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.

Emmy® Nominations Across the Worlds of Disney

We’ve still gotta wait ’til Sunday, September 22, for the big 2019 Primetime Emmy® Awards bonanza—airing live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, if you’d like to mark those calendars now—but that means we’ve got a few more weeks to blissfully binge-watch all the incredible nominated content from across the worlds of Disney. See the list of nominees right here at D23.com!

Disney Skyliner Takes to the Walt Disney World Skies This September

If you’ve been following along with News Briefs for a while, you’ve no doubt seen that a truly unique, state-of-the-art transportation service is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. And just this week, our pals at the Disney Parks Blog have revealed that the Disney Skyliner is set to officially debut on September 29! Take a gander at this innovative gondola system in action in the new video, above.

The Disney Skyliner system will seamlessly transport Walt Disney World guests from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four resort hotels—Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort (slated to open this December). Each gondola features adorable graphics based on favorite Disney characters, films, and attractions… including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse (naturally!); Monsters, Inc. and Finding Dory; the Haunted Mansion; and many more.

Should you happen to be partaking of an incredible Walt Disney World vacation later this fall, don’t miss your chance to take flight!

Rock Out to Your Favorite Tunes at Spotify’s New Disney Hub

We here at D23 have curated a few awesome Spotify playlists—our fave is Disney Park Hype—but what about creating your own? Looking for deeper cuts? Or specific soundtracks that suit a very particular mood? (For instance: songs to get you hyped for a trip to a Disney park might not work for an intense AP History study session… )

How could you possibly find it all within such a vast musical treasure trove as Spotify? Here’s some good news: With the streaming service’s brand-new Disney Hub, those tunes are easier to find than ever before. Beginning this week, users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can search “Disney” on Spotify to find a designated hub for the music behind some of their favorite Disney movies and TV shows. Stream playlists full of everything from The Little Mermaid to modern favorites like Frozen… to Star Wars instrumentals and Marvel movie soundtracks … and a ton of Disney compilations that’ll help bring magic to your day-to-day.

So the next time you fire up Spotify, make sure to visit the Disney Hub!

Get Ready for The Lion King’s Worldwide Debut with New Featurette

In mere hours, we return to the Pride Lands in Disney’s The Lion King—and the excitement has grown from a mere growl to a mighty roar! Are you ready to reacquaint yourself with Simba and all his family and friends? Might we suggest taking a look at the all new featurette, above. We guarantee you’ll feel like you have “no worries” in no time…

Using incredible filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king is faced with betrayal and tragedy. But with the help of some newfound friends, he grows up to realize his rightful place in the circle of life. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner as Timon. Look for it in theaters beginning Friday, July 19.

Celebrate WE Day This August on ABC

For the uninitiated, WE is a family of organizations that “makes doing good doable”; founded by entrepreneurs Marc and Craig Kielburger, WE aims to empower domestic and international change, create socially conscious products to help support said change, and celebrate social good with gigantic, super-fun celebrations in stadiums around the world. And later this summer, one of those super-fun celebrations is coming to ABC!

Hosted by multi-hyphenate Neil Patrick Harris and airing Friday, August 9, at 8 p.m. ET, ABC’s WE Day special will honor the actions taken and positive impacts made by youth, families, and educators across the country who, together, are an unstoppable force for good. Take a look at the new trailer for the special, above.

WE Day will feature a cadre of incredible performers and celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Joe Jonas, Meghan Trainor, Natalie Portman, Lilly Singh, Chance the Rapper, and Mahershala Ali. Portions of the special were shot at WE Day California, which took place on April 25, 2019, at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood. Students and teachers in the crowd earned their ticket to the event by taking action on social issues through a global educational program called WE Schools.

Celebrating “doing good” and being thoroughly entertained at the same time… what’s not to love?

New Halloween Fun Just Around the Corner at Magic Kingdom Park

Okay, it’s true—there’s still plenty of summer merriment to be had before the kids go back to school and the weather starts to cool. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start planning some fabulous fall fun! And with Walt Disney World Resort’s recent announcement, our calendar is filling up fast…

Guests at Magic Kingdom park will once again get into the Halloween spirit when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (the super-popular separately ticketed event) returns, beginning August 16—and this year, it’ll feature a brand-new nighttime spectacular! Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will host Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, which is set to include incredible state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting, and fireworks filling the sky. The mayor of Halloweentown has come to tell the not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night… Jack’s ghost dog, Zero, then flies off carrying everyone along on a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Goofy) find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house—encountering dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts, and a bunch of Disney villains along the way.

But that’s not all: Several attractions across the park will receive brand-new Halloween enhancements just for the party, including a treat trail encounter with Monsters, Inc. favorites; a posse of adventurous live pirates outside Pirates of the Caribbean; and a hard-rockin’ new soundtrack for Space Mountain. And don’t forget about returning favorites like the fabulous Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show and the Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade.

For more information about 2019’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, visit the event’s page at DisneyWorld.com.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Makes Swan Song Appearance at San Diego Comic-Con

July 19, 2019

By Jim Frye

It was a double dose of bittersweet at the Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. panel in the cavernous Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, the giant fan and pop-culture convention now celebrating its 50th year. ABC’s popular series, based on characters first introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (or, more accurately, in Marvel comics), stars Clark Gregg as Phil Colson, an agent who leads a special forces-style team of agents on missions for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division—better known as S.H.I.E.L.D. It is the longest-running Marvel television series.

Just before the panel began, word broke that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. would conclude its epic run at the end of season seven. “It will be bittersweet saying goodbye to Marvel Television’s flagship series,” said Jeph Loeb, executive producer and Marvel’s head of Television. “Our success is a true testament to the extraordinary fans and we remain forever indebted to them for their endless support. We want to end on a very high note and complete the incredible saga after seven amazing seasons and 136 hours of quality television.”

What made it even more bittersweet—a double dose, in fact—is that, according to co-creator/executive producer Jed Whedon, the cast and crew were in the middle of filming the final episode. “We just found out about season seven being the last,” said Whedon, “which is why it’s even more emotional for most of the cast, because we’re shooting the final episode right now.”

“Today is really a celebration of the stories we told and an ending all of you deserve,” said Loeb, “because Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans rock.”

In addition to Gregg, cast members Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, and executive producers Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Jeffrey Bell participated in the panel, which was moderated by Jeph Loeb. It wasn’t just any panel—nope, it was special because Marvel gave fans a look back at six action-packed seasons of the series, complete with extensive video clips from each season. The season six finale of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Friday, August 2 (8 p.m. ET/PT).

“It’s just so remarkable that we made every episode in eight days and I don’t think we would have really forced ourselves in every department to do something so miraculous if it wasn’t for you guys,” said Wen to the fans in Hall H, holding back the tears. “It’s just to entertain you guys, but it is such a family and it’s so miraculous when I look back at it… It brings back a lot of memories.”

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was co-created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, who also serve as executive producers along with Jeffrey Bell and Jeph Loeb.

Disney Junior Announces Rocketeer Casting News to Make Your Spirit Soar

July 19, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Since Disney Junior first announced The Rocketeer, a new comedic adventure series inspired by the beloved superhero comic books from Dave Stevens, as well as Walt Disney Pictures’ 1991 film of the same name, we’ve been eager for every new detail. Today we’re flying high with some exciting casting news out of the Disney Television Animation panel at San Diego Comic-Con: Billy Campbell, who starred in the live-action film as Cliff Secord, is joining the cast of the animated series. Campbell will play Dave Secord, father of Kit Secord, who learns she’s secretly next in line to become The Rocketeer, a rocket-pack-wearing superhero who can fly.

“This is my first voice-acting job ever, and I’m thrilled that it’s for The Rocketeer,” said Campbell. “This has been a really nice full-circle moment for me, and I’m looking forward to introducing a new generation of kids, including my own, to the Rocketeer’s stories.”

But Campbell isn’t the only Disney fan-favorite we’ll hear in The Rocketeer’s voice cast. Kathy Najimy (Hocus Pocus) will voice Kit’s mother, Sareena Secord. Additionally, Kitana Turnbull (A Series of Unfortunate Events) stars as Kit, the young girl who takes on the mantle of the legendary superhero.

As Kit takes to the skies with her new gear (and her secret identity) to protect her town of Hughesville and its residents from danger, she’ll be aided by her best friend, Tesh (voiced by Callan Farris of Disney Channel’s upcoming Gabby Duran & The Unsittables); her bulldog sidekick, Butch; and her airplane mechanic grandfather, Ambrose Secord. It was revealed today that legendary voice actor Frank Welker (Scooby-Doo) will lend his voice to both Grandpa Ambrose and Butch. Navia Robinson (Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home) voices Kit’s flight school classmate, Valerie Valkyrie.

Fans can look forward to a host of recurring comedic villains, including Maria Bamford (Arrested Development) and Kari Wahlgren (DC Superhero Girls) as sister team, Laura and Harley; Maurice LaMarche (Futurama) as Sylvester Slapdash; Charlie Adler (The Transformers franchise) and Parvesh Cheena (Disney Junior’s upcoming Mira, Royal Detective) as The Great Orsino and Deany, respectively; and celebrity chef Ted Allen (Chopped) as Cast-Iron Chef.

Seven-time Emmy® Award nominee Nicole Dubuc (Transformers: Rescue Bots) developed the series and serves as executive producer. Michael Kenny (Disney’s Miles From Tomorrowland) is supervising director, Emmy Award-nominated Beau Black (Disney’s The Lion Guard) is the songwriter, and Annie Award-nominated Dominic Lewis (Disney’s DuckTales) is the composer. The series is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.

Favorite Series, Specials, and More Earn 116 Emmy® Nominations Across the Worlds of Disney

July 18, 2019

By Zach Johnson

In just a few months, Hollywood will roll out the red carpet as it celebrates the best in television. Nominations for the 2019 Primetime Emmy® Awards were announced yesterday from the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, and must-watch entertainment from Walt Disney Television, Hulu, and ESPN combined for 116 nods.

The winners will be revealed live September 22, 2019. A complete list of every Disney Emmy nomination is included below, and to view the entire list of Emmy nominees, visit Emmys.com.

Join us in congratulating this year’s nominees:

WALT DISNEY TELEVISION

Fosse/Verdon (FX Networks/Fox 21 Television Studios/FX Productions)—18 nominations

Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie: Sam Rockwell
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie: Michelle Williams
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie: Margaret Qualley
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special: Steven Levenson and Joel Fields
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special: Thomas Kail
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special: Jessica Yu
Outstanding Casting For A Limited Series, Movie Or Special
Outstanding Period Costumes
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Limited Series Or Movie
Outstanding Makeup For A Limited Series Or Movie (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or Special
Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More)
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Limited Series Or Movie
Outstanding Music Direction
Outstanding Music Supervision
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Limited Series Or Movie
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series

This Is Us (20th Century Fox Television)—9 nominations

Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Sterling K. Brown
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Milo Ventimiglia
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series: Mandy Moore
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series: Chris Sullivan
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series: Ron Cephas Jones
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series: Michael Angarano
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series: Phylicia Rashad
Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score): Siddhartha Khosla

The Oscars (ABC)—8 nominations

Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Special: Glenn Weiss
Outstanding Music Direction
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Series Or Special
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Special
Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within An Unscripted Program

Pose (FX Networks / Fox 21 Television Studios / FX Productions)—7 nominations

Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Billy Porter
Outstanding Casting For A Drama Series
Outstanding Period Costumes
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Single-Camera Series
Outstanding Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series

Free Solo (National Geographic)—7 nominations

Outstanding Directing For A Documentary/Nonfiction Program: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Picture Editing For A Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within An Unscripted Program
Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Nonfiction Program (Single Or Multi- Camera)
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi-Camera)

American Horror Story: Apocalypse (FX Networks/20th Century Fox Television)—5 nominations

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series: Jessica Lange
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Single-Camera Series
Outstanding Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or Special

Rent (20th Century Fox Television)—5 nominations

Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special
Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Special

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)—4 nominations

Outstanding Costumes For Variety, Nonfiction Or Reality Programming
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Series
Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic)

Shark Tank (ABC)—3 nominations

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Outstanding Directing For A Reality Program: Ken Fuchs
Outstanding Casting For A Reality Program

How to Get Away with Murder (ABC/ABC Studios)—3 nominations

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series: Viola Davis
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series: Glynn Turman
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series: Cicely Tyson

Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (ABC)—3 nominations

Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Special: James Burrows and Andy Fisher
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special

Hostile Planet (National Geographic)—3 nominations

Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series
Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction Program: Bruce Kennedy
Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)

Life Below Zero (National Geographic)—3 nominations

Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
Outstanding Cinematography For A Reality Program
Outstanding Picture Editing For An Unstructured Reality Program

black-ish (ABC/ABC Studios)—2 nominations

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series: Anthony Anderson
Outstanding Contemporary Costumes

The Simpsons (20th Century Fox Television)—2 nominations

Outstanding Animated Program
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Hank Azaria

Family Guy (20th Century Fox Television)—2 nominations

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Seth MacFarlane
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Alex Borstein

What We Do in the Shadows (FX Networks)—2 nominations

Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour)
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC/ABC Studios)—1 nomination

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

The Conners (ABC)—1 nomination

Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing For A Comedy Series

Bob’s Burgers (20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination

Outstanding Animated Program

Modern Family (ABC/20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation

The Orville (20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination

Outstanding Special Visual Effects

Rel (20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination

Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-Camera Series

Star Wars Resistance (Disney Channel)—1 nomination

Outstanding Children’s Program

The Floor (National Geographic)—1 nomination

Outstanding Narrator

Savage Kingdom (National Geographic)—1 nomination

Outstanding Narrator

ESPN

30 for 30—1 nomination

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series

Hulu

The Handmaid’s Tale—11 nominations

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Bradley Whitford
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Cherry Jones
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

The Act—2 nominations

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series: Joey King
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Patricia Arquette

Catch-22—2 nominations

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Limited Series, Movie or Special

Castle Rock—1 nomination

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music

Fyre Fraud—1 nomination

Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program

I Love You, America With Sarah Silverman—1 nomination

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series

Minding the Gap—1 nomination

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special

PEN15—1 nomination

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

9 Tales That Made Us Roar at The Lion King Press Conference

July 17, 2019July 18, 2019

By Zach Johnson

The recent Lion King global press conference in Beverly Hills began much like the movie itself, with Lebo M belting the iconic Zulu lyrics from “The Circle of Life.” Joined by soloist Clydene Jackson and a talented choir, it was a celebratory introduction fit for a king—a lion king, that is.

Moments after bringing the room to its feet with the lively performance, Lebo M reappeared onstage alongside the cast and filmmakers behind the new version of The Lion King. For the next 45 minutes, director Jon Favreau and composer Hans Zimmer—both to be inducted as Disney Legends at D23 Expo 2019—and voice talent Donald Glover (Simba), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Alfre Woodward (Sarabi), Billy Eichner (Timon), Seth Rogen (Zazu), JD McCrary (Young Simba), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Young Nala), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari), Florence Kasumba (Shenzi), Eric Andre (Azizi), and John Kani (Rafiki) shared their memories of the original film, how it feels to be part of the all-new Lion King and other “tales.” Rounding out the voice cast is John Oliver as Zazu, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala and James Earl Jones (also a new Disney Legend honoree) returning as Mufasa.

Except for one photographic shot, The Lion King was entirely computer animated. “Everything else was built from scratch by artists,” Favreau said, adding, “It’s nice to look at technology as an invitation for things to progress. I think there’s a balance between innovation and tradition.”

Before The Lion King opens in theaters July 19, enjoy nine highlights from the press conference:

1. Creating 2019’s The Lion King was a team effort. Between helming The Jungle Book and The Lion King, Favreau estimated he spent six years working “back-to-back” on two of Disney’s most iconic and beloved film properties. “I’ve been working about three years on this one, and a lot of them have been working for the same amount of time because they came in when it was pencils,” he said, tipping his hat to the actors. “It was a huge leap of faith for this fantastic cast.” Repeatedly, Favreau also emphasized the cast’s contributions. “This wasn’t something where I’d been toiling away alone; these people were all collaborators and filmmakers along with me.”

2. A virtual reality game was developed exclusively for the cast and crew. “It was so cool!” raved McCrary. “It’s like watching your favorite movie, but you’re in it! You are in the movie!” Favreau wanted to give the voice actors a sense of the world their characters would inhabit, and his strategy paid off. “Gaming and filmmaking, it’s all overlapping so much,” Favreau said. “Oftentimes when new technology comes online, it disrupts an industry. But with just a little bit of effort, we were able to build around the way filmmakers and film crews [already] work.”

“We put on the headsets, we had these controllers in our hands, and were flying! It was like we were Zazu,” McCrary said. “We saw everything! We saw the Pride Lands, we saw Pride Rock, we saw the watering hole, we saw the elephant graveyard. We saw it all, man! It was so cool! So cool!”

3. Many of Timon and Pumbaa’s lines were ad-libbed. “It was a lot of improvisation—right, Billy?” Rogen asked his co-star. “We were actually together every time we recorded, which is a very rare gift… I think you can really tell we’re playing off each other.” Rogen was especially impressed with how they “captured” Eichner’s comedic sensibilities in Timon, the wise-cracking meerkat. “He essentially played himself on a TV show for years and this character is more Billy than that character somehow,” he shared. “His character specifically makes me laugh so hard!”

“I wish I was as cute in real life as I am in the movie,” Eichner quipped. “The Timon they designed is so adorable, and I think the juxtaposition of my personality in that little Timon body really works.” Like Rogen, Eichner was “shocked” by how much of their riffing made the final cut. “I think it works,” he added, “and I think it feels very unique to other movies in this genre.”

4. Rafiki is a dream role for John Kani, one of South Africa’s biggest stars. “The wonderful thing about it is we’re almost the same age; we’re both over 75, so we’ve both lived it,” he said. “And I’m very grateful to you, Jon; he doesn’t look like me, but he is like me, which is fantastic.”

5. Azizi and Kamari’s codependency is no accident. “Jon has an encyclopedic knowledge of all different types of comedy. One of those pieces of knowledge is about comedic duos and the dynamic that exists between them,” Key said. “We had a very similar experience to Billy and Seth. We were allowed to walk around the room. It was as if we were being directed in a scene in a play.” Key’s co-star shared that sentiment. “I was in good hands with Jon. It was a nurturing environment—and that made it very easy, because I’m very, very sensitive,” Andre said with a laugh. All kidding aside, Key said he especially enjoyed the “refinement” process. “I’d have my headphones on and I would say to Jon, ‘Now, are we looking for Fibber McGee and Molly here or Abbott and Costello? What are you looking for?’ He’d go, ‘I’m actually looking for a little bit of Laurel and Hardy with an explosion at the end, but then make it a little ‘[Judd] Apatowian’ for me.’”

6. Two of the voice actresses originated their roles in the Broadway musical. Kasumba and Wright Joseph had performed onstage as Shenzi and Young Nala, respectively, before Favreau cast them in the film. “I was lucky that I already got to play the part in Germany for more than a year,” Kasumba said. “It’s like muscle memory, because I got to play her every day.” However, in the film, Shenzi is darker and less dimwitted. “I realized this is way more dangerous and more serious,” she recalled. Recording with Andre and McCrary helped her rediscover the character, she added. “Because everybody was very confident, we could try out things. We could walk around each other, we could scare each other, and we could scream. Be loud, be big, be small!”

“On Broadway, everything’s a little bit more structured,” Wright Joseph said, echoing her co-star’s sentiments. “You have to follow direction, which is cool. But in the new Lion King, I loved how Jon gave JD and me a bunch of freedom, especially with Pharrell Williams [who produced five songs on the soundtrack] and Hans. We also had freedom in the booth. He was like, ‘You can riff or do whatever. Just make it fun!’ I wasn’t used to that, but it was amazing.”

7. Glover’s son might be a bigger Lion King fan than the actor himself. Before the world premiere at L.A.’s Dolby Theatre, Glover “didn’t tell him anything” about his involvement. “It’s his favorite movie, so I was like, ‘I’ll just wait until he gets there.’ Somehow he found out about it, but he still didn’t know I was in it. He was just like, ‘Oh, the one with Beyoncé?’” Eventually, he laughed, it clicked: “During the movie he was like, ‘Oh! Dad’s in it, too? This is great! Bonus!’”

8. The Lion King proudly celebrates its fierce female characters in the pride. “It is called The Lion King, but everyone knows the lionesses are actually the rulers, the protectors, the nurturers, and the hunters of the pride,” Woodard clarified. “Jon gave us the space to be that.”

9. One of The Lion King’s funniest moments references another iconic film. “There’s a gag that references another Disney property. They do that in the stage show; they threw in a joke about Frozen that must have happened after Frozen came on Broadway,” said Favreau, careful not to spoil the joke. “We doff the cap to another live-action adaptation of a Disney animated classic.”

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Celebrates its 1 Millionth Rider!

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

ABC’s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to Conclude After Seventh Season

Kermit the Frog and Disney Channel’s Amphibia: A Match Made in Marshland

Emmy® Nominations Across the Worlds of Disney

Disney Skyliner Takes to the Walt Disney World Skies This September

Rock Out to Your Favorite Tunes at Spotify’s New Disney Hub

Get Ready for The Lion King’s Worldwide Debut with New Featurette

Celebrate WE Day This August on ABC

New Halloween Fun Just Around the Corner at Magic Kingdom Park

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