Disney Destiny Will Bring Stories of Legendary Disney Heroes and Villains to Life

Disney Cruise Line revealed the first details about its next ship, the Disney Destiny, as it reached a new construction milestone today with a keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

With the good luck garnered by this maritime tradition, this ship of legends and lore is beginning to take shape.

The design theme of the Disney Destiny, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will be “Heroes and Villains,” drawing on the legacy of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions, to forge a cruise vacation that will empower guests to embrace their own calling aboard every unforgettable voyage.

Concept art shows the Disney Destiny ship sailing in the ocean.

The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose, when developing the Disney Destiny.

Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike—including those from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios stories like The Lion King, Hercules, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians—within the spaces, experiences and entertainment throughout their voyage.

To embody and embolden the theme, Disney also unveiled brand-new filigree artwork for the bow of the Disney Destiny, continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line design tradition. The illustration depicts Minnie Mouse striking a valiant pose in a heroic ensemble, her cape waving majestically in the sea breeze as she boldly leads guests toward their vacation destinies.

The gold Disney Destiny Bow filigree is set against a black backdrop.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising as we offer even more ways for families to experience Disney magic and world-class service at sea.”

The Disney Destiny is scheduled for delivery in 2025 as part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Disney Adventure that will homeport in Singapore, and the new island destination in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

A gold Disney Destiny Keel coin sits in the sand.

Behind the Scenes of Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97

By Zach Johnson

The wait is over, bub.

Set a few months after the events of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–97), Marvel Animation's X-Men '97 finds the beloved team of Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase), Jean Grey (voiced by Jennifer Hale), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Beast (voiced by George Buza), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Jubilee (voiced by Holly Chou), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), and Nightcrawler (voiced by Adrian Hough) back in action—except now, they're struggling with the loss of Professor X and pondering their own futures.

"The X-Men are a team that protects a world that hates and fears them," says executive producer Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation for Marvel Studios. "There's always a double-edged sword when it comes to mutants' place in society."

Jubilee generates rainbow pyrotechnic energy plasmoids from her hands. She is in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by other humans.

One of the X-Men's greatest adversaries, Magneto (voiced by Matthew Waterson)—the self-proclaimed master of magnetism—has devoted his mutant life trying to protect the less fortunate. But in Professor X's absence, he has been charged with leading the X-Men and fostering a peaceful coexistence. "Some humans have come around and learned to live in harmony with mutantkind," Winderbaum says. "Some mutants have come around—like Magneto, who wants to uphold Xavier's vision of the future. However, some factions of society still hate and fear the mutants, which leads to a number of problems for the team."

Not only does X-Men '97 feature plenty of action and adventure, but it also shines a light on more serious topics—just as the groundbreaking X-Men: The Animated Series did. "We explore bigger themes that deal with inclusiveness, racism, social justice, civil rights—everything that, frankly, was in the bedrock of the characters in the comics that [Disney Legends] Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created," says Winderbaum. "The Chris Claremont run in the comics is also very much at the heart of this story and is extremely important. At its core, this is a soap opera. It's a story about characters who are volatile when they're put together, who are in trying situations due to living in a society that doesn't embrace them."

Rogue flies through orange and yellow clouds.

From Loki's Kate Herron to The Marvels' Nia DaCosta, X-Men: The Animated Series was formative in that it introduced many future Marvel Studios filmmakers to a world of multi-dimensional heroes and villains. By all accounts, X-Men '97seems poised to do the same. "Across the board, the project that's been mentioned more than any other as a creative touchstone when we meet with filmmakers is X-Men: The Animated Series," Winderbaum says. "That's certainly true for me. It was the first time I ever saw anything serialized on television. Even though I was maybe 9 or 10 years old at the time, it never felt like it was talking down to me; it treated me like an adult. It had themes that resonated with me. I remember feeling real emotion when certain things would happen—like Morph's death in the first episode. I think about that all the time, the way that made me feel. It was an important show for a lot of a lot of people—for a lot of filmmakers—in my generation."

Stream the first two episodes of Marvel Animation's X-Men '97 now on Disney+. A new episode will debut each Wednesday leading up to the Season 1 finale, streaming May 15.

Everything Just Announced About D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

Disney fans around the world will once again gather in Anaheim, California, from August 9 through 11, 2024, for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, a one-of-a-kind experience showcasing the unparalleled storytelling and innovation from across The Walt Disney Company.

This year, D23 has been revamped to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love from across the worlds of Disney at an amazing value. With returning fan favorites and new surprises, this extraordinary event will feature three days of marquee showcases and presentations, an expanded show floor with the latest from Disney brands and partners, increased shopping opportunities, and a week-long celebration of Disney fandom leading up to the event.

Today, we shared a sneak peek at programming, logistics, ticketing, and D23 Member benefits in anticipation for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT’S NEW

  • Three nights of marquee showcases at the Honda Center
  • D23 Day at Angel Stadium on Sunday, August 4
  • D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday, August 8
  • The largest, most expansive show floor in D23 history
  • Expanded shopping experience
  • D23 Fan-tastic Prizes Sweepstakes—the biggest sweepstakes in Disney history

EVENT PROGRAMMING

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort
Thursday, August 8

Before the magic of Disney comes to life during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, guests can kick off the weekend’s festivities at the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will welcome ticketed D23 fans from rope drop to late night, featuring unique offerings for fans, including a custom cavalcade, an energetic dance party, special photo opportunities, and more.

Disney Junior will also join the festivities and host a music-filled celebration at Disney California Adventure Park. And, starting Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Downtown Disney District guests will find special offers, décor, and magical moments. Disney Junior festivities will also extend through Sunday, August 11, at the Downtown Disney District.

Admission to both theme parks is available for purchase to all Disney fans. Regular theme park admission prices apply and theme park reservations will be required. Guests can visit disneyland.disney.go.com for all ticket options and other details.

Honda Center

This year we’re introducing a new venue for some of our programming, showcasing the best of Disney storytelling and innovation. For the first time ever, the Honda Center will be home to three nights of marquee showcases—Disney Entertainment, Disney Experiences, and Disney Legends—allowing us to bring bigger shows with more magic to the biggest audience of Disney fans in the world.

Disney Entertainment Showcase
Friday, August 9 – 7:00 p.m.
Honda Center

Enjoy the magic of Disney Entertainment in a star-studded showcase featuring the best of Disney storytelling onstage and onscreen. Get an exclusive look at the movies, series, and shows fans love, and a glimpse into what to look forward to from Disney’s film studios, television and streaming services, live stage shows on Broadway, and beyond. Join some favorite stars as they give a peek behind the curtain at upcoming projects, never-before-seen footage and art, surprise announcements and special guests, musical performances, and exclusive new content coming to the big screen, to smaller screens, and to the stage… all from Disney Entertainment.

Disney Experiences Showcase
Saturday, August 10 – 7:00 p.m.
Honda Center

Join Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a special showcase featuring the latest on new and highly anticipated projects in development around the world for Disney Parks, experiences, and beyond. With global announcements, special surprises, and showstopping performances, this will be a show that the biggest Disney fans won’t want to miss.

The Disney Legends logo in gold text against a black background. Sparkles and gold lines surround the text.

Disney Legends Ceremony
Sunday, August 11 – 5:00 p.m.
Honda Center

Ryan Seacrest will host this special ceremony to celebrate the 2024 class of Disney Legends—14 individuals who have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy. Filmmakers, Imagineers, artists, writers, and other magic makers will be honored in a spectacular award show featuring special performances and special guests. This year, the Walt Disney Archives is honoring Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.

Show Floor

The Anaheim Convention Center will once again showcase the best of Disney storytelling and innovation with an immersive show floor full of great experiences and activities. This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to redesign and expand the immersive show floor.

Fan-favorites will return to the show floor, including pavilions from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney+, Marvel Studios, Disney Experiences, Lucasfilm, and a first-of-its-kind exhibition from the Walt Disney Archives titled “A Great Big Beautiful Car Show." Throughout the exhibition, the Archives will display some of the most iconic—and more than a few unusual—vehicles from beloved stories across the many worlds of Disney that have traveled on the big screen, television, and even down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park. Along with the pavilions, fans can experience returning favorites such as photo spots, interactive displays, pin trading, and concessions.

Shopping

Fans can take advantage of great shopping opportunities including a dedicated space to shop and experience limited-edition merchandise and collectibles. Other fan-favorite shopping destinations will return including Mickey’s of Glendale, The Hollywood Studio Store, and The Emporium. Plus, The Walt Disney Company Store will make its debut and feature exclusive D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event branded products.  

Presentations

The word “Mousequerade” is written in all lowercase, sparkly white text. Below the word is a needle running parallel to the text, with sparkles coming out of the needle’s tip. A thread is run through the needle’s eye and is wound into the shape of a three-circle Mickey Mouse head. The image is against a dark blue, starry background.

Each day at the Anaheim Convention Center, attendees will have the opportunity to attend specially curated shows, panels, presentations, and conversations with storytellers, creators, and talent from across The Walt Disney Company. These daytime presentations will feature distinctly Disney content that will entertain fans of all generations on five different stages:

  • This year, D23 is bringing back the big Anaheim Convention Center arena to accommodate even more fans for spectacular entertainment and productions on the Premiere Stage. The fan-favorite ultimate costume contest, Mousequerade, will return to this stage once again as a host of celebrity judges critique the most incredible handmade costumes designed and created by D23 fans. Registration for Mousequerade is now open.
  • An expanded Walt Disney Archives Stage will host a variety of panels, creative discussions, and engaging presentations that will speak to many aspects of Disney history, spanning the entire legacy of The Walt Disney Company. Session topics include Walt’s famous trip to Latin America in the 1940s, hosted conversations with members of the newest class of Disney Legends, and more.
  • The Hyperion and Backlot Stages will offer more niche and intimate sessions for guests to enjoy.
  • New this year, the Spotlight Stage will be located on the main show floor for deeper conversations with stars and storytellers as well as interactive entertainment for fans throughout the day.

D23 Fan-tastic Prizes Sweepstakes

Fans can also enter an unparalleled sweepstakes, one of the most expansive in Disney history.  D23: The Ultimate Disney Sweepstakes – FANtastic Prizes is a spectacular lineup of exclusive prizes and engaging experiences that only Disney can deliver! One of the spectacular prizes includes a sailing on the seven-night maiden voyage of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Treasure.*

Additional Opportunities

Throughout the week leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, fans can also enjoy additional opportunities to celebrate their fandom:

The left half of the image features Angel Stadium during an orange and red sunset, with the haloed A logo of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the upper left corner. The right side of the image features the words “D23 Day August 4, 2024, Angel Stadium” in white text against a blue background partially shaped to look like Mickey ears. The text and shapes behind it are against a red background the same color as the Angels logo.

D23 Day at Angel Stadium
Sunday, August 4

CR4155_TUDFE_anaheimbobblehead_mockup (1)

The first ever D23 Day at Angel Stadium will take place on Sunday, August 4, 2024, as the Angels take on the New York Mets. The stadium will come to life with D23 fun, including special trivia, photo spots, and more. The first 23,000 fans in the gate will also receive a commemorative and one-of-a-kind D23 Mickey Mouse bobblehead. Specially priced tickets are on sale now for D23 Members.

Image of the event name D23 Night at the Anaheim Packing District with the Anaheim Packing District Est. 1919 logo on a blue gradient background.

Anaheim Meet-Up
Tuesday, August 6 at 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, August 6, fans can meet up for a “D23 Night” at the Anaheim Packing District in the heart of Downtown Anaheim to enjoy local foods, drinks, trivia, and special D23 touches. No ticket is required; fans can mix and mingle and get ready for the week ahead! D23 will also be partnering with Ravensburger to create a game night integration where Fans can learn to play the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game or try out some of their other games like Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil and Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition). More details to follow in the coming months.

Image of Jack-Jack, waving one hand and smiling in a red onesie. Disney. Pixar. The Incredibles 20th Anniversary, Outdoor Screening, Pearson Park Amphitheatre, Anaheim, California. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, A Til Events Production.

The Incredibles Screening
Wednesday, August 7 at 8:00 p.m.

D23, in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, will present an outdoor screening of The Incredibles to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event will take place at Pearson Park Amphitheater in Downtown Anaheim. Tickets are available here.

TICKETING INFORMATION

To allow for fans to have as much flexibility and choice as possible when it comes to accessing the many opportunities at multiple venues throughout the weekend, D23 is offering several ticketing options that allow fans to build the itinerary that works best for them at a great value:

  • D23 Ultimate Fan Pass 3-Day Ticket includes a 3-day assigned seat for evening shows at the Honda Center and 3-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $297/ticket.
  • D23 Ultimate Fan Pass 1-Day Ticket includes a reserved seat for that day’s evening show at the Honda Center and same-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $99/ticket.
  • D23 Preferred Ultimate Fan Pass 3-Day Ticket, which is exclusive to D23 Gold Members, includes a 3-day floor seat for evening shows at the Honda Center (same seat each night), and 3-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $999/ticket.
  • D23 Fan Pass provides access to the Anaheim Convention Center only:
    • 1-Day Pass
      • Gold Members: $79/ticket
      • General Members: $89/ticket
    • 3-Day Pass
      • Gold Members: $209/ticket
      • General Members: $259/ticket

For each ticketing tier, including the D23 Gold Member Exclusive Preferred Ultimate Fan Pass (3-day only), D23 Ultimate Fan Pass (1-day or 3-day), or D23 Fan Pass (1-day or 3-day), guests can purchase up to 8 total passes.

D23 Gold Members will have first access to a limited number of 1-day and 3-day tickets for a limited time beginning March 26, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT. D23 Gold and General Members who are also Visa cardholders—and who pay with their Visa—will have pre-sale access to a limited number of 1-day and 3-day tickets, for a limited time, beginning March 27, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets for all D23 Gold and General Members will go on sale beginning March 28, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT, while supplies last. Attendees must be a D23 Member to purchase tickets. Fans can join as a complimentary General Member or upgrade to Gold Membership on D23.com.

Limited edition D23 Event 2024 merchandise. Available for purchase with tickets only.

D23 GOLD MEMBER BENEFITS

In addition to an exclusive pre-sale window and discounted tickets, D23 Gold Members will also have access to additional benefits, discounts, and offers from various groups across the show floor and throughout Downtown Disney. D23 Charter Members who joined D23 in 2009 will have exclusive access to a private lounge off the show floor. And, for the first time ever, D23 Gold Members attending the event will receive a commemorative and collectible pin.

TRANSPORTATION

Fans will have access to several transportation options to maximize their time at the different venues. Complimentary round-trip shuttle service will be available between the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center before and after the evening shows. Parking at the Anaheim Convention Center will also be available as it has been in previous years on a first come, first served basis. Additional transportation and parking details will be provided closer to the event.

RESERVATIONS AND STANDBY QUEUES

The advance reservation system for most panels, presentations, and shows at the Anaheim Convention Center will be expanded to allow guests to make reservation selections for up to 8 total guests to include their entire party. New this year, guests will have the opportunity to add, modify, or cancel their reservations before the event. Standby queues will be available at all stage venues for guests who do not receive a reservation for panels or presentations, as well as Talent Central, and for most experiences across the show floor. For the health and safety of all guests, overnight queuing is not available for the event and will not be allowed around the perimeter of the Anaheim Convention Center or the Honda Center.

For the latest news on D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, visit https://ultimatefanevent.d23.com/. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18+, who are current D23 Members (D23 General Plan is free). Void where prohibited. Begins 7/8/24 and ends 8/11/24. For Official Rules including prize and odds, visit fantasticprizes.d23.com.

Meet the 2024 Class of Disney Legends

For nearly four decades, the Disney Legends Awards program has honored gifted animators, Imagineers, songwriters, actors, business leaders, and more for the significant impact they’ve had on the Disney legacy. This year, we’ll be honoring the 2024 class of Disney Legends during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Sunday, August 11, at 5 p.m. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this ceremony will celebrate the new class and look back at their many contributions to Disney magic.

The Disney Legends program, a treasured tradition of The Walt Disney Company, began with inaugural inductee Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The Disney Legends, Class of 2024, stand in a line onstage at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, flanked by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

Magical Moments from 2024 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at D23

READ NOW

The 2024 Disney Legends Award Honorees are:

Colleen Atwood

Colleen Atwood
For Colleen Atwood, designing costumes for movies both fantastical and fabulous is like creating her own Wonderland. This prolific costume designer has been nominated for an Academy Award® a dozen times and has won four Oscars, including for her visually evocative work in Alice in Wonderland (2010).

Born in Ellensburgh, Washington, Colleen briefly studied painting at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Working in high fashion retail at designer boutiques, her strong sense of visual style enabled her start as a fashion advisor. Through that world, Colleen was offered an unexpected opportunity to be a production assistant in the art department on Ragtime (1981). In New York, she was fortunate enough to align with many filmmakers such as Jonathan Demme, Michael Apted, and Michael Mann.

Colleen was then introduced to filmmaker Tim Burton—and soon would be Burton’s “go to” costume designer. Their first film together, Edward Scissorhands, was the first of 12 Burton movies she designed costumes for, including Disney’s live-action reimagining of Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Dumbo (2019). The upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) will mark the creative duo’s 13th collaboration.

For the over 50 films and TV series she’s costumed, many of them center on visually stunning imaginary environments that call for a lot of world-building. It’s Colleen’s ability to cross and blend genres in her approach to character costuming that has enabled her work in such fantastic films as Planet of the Apes (2001), Into the Woods (2014), Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), Lady and the Tramp (2019), and The Little Mermaid (2023). 

 

Photo by D’Andre Michael
Photo by D’Andre Michael

Angela Bassett
It takes a strong woman to portray a strong female character, and Angela Bassett fits the bill. From her breakout role as single mother Reva Devereaux in John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood (1991), to her portrayal of fierce Queen Ramonda of Wakanda in Marvel’s Black Panther films, Angela’s unmistakable voice, signature delivery, and grand presence command immediate attention.

Born in New York City, Angela lived in North Carolina until the age of four, when her family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. The first Black student attending Boca Ciega High School to be admitted to the National Honors Society, Angela went on to Yale, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in African American Studies in 1980 and a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama in 1983. In 1988, she moved to Los Angeles.

Angela has portrayed many real-life characters, including Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, but it was her powerful portrayal of Tina Turner in Touchstone’s What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993) that earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award® nomination and a Golden Globe® for Best Actress, making her the first Black performer to win this category. She received two Emmy nominations for outstanding narrator for National Geographic’s The Flood (2018) and the Disney+ docuseries The Imagineering Story (2019), and was nominated for her second Academy Award, this time in the Best Supporting Actress category, for the role of Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). She is also the star and executive producer of the hit ABC drama 9-1-1; voiced Dorothea Williams in Disney and Pixar’s Oscar-winning animated feature Soul (2020); and received an Honorary Academy Award in 2024.

Disney Legend Martha Blanding sports shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a blue and patterned shawl with a Disneyland name tag, smiles while standing in front of a background of shops and buildings.

Martha Blanding
Martha Blanding helped put the “happy” in The Happiest Place on Earth. As the first-ever full-time Black Tour Guide, Martha personified the philosophy of creating happiness for others while embodying the principles of hospitality and courtesy Walt Disney sought to establish for Disneyland cast members.

A proud native of South Central Los Angeles, Martha was studying to become a teacher when she decided to take a chance working at Disneyland in 1971. Hired as a Tour Guide, she quickly attained full-time status and, within a year, climbed the ladder to become a VIP Hostess—touring such notables as Diana Ross, Elton John (who would later become a Disney Legend), Olivia Newton-John, Cary Grant, and Cher, plus domestic and international government officials, including a delegation from the USSR.

Martha later became the first-ever Black female in management at Disneyland (and one of the first Black management members at The Walt Disney Company), as an expert merchandise, candy, and film buyer for nine years, and eventually as the senior manager of Disneyland Resort Merchandise Special Events. In this role, she worked with world-renowned artisans, celebrities, and Disney Legends. She also became a pioneering producer of the Official Disneyana Convention, a forerunner of today’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. 

A co-founder of PULSE, an employee resource group for Black cast members, Martha routinely served as a trusted mentor to fellow employees. Adding to her many “firsts” during her groundbreaking career before retiring in 2022, Martha also became the first Black employee to commemorate 50 years with The Walt Disney Company—and now she becomes the first Black Disney Parks employee designated a Disney Legend.

James L. Brooks, a Disney Legend, is smiling and looking slightly upwards. He is wearing glasses and has a beard and mustache.

James L. Brooks
Acclaimed for character-driven, writer-centric projects that deftly combine comedy and poignancy—such as 20th Century’s Broadcast News (1987)—James L. Brooks is a TV and film icon responsible for some of the most beloved entertainment projects of all time. Jim made one of the most impressive directorial debuts in film history with Terms of Endearment (1983), for which the multi-hyphenate took home three Oscars® for writing, producing, and directing.

Growing up in New Jersey, Jim’s career trajectory kicked-off as a writer for CBS News in New York. When he moved to Los Angeles in 1965, a chance meeting with established writer Allan Burns led to his writing for television comedies—and before long, he created the groundbreaking ABC series Room 222 in 1969 and Taxi in 1978.

In 1986, Jim founded his production company, Gracie Films, where he and his team are trailblazers in the world of television. At Jim’s invitation, Matt Groening created animated interstitials for the company’s The Tracey Ullman Show featuring a dysfunctional family that led to a full-fledged animated series—the first since the 1960s: The Simpsons, in 1989. The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, The Simpsons quickly exploded into a cultural phenomenon.

Currently in its 35th season, The Simpsons has won 37 Emmy® Awards. Jim also co-produced and co-wrote The Simpsons Movie in 2007. He continues to serve as executive producer of the misadventures of the animated citizens of Springfield, and maintains that the series has not outlived its popularity—especially now with it streaming on Disney+. He’s currently working on his next feature film for 20th Century Studios, Ella McCay.

 

James Cameron

James Cameron
James Cameron is an acclaimed filmmaker, ocean explorer, and environmental advocate. As director, writer, and producer, he’s responsible for some of the world’s most memorable films—including The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989), Titanic (1997), Avatar (2009), and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), the latter three being among the four highest-grossing films of all time. Titanic alone won 11 Oscars®, including James’ for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Editing. He is currently in post-production on Avatar 3, and in pre-production on Avatar 4 and 5.

Teaming up with Walt Disney Imagineering in 2011, he helped to steer the creation of an Avatar-inspired area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The result, Pandora – The World of Avatar, is an area which immerses guests in an interactive environment that brings the world of the film series to life, and features the popular attractions Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

Under his Earthship Productions banner, James has produced 12 documentaries, including six about Titanic, as well as three other deep ocean exploration films—most in partnership with National Geographic. He executive produces National Geographic’s Secrets series, including the Emmy® Award-winning Secrets of the Whales and Emmy-nominated Secrets of the Elephants, with Octopus launching on Earth Day 2024. He also executive produced the OceanXplorers series, due in fall 2024 from National Geographic.

Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis sports short silver hair, wearing subtle makeup and small stud earrings, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression against a plain grey background.

Jamie Lee Curtis
Born in Santa Monica, California, to Hollywood power couple Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis excelled as a performer early on—winning people over with her exuberant personality. Originally planning to major in law enforcement, an acting manager suggested Jamie Lee try auditioning. To her surprise, she was signed to a contract at Universal, one of the last performers to be so engaged. She was later cast as iconic “Scream Queen” Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s thrilling classic Halloween (1978), establishing her trajectory as a bona fide movie star.

The Oscar® winner has demonstrated her versatility with a variety of captivating roles over her career, including suburban housewife-turned-international-spy Helen Tasker in True Lies (1994), and no-nonsense mom Tess Coleman in Disney’s remake of the classic body-swap comedy Freaky Friday (2003). In 2023, Jamie Lee returned to both Disney and the macabre genre to portray the legendary Madame Leota in Haunted Mansion, inspired by the classic Disneyland theme park attraction. The author of 13 best-selling books, all exploring core childhood issues, she is also the founder and CEO of My Hand In Yours™—a charitable organization that offers comfort and celebratory gifts where 100% of every sale is donated directly to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

For her many performances, Jamie Lee has received a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globes®, and nominations for a Primetime Emmy® and a Grammy®. Most recently, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).

Photo by Noua Unu Studio
Photo by Noua Unu Studio

Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is an award-winning superstar singer, songwriter, and actress, who first rose to fame as a Disney Channel sensation.

Miley started her acting career at 8 years old—and at 13, she auditioned for the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. The series premiered in March 2006 to the largest audience for a Disney Channel Original Series, drawing an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode. A 2007 episode of the series still ranks as the highest-rated basic cable series telecast ever, with 10.7 million total viewers.

She embarked on her wildly popular “Best of Both Worlds Tour” in 2007, and in 2008, she voiced the character of Penny in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature Bolt. For the film, Miley earned a Golden Globe® Award nomination for Best Original Song (“I Thought I Lost You”). The following year, she would take center stage once again as the lead in Hannah Montana: The Movie, which included the hit song “The Climb.”

2023 saw the release of Miley’s new album, Endless Summer Vacation, which inspired the documentary concert special Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), airing on Disney+. At the 66th Annual Grammy® Awards in 2024, Miley was honored with her first-ever wins for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. At just 31 years old, Miley is now the youngest honoree ever to be named a Disney Legend.

Steve Ditko

Steve Ditko
Originally hailing from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Steve Ditko’s love for comics began at a young age. After serving in the U.S. Army, where he drew comics for the Army newsletter, one of his idols, Batman artist Jerry Robinson, became his mentor. By the early 1950s, Steve’s first work appeared in print, and shortly thereafter he made his way to Atlas Comics—the precursor of Marvel Comics.

The artist would quickly leave his mark, leading Stan Lee to rechristen Amazing Adventures as Amazing Adult Fantasy (later Amazing Fantasy) to showcase Steve’s talents. In 1962, that collaboration led to one of the most popular comic book characters of all time. The introduction of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15 stands as one of the landmarks of both Steve’s career and Marvel history.

Steve went on to co-create most of Spider-Man’s now-infamous rogues’ gallery and re-envisioned many of Marvel’s iconic characters to what we know today. He redesigned Iron Man’s armor into the popular red-and-gold design, and in the Hulk comics, he codified Bruce Banner’s transformations to be a function of his anger. It is perhaps with Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, that Steve truly expressed his visionary impulses—the early stories in Strange Tales could only have come from the mind of Steve Ditko. He left Marvel to pursue other work in 1966 but returned in 1979. In the 1990s, Steve helped to co-create all-new characters, including Speedball and Squirrel Girl.

One of the greatest artist-writer talents in comic book history, Steve’s imagination and creative vision changed the comics industry and super hero storytelling forever.

 

Photo by Alexi Lubomirski
Photo by Alexi Lubomirski

Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford has portrayed some of the most iconic action heroes to ever burn up the big screen. After appearing in a small but impressive role in American Graffiti (1973), directed by fellow Disney Legend George Lucas, Harrison proved to be perfect for the role of Han Solo, cynical smuggler and captain of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). He would go on to portray Han in all three episodes of the original Star Wars trilogy. Harrison also stars as the titular character in the blockbuster Indiana Jones films.

Over his decades-long career, Harrison has been widely honored for his many contributions to the film industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Cecil B. DeMille Award, the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2023 was the recipient of an honorary Palme d’Or from the Cannes Film Festival.

Some of his most notable film credits include an Oscar®-nominated performance in Witness (1985), along with Blade Runner (1982), 20th Century’s Working Girl (1988), Presumed Innocent (1990), Patriot Games (1992), The Fugitive (1993), Clear and Present Danger (1994), Sabrina (1995), Air Force One (1997), Touchstone Pictures’ Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), What Lies Beneath (2000), Morning Glory (2010), 42(2013), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and 20th Century Studios’ The Call of the Wild (2020). Harrison also stars in the hit television shows 1923 and Shrinking.

More recently, Harrison returned to a couple of his most celebrated roles. For the fourth time in the film series, he portrayed Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and once again donned Indy’s fedora in the fifth Indiana Jones installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). Harrison will also appear as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the Marvel Studios live-action adventure Captain America: Brave New World, to be released in 2025.

 

Disney Legend Mark Henn sports glasses and a mustache, wearing a light pink shirt, smiling at the camera while seated at a desk. The background includes a shelf with various items and a window with blinds.

Mark Henn
Mark Henn joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1980, where he became an assistant animator on The Fox and the Hound (1981). His first major assignment was animating Disney’s most beloved character, Mickey Mouse, in Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)—Mickey’s first big-screen appearance in 30 years.

Mark would go on to serve as the supervising animator for five female leads, more than any one artist in the history of the studio: Ariel (supervised with fellow Disney Legend Glen Keane), Belle (supervised with James Baxter), Jasmine, Mulan, and Tiana. He also animated Simba from The Lion King (1994), the title character in Pocahontas (1995), and Giselle from Enchanted (2007). Most recently, Mark has helped a whole new generation of Disney animators bring “the illusion of life” to character animation in CG features such as Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). He was lead 2D animator on Big Hero 6 (2014) and Frozen (2013), and served as a 2D animator for “Mini Maui” in Moana (2016). In 2000, Mark brought his vast animation experience to directing with the acclaimed short, John Henry.

In 2013, he received the prestigious Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement, ASIFA’s highest award in animation. And in 2018, befitting his longtime association with Mickey Mouse, Mark was commissioned to paint Mickey’s official portrait for the character’s 90th anniversary. From Mickey and a little mermaid to Mini Maui, the enchantment of Disney animation is personal for this animator.

Disney Legend Frank Oz sports a white beard and glasses, wearing a white button-down shirt, standing with his arms crossed against a backdrop of a brick wall and a weathered wooden door.
Photo by Victoria Labalme

Frank Oz
Creator. Director. Producer. Performer. Writer. Actor. Icon. Superlatives all that describe the one and only Frank Oz.

As a respected director, Frank has helmed more than a dozen films—including co-directing The Dark Crystal (1982) with Jim Henson, The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), Touchstone Pictures’ What About Bob? (1991), In & Out (1997), Bowfinger(1999), The Score (2001), Death at a Funeral (2007), Muppet Guys Talking (2017), and others, as well as the 2021 Hulu presentation of the long-running Off-Broadway hit he also directed, Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself.

A four-time Emmy® winner, Frank is the recipient of The Art Director’s Guild Contribution to Cinematic Imagery Award, The Comedy Awards’ Creative Achievement Award, The Saturn Lifetime Achievement Award, two George Foster Peabody Awards, three Gold Records, two Platinum Records, and a host of other accolades and honors.

He originated and performed the characters of Grover, Bert, and Cookie Monster for Sesame Street, along with Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Sam Eagle, and Animal for The Muppet Show, performing in hundreds of television shows and specials with The Muppets—including the memorable Muppet*Vision 3D for Disney Parks.

Frank also originated and performed the character of Yoda for George Lucas’ Star Wars galaxy, first in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and followed by Return of the Jedi (1983), The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), Revenge of the Sith (2005), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

He’s also acted in several live-action movies, from The Blues Brothers (1980) to Knives Out (2019), and has voiced characters in Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. (2001), Inside Out (2015), and Inside Out 2 (2024).

 

Disney Legend Kelly Ripa sports shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a bright pink shirt, smiles at the camera with a white background.

Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa is one of the most powerful voices in media, with a diverse body of work both on and off camera. With a career at ABC spanning over 30 years, Kelly has welcomed viewers with her sharp wit every morning as co-host and executive producer of the nationally syndicated show Live.

Beginning her career in entertainment as an actress, Kelly has starred in numerous celebrated television series—appearing on such shows as the soap opera All My Children and the sitcom Hope & Faith.

Kelly and her husband Mark Consuelos ventured into the development side of entertainment when they began their production company, Milojo Productions. Milojo produces content across multiple platforms, producing the Emmy®-nominated documentary The Streak for ESPN and the critically acclaimed documentary Off The Rez for TLC.

She’s earned numerous accolades over the years, including multiple Daytime Emmy® Awards, the prestigious Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD and Glamour’s Woman of the Year Award. She was also recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as part of the Women in Entertainment Power 100 list, as well as the publication’s 35 Most Powerful People in Media.

In September 2022, Kelly added New York Times best-selling author to her resume, when her collection Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories was published. Additionally, she recently launched the second season of her own podcast titled Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa. She lives in New York City with Mark Consuelos, and together the couple have three children.

 

The image features Disney Legend Joe Rohde. He is seen wearing a straw hat and has a distinguished beard. Joe Rohde is also notable for his unique earring, which includes multiple charms and beads.

Joe Rohde
Retiring in 2021 as a portfolio creative executive with 40 years at Walt Disney Imagineering, Joe Rohde was the overall creative executive and supervising designer for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, including later expansions such as Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Joe’s other notable projects include The Adventurers Club (formerly a part of Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World); Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi; and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney’s California Adventure Park. 

Joe grew up in Honolulu and the San Fernando Valley, creating art and theater sets, acting in school productions, and exploring film backlots with his cameraman father. He attended Occidental College, graduated with a major in studio art, and went to work as teacher—where at 25, he was recruited by Walt Disney Imagineering. His first assignment was as a model builder for the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT.

Joe’s big Imagineering break came with the development of a certain animal-focused theme park for the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park would prove to be a celebration of animals; a passionate argument for the coexistence of conservation and communities; and a recognition of the essential role that ecosystems play in our existence. Joe was also instrumental in creating the Disney Conservation Fund, which has disbursed over $125 million in grants to projects worldwide. He is well known for his intensive focus on the philosophy of narrative placemaking and experiential storytelling.

Joe now uses his art to raise funds for both international conservation and local community projects. In 2022 he received the Disney Conservation Fund’s first Conservation Legacy Award, and he’s appeared on numerous documentaries about Imagineering.

John Williams

John Williams
The unforgettable music of John Williams is the soundtrack of our lives.

In a career spanning more than six decades, this most prolific of movie composers has created the music for more than 100 films—including all nine Star Wars saga films and all five Indiana Jones films. Born and raised in New York, John moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1948. Venturing back to the East Coast to attend The Julliard School, he later returned to Los Angeles to commence his career.

Early on, Williams composed the music for more than 200 television films and numerous TV series including Lost in Space for 20th Century Fox. John’s artistic partnership with director Steven Spielberg, now in its 50th year, led to an introduction to fellow Disney Legend George Lucas and what became the biggest film phenomenon of its time, Star Wars (1977).

John has received five Academy Awards® and 54 Oscar® nominations—most recently for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)—making him the Academy’s most-nominated living person and the second-most-nominated person in the history of the Oscars... a number second only to Walt Disney. He has also received seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), 26 Grammys®, four Golden Globes®, and five Emmys®, as well as the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

 

Disney Legends 2024

March Hare Mania 2024: Which Disney Magic Maker Will Win?

D23’s March Hare Mania is the chance for Disney fans to share THEIR opinions on their Disney favorites, and we’ve conjured up the most magical bracket for this year! Inspired by the playing cards included in our Magic & Mystery Box Collector Set, we’re asking you to vote on your favorite magic makers. Get a first look at the art included in the deck—and get ready to pick a winner! We’ve got nothing up our sleeves, so it’s all up to you to decide: Which Disney magic maker will win?

April 18

And the winner of D23 March Hare Mania 2024 is...
Think of a wonderful thought... After four weeks of voting for our favorite Disney magic makers, you showed your support for one particularly popular pixie! While there were many fan-favorite characters competing in the bracket, Tinker Bell flew to the top as the winner of March Hare Mania 2024.

March Hare Mania - Final

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Tiger and Tigers on the Rise Premiere on Disney+ This Earth Day

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

As Earth Day approaches this April 22, Disney+ is set to premiere a majestic duo of films that spotlight the extraordinary world of tigers, Earth’s revered and charismatic creatures. Celebrating 15 years since the inception of Disneynature, the label is set to release Tiger, a captivating tale narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. This all-new original feature film delves into the life of Ambar, a young tigress navigating the wilds of India alongside her adorable cubs.

“It’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of something so special and to tell the story of this magnificent animal that comes from my country—I was very honored,” Chopra Jonas said. “I have always loved tigers and I feel a kinship with the female tiger—I feel very protective of my family. Ambar’s journey is something I think every mom would really relate to.”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is sitting in a wooden chair, in an interview for the movie Tiger. Chopra Jonas is wearing a purple silk shirt and is looking at the camera. Behind her are posters of the movie Tiger and a studio microphone over a wooden script stand.

Directed by Mark Linfield, co-directed by Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan, and produced by Linfield, Berlowitz, and Roy Conli, Tiger stands as the culmination of an awe-inspiring 1,500 days of filming. From heart-racing action sequences to tender, intimate moments, the film promises an unforgettable experience for viewers of all ages.

The narrative doesn’t stop there. Accompanying Tiger is the equally compelling Tigers on the Rise, a companion film narrated by the talented Blair Underwood. This documentary celebrates the remarkable resurgence of tiger populations, showcasing their triumphant return to the wild. As these majestic creatures reclaim their territories, they venture beyond forest reserves, posing challenges for both humans and animals alike.

Tigers on the Rise sheds light on the unsung heroes dedicated to fostering coexistence between tigers and communities. From veterinarians to scientists and community patrols, humans are working tirelessly to ensure a harmonious balance between man and beast. Disneynature’s Tigers on the Rise is directed by Sullivan, co-directed by Alistair Jones, and produced by Sullivan, Berlowitz, Linfield, and Conli.

Both Tiger and Tigers on the Rise are set to stream exclusively on Disney+ starting this Earth Day. As we celebrate our planet’s natural wonders, these films serve as poignant reminders of the importance of conservation and our shared responsibility to protect Earth’s biodiversity for generations to come.

In a scene from Tiger, a tiger perches atop a tree branch, its gaze fixed intently forward. Surrounding leaves and branches envelop the tiger.

Doctor Who Returns: New Season Debuts May 10

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Whovians, rejoice! The TARDIS is set to materialize once again as the next installment of Doctor Who will premiere globally on Friday, May 10, Disney Branded Television and the BBC announced. This marks the first-ever season of the show to launch on Disney+ and release simultaneously worldwide.

U.S. and international viewers (excluding the UK) should set their alarms for Friday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m. EDT. For UK fans, the adventure begins on Saturday, May 11, at 12:00 a.m. GMT on BBC iPlayer, followed by BBC One later that day.

Fans will journey through time and space alongside the Fifteenth Doctor, portrayed by the talented Ncuti Gatwa, and his companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson. The duo will navigate through a mélange of adventures, from the Regency era in England to distant, war-torn futures, all while battling foes, making friends, and unraveling mysteries.

“Monsters! Chases! Villains! Mysteries! And a terrifying secret that’s been spanning time and space for decades,” teases showrunner and executive producer Russell T Davies.

Alongside the premiere announcement, Disney+ has unveiled new key art and gallery image featuring the dynamic duo. Fans can expect even more excitement when a brand-new trailer drops on Friday, March 22.

In a poster for the release of the Doctor Who series, Ncuti Gatway (left) and Millie Gibson (right) are leaning across a wooden telephone box. Gatwa wears a burgundy leather trench coat, gray sneakers with white accents, blue velvet pants, and a zipped-up knit top with colorful stripes. Gibson sports black combat boots, black sheer tights, a checkered mini skirt, a red top, and a shearling black leather jacket. From top to bottom reads: “BBC PRESENTS,” “COMIS JOYRIDE AWAITS,” “DOCTOR WHO,” “May 10,” and “Disney+.”

Joining the cast are a host of talented actors including Aneurin Barnard, Anita Dobson, and Jonathan Groff, promising an array of memorable characters to encounter throughout the season.

Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf in collaboration with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television and the BBC. The creative vision of Davies coupled with a stellar team of executive producers (including Phil Collinson, Joel Collins, Julie Gardner, and Jane Tranter) ensure fans are in for an unforgettable ride.

Fan-Favorite Anniversary Screenings with D23 & Street Food Cinema in 2024

By: Peyton Liebler

2024 is in full swing, with so much in store for Disney fans! From brand-new stories coming soon to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, there’s a ton to look forward to as D23’s 15th anniversary year continues. The best part? The magic of these celebrations is only the beginning!

Being an ultimate Disney Fan means celebrating the countless tales that have been beloved by generations of fellow fans over the past century. At D23, it’s our pleasure to share your love of these stories, discovering new ways to celebrate their milestone anniversaries. In partnership with Street Food Cinema, D23 is thrilled to celebrate four of these big-screen anniversaries in 2024 with select outdoor screening celebrations! D23 tickets to these events include early entry, reserved premium viewing, access to an array of food trucks and snack stands with food and drinks available for purchase, and a D23 Event-Exclusive Commemorative Gift unique to each screening.

Image of Kevin the bird from the film Up, looking across graphic depicting event name.

Up: 15th Anniversary Outdoor Screening with D23 & Street Food Cinema – May 18, 2024

Adventure is out there! We’re taking this 15th anniversary celebration to new heights, evoking the lush lost world of Paradise Falls at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, which is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. This includes some very similar to our favorite avian inhabitant of Paradise Falls… We’re exploring this wilderness with a screening celebration that’s sure to send your heart up in the clouds. Prepare to earn your “anniversary celebrating” badge!  Tickets are on sale now!

Image of Ariel the mermaid holding Flounder the fish lovingly by his fins, looking across graphic depicting event name: Disney. The Little Mermaid 35th Anniversary Swim-in Screening. Hanson Dam Aquatic Center, Los Angeles, California. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, A Til Events Production.

The Little Mermaid: 35th Anniversary Swim-in Screening with D23 & Street Food Cinema – June 8, 2024

Sebastian, Flounder, Ursula, and Ariel… they’ve been part of our world for 35 years and it’s time to celebrate with a massive splash of a bash! D23 and Street Food Cinema invite you to dip your toes (and fins) into the watery world of The Little Mermaid with a very special “swim-in” outdoor screening at The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center! All can channel their own “little mermaid”—enjoying the iconic movie as they flip their fins in the largest pool in the continental United States! Tickets on sale April 12!

Image of the penguin waiter from the film, smiling with his arms stretched out, looking across the graphic to the event name: Disney. Mary Poppins, 60th Anniversary Outdoor Screening, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, A Til Events Production. In the background, there are shaded versions of Mary Poppins, and the chimney sweep crew in motion, dancing around chimneys.

Mary Poppins: 60th Anniversary Outdoor Screening with D23 & Street Food Cinema – June 29, 2024

We’re looking for the most practically perfect fans on earth. If you want this choice position, have a cheery disposition, and join us to celebrate 60 years that have been made sweeter by spoonfuls of sugar and steps in time. This supercalifragilisticexpialidocious celebratory screening takes place at Griffith Park, right next to the iconic carousel which inspired Walt Disney’s dream for Disneyland. Much like Mary Poppins, this setting boasts history and heart, sure to bring a smile to the face of any Disney Fan as they enjoy this “Jolly Holiday” of a movie under the stars. Tickets on sale April 26!

Image of Jack-Jack, waving one hand and smiling in a red onesie. Disney. Pixar. The Incredibles 20th Anniversary, Outdoor Screening, Pearson Park Amphitheatre, Anaheim, California. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club in collaboration with Street Food Cinema, A Til Events Production.

The Incredibles: 20th Anniversary Outdoor Screening with D23 & Street Food Cinema – August 5, 2024

Where are your super suits!? You’re going to need them for this incredible celebration coming to Anaheim this August! Celebrating 20 Years of sensational “Supers,” we’re ringing in D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with an outdoor screening that’s miles beyond “sub-parr”! Gather your own incredible crew and meet us at the picturesque Pearson Park Amphitheatre for a night that’s sure to be BOLD. DRAMATIC. HEROIC! It’s possible this event could be the “greatest good” you are ever gonna get. Our one requirement? NO CAPES. Tickets on sale May 3!

9-1-1 Is Now on ABC

By Moss Cohen

If you need 9-1-1, you can reach it by dialing into a new network. After airing for six seasons on FOX, the hit drama is now on ABC.

“This crew has completely stepped up to the historic challenge of moving the No. 1 show in television from one network to another,” said Karey Burke, president of 20th Television. While the network is new, the thrills and excitement customary to 9-1-1 will remain intact for audiences of the show.

Viewers should prepare to hold their breaths as season seven kicks off with Athena Grant (Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett) and Bobby Nash (Emmy® Award nominee Peter Krause) taking their long-awaited honeymoon aboard a cruise ship—but unbeknownst to them, it’s one that’ll soon be hijacked by terrorists.

The season premiere, airing Thursday, March 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, will also find a civilian trapped in a fighter jet, helping to kick off an action-packed three-episode arc.

“We just wanted to show up at ABC and put our worst foot forward,” joked series co-creator and showrunner Tim Minear, “and do a big disaster.”

Adding depth to the thrills are the familiar characters that audiences have come to know and love. “This is a family of people who work together and love each other through thick and through thin,” said Krause, before noting “it’s mostly thick.”

Along with Bassett and Krause, the cast that makes up that family is rounded out by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Oliver Stark, Kenneth Choi, Aisha Hinds, and Ryan Guzman.

“The thing about 9-1-1 is that it can be a rom-com, it can be a soap, it can be satire, it can be a heartbreaking melodrama. It can be all of those things in the same episode,” said Minear. “The canvas on this show is absolutely unlimited.”

And audiences are ready for the latest swarm of disasters, with the Season 7 trailer already amassing 5.1 million views.

“We’re still in the same walls, the same set, the same lot,” Bassett noted. “A lot of it feels familiar, and that part is good.”

But with a new home comes added perks. “The thing that’s exciting about ABC is it feels like the first year of the show in a lot of ways. The enthusiasm at the network is through the roof. The promotions are fantastic,” said Minear. “I just think it’s a shot in the arm for all of us.”

“To have this new infusion,” Bassett added, “it does feel brand-new.”

9-1-1—created by Brad Falchuk, Minear, and Ryan Murphy – will also hit a major milestone during its run on ABC: It’s set to air its 100th episode on Thursday, April 4.

While the show has built up a devoted fan base over the years that has grown to know the characters, the cast and crew are prepared to allow new audiences into those dynamics quickly and seamlessly.

“Maybe there are going to be some ABC viewers who aren’t familiar with the show,” Minear said. “We’re not taking for granted that everybody’s going to know who these characters are. So, I’ve been careful to make sure that it’s in the scenes.”

And what’s Minear’s message to loyal viewers who know the show on another network?

“Come on over.”

Athena, played by Angela Bassett, poses for a 9-1-1 promotional image.

How Grey’s Anatomy Plans to Keep Pulses Racing in Season 20

By Zach Johnson

New episodes of Grey’s Anatomy are just what the doctor ordered.

Grey’s Anatomy—the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history—returns for its landmark 20th season Thursday, March 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, picking up in the immediate aftermath of the two-part Season 19 finale. “It’s been quite a while since our cliffhanger,” says showrunner Meg Marinis. “We handle in a great way that will help people feel like they just watched the last episode. I’m pretty proud of how we did it.”

With Dr. Meredith Grey (Disney Legend Ellen Pompeo) rethinking her research plans, Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) struggling with his sobriety, Dr. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) collapsing in the middle of surgery, and the interns losing a patient, the season premiere covers a lot of ground. “We do not abandon any of the mess that we left,” says Marinis. “I didn’t foresee the break [between seasons] being as long as it was, but we intentionally left things in messy places because we were excited to pick things back up.”

Dr. Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, wears a white lab coat and blue scrubs. She has a stack of papers in her left hand and rests her right hand on a silver railing.

As previously announced, Season 20 will feature the return of two-fan favorite doctors, Arizona Robbins (guest star Jessica Capshaw) and Nico Kim (guest star Alex Landi). That’s because Grey’s Anatomy has an “open-door policy” for former cast members to return, Marinis explains. “In our minds, the characters keep in touch offscreen, just like real people do.” In the case of Dr. Robbins, “You’re going to get everything that you loved Arizona for: You’re going to see her laugh, you’re going to see her challenge people, and you’re going to see her practicing amazing medicine. People will be really satisfied to see her. When I heard her laugh on set, it was like, ‘Oh! She’s home.’ It was so nice to have her for a visit.”

Season 20 will also introduce new characters, including Monica Beltran (guest star Natalie Morales), a best-in-class pediatric surgeon whose willingness to push boundaries can be both admirable and aggravating. “This no-nonsense, very practical, pragmatic surgeon walks into a hospital that’s filled with emotional doctors, so it’s really fun to see them butt heads,” Marinis says. Introducing new characters like Dr. Beltran 20 seasons into the series’ run is “so important,” she adds, “because that new dynamic brings things out from our existing characters that we’ve never seen before. It’s so amazing to discover new things about characters who’ve been there for so long, just by putting a new person in the room.”

Dr. Owen Hunt, played by Kevin McKidd, Dr. Amelia Shepherd, played by Caterina Scorsone, Dr. Winston Ndugu, played by Anthony Hill, and Dr. Levi Schmitt, played by Jake Borelli, stand in a circle outside of a hospital room. The male doctors are wearing scrubs and white lab coats, while Dr. Shephard is wearing a purple wool sweater and black pants.

Thanks to its ensemble cast—which includes Chandra Wilson, Kevin McKidd, Caterina Scorsone, Camilla Luddington, Jake Borelli, Chris Carmack, Anthony Hill, Scott Speedman, Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Midori Francis, and Niko Terho—the Grey’s Anatomy writers have no shortage of stories to tell heading into Season 20.

In addition to consistently being ABC’s No. 1 scripted series, Grey’s Anatomy has regularly been one of Hulu’s top performing next-day titles. Thanks to streaming—all 420 episodes are now exclusively available on Hulu—the series continues to grow its fanbase. “It boils down to the characters that Shonda Rhimes created,” Marinis says. “Those relationships, dating back to Season 1, are timeless. They’ll always hold up. Being at the start of your career, competing with people, working so hard that you don’t have time to do your laundry or go on dates so you’re just hanging out with the people you’re going through fire with—that’s relatable in any field, and in any generation. Romantic relationships are timeless. Mentor/mentee relationships are timeless. There is so much that people can identify with.”