7 Things You Didn’t Know About Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

By Lucas Seastrom, Lucasfilm

Hold onto your potatoes because Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is celebrating its 35th anniversary today, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate! And, to celebrate, we were blessed to discover a multitude of facts. You know what they call that? Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

1. Three pets inspired three main characters.
The film’s three central heroes—Indiana Jones, Willie Scott, and Short Round—are each named after the pet dogs of the film’s creators. Indiana’s name was famously borrowed from Executive Producer George Lucas’ Alaskan malamute (who, can we just say, strikes an odd resemblance to a rather famous Wookiee, who he also may have inspired?). Willie was named after director Steven Spielberg’s own cocker spaniel, and Short Round was the name of the dog belonging to screenwriters Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz (who were themselves inspired by the 1951 film The Steel Helmet).

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

2. Ke Huy Quan (Short Round) did not intend to audition.
Born in Vietnam, Ke Huy Quan was only 6 years old when he and his family immigrated to Los Angeles. In early 1983, a now 11-year-old Quan took his brother to an open casting call for Temple of Doom. Although his brother did audition, it was Quan himself who caught the filmmakers’ attention, landing him the role of Short Round. “I had never seen Star Wars or Raiders of the Lost Ark, never seen Jaws,” Quan would later say. “So, when I met Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, and George Lucas, I didn’t know who they were. I guess it helped in a way.”

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

3. It almost wasn’t called Temple of Doom.
The original title of the film was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Death. It was changed to Temple of Doom just eight days before shooting began in April 1983. Like the Star Wars films, the Indiana Jones titles are inspired by the action-packed, comic-book style langue of classic movie serials. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was the first Indiana Jones film to feature the lead character’s name in the title, unlike 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. Doom was also Lucasfilm’s first prequel movie, set one year (1935) before the events of Raiders.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

4. “Club Obi Wan” is a tribute to the Jedi Master.
No, you aren’t seeing things. That famous Shanghai nightclub at the beginning of Temple of Doom really is named “Club Obi Wan” after the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars saga. The club exteriors were filmed on location in Macao, a region on the Chinese mainland near Hong Kong. Two signs were installed at the filming location, with one entrance reading “Club Obi Wan” and another neon marquee featuring the Chinese translation of the name. And, if you’re a keen-eyed Disneyland guest (aren’t we all?) you might notice a special callout to the Club in the queue for Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

Young Indiana Jones

5. The diamond has a backstory.
While inside Club Obi Wan, Indiana Jones attempts to trade an ancient Chinese artifact for a beautiful diamond. Years after the film’s release, fans discovered that this was in fact the treasured “Peacock’s Eye,” an object Indy pursues as a young man in the television story Young Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Peacock’s Eye. In that adventure, Indy and his old friend Remy Baudouin chase clues around the world to find the diamond, which supposedly had belonged to Alexander the Great. While Indy had given up his search, it certainly seems like he’s back on the hunt at the beginning of Temple of Doom. But, he unfortunately only came so close, and yet, so, so far, as he loses the object during the frenzied escape from the nightclub.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

6. The bridge collapse was filmed in just one take.
The climactic bridge collapse was one of the most complex shots to film. On location in Sri Lanka, the production crew luckily discovered a dam being constructed by British engineers in a massive valley. The team was hired to build a platform spanning the gorge. Filmed on the ninth day of shooting, every available camera was arranged across the valley (with George Lucas himself manning one). The bridge’s steel cables were electrically rigged with explosives and mechanical dummies were laid in place. Everything had to work in one go. When the big moment came, the bridge successfully blew, sending the dummies (which were designed to kick and flail) 150 feet down to the rocks and water below.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

7. You can try the mine cart race at home! (Seriously)
Though a full-sized mine cart track was built onstage in England for use with the actors, many shots in the perilous chase demanded miniature visual effects created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) at their Northern California studio. With a tight budget, the ILM artists had to think small. Visual Effects Supervisor Dennis Muren and his team had the ingenious idea to use a regular Nikon still camera modified to take movie film. With a smaller camera, the miniature tunnels didn’t have to be as large. The model makers then used tin foil to create most of the rockwork. The small camera was placed on wheels and rolled slowly down the mine track, shooting one frame of film per second. Temple of Doom would go on to win an Academy Awardâ for Best Visual Effects.

Want to keep the celebration going? Check out our 10 FAN-Tastic Milestones Pin Set, which features a special Temple of Doom pin designed by Disney artist Ricky De Los Angeles.

Indiana Jones pin gif

Apple Pie from Whispering Canyon Cafe

You’ll be singing the joys of this apple pie from Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It's a rootin' tootin' dessert for any Western fan!

Makes one 9-inch pie

PIE CRUST
4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
1/3 cup 2% milk

APPLES
1 cup water
6 granny smith apples, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons apple pie spice

APPLE PIE BATTER
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream

FOR PIE CRUST:

  1. Combine butter, shortening, flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix at medium speed until crumbly.
  2. Add milk and mix until incorporated.
  3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and place in 9-inch pie plate.
  5. Set aside.

FOR APPLES:

  1. Bring water to simmer in a large pot.
  2. Place apples in a steamer basket and add to pot. Steam for 10 minutes. Remove from water.
  3. Cool to room temperature and toss with apple pie spice.

FOR APPLE PIE BATTER:

  1. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add eggs and mix until just incorporated.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Slowly add to mixer and beat on medium speed until combined.
  3. Add cream and mix until smooth.
  4. Set aside until ready to bake.

FOR APPLE PIE:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 1/2 cup apple pie batter on top of pie crust, spread until smooth. Top with apples and remaining apple pie batter.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 more minutes, until golden brown.
  3. Cool to room temperature before serving.

 

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission.

Cool Things You Might Not Know About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

By Jim Frye

Grab your interstellar passport, a planetary map, and get ready for your biggest adventure of the year, because fewer than two weeks remain until the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park! After years of planning and months and months of hard work, the gates are about to swing open, welcoming fans to all the tasty new alien treats, shiny new droids, and high-flying hyper-speed missions in the outer rim of that far-off galaxy.

As you prepare for your trip to this fantastic new land in a galaxy far, far away, here are five cool things you might not yet have heard about.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

1. STAR WARS: DATAPAD. First, make sure to download the Play Disney Parks app before you arrive, because once you enter the Black Spire Outpost, you can use it to turn your phone into the Star Wars: Datapad. This Datapad will allow you to interact with droids, scan objects for special messages, and translate Aurebesh, the written language of the Star Wars The app also helps you to unscramble coded transmissions and hack into the cool devices, control panels, and even droids that you’ll encounter.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

2. CUSTOM LIGHTSABERS. Feel the Force! When it comes to picking out your very own lightsaber, you have two options to choose from—either a legacy version or a custom creation that you make yourself! The first location to check out is Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, which will have 10 lightsabers available, each based on famous blades from Star Wars. The second spot, though—called Savi’s Workshop—allows you to build your very own lightsaber from materials in the shop, including differently colored kyber crystals.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

3. TAKE A DROID HOME. In another area of the theme park, the eerie narrator of your Doombuggy warns that a ghost may follow you home from the Haunted Mansion. It’s meant as a warning, but in Galaxy’s Edge you’ll actually want to take someone home with you—your very own droid. Just stop by Mubo’s Droid Depot to design and acquire the perfect droid for you. There are two basic models: an R2 unit—like R2-D2—or a BB unit, similar to the adorable BB-8. A conveyor belt provides all the pieces you need to assemble your newest creation, after which you choose a personality circuit. C’mon, admit it—we’ve all wished we could have a droid friend to hang with, and now we can.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

4. BREAKFAST IN BLACK SPIRE OUTPOST. Aliens eat breakfast, too, so it makes perfect sense that Oga’s Cantina will cater to this hungry crowd. If you’re lucky enough to visit early in the day (and why shouldn’t you?), then don’t miss out on the tasty breakfast options at Oga’s, which will open most mornings at 8 a.m. Feeling adventurous? Try Oga’s Rising Moons Overnight Oats and Mustafarian Lava Rolls. You can also head over to Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, which has plenty of breakfast offerings, including meals for the youngest aliens in your group, such as the Bright Suns Youngling Breakfast (scrambled eggs, purple potatoes, and fresh fruit).

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

5. ALIENS, ALIENS, and MORE ALIENS! Be prepared to see and hear aliens of all stripes and sizes wandering the streets of Black Spire Outpost. But for an up-close and personal look at some of the best-known creatures from the Star Wars films, make sure to visit Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, a place full of oddities from across the galaxy. Dok Ondar himself is an Ithorian—in the original Star Wars: A New Hope film, the “Hammerhead” alien was an Ithorian. He has two very familiar creatures within the walls of his shop. In his aquarium, guests will find a baby Dianoga, which is the same type of creature that was seen inside the trash compactor with Luke, Han, and Leia in A New Hope. And on Dok Ondar’s wall is the head of a taxidermized Wampa, which is the same type of creature that attacked Luke and dragged him into a cave on the planet Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

These are just some of the sights, sounds, and tastes you have in store for you upon your journey to Batuu. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31 at Disneyland in Anaheim and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. May the Force Be With You!

Ultimate Double Chocolate Cookies from Ghirardelli

Enjoy these mouth-watering ultimate double chocolate cookies straight from Ghirardelli.

Yield: 24 cookies

  • 12 ounce(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 10 ounce(s) 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 6 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup(s) sugar
  • 1/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
  • 1 cup(s) chopped walnuts

Directions
1. In double boiler over hot water, melt bittersweet chocolate chips and butter.
2. In large bowl with electric mixer or whisk, beat eggs and sugar until thick; stir into chocolate mixture.
3. In small bowl, stir together flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture. Gently mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts.
4. Using a sheet of plastic wrap, form dough into two logs, each 2 inches in diameter and about 12 inches long.
5. As dough will be quite soft, use plastic wrap to hold dough in log shape. Wrap tightly; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
6. Heat oven to 375°F. Unwrap dough; with sharp knife, cut into 3/4-inch slices.
7. Place slices 1 1/2 inches apart on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
8. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until shiny crust forms on top but interior is still soft. Cool on baking sheet; store in airtight tin up to 1 week.

Discover a Kaleidoscope of Colors in the New Rainbow Disney Collection

By Beth Deitchman

The week is off to the brightest start: Our friends at Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products have just debuted the new Rainbow Disney Collection, a special selection of T-shirts, socks, accessories, and more—all with a festive flash of color.

In celebration of Pride month, purchase any item from the Rainbow Disney Collection from now through June 30, 2019, and Disney will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to GLSEN, the leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K–12 schools for LGBTQ students.

See some items from the new collection in the gallery below, and visit shopDisney.com for additional information. Look for items at select locations at Disney Parks and you may also be able to purchase the Rainbow Disney Collection at a Disney store near you.

And don’t forget to use your D23 Gold Member discount of 15 percent off your purchases of $60 or more!

Uma Vows “Mal Will Fall” in This Chilling Descendants 3 Teaser

By Zach Johnson

More villainy is afoot in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants 3. After fleeing the scene in the last film, Uma (China Anne McClain) is out for revenge. “Did you really think I was just going to swim away and give up?” she asks in a just-released video. In the new character tease, Uma gripes that Mal (Dove Cameron) had promised to “change our world, destroy the barrier, and free us all—but once she crossed that bridge, she never looked back.”

Arguing Mal’s reign only benefits “the privileged, spoiled, and greedy,” Uma makes a bold promise: “Their time is coming to an end. The Isle will rise, and I promise you: Mal will fall.”

Directed by Kenny Ortega, the Descendants 3 ensemble includes Cameron Boyce as Carlos, Sofia Carson as Evie, Mitchell Hope as King Ben, Sarah Jeffery as Audrey, Brenna D’Amico as Jane, Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother, Thomas Doherty as Harry, Dylan Playfair as Gil, Zachary Gibson as Doug, Jedidiah Goodacre as Chad, Dan Payne as Beast, Keegan Connor Tracy as Belle, Christian Convery as Squeaky, Luke Rossler as Squirmy, and Jamal Sims as Dr. Facilier.

Descendants 3 will premiere this August on Disney Channel.

Forky-Inspired Merch and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Bring Toy Story 4’s newest pal home, and reacquaint yourself with an iconic anti-hero… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Forky merchandise

Toy Story 4’s Forky Inspires Adorable New Merchandise

Disney•Pixar’s upcoming Toy Story 4 finds Sheriff Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), and all their toybox pals meeting a brand-new friend: a spork-turned-craft project named Forky (voice of Tony Hale). While Forky himself might not be particularly ready for adventure—he’s fairly convinced he’s not a toy, y’see—he has inspired some adventure-ready merchandise now available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

These new Forky-related creations include special plush, apparel, figurines, a ridiculously cute Magic Band (available only at Walt Disney World beginning June 21), and more! Find Forky merch at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park; World of Disney at Downtown Disney District; Beverly Sunset Boutique and Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and World of Disney at Disney Springs.

Meet Forky when Toy Story 4 debuts in a theater near you on June 21!

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
May 16, 2019
D23 Celebrates Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World
June 1, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Return to Walt’s Chicago
June 8, 2019
Lunch with a Disney Legend – Paige O’Hara
June 10, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
June 13, 2019
Mickey Mouse’s Roller Disco Party
June 22, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
March 6-June 3, 2019
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
May 31, 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at Disneyland Resort
August 29, 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort
August 29—November 23, 2019, 2019
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 29—December 30, 2019, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Studios
May 24, 2019
Aladdin opens in U.S. theaters
June 21, 2019
Toy Story 4 opens in U.S. theaters
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
June 21, 2019
Final episodes of Andi Mack begin airing (8 p.m. EDT/PDT)
Summer 2019
Descendants 3 premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW

Don’t Miss the New Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Trailer

Are you ready to reacquaint yourself with the Fairy Queen of the Moors? Yes, Angelina Jolie is back as the iconic anti-hero in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, the sequel to Disney’s 2014 film… take a look at the brand-new trailer right here at D23.com, and make sure to mark your movie-going calendar for October 18!

Disney Skyliner Gondolas Take to the Skies Above Walt Disney World

Our friends at Walt Disney World Resort are as busy as ever, getting Disney Skyliner—the innovative gondola system that’ll begin transporting guests between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and four resort hotels this fall—ready for lift-off… and a key milestone in that journey was just reached! Check out the video above to see 55 of these Disney Skyliner gondolas (in all their colorful, unwrapped glory) making a special test run between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Once the Disney Skyliner system officially opens, guests will be able to ride alongside a host of favorite characters—including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse; Chip & Dale; Star Wars’ C-3PO and R2D2; Guardians of the Galaxy’s Groot and Rocket Raccoon; and even the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. Look for more information in the coming months! 

Coming Soon: Feel Your Feelings with Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

One of last week’s biggest announcements concerned Disney California Adventure park… Beginning this summer, guests will get in touch with emotions a-plenty when Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind opens at Pixar Pier! See what the new attraction (located at the western end of the pier) has in store by clicking here.

Latest Aladdin Trailer Drop… Plus, Tickets on Sale Now!

We’re mere days away from the release of Disney’s Aladdin, the live-action retelling of the 1992 animated hit. To celebrate, watch as the all-powerful Genie “fabulizes” everyone’s favorite street rat in the latest trailer for the Guy Ritchie-directed film; take a gander at the colorful clip, above.

Plus, you’ll be happy to know you can now purchase tickets for the film by rubbing the nearest magical lamp—err, wait, no… wherever movie tickets are sold.

Written by John August and Guy Ritchie, Aladdin stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders. Look for it at a cineplex near you on May 24.

Disney+ Announces Secret Society of Second Born Royals

Actress Peyton Elizabeth Lee—a Kid’s Choice Award nominee recently seen as the title character on Disney Channel’s Andi Mack—is now set to headline a brand-new series for Disney+, Disney’s streaming service launching this November. Read up on what to expect from Secret Society of Second Born Royals here on D23.com.

designer ears

This Limited-Release Disney Parks Designer Ear Collection is Decidedly Dazzling

When it comes to this announcement, we’re truly “all ears”: Starting May 24, a series of amazing, limited-release Mickey Mouse ear hats and Minnie Mouse ear headbands—created, for the first time ever, by notable designers, artists, and celebrities—will be available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as online at shopDisney.com.

Each month, new designs will be released, including a bridal-inspired design using hand-sewn crystal and pearl embroidery by Vera Wang; a crystal-encrusted ear hat from The Blonds; a classic pink-puffed ear headband by Betsey Johnson; a mother-and-daughter set by Cupcakes and Cashmere; and a genuine crafted leather, floral-inspired ear headband by COACH. Plus, legendary supermodel and TV host Heidi Klum has designed a pair of ears coming this fall—and in early 2020, another ear headband will hit the shelves from model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss. And be on the lookout for a Star Wars-related design from friend-of-D23 Ashley Eckstein, voice of Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano and creator of Her Universe!

Artists from around the world will also expand upon the stories of beloved Disney characters and attractions in a whole new way. As featured in the WonderGround Art Galleries, these artisans include NOAH, Jerrod Maruyama, Dave Perillo, John Coulter, and SHAG.

To keep up with the release schedule (including artist appearances), or for more information, visit DisneyParksBlog.com or shopDisney.com.

Disney Channel Orders a Second Season of Amphibia Ahead of its June 17 Premiere

The new frog-out-of-water animated comedy series Amphibia leaps onto Disney Channel and DisneyNOW on Monday, June 17 (10–10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT), and we’re happy to say it’s going to stay for a while: Disney Channel announced that a second season of Amphibia is officially in the works. We’re eagerly awaiting Brenda Song’s return to Disney Channel as the voice of Anne Boonchuy—the independent and fearless teen at the center of Amphibia who finds herself living amongst frog people, including the excitable young Sprig Plantar. The series’ inaugural season boasts a stellar lineup of guest stars, including Tony Hale (Veep), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us), Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Kristen Johnston (Mom), and Matt Jones (also of Mom).

Meet the 2019 Disney Legends to Be Honored at D23 Expo

UPDATED JULY 8, 2019

By D23 Team

At every D23 Expo, we gather together to celebrate a new class of Disney Legends. The Disney Legends Awards ceremony—just one of the highlights of the ultimate Disney fan event—has honored many of Disney’s brightest stars and notable luminaries, starting with Fred MacMurray in 1987. Since then, The Walt Disney Company has celebrated 289 Disney Legends, including the 11 talented individuals who will be inducted this year—Wing Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer—who will be honored for their remarkable contributions to the Disney legacy.

Christina Aguilera

JUST ANNOUNCED: We’re excited to share that one more Disney Legend will be honored at D23 Expo 2019: Christina Aguilera! One of the preeminent musical performers of our generation, Christina joined the Disney family as a member of Disney Channel’s The All New Mickey Mouse Club. Following her time on the fan-favorite TV series, Christina performed the hit pop version of “Reflection” from Mulan for the film’s end credits and soundtrack. Christina has appeared on dozens of Disney television shows and specials, including ABC’s Emmy®-winning Dancing with the Stars and, most recently, the 2019 telecast of Dick Clark’s  New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. She was also featured on the ABC Studios hit series Nashville in 2015 as singer Jade St. John.

During her three-decade career as an entertainer, Christina has earned multiple Grammy® Awards, sold over 43 million records and achieved five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow; it’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy,” said Bob Iger, Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”

Fans can once again enjoy the ceremony live. Hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, the Disney Legends Awards ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 23, in Hall D23 of the Anaheim Convention Center.

The 2019 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

Wing Chao - 2019 Disney Legends

WING CHAO For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspirational projects, worth more than $12 billion, at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Wing served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design. Wing directed development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and many of the world’s most renowned architects and designers. He also developed and built projects, including resort hotels, parks, cruise ships, entertainment venues, water attractions, convention and exhibition centers, sports stadiums, restaurants, retail spaces, recreational complexes, office spaces, and two new-town communities, at The Walt Disney Company’s properties in California, Florida, Hawai‘i, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other locations worldwide.

Robert Downey Jr. - 2019 Disney Legends

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner who has appeared in more than 80 films. Considered one of the industry’s most talented and respected actors, Robert has embraced both dramatic and comedic roles, including his Disney debut in the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. After numerous standout performances, Robert then went on to help launch Marvel Studios with his celebrated performance as Tony Stark as Iron Man. His role has spearheaded the iconic blockbuster franchises Iron Man and Avengers, for which he’s starred in three Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017); and four Avengers films, including the most recent, Avengers: Endgame (2019), which shattered box office records and became the largest-ever film debut, bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend. Robert will next star in the title role in 2020’s The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle and is in pre-production on the third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes franchise.

Jon Favreau - 2019 Disney Legends

JON FAVREAU started his career with appearances in film and television and has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful producers and directors. Jon’s first roles included appearances on TV shows such as Seinfeld and Friends, but his big break came with the Miramax indie film Swingers (1996), for which he wrote the screenplay, starred, and co-produced. His directing credits include Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), the live-action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), and this year’s reimagining of The Lion King. Jon also made appearances in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s loyal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. As an executive producer for Marvel Studios, John holds credits on such films as Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He has also voiced characters for Disney television shows and feature films, including Hercules (TV, 1999), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV, 2000), G-Force (2009), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV, 2010–13), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Jon is writing and executive producing the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian for Disney+, which will premiere this November.

James Earl Jones - 2019 Disney Legends

JAMES EARL JONES started his acting career with television and film roles, including appearances in As the World Turns (1966) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But the Oscar®, Emmy®, and Tony® Award-winning actor is well known for his iconic voice acting, beginning with the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). This villainous vocal performance was reprised in subsequent Star Wars films, including most recently in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and TV shows like Star Wars Rebels (2014–18). His voice can also be heard in Disney Parks around the globe, including recurring vocal performances as Darth Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Other Disney credits include ABC’s Recess in 1998 as the voice of Santa Claus, narrator for the Disneynature film Earth (2009), segment host for Fantasia/2000 (2000), and as the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland. Audiences also recognize the actor’s basso profundo as that of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), a role James Earl would return to in The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride (1998), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015), and this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.

Bette Midler - 2019 Disney Legends

BETTE MIDLER When the Disney studio set out to expand the breadth of its film production with Touchstone Pictures, it was Emmy, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Bette Midler who helped lead the way to box office success for the new division. She appeared in a string of hit comedies, including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Ruthless People (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Big Business (1988). Touchstone’s 1988 drama Beaches not only proved to be a smash with audiences, but it also included Bette’s platinum-selling rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Other Disney films followed, including Stella (1990) and Scenes from a Mall (1991), as well as a memorable vocal performance as the spoiled poodle Georgette in Oliver & Company (1988). Bette is well known to Disney audiences for her role as the witchy Winifred in the perennial Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993). She also starred in The Lottery (1989), a short film produced for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida for guests of the park’s Backstage Studio Tour.

Kenny Ortega - 2019 Disney Legends

KENNY ORTEGA is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer. His first work with Disney was choreographing the TV special Disney’s Totally Minnie (1988), followed by Mickey’s 60th Birthday the same year, and he would go on to direct three episodes of Touchstone Television’s Hull High in 1990. In 1992, Kenny directed his first feature film, the beloved Disney musical Newsies, which was followed, in 1993, by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. In 2006, he helmed the Disney Channel smash hit High School Musical, and the success of the first film would bring him back to direct—and choreograph—the sequels High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008). Kenny also produced and staged the High School Musical: The Concert tour, as well as the Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers Best of Both Worlds Tour. His other Disney credits include directing the 2014 short The Making of FrozenThe Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), and, most recently, the international phenomenon Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3, which will be released this summer.

Barnette Ricci - 2019 Disney Legends

BARNETTE RICCI started her career with The Walt Disney Company as a choreographer at Disneyland. In the late 1960s, Barnette created and directed Kids of the Kingdom before going on to choreograph and direct many parades, including Christmas parades, America on Parade, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. She worked on the grand openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland and directed popular stage shows such as Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland and the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Perhaps her biggest project to date is the creation of Fantasmic! Debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the production combines state-of-the-art special effects with live performers along the Rivers of America. The show continues a successful run at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and now Tokyo DisneySea. Following Fantasmic!, Barnette moved to The Walt Disney Studios as the vice president/show director of Special Events. After more than 40 years with The Walt Disney Company, Barnette retired in 2013.

Robin Roberts - 2019 Disney Legends

ROBIN ROBERTS In 1990, Robin joined ESPN and would quickly become a frequent contributor to the network’s programming. In her 15 years at ESPN, she contributed to NFL Primetime and hosted SportsCenter and In the Game with Robin Roberts. Robin began making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) in 1995, and in 2005 left ESPN to join the show full-time as co-anchor. Since joining GMA, the show has won four Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. For ABC, Robin has hosted In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, as well as ABC’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, and has created original broadcast and digital programming for the network through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. In 2007, Hyperion publishing released Robin’s first book, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. Among Robin’s many awards are the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, membership in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and being named one of Glamour‘s Women of the Year.

Diane Sawyer - 2019 Disney Legends

DIANE SAWYER is an ABC News anchor, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time with original reporting, primetime specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. One of the most respected journalists in the world, she has traveled the globe delivering breaking news reports, and has conducted interviews with almost every major newsmaker of our time. Her primetime documentaries have won critical acclaim for shedding light on difficult and previously under-reported topics, including her reporting on the realities of poverty in America. Diane’s reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPonts; Emmys; Peabodys; the grand prize of the premier Investigative Reporters and Editors Association; an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award; and the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award. In 1997 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. After more than a decade in television news, Sawyer joined ABC News in February 1989 as co-anchor of Primetime. She was named co-anchor of Good Morning America in January 1999, and held the post until taking over the World News anchor chair in December 2009.

Ming-Na Wen - 2019 Disney Legends

MING-NA WEN can currently be found saving the day as Agent Melinda May, aka “The Cavalry,” on the ABC series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ming-Na is also known for her seven years playing Jing-Mei Chen on ER. She found success on the big screen when she appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood Pictures adaptation of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Five years later, she would find animation immortality as the title star of the Disney classic Mulan, a role for which she would receive an Annie Award. Ming-Na returned to the role of heroic Fa Mulan in a slew of projects, including an animated sequel, video games Kingdom Hearts II and Disney Infinity, on television’s House of Mouse and Sofia the First, and in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Ming-Na has been well known to audiences for her television projects, including her voice work in Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb, Disney XD’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Milo Murphy’s Law, the six-part digital short Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and a recurring role in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.

Hans Zimmer - 2019 Disney Legends

HANS ZIMMER has scored more than 160 projects which, combined, have grossed more than $28 billion worldwide. Hans has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes, three Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. In addition to his long list of credits, including notable projects such as Gladiator and The Dark Knight trilogy, Hans has had a great history with The Walt Disney Company. His early work for them includes additional music for White Fang (1991) and co-writing music for Cool Runnings (1993). His groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning instrumental score for The Lion King (1994) was followed by many memorable projects, including Crimson Tide (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Rock (1996), Pearl Harbor (2001), King Arthur (2004), and Iron Man (2008). Hans is the guiding force behind the music of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving in various composing, editing, and producing capacities for The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), and On Stranger Tides (2011). Hans composed the music for this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.

Disney Legends Award

Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2019.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

Star Light, Star Bright: Our Top 7 Disney Wishes

By Karina Schink

In honor of the live-action Aladdin premiering on May 24, we’re taking a look back at one of the hallmarks of a great Disney movie: wishes. Wishes have popped up in some Disney greats, from the classics to the new favorites. So, in preparation for a Diamond in the Rough getting his three, here’s a look back at some of our top Disney wishes.

Aladdin

Aladdin
We couldn’t very well make a list like this without including this classic! No one is more well known for casting wishes than the want-to-be-prince himself, Aladdin. Unlike other Disney heroes and heroines, Aladdin’s wishes aren’t whispered at night with faraway dreams to a faraway star; instead, they’re spoken directly to the famous Genie.

The Princess and the Frog

Princess and the Frog
While she may be a hard-working dreamer at heart, Tiana has been known to wish upon a star once or twice in The Princess and the Frog. Charlotte’s fairy tale book said, “If you make a wish on the evening star, it’s sure to come true,” and, Tiana does just that, but not without a lot of hard work (and some little frog-like bumps along the way).

Pinocchio

Pinocchio
“Just think! A real boy!” Geppetto may very well be the first wisher who wished upon to the Wishing Star with these timeless words: “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I make tonight.” With some help from The Blue Fairy, his wish came true.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White
As the very first Disney feature film, it’s no surprise that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs featured our very first princess casting the very first Disney wish. In front of the iconic wishing well (into which you can cast your own wish at Disneyland), Snow White sings her first song, wishing to find her true love. Little does she know that’s exactly what her story will bring her.

Cinderella

Cinderella
What’s the first rule of wishing? If you tell someone your wish, it won’t come true, of course! We learned this from the leading lady herself in the 1950 animation classic, Cinderella. While her animal friends may have wanted to know what her wish was about, there was no way this princes-to-be was going to reveal it. Luckily, as fans of the film, we get to see it all play out.

Into the Woods

Into the Woods
This 2014 feature based on the Broadway musical of the same name is chock-full of wishes—in fact, the entire opening song is all about wishes! In the first few minutes of the film, we discover that Cinderella wishes to go to the King’s festival, Jack wishes for his cow (Milky White) to have milk, a childless baker and his wife wish for a child, Jack’s mom wishes her son wasn’t a fool, and a “hungry girl in a red cape” wishes for a loaf of bread for her granny in the woods.

Freaky Friday

Freaky Friday
“I wish I could switch places with her for just one day.” Those are the magic words said by Ellen and Annabel Andrews (Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, respectively) in the 1976 film Freaky Friday. In this classic switch-a-roo story, mother and daughter swap places to experience each other’s life for one day, mistakenly thinking the other has it easier. While different objects have set off this transition in other reimaginings (remember the fortune cookie that fated Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan?), in the first film, all it took was the simple utterance of a wish.

Every Show We Can’t Wait to See in the 2019-20 Season

By Zach Johnson

The small screen has something for everyone, courtesy of Walt Disney Television Studios.

Today at the Disney 2019 Upfront Experience, ABC, ABC News, ESPN, Freeform, FX Networks, and National Geographic announced their thrilling programming slates for the 2019-20 season. Between creative comedies to dynamic dramas, there is no shortage of must-see TV coming up!

To start, let’s take a look at what ABC has planned:

ABC

Three new scripted series will debut this fall: the dramas Emergence and Stumptown and the comedy mixed-ish. New dramas The Baker and the Beauty and For Life, along with the new comedy United We Fall, will premiere midseason. Finally, Kids Say the Darndest Things, a reimagined version of the classic variety show, will premiere sometime in the 2019-20 season.

As previously announced, fan-favorite programs including America’s Funniest Home Videos, American Housewife, American Idol, The Bachelor, black-ish, Bless This Mess, The Conners, Dancing With the Stars, Fresh Off the Boat, The Goldbergs, The Good Doctor, Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., A Million Little Things, Modern Family, The Rookie, Schooled, Shark Tank, Single Parents, and Station 19 will return this season.

Rest assured, it’s going to be a solid season. “Since the beginning of the year, ABC has been the No. 1 network with a schedule that is working, and we are going to nurture it,” said Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment. “Going into next season, our priorities are stability and launching shows in a way our audience will know we are committed to them. Add to that some of the most buzzed-about titles and top talent of the recent pilot season, and we have an enviable combination that sets the stage for us to win with women and grow our overall reach.”

Burke also announced at today’s Upfront presentation that Jimmy Kimmel has agreed to a three-year contract extension, which will keep the comic on the network through a historic 20th season as host and executive producer of ABC’s late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Take a peek at some of the new shows in the pipeline:

upfronts 2019

The Baker and the Beauty (Midseason)

Daniel Garcia (Victor Rasuk) is working in the family bakery and doing everything his Cuban parents and siblings expect. But on a wild night in Miami, he meets Noa Hamilton (Nathalie Kelley), an international superstar and fashion mogul, and he is thrust into the spotlight. Will this unlikely couple upend their lives to be together and pull their families into a culture clash?

Baker and the Beauty, based on a hit Israeli show created by Assi Azar, also stars Carlos Gómez as Rafael Garcia, Dan Bucatinsky as Lewis, Lisa Vidal as Mari Garcia, David Del Rio as Mateo Garcia, Belissa Escobedo as Natalie, and Michelle Veintimilla as Vanessa. Dean Georgaris writes and executive produces the new show with Becky Hartman Edwards and director David Frankel.

Emergence (Airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET)

Police chief Jo (Allison Tolman) takes in a young girl (Alexa Swinton) she finds near the site of a mysterious accident. Even more curious: The girl has no memory of what happened. The investigation draws Jo into a conspiracy bigger than she ever imagined, and the girl’s identity is at the center of it all. Written and executive produced by Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, the series also stars Owain Yeoman as Benny, Ashley Aufderheide as Bree, Robert Bailey Jr. as Officer Chris, and Zabryna Guevara as Abby, with Donald Faison as Alex and Clancy Brown as Ed.

upfronts 2019

United We Fall (Midseason)

This profoundly relatable family sitcom follows the trials and tribulations of Jo and Bill Ryan (Christina Vidal and Will Sasso, respectively) as they try to make it day to day as a functioning family of four. Bill’s very judgmental live-in mother and Jo’s large, Latinx Catholic family will never hesitate to accuse them of screwing up, but Bill and Jo will always have each other’s backs, united against everyone: parents, teachers, doctors, coaches, and, especially, their kids.

mixed-ish (Airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET)

In this black-ish spinoff prequel, Rainbow Johnson (executive producer Tracee Ellis Ross) recounts her experiences growing up in a mixed-race family in the ’80s and the constant predicaments they faced over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves. It all begins when Bow’s parents decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents attempt to adjust to their new life, Bow (Arica Himmel) and her siblings navigate a mainstream school in which they’re viewed as neither black nor white. The highly anticipated series, from writers and executive producers Peter Saji and Kenya Barris, features Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Gary Cole as Harrison Johnson, Christina Anthony as Denise, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Santamonica Johnson, and Ethan Childress as Johan Johnson.

Stumptown (Airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET)

Based on the popular graphic novel series of the same name, Stumptown follows private investigator Dex Parios (Cobie Smulders), an assertive and sharp-witted army veteran with a complicated love life, a gambling debt, and a brother to mind in Portland. The series also stars Tantoo Cardinal as Sue Lynn Blackbird, Cole Sibus as Ansel Parios, and Adrian Martinez as Tookie, with Camryn Manheim as Lieutenant Cosgrove and Michael Ealy as Detective Miles Hoffman. Stumptown hails from writer Jason Richman, who produces the crime drama along with Ruben Fleischer, David Bernad, Greg Rucka, Matthew Southworth, and Justin Greenwood.

upfronts 2019

For Life (Midseason)

Inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr., this fictional legal and family drama centers on Aaron (Nichoals Pinnock), a prisoner who becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other inmates while fighting to overturn his own life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. The show, from producers Hank Steinberg, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Doug Robinson, Alison Greenspan, and Isaac Wright Jr., will also examine the flaws and challenges within our penal and legal systems.

George Tillman Jr. directs and executive produces the pilot. Rounding out the cast are Indira Varma as Safiya, Joy Bryant as Marie, Glenn Fleshler as Frank, Dorian Missick as Jamal, and Tyla Harris as Jasmine, with Mary Stuart Masterson as Anya and Boris McGiver as DA Maskins.

Kids Say the Darndest Things (Airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET)

A new iteration of the classic variety show, hosted and executive produced by Tiffany Haddish, offers a mix of in-studio segments and taped pieces from across the country, set in front of a live studio audience. The series will capture Haddish’s unique voice as she interacts with real kids. “I’m excited to hear what kids have to say these days because I can’t understand what they are saying on social media,” the comedian joked. “They’re using too many abbreviations!”

Segments will include “Kids Rule,” in which kids explain the guidelines for everything, ranging from dating to sportsmanship; “Love Talk,” in which Haddish seeks relationship advice; “Best Carpool Ever,” in which Haddish drives a minivan full of kids; and “Granny Tiff,” in which Haddish, wearing prosthetics to make her appear older, receives technology advice from kids.

“When I was dreaming of stars I wanted to bring to ABC, Tiffany Haddish was top of my list,” Burke admitted. “Tiffany starring in and producing this iconic series is everything I hoped for.”

upfronts 2019

FREEFORM

“Freeform is built on one very powerful belief: that embracing the disruptive voices and diverse identities of our viewers is key to our ongoing success,” said Tom Ascheim, president, Freeform. “We are so proud to have the opportunity to grow with our audience and are looking forward to continuing to push the boundaries of convention through our programming—this year and in years to come.” One of the first announcements to excite audiences and deliver on that promise was the news that the mermaid thriller Siren—starring Eline Powell, Alex Roe, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Ian Verdun, and Rena Owen—will return for a third season (premiere date TBD). The second half of the second season will premiere Thursday, June 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Freeform also announced its popular series The Bold Type has been renewed for a fourth season. Series stars Katie Stevens, Aisha Dee, and Meghann Fahy celebrated with a rosé toast.

As previously announced, Freeform is building a female-focused animation block with two projects in development: Betches and Woman World. In April, Family Guy began re-airing on Freeform, and in September, The Simpsons will follow suit—with 30 seasons worth of episodes.

Freeform will make this year’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming stunt even bigger than the last, and the fun begins with a new special, Halloween Extravaganza Bash (working title), a celebration of the holiday’s biggest pop culture moments. Movie classics like Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2, as well as the Scream trilogy, will air throughout the month of October, joining fan-favorites like Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Addams Family. Plus, Freeform will break its own record for the number of times a network can air Hocus Pocus (27).

The holiday cheer will continue a month later when, for the first time ever on cable, the beloved holiday classics Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman will air during the “25 Days of Christmas” programming event. Adding to the merriment will be an original competition series, Wrap Battle, which will put the “most gifted” DIY-ers to the test.

Freeform is also planning to debut three new scripted series in the 2019-20 season:

Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform)

Set in an alternate America where witches ended their persecution over 300 years ago by making a deal with the government to fight for their country, Motherland: Fort Salem follows three young recruits from basic training in combat magic into early deployment. In this world, women are on the front lines fighting imminent terrorist threats—aided by supernatural tactics and weapons. The series stars actresses Ashley Nicole Williams, Jessica Sutton, Taylor Hickson, Demetria McKinney, and Amalia Holm. Motherland: Fort Salem hails from executive producers Eliot Laurence, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Kevin Messick, Maria Maggenti, and Steven Adelson.

Party of Five (Freeform)

A reboot of the popular ’90s drama, the series will follow the five Acosta children as they navigate daily life struggles to survive as a family unit after their parents are suddenly deported back to Mexico. Party of Five stars Brandon Larracuente, Emily Tosta, Niko Guardado, and Elle Paris Legaspi. The innovative iteration was created by Chris Keyser and Amy Lippman, who also serve as the series’ executive producers and writers. Executive producer Rodrigo Garcia directed the pilot episode, while Michal Zebede is the series’ co-executive producer and writer.

Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (Freeform)

Creator and writer Josh Thomas stars as Nicholas, a neurotic 25-year-old visiting his single dad and two teenage half-sisters, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Nicholas hasn’t been particularly present in his siblings’ lives, but when their dad reveals he is terminally ill, the girls have to cope with both a devastating loss and the realization that their brother is the one who will have to rise to the occasion, move in, and hold the family together. Stephanie Swedlove and Kevin Whyte are executive producers with Avalon Television’s David Martin, Jon Thoday, and Richard Allen-Turner. The comedy also stars Kayla Cromer, Maeve Press, and Adam Faison.

upfronts 2019

National Geographic

National Geographic unveiled an exciting slate filled with Disney fan favorites such as Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson, as well as Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Kristen Bell (Frozen), and her husband, Dax Shepard (Bless This Mess). Returning series include Life Below Zero (19 episodes, October 2019), Drain the Oceans (10 episodes, March 2020), Wicked Tuna (15 episodes, March 2020), and Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks (13 episodes, July 2020). Here are some of the new unscripted series coming to Nat Geo programs that we’re already going wild about:

Brain Games (Premieres December 2019)

Have you ever wondered about the incredible science that makes the human brain tick? On the reimagined Brain Games, stars will take part in fun and entertaining interactive games, illusions and social experiments that will reveal the “why” behind the “wow.” Bell, Shepard, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, Anderson, and Rebel Wilson are among the famous faces who will appear in this eight-part series, hosted by Toy Story 4 and Lion King actor Keegan-Michael Key.

Race to the Center of the Earth (Premieres Summer 2020)

Four groups of adventurers… four starting points… one buoy that holds a $1 million prize. Which team will navigate their way to the buoy fastest, braving treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions as they make their way across the globe? We can’t wait to find out.

Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller (Premieres April 2020)

Peabody and duPont Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller explores the mysterious and foreboding inner workings of the global underworld in this eight-part series that delves into a vast shadow economy through the point of view of smugglers, law enforcement, and those caught in the middle.

Lost Cities With Albert Lin (Premieres October 2019)

National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin is our host for a high-tech archaeology adventure that spans the globe. Using the latest technology, Lin sets out to shine a light on some of the most enduring archeological mysteries connected to the Knights Templar in Israel, the Lost Kingdom of the Pacific in Micronesia and the city behind the legend of El Dorado: City of Gold in Colombia.

upfronts 2019

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted (Debut season premieres July 2019, additional episodes to premiere Summer 2020)

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay journeys across the globe in this new series as he unearths world cultures through food and adventure. The first season kicks off this summer, and production begins in the fall on new episodes set to air next year.

Genius: Aretha (Premiere date to be announced)

This scripted miniseries tells the story of the incomparable “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, chronicling her musical genius, her career, as well as her lasting impact on the world. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks serves as executive producer and showrunner for Genius: Aretha, which is produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Clive Davis, Fox 21 Television Studios, MWM Studios, and EUE/Sokolow.

China’s Hidden Kingdoms (Premieres January 2020)

Through breathtaking cinematography, this premium natural history series reveals the beauty of China and its hidden kingdoms, taking viewers on a journey through five unique worlds—high mountains, tropical jungles, bamboo forests, great plains, and temperate forests. Among the series’ captivating cast members are snow leopards, giant pandas, Tibetan foxes, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and more.

Alaska Live (Premieres 2020)

Discover the sights, sounds and species of America’s last frontier, Alaska, in this live event that will be made possible by 180 crew members and more than 25 cameras. From points that range from Kenai Fjords National Park to Prince William Sound, National Geographic will follow an incredible assortment of animal characters as well as the scientists who have dedicated their lives to their study.

upfronts 2019

Running Wild With Bear Grylls (Premieres Fall 2019)

The popular series has a new home on National Geographic, beginning this fall, as a new lineup of celebrity adventurers travels to remote parts of the globe, from an Icelandic glacier and a Panamanian jungle to the deserts and canyons of Arizona. Bree Larson, fresh from saving the world in Captain Marvel, pushes herself to new limits when she appears on this 10-part series.

Explorer Sundays (Premieres September 2019 and continues through February 2020)

During this weekly Sunday night block, National Geographic will premiere a number of original specials including Explore: Finding Amelia, which follows National Geographic Explorer-At-Large Dr. Robert Ballard as he investigates the disappearance of Amelia Earhart; Hell on Earth: Mexico, from Oscar® nominee and best-selling author, journalist and filmmaker Sebastian Junger and his producing partner Nick Quested, which presents a fascinating look at 21st century Mexico. Additional Explorer Sunday specials will include One Day on Mars, Viking Warrior Queen, Ancient Astronomers, and Mission Titanic.

FX

Mrs. America (Premieres in 2020)

Two-time Academy® Award and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett plays lawyer Phyllis Schlafly in the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the unexpected backlash led by her conservative character. Through the eyes of the women of that era, the nine-episode series explores how one of the toughest battlegrounds in the culture wars of the ’70s helped give rise to the Moral Majority and forever shifted our political landscape. The all-star cast includes Uzo Aduba as Shirley Chisholm, Rose Byrne as Gloria Steinem, Ari Graynor as Brenda Feigen-Fasteau, Melanie Lynskey as Rosemary Thomson, James Marsden as Phil Crane, Margo Martindale as Bella Abzug, John Slattery as Fred Schlafly, Jeanne Tripplehorn as Eleanor Schlafly, and Tracey Ullman as Betty Friedan, with Kayli Carter and Sarah Paulson starring as the fictional characters of Pamela and Alice, respectively. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who most recently co-wrote and directed the blockbuster Captain Marvel, will direct the first two episodes of Mrs. America and serve as the executive producers.

Devs (Premieres in 2019)

The limited series, from the mind of writer/director Alex Garland, will star Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman, Jin Ha, Zach Grenier, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cailee Spaeny, and Alison Pill. The eight-episode Devs will premiere on FX in 2019.

Untitled (Lil Dicky) (Premieres in 2019)

The half-hour comedy, based on the life of rapper and comedian Dave Burd, aka Lil Dicky, centers on a suburban neurotic man in his late twenties who has convinced himself he’s destined to be one of the best rappers of all time. Now he must convince his closest friends—because with their help, he might convince the world. Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions, picked up the series in February.

“I’m so thankful for everyone who made this possible. It really is what I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid. I love making people laugh; it’s my favorite thing ever. And even though I’m still fully in love with and committed to my career as a rapper, I’m excited to write jokes that don’t need to rhyme every time,” Burd said after the series was ordered. “Ugh, that rhymed.”

ABC NEWS, ESPN, AND MORE

The wide-ranging presentation included exciting updates from ABC News, which highlighted the continued successes of programs like 20/20Good Morning America, and World News Tonight, and featured appearances by Robin Roberts and David Muir. Meanwhile, ESPN touted its new partnership with Caesars Entertainment on an ESPN-branded studio at Las Vegas’ LINQ Hotel & Casino. The network also brought out New York Giants players Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley.

Kimmel fired off a few zingers to close the show before introducing singer-songwriter John Mayer, who performed his hits “Bigger Than My Body” and “Waiting on the World to Change.”