Star Light, Star Bright: Our Top 7 Disney Wishes

May 15, 2019

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
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.

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
“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
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
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
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
“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

May 14, 2019May 15, 2019

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:

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 20/20, Good 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.”

Discover the Power of Maleficent in the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Teaser

May 14, 2019May 14, 2019

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We’ve been on the edge of our seats following the news about the sequel to the story behind one of Disney’s most enchanting villains, and today we finally got our first look at Maleficent’s (Angelina Jolie) return to the big screen. Joined by Elle Fanning, reprising her role as the lovely Princess Aurora, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil takes us on a journey several years after the 2014 film and explores the complex relationship between the horned fairy and soon-to-be-queen. Of course, that’s not the only reason we’re excited for this fantasy-adventure! We also got our first look at Michelle Pfeiffer’s Queen Ingrith, and a sneak peek at the action we can expect as Maleficent starts the next chapter of her journey. We’ll have to battle our dragon-sized impatience while we wait for October 18, and until then we’ll keep on watching this trailer and falling on Maleficent’s spell.

The Best of Both Worlds: How Bruce Banner and Hulk Were Merged for Avengers: Endgame

May 13, 2019

By Zach Johnson

When Thanos waged war on Wakanda at the end of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, it was Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner—and not The Hulk—who took a stand against the Mad Titan. It was hard to blame “the big green guy” for sitting that fight out, considering his surprising defeat at the beginning of the movie. But in Avengers: Endgame, the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, Banner and The Hulk had fused into a character the filmmakers dubbed Smart Hulk—and when the surviving Avengers came calling, he played a key role in their master plan.

Animating the new character proved quite a feat. “One of the biggest challenges of Avengers: Endgame was the creation of the new Hulk,” Dan Deleeuw, the film’s visual effects supervisor, recalls. “In this incarnation, Banner has reconciled with the Hulk and has become a merged character. He is the best of both worlds, with the intelligence of Banner and the brawn of Hulk.”

It’s a concept Smart Hulk explains over pancakes when Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) seek his expertise. “For years, I’d been treating the Hulk like he’s some kind of disease, something to get rid of,” Banner tells his friends. “But then I started looking at him as the cure.”

The technology required to bring Smart Hulk to life onscreen would no doubt impress a scientist like Banner. Under the watchful eye of visual effects supervisor Russell Earl, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) used Anyma, a technology DisneyResearch|Studios (DRS) created in 2015 and continued to develop for years, to bring him to life. (No gamma radiation required.) Unlike its predecessor, the award-winning Medusa Performance Capture System, Anyma “is a fully artificial word,” explains principal research scientist Thabo Beeler. “The word contains ‘animation,’ but ‘anima’ in Latin also means ‘soul,’ and that’s what we wanted to get to: We wanted to capture the soul of the actor.” Anyma is revolutionizing digital character animation, adds senior research scientist Derek Bradley: “It’s not just helmet camera capture technology; it’s defining the next generation of performance capture that people hadn’t thought of before.”

DeLeeuw says Anyma created a richer environment for both Ruffalo and the filmmakers. “Having the actors perform on set with our motion capture characters was our primary goal,” he says. “As a result, the Anyma software needed to be adapted to work from helmet-cam footage. This gave us the freedom to photograph scenes organically and without restrictions.”

Filming was in full swing when DRS joined the production. “We did the test and it looked, obviously, fantastic,” Beeler recalls. Part of Anyma’s appeal is its ease of use—a necessary progression, as Ruffalo’s performance was “particularly emotive,” DeLeeuw explains, “and would require new techniques to capture the subtleties of his facial movement.”

Ruffalo “has very distinct facial movements and a subtle asymmetry that make him unique,” Earl echoes, praising the actor’s “subtle and nuanced” performance. “This in turn required a higher level of fidelity in our facial solves.” ILM used the robust facial system it had in place, but after seeing the initial Anyma results, he says ILM realized “it could be instrumental in achieving this higher level of fidelity and provide more control over the ultimate solved capture data…”

It was the perfect time to use Anyma, which up until this movie had not been seen onscreen. “You can set up cameras that are farther away, so the actors can actually move around and they can actually perform,” Beeler explains. “It’s very flexible, because it leverages the shapes you acquire with Medusa, and through this, it builds a very specific digital puppet of the actor.”

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the groundbreaking technologies that preceded Anyma. “Typically, such innovations build on top of each other. They’re built on experience, and one idea leads to the next one,” says Markus Gross, vice president of Research. “All the experience and the expertise Thabo, Derek, and their teams collected during the designing and the conceiving of Medusa inspired them to create Anyma.”

Anyma is now being integrated into other Disney productions by ILM and will only lead to further advancements. “I think what’s really important to emphasize is that this requires a long-term strategy,” Gross says. “This is what DRS stands for as an institution, as an organization within the company. Our aim is to push the forefront of technological innovations in service of our film production business.” He credits David Taritero, senior vice president of Visual Effects and Production for The Walt Disney Studios, for being the team’s early champion.

Taritero says DRS did “amazing” work, all made possible through Anyma technology: “The finished product is consistently better utilizing DRS technology than it would’ve been without.”

Because of the DRS and ILM teams, Hulk lives up to his incredible name.

We’re Already Emotional Over This Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind News

May 10, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Ready to get in touch with your emotions? Disney Parks Blog announced today that Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind will open this summer at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park—and to paraphrase a line from Sadness, we’re so excited “we could cry until we can’t breathe!”

This new family-friendly attraction, located on the western end of the pier, is inspired by the Disney and Pixar film Inside Out. You’re invited to enter the workplace of Riley’s emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—and once you board one of eight Memory Movers, you’ll take a sense-ational spin and find yourself surrounded by vibrant shelves full of glowing recollections.

As our anticipation for Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind builds, enjoy a sneak peek at some of the attraction posters, each of which explores a different part of the mind (as seen in Inside Out).

10 Amazing D23 Expo Announcements From 10 Amazing Years

May 10, 2019May 9, 2019

By Zach Johnson

As our excitement for this year’s D23 Expo grows by the day, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the biggest announcements to ever come out of its 10-year history. From extraordinary expansions in the Disney Parks to a stellar slate of animated and live-action films, the D23 Expo has played host to some of the most talked about moments in recent memory. Rest assured, we’ve got plenty of surprises in store for this year’s celebration—but until the fun officially begins on August 23, join us in celebrating just a handful of highlights!

2009: The D23 Expo Is Born
Technically, the first major announcement was made months before the first D23 Expo even happened. The March 10 episode of ABC’s The View cut to Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who was at the annual shareholders meeting. It was there that he announced the genesis of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and revealed the inaugural D23 Expo would take place September 10-13, 2009, in Anaheim, California. “We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans who keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation,” Iger said. “D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”

2009: The Muppets Reconnect With Audiences
The Muppets made a surprise appearance on a smaller replica of Disneyland Resort’s Mark Twain Riverboat during the “Disney Movie Magic: Inside the Disney Studios” presentation. Kermit the Frog played the banjo on the upper deck, while Fozzie, Pepe, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Animal, Janice, Floyd, Dr. Teeth, Zoot, Beaker, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Scooter, Rizzo the Rat, Lew Zealand, Robin, the penguins, and the chickens joined him by singing “The Rainbow Connection” from the riverboat’s lower decks; Sweetums, meanwhile, stood beside the group. Following the concert, Statler and Waldorf appeared onstage and shouted, “We want Grumpy!”

The Muppets had a film in the works, tentatively titled The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made!. The project later evolved into the 2011 comedy The Muppets, co-starring Jason Segel.

2011: Fans Get a Peek Inside the Castle
Four months after ground was broken on the Shanghai Disney Resort site, fans were given a sneak preview of Enchanted Storybook Castle—nearly two years before construction began! “We’re really starting to define our vision for the property,” Bob Weiss, then the Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering, said while showing 3D renderings and concept art. He later added, “While most people see an empty tract of land and mud, we see a stunning resort with a wonderful new theme park, a huge lake, two resort hotels, and an extensive retail, dining, entertainment complex.” As guests who’ve visited the park can attest, Shanghai Disneyland Park Resort—which opened to the public in June 2016—was well worth the wait.

2011: Disney Princesses Celebrate a Crowning Achievement
After the voices of the Disney Princesses were inducted as Disney Legends, Linda Larkin, who provided the speaking voice for Jasmine in 1992’s Aladdin, introduced Paige O’Hara, who sang as Belle; Lea Salonga, who sang as Mulan; Anika Noni Rose, who sang as Tiana; and Jodi Benson, who sang as Ariel. After their solos, they gave fans the royal treatment by teaming up to perform “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Disney’s 1950 animated classic Cinderella.

Other Disney Legends inducted in the Tom Bergeron-hosted ceremony included Barton “Bo” Boyd, Jim Henson, Regis Philbin, Ray Watson, Guy Williams, Bonita Wrather, and Jack Wrather.

2013: Arendelle’s Gates Open With a Musical Number
After being introduced as “one of the most amazing actresses and singers on the planet,” Idina Menzel appeared onstage to perform Elsa’s instantly iconic song “Let It Go” for the first time in public. As the award-winning talent later told D23, “It was fabulous to unveil the song! We’d been keeping it in for a long time. And I’m just so proud to have such an epic, anthemic song that symbolizes so much of what we feel.” She added that young women in particular “hold in what makes us most special and powerful, because we’re afraid to alienate people around us.”

Working with co-star Kristen Bell (voice of Anna) was a favorite memory, she added. “It’s been a dream, honestly, to be in a Disney animated movie and to have a character that sings,” she said. “To be in this movie in particular, that represents so much of what I believe in, is terrific.”

2013: A Ghost Finds a New Haunt
The Hatbox Ghost called The Haunted Mansion’s attic home when the attraction opened at Disneyland Park in 1969. His name was apt, as his head would disappear then re-appear inside his hatbox. Eventually, he vanished entirely—but 44 years later, as a D23 Expo exclusive, Walt Disney Imagineers transformed an A-100 Audio-Animatronics model into the Hatbox Ghost, giving him a much wider range of motion. A centerpiece of the Journey Into Imagineering Pavilion, it would be two years before the Hatbox Ghost came out to socialize again in the park.

2015: The Star Wars Universe Gets Bigger
Iger made waves throughout the galaxy when he announced to more than 7,500 fans that in just a few years, Star Wars-themed lands would be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Spanning 14 acres each, the new lands promised to transport guests to a never-before-seen planet. “I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars,” Iger said. “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.” (Read the latest on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening May 31 in Anaheim and August 29 in Orlando.)

2015: The Toy Story Story Continues
Although Toy Story 4 was officially announced during an investor’s call in November 2014, it wasn’t until the 2015 D23 Expo that fans learned what filmmakers had in store. It was originally described as a “romantic comedy.” But what was originally conceived as a love story between Bo and Woody evolved into something else. (Essential elements from that screenplay remained after Josh Cooley was named sole director in 2017.) The presentation ended with Randy Newman performing “You Got a Friend in Me,” complete with green army men running drills onstage as characters like Bo Peep danced near the group.

2017: Avengers Assemble to Preview Infinity War
To promote Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, a life-sized statue of Thanos, created by Legacy Effects, was put on display alongside sculptures of the Black Order’s Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Cull Obsidian, giving fans a close-up look at the new villains. For the presentation, producer Kevin Feige, director Joe Russo, and actors Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Pom Klementieff, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Anthony Mackie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sebastian Stan, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, and Don Cheadle introduced a clip highlighting 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with never-before-seen footage from Avengers: Infinity War. The clip, which was screened exclusively for the panel, received an immediate standing ovation.

2017: Kingdom Hearts III Open the Pixar Toy Box
Disney and Square Enix debuted the first footage from Kingdom Hearts III, bringing PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gamers into the world of Pixar for the very first time. The highly anticipated trailer was Toy Story-themed and showed Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy teaming up with Woody and Buzz Lightyear to take on the Heartless. The teaser also included a brief appearance from Organization XIII, the primary antagonists. With new worlds inspired by the Disney and Pixar films Big Hero 6, Frozen, Monsters, Inc., and more, the game was released two years later.

We can’t wait to see you in Anaheim for the Ultimate Disney Fan Event beginning August 23!

Stunning Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Photos Reveal Intergalactic New Details

May 9, 2019May 29, 2019

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We are weeks away from our first steps into the world of Star Wars via Batuu, the remote outpost planet home to Black Spire Outpost, Oga’s Cantina, and just about every new intergalactic goodie we can’t wait to try! While we wish we could lightspeed jump to May 31, we do have one way to enjoy some of Galaxy’s Edge right now: with this exclusive photo gallery of details and delights from Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as seen in our latest issue of Disney twenty-three, the publication exclusively for our D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Check out the gallery below for some up-close peeks at what’s in store for Disneyland guests this summer.

Peyton Elizabeth Lee to Star in Secret Society of Second Born Royals for Disney+

May 9, 2019November 8, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

It’s a week for royal debuts: We’ve just learned that a new contemporary princess story is coming to Disney+. Production is now underway in Toronto on Secret Society of Second Born Royals, an original movie starring Peyton Elizabeth Lee.

Lee plays the rebellious princess Sam, who is second in line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria but who couldn’t be less interested in royal life. Sam’s story takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she has emerging superpowers—and a chance to use them for good by joining a secret society dedicated to (covertly) keeping the peace throughout the land. How will Sam fare in the group’s top-secret training program? Who are her fellow second-born spares to the throne? And will they save the world? The answers to these burning questions (and more) will be found on Disney+ when Secret Society of Second Born Royals premieres.

Disney fans know Lee best as the title character in the Disney Channel series Andi Mack, for which she was recently nominated for a 2019 Kid’s Choice Award. She has also appeared on ABC’s Scandal and Showtime’s Shameless, voiced a role on Disney Junior’s The Lion Guard and been featured in several national commercials.

“We are big fans of Peyton and are thrilled that she and the rest of the cast will bring this exciting world to life for Disney+,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president, Content, Disney+. “We love the themes of self-discovery and empowerment inside Secret Society of Second Born Royals, and our partners at Disney Channel are the perfect team to deliver this movie with adventure, humor and heart.”

“From the moment we first met Peyton, we knew she was special. It’s been an absolute joy to witness her growth as an actor over three seasons of Andi Mack. Her authenticity and confidence will seamlessly complement the talented ensemble cast that will bring this unique story to life,” said Judy Taylor, senior vice president, Casting and Talent Relations, Disney Channels.

Secret Society of Second Born Royals — Faly Rakotohavana (left) plays as Prince Matteo, Isabella Blake Thomas (right) plays as Princess January

Joining Lee in the original movie as secret society classmates are Faly Rakotohavana as Prince Matteo, Isabella Blake Thomas as Princess January, Olivia Deeble as Princess Roxana, and Niles Fitch (This is Us) as Prince Tuma. Rounding out the cast are Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as James, Elodie Yung (Daredevil) as Queen Catherine, Ashley Liao as Princess Eleanor, and Noah Lomax as Mike.

Secret Society of Second Born Royals is executive produced by Zanne Devine (I, Tonya, the Disney Channel Original Movie Kim Possible), Mike Karz (Valentine’s Day), and Austin Winsberg (Gossip Girl). Anna Mastro (Marvel’s Runaways, The Bold Type) directs from a teleplay written by Alex Litvak (Masters of the Universe) and Andrew Green (Hannah Montana) and based on an original story by Litvak, Green and Winsberg. Juliana Janes (Butter) is co-producer.

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

Frozen’s North American Tour Finds its Anna and Elsa—Plus More in News Briefs

May 9, 2019

By Courtney Potter

Disney Theatrical Productions announces its newest stars, and a look at every Disney movie we can’t wait to see through 2027… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Casting Announced for Frozen’s North American Tour

Some fabulous news from our pals at Disney Theatrical Productions: In anticipation of their mega-hit Frozen hitting the road for its first North American tour later this year, the show has just announced the actresses who’ll be filling the roles of Arendelle’s heroic sisters… Broadway vet Caroline Bowman (Wicked) will play Elsa, and Caroline Innerbichler (Little House on the Prairie national tour) will play Anna, with additional casting to be revealed in the coming months. Hear from these two talented performers about what it’s like to join the iconic Frozen family in the new video, above.

From the producers of The Lion King and Aladdin, Disney’s Frozen, a Tony® nominee for Best Musical, will launch its huge North American tour this fall—beginning in Schenectady, New York, prior to an official opening at the Hollywood Pantages in Los Angeles, California, in early December. Beloved by audiences and critics alike, Frozen has already broken four St. James Theatre house records, and has placed in the top 10 best-selling shows every single week since opening in March 2018. Pretty cool, huh? (See what we did there?!)

For more info, including a list of previously announced cities, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
May 11, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King on the Lot
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

Planners, Rejoice: Here’s Your Disney Movie Calendar for The Next Eight Years…

Sure, some of them don’t even have an official title yet—but that doesn’t mean we’re not already ridiculously excited for all the films en route from the worlds of Disney in the years to come. And if you’re anything like us and enjoy “calendar”-ing out your life well in advance, you’re in luck… click here for a list (broken down by year) of said movies and their release dates. See you at the cineplex!

Adventures by Disney Announces Incredible Egypt Itinerary

It’s a dream destination of travelers from all over the world. And now, Adventures by Disney (ABD) is adding it to its already amazing tour lineup. Beginning in 2020, ABD will transport guests to Egypt—the storied land of pharaohs and pyramids—with the launch of an unforgettable family vacation itinerary… a three-part tour featuring adventures by Egyptian land, river, and sea.

This new ABD journey will offer families some up-close encounters with legendary landmarks (such as the Sphinx of Giza; the Valley of the Kings; and the temples at Luxor) and all the rich history of ancient Egypt, complemented by interactive introductions to the customs and culture of contemporary Cairo. From there, a captivating cruise along the Nile River provides access to lesser-known (but no less stunning) relics of the old world, and a retreat on the colorful shores of the Red Sea offers a blend of fun-in-the-sun and relaxation.

But that’s not all… ABD also recently announced an expansion of its adult-exclusive departures. Perfect for groups of friends, couples, extended family, and adults traveling with their parents, this sophisticated, hassle-free new programming includes a culinary walking tour of Athens’ central market in Greece; a behind-the-scenes museum tour in Egypt; mango-carving and coffee-tasting activities in Laos; a search for the Northern Lights in Iceland; and so much more.

Looking to plan a truly memorable trip for you and your family? Check out AdventuresbyDisney.com for more information on all their 2020 vacations; booking begins May 16.

Go Behind the Scenes of Disney California Adventure’s Tale of the Lion King

Disney California Adventure park will soon be feeling that “problem-free philosophy” of The Lion King in an all-new way, when the tuneful outdoor production Tale of the Lion King opens at the Palisades Stage starting June 7. See some of the performers in behind-the-scenes action, and hear from Creative Director Susana Tubert, in the brand-new video, above.

The show features a cast of 18 performers—actors, singers, dancers, and drummers—who form a unique ensemble of “storytellers” that travel the Pride Lands, weaving their timeless tales through song. Listen for all-new arrangements of your favorite The Lion King tunes, and look for incredible scenic, prop, and costume designs that celebrate the contemporary spirit of Africa. Tale of the Lion King is only playing for a limited time at Disney California Adventure this summer—so don’t miss out!

Visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Here’s Your “Can’t-Miss” List!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating its huge 30th anniversary this year… and we here at D23 are getting in on the fun by offering up our 30 favorite reasons why visiting this particular park is a “must-do” on any WDW trip. Click here to see if your own faves made the list.

Feel the Force with John Williams’ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite

There are few things in life that go together better than the Star Wars saga and the epic, memorable music of John Williams. The Academy Award®-winning composer been scoring Star Wars stories since the very first movie was released in 1977… so we’re thrilled to hear his brand-new “Symphonic Overture Suite” for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. If your eardrums have yet to delight in this five-minute masterpiece for the much-anticipated new land, check out the (audio-only) video, above.

The suite is now available for purchase on Google Play, and for streaming on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and more. We guarantee it’ll get you into a galactically good Star Wars mood…

A Second Season of Disney Junior’s T.O.T.S. is On the Horizon

Ahead of its series debut (on Friday, June 14, at 9 a.m. EDT/PDT), Disney Junior has already ordered a second season of its brand-new animated series T.O.T.S. The comedy—which airs on both Disney Junior and Disney NOW—follows the adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.). Every episode includes an original song, plus the recurring delivery anthem “Bringing This Baby Home”—seen in the adorable video, above.

The series voice cast includes Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) as Captain Beakman; Megan Hilty (Smash; Broadway’s Noises Off and Wicked) as K.C. the Koala; Jet Jurgensmeyer (Last Man Standing) as Pip the Penguin; and Christian J. Simon (Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max) as Freddy the Flamingo.

Designed for kids age 2 to 7, each episode of T.O.T.S. features two 11-minute stories that highlight the use of creative thinking, teamwork, and problem solving to model for young viewers that there is more than one way to achieve a goal.

Disney Parks Fans Need to See This Gallery of it’s a small world Concept Art from Disney Legend Mary Blair

May 8, 2019May 28, 2020

By Jocelyn Buhlman

If you’ve been to a Disney park, you’ve probably experienced the pastel-colored joy of it’s a small world in some capacity. Whether you’ve enjoyed a boat ride with the children of the world, watched the clock tower announce the time with a fanfare of celebration, or just gotten the Sherman Brothers’ classic song stuck in your head… again… and again, this attraction has made its impact on every Disney fan. With an impact so big, it’s hard to imagine a time when it’s a small world was just a concept in Disney Legend Mary Blair’s head. But, oh, what a colorful concept it was! Full of her collage-style design and pastel-hued flair, the concept art for this landmark Disney parks attraction—first created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair—makes us smile almost as much as the attraction. To ring in this world-travelling attraction’s anniversary, enjoy some of Mary Blair’s gorgeous concept art in the gallery below.