Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian Headed to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

By The D23 Team

Attention space travelers! If you’re looking to explore the further reaches of the Star Wars galaxy, we have an exciting transmission for you. Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just announced that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be taking us on all-new adventures starting April 5, 2024.  At Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disneyland Paris, guests will soon experience new additions to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue featuring characters and locations from three Disney+ series: Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian.

Thanks to these additions, there will be a whopping 250 (!!) storyline variations to be experienced during your flights with Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. While you’re en route to your intergalactic destination, you might just get an urgent transmission from Ahsoka Tano herself—or from Cassian Andor... or Din Djarin and Grogu!

See your favorite characters yourself starting April 5 when Disneyland celebrates Season of the Force through June 2, 2024. Besides exploring new Star Tours adventures, you can also enjoy the return of Hyperspace Mountain, feast on Star Wars-inspired food, and enjoy more limited-time intergalactic fun. Debuting during the celebration, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide a fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park on select nights, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.

Can You Find These 23s In Disney Movies and Series?

By Jocelyn Buhlman

You probably don’t need to guess what our favorite number is here at D23. Named for the year 1923, when Walt Disney founded The Walt Disney Company, D23 has been celebrating Disney fandom since 2009. As we celebrate our anniversary, we thought we’d celebrate by pointing out where you can find our favorite number in these Disney films and series. Good luck—we’re counting on you to ace this search!

1. Monsters, Inc.
This 23 is part of a memorable moment where George Sanderson is decontaminated after entering the Scare Floor with a sock attached to his back. The code for this kind of situation is “2319,” and Pixar fans really scared up some fun with that number, celebrating 2/3/19 as “2319” day.


2. Soul
If there’s one thing Pixar is extremely good at, it’s hiding all kinds of fun shout-outs in the small details. Because of that habit, we see the return of 2319 in 2020’s Soul. When Joe and 22 are in the New York subway, you can spot the number 2319 along the side of a train, referencing the beloved moment from Monster’s Inc. (And our favorite number!)


3. Captain America: Civil War
While many 23s in Disney films are just coincidences we like to spot, this one is an actual shout-out to D23! Kevin Feige revealed this Easter Egg back at D23 Expo 2015, where a “D23” is featured on the cell holding The Winter Solider while being interrogated. We even had a chance to see this Easter egg in person at the Avengers: Infinity War world premiere!


4. The Prestige
This is another “D23” Easter egg, but unlike the one in Captain America: Civil War, this appearance was a happy coincidence. The D23 was part of a prison outfit worn by Christian Bale in Touchstone’s The Prestige! What a magical coincidence that this D23 detail appeared!


5. WandaVision
The very first episode in the Disney+ original series WandaVision features the titular characters puzzling over a marked date on the calendar: August 23! It takes them a long time to figure out what it means, and fans are still puzzling over the larger significance: Is it a comics reference? A shout-out to the 23 Marvel movies released before this series? Personally, we like to think it was a reminder to Wanda and Vision to attend the Disney+ panel at the 2019 D23 Expo, but regardless of what it actually means, we’re just excited to see another 23 in the MCU!


6. Wreck-It Ralph
The Game Central Station sequences in Wreck-It Ralph are chock full of video game Easter eggs and details that fans love to find—but there’s also a hidden 23! Keep an eye out for a group of athletes passing through the station—a baseball player is wearing a number 23 on his jersey!


7.  Star Wars Resistance
This little BB-series astromech droid has a big personality—and a name we’re especially fond of! CB-23 worked with Commander Poe Dameron during the events of the animated series Star Wars Resistance. You can spot her in both seasons of the show helping out Poe, Kaz, and the rest of the ragtag team of rebels on the Colossus.

Herbie—a white love bug painted with red, white, and blue stripes and the number 53—is parked for a pit stop along a chain link fence. Tennessee, in a white jump suit, is running towards the car to service it before it resumes racing.

8. The Love Bug
While Herbie, the zany love bug with a mind of its own, is known for being number 53, that’s not the only significant number in the film. Our speedy hero, Jim Douglas, purchases Herbie from cranky car salesman Peter Thorndyke, but he’s set to pay in installments. After showing off Herbie’s speed and winning the race, Thorndyke offers to buy Herbie back, noting that he practically still owns the car. Douglas has “twenty-three payments to go,” after all. Luckily for Herbie—and us!—Douglas chooses to keep the lively love bug and continue racing to victory.

Christine Palmer, Doctor Strange, and America Chavez stand in a door, cast in purple-hued light. They all are staring in surprise at something just off camera.

9. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
We were already over the moon seeing the bonafide D23 Easter egg in Captain America: Civil War, but we entered a multiverse of excitement when we watched Doctor Strange’s latest adventure. On the run from Wanda Maximoff, Doctor Strange and America Chavez accidentally teleport to Earth-838, where an alternate universe version of Christine Palmer—Doctor Strange’s former fiancée—apprehends them. As they are visitors from another universe, Palmer holds Doctor Strange and Chavez in custody to be tested before they can walk free in Earth-838. When comparing Doctor Strange’s hand injuries to his 838-counterpart, Palmer shows the injuries on her screen—it’s a quick shot, but pay attention! In the side-by-side of the two Stranges’ injuries, the text for “616 Steven Strange” features a familiar designation beside it… D23!

All hail…the Queens!

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

We don’t call her Mother Nature for nothing. Premiering on March 4 on National Geographic and March 5 on Disney+ and Hulu, the new documentary series Queens showcases matriarchies and female leaders across the animal kingdom, telling stories of sacrifice, resilience, friendship, and love.

Narrated by the award-winning Angela Bassett, who also serves as an executive producer, this seven-part series utilizes cutting-edge technology to unveil unexpected insights into the ascent of females in the natural world. Often, they rely on strategy and teamwork rather than brute strength to reach the pinnacle of power.

In a scene from Queens, The Team Lioness unit, consisting of five women, are seen walking on the African plain in their traditional garb.

Queens took four years to create and was spearheaded by a production team led by women from around the globe. The final episode of the series, “Behind the Queens,” honors the women who have gone to the ends of the Earth and dedicated their lives to documenting and safeguarding the queens of the animal kingdom.

With meticulous attention to detail, the production team embarked on a journey to showcase the innate drama and intrigue present in the lives of creatures—big and small. “We wanted to give every animal their Hollywood moment and dramatic storylines—from the tiniest ant to the largest elephant,” said showrunner and writer Chloe Sarosh during a panel at the 2024 Winter Television Critics Association press event.

Though immensely fulfilling, filming the wildlife presented its share of obstacles. “We were filming in Ethiopia and war broke out,” recalled director of photography Sophie Darlington. “Another [challenge] was when Faith and I were together in Kenya. We experienced a drought.” Producer and director Faith Musembi emphasized the constant battle against climate and environmental factors. “When you’re dealing with drought or too much rain, that’s a massive challenge,” she said.

Musembi, one of the few Kenyan women in this field, highlighted the lack of opportunities prior to Queens. “Up until Queens, there were no inroads for me to work in this industry because everything is staffed out of English[-speaking] or other Western countries,” she noted, stressing the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation of female professionals in Kenya. “[Queens] feels like something that is growing and spreading, and we’re hoping to pass it on,” added executive producer Vanessa Berlowitz.

Documenting wildlife can be not only physically challenging but also emotionally taxing. Queens often explores the pivotal role of motherhood and how, in the animal kingdom, mothers are frequently abandoned by their mates. Though this behavior is not uncommon, it still obliges mothers to fulfill a variety of roles: nurturer, hunter, provider, and protector.

In a scene from Queens, a female brown bear is followed by her three cubs across the mudflats at low tide. A flat, blue ocean stretches out behind them.

In an episode of Queens, a mother bear is injured, significantly reducing her ability to hunt for her cubs and protect them. “The moms are their [cubs’] only protection and source of life,” said cinematographer Erin Ranny. At times, the weight of motherhood became overwhelming for the animals, and the Queens crew witnessed moments when the mothers couldn’t fulfill their role as protectors. “There’s a lot of emotion and stress in telling those life-or-death situations, especially if you get attached to the animals,” Ranny said.

Queens also emphasizes the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy for often-misunderstood creatures, such as hyenas. By humanizing their experiences and highlighting their struggles and triumphs, the show sought the bridge the gap between the natural world and the human experience, sparking wonder and appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth.

In a scene from Queens, the gelada sisterhood of primates sits together, looking at the camera.

Queens aims to inspire action and encourage viewers to become stewards of the planet, ensuring a future where all queens, both animal and human, can thrive.

Downloadable: Show Off Your D23 Pride With These FAN-tastic Phone Wallpapers

By the D23 Team

This month and all year long, we are celebrating 15 fan-tastic years of the most magical part of Disney: YOU! As a D23 Member, you are the Ultimate Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel fan… and as such, you deserve the most magical phone wallpapers possible!

Show off your fandom with these brand-new wallpapers and flaunt your membership status or your favorite character from this year’s Gold Member Collector Set, the Magic & Mystery Box!

Gold Member Offer: 15% Off at Stance in Disney Springs

Stance
Where: Stance, Disney Springs
What: 15% Off
Expires: April 15, 2025

Step into Stance at Disney Springs and receive 15% off full price items when proof of D23 Gold Membership is presented.

To redeem your offer in-person, please follow the instructions below:

Show proof of D23 Gold Membership at checkout. Please note that sale items are excluded. 

NOTE
Proof of D23 Gold Membership is required. Stance is not responsible for redeeming discounts if customer does not show proof of membership at checkout. Stance will not do returns of discount amount after transactions have been completed. This promotion is only valid at Stance Disney Springs, Florida location. Sale items are excluded. Other exclusions apply. 

 

All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Gold Members must present their valid D23 Gold Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

JOIN TODAY

Gold Member Offer: Room & Restaurant Discounts at The Viv Hotel, Anaheim

The Viv Hotel
Where: The Viv Hotel
What: Room & Restaurant Discounts
Expires: December 31, 2024

We are excited to share a D23 Gold Member Offer at one of the Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotels: The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel—a short distance from Disneyland Resort where the magic is within reach! 

D23 Gold Members are eligible for an 18% discount on their reservations and will receive a D23 Gold Member Pin at check-in.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

D23 Gold Members will also receive a year-round 10% discount off food items at Valencia’s at The Viv, and Top of The V restaurants.

“From the spark of social cocktails at The Top of The V to settling in for a day at the Oasis Pool, The Viv Hotel Anaheim is a buzzing atmosphere for people that seek more from spontaneous and scheduled experiences alike.”

This amazing VIP Experience will include:

  • 18% off room reservations*
  • 10% discount off food items at Valencia’s at The Viv, and Top of The V restaurants
  • D23 Gold Member Pin at check-in
  • Self-Parking reduced to $28.00 plus tax per day, regularly $38.00

To redeem your offer, please follow the instructions below:

When making online reservations, select “Corp/Promo Code” under special rates and enter your D23 Gold Member Code to receive your discounted rate.

NOTE
All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Gold Members must present their valid D23 Gold Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law. Destination Fee can be waived at check in if the D23 Member would like to opt out. Regularly $25.00 plus tax per night. The Destination Fee includes:

  • Daily Enhanced High-Speed Internet Access per room per night.
  • A daily $25 food and beverage credit.
  • 2 Hour bicycle rentals for up to 2 people per room per day.
  • 2 Cocktails or mocktails offered daily from 4:00pm–6:00pm at Valencia’s bar located on the lobby floor.
  • Destination Disney® Amenity per stay: 2 Disney® labeled and branded refillable water bottles, 1 travel-sized sunscreen, 2 Disney® key chains, and 2 Disney drawstring bags.
  • Bonvoy Elite Members Gold and above receive specialty coffee for up to 2 guests per room in the Melody’s Marketplace daily.
Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

JOIN TODAY

Be the Coolest Cat Around with Scentsy’s The Aristocats-Inspired Collection

By the D23 Team

Searching for the purr-fect way to bring that extra Disney magic to your home? Scentsy’s new Disney The AristocatsCollection is where it’s at for both Disney fans and cat lovers alike, with products inspired by the classic film and fan-favorite kitten Marie.

If you’re feline like updating your collection, you’ll love the Disney Marie – Scentsy Warmer, featuring our favorite little lady, Marie, playing with a ball of yarn. Soon, your home will both look sweet and smell sweet! Lift the top of the yarn ball to reveal the wax dish; wax can be warmed with the lid on or off—both release beautiful fragrance. Just break off a couple cubes of a Scentsy Bar and toss them in. If you’re dedicated to being the coolest cat around, we recommend pairing the scented wax warmer with the Absolutely Purr-fect – Scentsy Bar. Designed exclusively for this collection, the Absolutely Purr-fect fragrance combines sweet cherry blossoms, creamy vanilla, and fresh spring air.

Need even more Marie? The darling Disney Marie − Scentsy Buddy is a soft and sweet plush for all ages, and she’s dolled up with a pink ribbon and bow. All Scentsy Buddies feature a zippered pouch to hold one Scent Pak in a signature Scentsy fragrance, and each Disney Marie – Scentsy Buddy comes with one Absolutely Purr-fect – Scent Pak.

Ready to make your The Aristocats dreams come true? Explore the collection here. All products are available while supplies last.

D23 Exclusive: Q&A With Kingdom Keepers Inheritance Author Ridley Pearson

By Alison Stateman

Fans of New York Times best-selling Disney author Ridley Pearson have something very special to celebrate today—the publication of the newest installment in the Kingdom Keepers Villains’ Realm trilogy! D23: The Official Disney Fan Club had the opportunity to sit down with Pearson to discuss his latest book and how it fits into the Kingdom Keepers universe. As an added bonus, Pearson shared an excerpt from the book to give both new and returning readers a taste of the adventure to come.

D23: This is the second entry in the Kingdom Keepers Inheritance trilogy. How did you approach writing the new series?
Ridley Pearson (RP): When starting a series, I work hard to develop an overall story and character arcs to be as fulfilling a read as possible. But it’s so important to any series to make sure each book can be read as a “one-off.” For the writer, that means finding ways to include events from the story or stories that came before while not giving too much away.

D23: What do you hope new readers take away from your new book?
RP: Well, I also work hard to deliver books with a good deal of action and characters you care about. My aim is to keep young readers reading! I’m a firm believer in “the more you read the smarter you get,”—but that’s, ironically, a take-away that might turn off young readers. For the young reader, I hope they come away with a sense of wild entertainment and a new or renewed sense of the importance of teamwork. In Inheritance 2, the Kingdom Kids must learn to trust each other, to listen, to push when they need to push: to relate. As a team they are capable of things impossible on their own.

D23: What do you think fans of the original series and first book in the trilogy will enjoy most about this new book?
RP: Continuing series readers will appreciate how the children of the original Kingdom Keepers remind us of their parents, in their skill sets and their determination and friendships. I have so much fun in combining personalities and “supernatural abilities” that result from these adult partnerships. Eli Whitman has his father’s determination and his mother’s ability to “push” objects without touching them. The original Kingdom Keepers make cameos and refer to earlier times.

D23: In what ways does the new book build upon the first in the trilogy? The universe of Kingdom Keepers?
RP: There are new ways the Disney Villains (Ursula and others) are once again working to change the in-Park experience in favor of Villains’ stories being featured, and our beloved stories being pushed into the background.  It’s a disaster in the making, and the Kingdom Kids have their hands full.

D23: What inspired the plot this time around?
RP: The plot of Inheritance 2: Villains’ Realm revolves around two things. (Remember, this is 2040, not 2024!) Disney had built a new attraction, the Villains Realm, that proved incredibly popular. It also ended up providing the Overtakers (Disney Villains intent on changing the Disney world) a haven and headquarters to regroup and attempt to change things. Disney executives shut down Villains Realm for the problems they saw—but mysteriously, they decide to reopen and build new Realms. That is not good! Connected to that is the fictional Walt Disney’s magical ink—the ink he used to draw all our memorable characters, and the ink the Kingdom Kids use to open portals to and from EPCOT. Ursula is working to duplicate Walt’s ink, and if that happens, look out! The charge of the Kingdom Kids is to find Ursula’s secret lab (and destroy it if possible) and prevent her from obtaining the duplicate ink.

D23: What inspired you to focus on Ursula, and what areas of EPCOT might readers expect to experience anew given the book’s apparent lead villain?
RP: The kids and their famous parents reside in the CommuniTree, a small city of 40,000 that live in a planned community surrounding EPCOT (once part of Walt’s plans for Walt Disney World, and my homage to the great man). So, we are all over the place inside EPCOT—and other Disney Parks. With Maleficent unseen and unheard from for years, following the Kingdom Keepers series, Ursula and others (Evil Queen anyone?) have taken the lead to destroy Disney.

D23: Characters in prior Kingdom Keepers books were described as employees of The Walt Disney Company. This time around, the plot includes the fictional CEO of the company. Who or what inspired the depiction of the novel’s CEO character (and the tip-off that something is amiss when the CEO orders that Villains Realms be built in every Disney Park across the globe)? Might the blue-sky presentation at the Disney Parks panel at D23 Expo 2022—featuring conceptual images of such a realm—have influenced its inclusion?
RP: I’ve had the honor of meeting several Disney executives, and am always so impressed at how they care so deeply about continuing the magic. I wanted to put one “onstage” for a few minutes. As to the Villains attraction concept… we won’t go there…

D23: You conduct in-depth research for all your books. This includes behind-the-scenes research after hours in Disney Parks, which is such a fascinating opportunity. Can you share some memorable moments from your after-hours research for this book, or others in the series?
RP: I think the one that surprises readers the most was my experience in “it’s a small world.” It’s too long to recount here, but let me say, while alone with an Imagineer guide, in a boat in that attraction, with no lights, no music, and the dolls turned off, two of the dolls moved. I literally jumped off my seat in the boat. That gave way to a full chapter in Disney After Dark.

D23: Were there any discoveries this time around that surprised you or impacted the trajectory of the story?
RP: I’m constantly surprised how characters that I write end up dictating to me things I don’t expect them to do or say. This may sound absurd, but it happens. My unexpected joy in the Inheritance series is bringing The Fairy Godmother (the marvelous FGM) to the forefront. She is funny, adorable, forgetful, and oh, so sweet. I’ve had so much fun getting to know her.

D23: What did you enjoy most about writing the new book? What was the biggest challenge?
RP: The biggest challenge is always “getting it right.” I hope I have and that readers enjoy the series. Now, what do I enjoy? Every single minute! I also had the pleasure of working with Editor-in-Chief of Disney Books, Kieran Viola, who, at every wrong turn, steered me back onto the page. Kieran, a writer herself, had such good instincts and intuition of where these books could be improved, the characters strengthened, and the plot made clearer.

D23: Readers of D23.com are the ultimate Disney fans. Are there any Easter eggs in the new book that they should keep an eye out for?
RP: Readers will see my vision of what 2040 will look like. I add in attractions that I hope are there in 2040—all fictional.

D23: Can you share any details about how this book will connect with the third book in the series?
RP: Book 3 is the finale not only to the Inheritance series, but likely to all the Kingdom Keepers books, so it connects in many, I hope, unexpected ways. I rarely get emotional when finishing a book. I always know how much more work there is to do to “get it right.” When I completed the first draft of Book 3, I cried. That says it all.

D23: Anything you can tease that is to come?
RP: We all know Vanessa (Ursula’s alter ego) is beautiful… but just wait until you meet her in Inheritance 3. You do not want to have this woman over for dinner! Nor, do you want to run into her on a beach–which is exactly what happens to Eli…

BOOK EXCERPT >

The book jacket of Volume 2 of Kingdom Keepers Inheritance: Villains’ Realm features a large image of Disney Villain Ursula smiling menacingly. Cinderella’s Castle from Walt Disney World and the EPCOT sphere are visible and aglow in the background at night. Three Kingdom Kids with their backs facing the viewer, standing with apparent magic bands on their wrists glowing, in fighting poses. Large text reads: “New York Times best-selling author Ridley Pearson Kingdom Keepers Inheritance” at the top. At the bottom left, text reads: “A new generation of Kingdom Keepers must save the Disney Parks!” Centered at the bottom, text reads: “Book Two.”

Behind the Scenes of Shōgun, FX’s Most Ambitious Production in History

By Zach Johnson

Premiering Tuesday, February 27, on FX and Hulu, the highly anticipated, 10-episode limited series Shōgun is an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling 1975 novel—a sprawling story set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war.

“We have never made a show on this scale before,” says John Landgraf, Chairman of FX Content and FX Productions. “What’s unique about this adaptation versus the [award-winning 1980 miniseries] is that it tells the story from the Japanese perspective, not just the European perspective. We had two full production crews: one in English and one in Japanese. We hired most of the cast out of Japan, and I think that choice is why Shōgun has one of the best and most indelible acting ensembles of any program FX has ever made.”

FX’s Shōgun is created for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca and Kondo. The series follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga (producer Hiroyuki Sanada), who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents conspire against him. When a mysterious ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies: the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her, and her duty to her late father.

Needless to say, adapting such rich source material was an exhaustive endeavor—and everyone involved was committed to telling an authentic, engaging story. Following a lengthy development process, principal photography began in September 2021 in Vancouver, where cameras would continue to roll for the next 10 months. Says Marks, “Without a doubt, the hardest aspect [of making FX’s Shōgun], the thing we grappled with from the beginning up until the moment we delivered the last episode, was, ‘How do we tell this story in a way that brings us closer to our Japanese partners, who worked on the show with us and who were in the mud and the rain and the darkness with us for the very, very long time it took us to prep and shoot this show? How do we reflect this experience authentically in a way that feels like it is speaking with something new to say? And how do we [avoid] making the mistakes of previous Hollywood depictions of stories set in Japan?'”

In a scene from FX's Shōgun, John Blackthorne, played by Cosmo Jarvis, has rope handcuffs around his wrist. He looks to his right at Rodrigues, played by Nestor Carbonell.

Whereas the story had previously been told from Blackthorne’s perspective, FX’s Shōgun gives its Japanese characters greater agency. In fact, the majority of the dialogue is spoken in Japanese and subtitled in English, immersing audiences even deeper into the characters’ world. “In this day and age where the reach of a television show is very global, we’re trying to scratch at something that isn’t being made specifically with one culture’s audience in mind,” Marks says. “With Rachel and I being American, coming to it with a Western sensibility, at no point did I think we could realistically deny our gaze and what we were bringing to this. What we tried to do with that gaze was find a way to transcend culture.”

Clavell adds, “The book is a very complex group of thoughts and stories, and because the viewership is so sophisticated, as is the technology, Rachel and Justin were able to write the complexities of the stories and the characters from the Japanese point of view, as well as Blackthorne’s point of view. We were very proud of being able to translate the novel’s complexities in the series. It comes through beautifully—very simply, but very beautifully.”

FX’s Shōgun features an acclaimed Japanese cast and crew, which is unprecedented for a U.S. production. “For the first time ever, I had a team to make it authentic as much as possible,” recalls Sanada, who adds how “happy” he was to produce an accurate drama series using both Japanese and Western crews. “We had a dream East-meets-West team.”

In a scene from FX's Shōgun, Kashigi Yabushige, played by Tadanobu Asano, stands in the foreground, wearing a jade green outfit. Three men stand behind him in a lush forest.

Initially, Marks says he and Kondo “were dying” to film FX’s Shōgun on location in Japan. “We got out of the writers room super excited to start that journey, and then about six weeks later, it was March 2020, and everything came to a pause [due to the COVID-19 pandemic],” he recalls. “There were good things that came out of that, in terms of our process. But the one real casualty was our ability to plausibly shoot this in Japan anytime over the next couple of years… It meant that we had to, in a lot of ways, bring Japan to us.”

Committed to being authentic to the era, the sets, locations, décor, props, and construction builds for FX’s Shōgun were designed to make audiences—and cast—believe they stepped into 1600 feudal Japan. “Ultimately, we built as much scenery as we would have built for an 80- to 100-day feature film in time to be ready for the first two episodes,” recalls Helen Jarvis, the series’ production designer. “It was no small feat. We were just flying. It was fun.”

Fun was also had by costume designer Carlos Rosario, who oversaw each costuming detail, from the fabric and the colors to the styling and the way patterns were cut and sewn. “Every single costume piece that you see on Shōgun has been handmade,” he says. “We decided from the beginning that it was extremely important for us to make everything.”

Collectively, these thoughtful efforts make for a truly cinematic experience. “This is the most ambitious production in the history of FX,” Landgraf says. “The incredible beauty and attention to detail the producers devoted to recreating feudal Japan is just breathtaking.”

In a scene from FX's Shōgun, the powerful bushō Yoshii Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, rides a white horse. His ornate outfit features a large bird on his shoulder.

Meet the Characters of Disney Animation’s Iwájú

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Set in futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, and debuting on Disney+ on February 28, Iwájú tells a beautiful coming-of-age story that follows Tola, a young girl from the Lagos island where the wealthy live, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech aficionado who lives on the mainland. Together, they unravel the enigmatic truths and perils concealed within their different worlds, often grappling with the intersection of their disparate upbringings.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Walt Disney Animation Studios teams up with Pan-African entertainment company Kugali to take viewers on a unique journey with striking visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos. “We didn’t take on tropes of science fiction for the sake of incorporating flying cars into the narrative,” production designer Hamid Ibrahim tells D23. The collaboration aims to authentically capture the essence of African culture and storytelling while pushing the boundaries of animation and technology.

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Tola sits inside a flying car, gazing out of the window. Her hands rest on the window ledge as she observes another airborne vehicle in the sky with wonder. Tola wears a pink smartwatch and a vibrant blue and purple dress adorned with colorful detailing.

“If you ever get a chance to visit [Lagos], you will see so many things you do not think are possible,” says cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku. “Lagos has this certain ‘audacity,’ where, if someone wants to make something happen, it will happen,” he adds, remarking on the essence of the Lagosian spirit. This vibrant metropolis pulsates with an undeniable energy, where innovation thrives amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. It’s a city where every corner tells a story of resilience and creativity.

Below, we introduce many of the faces of the Iwájú universe, with comments from the show’s director, Olufiayo Ziki Adeola.

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Tola and Kole enjoy Nigerian cuisine at an outdoor marketplace. Tola wears an orange T-shirt with purple overalls, while Kole sports a yellow T-shirt with orange, brown, and green accents, paired with green cargo shorts, sandals, and a black fanny pack adorned with neon blue strips. To their left stands a woman managing a food stall, dressed in a purple dress. Otin, Tola’s robotic pet lizard, discreetly lurks behind a pole for Tola’s protection. In the background, various market stalls display legumes, vegetables, and cardboard boxes, bustling with local activity.

Tola Martins
Voiced by Simisola Gbadamosi, Tola, the protagonist of Iwájú, embodies the spirit of an ambitious 10-year-old who challenges the status quo and envisions a better world. She serves as an inspiration to those around her, leveraging her empathy and keen perception to forge meaningful connections with others. “Going from 9 to 10 [years old] is a huge milestone for many young people,” says Adeola, “and it highlights one of the important themes of the show, which is the transition of innocence to experience.”

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Tunde Martins and Tola are embracing with their eyes closed. Tunde is wearing a pink, long-sleeve tunic with a green trim, and Tola is wearing an orange T-shirt and purple overalls.

Tunde Martins
Tunde Martins, voiced by Dayo Okeniyi, is Tola‘s father. His dedication to work, coupled with pressure from his ambitious boss, leaves him with scant moments to spare for his daughter. As a prosperous tech executive, Tunde is deeply immersed in the creation of robotic protectors designed to counteract a rising trend of abductions.

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Bode DeSousa is sitting on a chair with a frustrated expression. He is wearing an orange Abgadas, a bracelet and necklace with red and blue beads, and several gold rings. Absentmindedly, he fiddles with a gold chain. The backdrop showcases the mainland of Lagos, with its towering buildings and bustling roads.

Bode DeSousa
Femi Branch voices Bode DeSousa, who, standing at seven feet tall, emerges as a towering, compelling figure in the show. Raised in modest conditions, he orchestrates an underground criminal syndicate. While he perceives himself akin to a modern-day Robin Hood, in reality, he hoards the wealth he amasses and evades accountability for his actions, attributing everything to the affluent class.

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Tola and Kole are looking at each other playfully. Tola is wearing an orange T-shirt and purple overalls, and Kole is wearing a yellow T-shirt with orange, brown, and green accents. In the background is a car, with Otin, Tola’s robotic pet lizard, standing on the car’s roof, looking at the two children.

Kole Adesola
In Iwájú, Kole Adesola, voiced by Siji Soetan, is Tola’s closest friend. He comes from modest beginnings and works in Tunde and Tola’s household, taking care of gardening and other tasks. With the health of Kole’s mother declining and few prospects for improvement, he faces a situation that challenges his true nature. “Kole and Tola represent two different walks of life,” says Adeola. “The dichotomies that exist between the two characters serve as the foundation for how their relationship evolves.”

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Otin, Tola’s robotic pet lizard, is perched on a desk, manipulating the buttons of a device that activates a purple holographic screen displaying various metrics of Otin’s programming. Otin is predominantly purple with orange accents. In the background, the office window reveals a glimpse of Tola’s backyard, filled with green-leaved plants.

Otin
Otin, voiced by Weruche Opia, is a robotic pet lizard given by Tunde to an unsuspecting Tola. Initially created for child security, Otin undergoes significant development throughout the series. As she grapples with the complexities of the world, Otin evolves to possess greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding beyond her basic programming.