Welcome to Wrexham Returns for High-Stakes Season 3 on April 18

By Alison Stateman

Fans of FX’s Emmy®-winning docuseries Welcome to Wrexham will have cause to celebrate this spring, when Season 3 officially returns on Thursday, April 18, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX and streaming the next day on Hulu, as announced at the 2024 Winter Television and Critics Association press event on Friday. The premiere will include the first episode of the eight-episode season, with a new episode available each following Thursday.

The series follows Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) as they navigate running the the oldest professional football club in the world. Welcome to Wrexham tracks the dreams and worries of Wrexham, a working-class city in North Wales, U.K., as two Hollywood stars guide the future of their historic club.

For the first time ever in Season 3, with the team taking their place in the English Football League, Welcome to Wrexham’s cameras will have unprecedented access on the pitch, bringing viewers inside the locker room and alongside the players, while the action is unfolding in some of the biggest matches the Wrexham Association Football Club has ever played.

The stakes have never been higher as the EFL League Two brings a new level of intensity and the club continues to be plagued with injury and setbacks. Dedicated staff and supporters celebrate the city’s return to glory while bracing for the newfound challenges that come with a return to the EFL. Will Wrexham AFC stand up to the challenge and rise again?

Meanwhile, Wrexham AFC’s Women’s Team—fresh off an undefeated season that saw them promoted to the Welsh Adran Premier League—continues to show why women were meant to be footballers. With new players, a new pitch, and a whole new level of competition, can they continue to dominate and make a name for themselves at the top of the league?

In 2020, McElhenney and Reynolds teamed up to purchase the fifth-tier Red Dragons in the hopes of turning the club into an underdog story the whole world could root for. Welcome to Wrexham is executive produced by McElhenney, Reynolds, Josh Drisko, Bryan Rowland, Jeff Luini, Humphrey Ker, Nick Frenkel, George Dewey and Boardwalk Pictures’ Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Sarina Roma, and Andy Thomas. Welcome to Wrexham is produced by More Better Productions, Maximum Effort Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Boardwalk Pictures.

FX’s New Espionage Thriller The Veil Set for April 30 Debut

By Alison Stateman

The secret’s out—the new spy thriller The Veil will premiere exclusively on Hulu on April 30, FX revealed Friday at the 2024 Winter Television and Critics Association press event. The premiere of the series, starring Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award winner Elisabeth Moss, will include the first two episodes of the six-episode limited series with a new episode each following Tuesday.

The Veil explores the surprising and fraught relationship between two women who play a deadly game of truth and lies on the road from Istanbul to Paris and London. One woman has a secret, the other a mission to reveal it before thousands of lives are lost. In the shadows, mission controllers at the CIA and French DGSE must put differences aside and work together to avert potential disaster.

The series also stars Yumna Marwan, Dali Benssalah, and Josh Charles. Written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, FX’s Taboo), the series will be executive produced by Knight alongside Di Novi Pictures’ Denise Di Novi, and Moss under her Love & Squalor Pictures banner. The Veil is produced by FX Productions.

New National Geographic Documentary Will Showcase the Life of Space Pioneer Sally Ride

By Alison Stateman

Space buffs rejoice. National Geographic documentary films will produce a new feature dedicated to space pioneer Sally Ride—the first American woman to blast off into space, who forever changed the course of science, exploration, and women’s empowerment. As announced at the Winter 2024 Television Critics Association presentations, the new film—helmed by acclaimed director Cristina Constantini (Mucho Mucho Amor, Science Fair) and producers Dan Cogan (Icarus, Becoming Cousteau) and Lauren Cioffi (Naomi Osaka, Becoming)—will capture the remarkable life and legacy of the groundbreaking astronaut Dr. Sally Ride.

Woven together through decades of astonishing, never-before-seen archival footage, filmed both on the ground and in space, Sally (working title) recounts the authentic, behind-the-scenes story of Sally Ride and chronicles her beautiful 27-year romance with life partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, which was kept secret from the public until the day of Ride’s death. The film presents the intimate, emotional truth of her journey as a pioneer who fought to expand the limits of what America imagined was possible. For the first time, the film allows us to see the real Ride, struggling with the limits and sacrifices true heroism demands. Exclusive interviews with close friends and colleagues of Sally Ride include her life partner O’Shaughnessy (also an executive producer), Billie Jean King, and astronauts Anna Lee Fisher and Kathy Sullivan, to highlight a few.

The film was created in partnership with award-winning production company Story Syndicate (Last Call, Stolen Youth, the Oscar®-nominated The Barber of Little Rock) and in association with Muck Media (Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, Mucho Mucho Amor, Science Fair).

“Cristina Costantini is the perfect filmmaker to tell Sally Ride’s story. Her passion for science and film and dedication to women’s equality bring depth and ethos to the project. We are thrilled to collaborate with her, Story Syndicate and Muck Media once again on this momentous project,” said Carolyn Bernstein, Executive Vice President of Scripted Content and Documentary Films for National Geographic. “Sally Ride was a bold pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of astronauts, scientists, and dreamers. This documentary will be a tribute to her accomplishments and a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific exploration.”

Anthony Mackie to Host Newest Installment of Shark Beach Franchise

By Alison Stateman

From one Avenger to another… Chris Hemsworth (Thor) has passed the hosting baton to Anthony Mackie (Captain America), who will helm the newest installment of the hit Shark Beach franchise—as announced by National Geographic at the 2024 Winter Television Critics Association (TCA) Press Tour today.

Shark Beach With Anthony Mackie will kick off the fan-favorite summer viewing event SHARKFEST, which celebrates the captivating science and stunning cinematic visuals of the apex predators. The first installment, Shark Beach With Chris Hemsworth, followed the global superstar as he embarked on a personal mission to investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks.

The new installment follows award-winning actor Mackie in his hometown of New Orleans, where he grew up boating and angling and still practices the sport to date, a passion he now shares with his four sons.

Throughout the one-hour documentary special, Mackie is on a personal mission to keep the peace between coastal communities and sharks. Diving fin-first, he comes face-to-face with the ocean’s apex predators, swimming with several enormous sandbar and silky sharks and tagging a formidable 7-foot bull shark.

“Anthony Mackie absolutely blew our minds with his enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the filming of this new installment of Shark Beach,” said Janet Han Vissering, senior vice president, Development and Production, National Geographic. “We’re so honored to be able to work with him and Nutopia on a passion project that brings him back home and underscores the importance of maintaining balance with nature so that humans and animals can continue to coexist on this beautiful planet.”

Shark Beach With Anthony Mackie is produced in partnership with Nutopia. For Nutopia, Arif Nurmohamed, Nicola Moody, and Jane Root serve as executive producers, and Geoff Daniels serves as executive vice president, Unscripted. The one-hour special is directed by Matt Kay. For National Geographic, Tracy Rudolph Jackson serves as executive producer; Janet Vissering is senior vice president of Development and Production; and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.

Limitless with Chris Hemsworth Renewed for Season 2

By Alison Stateman

Chris Hemsworth is back for more. At the 2024 Winter Television Critics Association (TCA) Press Tour, National Geographic announced the second season pick-up of Limitless with Chris Hemsworth—which will once again follow the global superstar as he unearths the transformative secrets of improving our lives and unlocking our greatest potential.

The second season of the Disney+ Original series follows Hemsworth as he pushes the limits of his body and mind to explore how we can live better and longer lives. In this next installment, he’s taking on four more epic challenges on a global journey through Nepal, Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Limitless creators Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel of Protozoa Pictures return to executive produce Season 2. Jane Root and Tom Watt-Smith are executive producers for Nutopia, and Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson are executive producers for Wild State.

“Working on Limitless was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to reflect on my strengths, vulnerabilities, and all the ways in which we as humans can plan toward longevity,” said Hemsworth. “For this next season, we are attempting to raise the bar and go even deeper in this exploration alongside health and wellness experts from around the globe.”

QUIZ: Are You a True Turning Red fan?

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Academy Award®-winning director Domee Shi’s Pixar Animation Studios masterpiece Turning Red (2022) has captured hearts, and now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! From the film’s cultural significance to behind-the-scenes details, prove you’re the ultimate Turning Red fan by taking on this trivia challenge in honor of the film’s long-awaited theatrical debut on Friday, February 9.

May the best panda win!

According to the movie, which is one of the most important principles of Chinese culture?

Correct! Wrong!

According to the movie, which is one of the most important principles of Chinese culture?

Shi also directed which beloved Pixar animated short?

Correct! Wrong!

According to the director, why does Mei Lee transform into a red panda?

Correct! Wrong!

What is the title of the book Priya is seen holding in her first scene?

Correct! Wrong!

Which number is considered bad luck in the movie?

Correct! Wrong!

Which American singer voiced 4*Town member Jesse?

Correct! Wrong!

Mei Lee’s smiley-faced porridge breakfast is a nod to a meal in which Disney movie?

Correct! Wrong!

Which real temple was an important inspiration for the Lee Family Temple?

Correct! Wrong!

Are You a True Turning Red fan?
Uh-oh! Looks like you might need to catch Turning Red’s grand debut in theaters on Friday, February 9, for a refresher on this coming-of-age tale. You might also want to check out Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red on Disney+ for a behind-the-scenes look at the all-women team at the helm of the original feature to boost your Turning Red trivia expertise.
You’ve demonstrated a solid understanding of Turning Red, but there’s always room for growth! Consider revisiting the film to uncover hidden nuances and unlock new layers of meaning.
You can officially call yourself a Turning Red superfan! From behind-the-scenes details to Easter eggs, you seem to know it all. Keep spreading your love for the film and continue discovering new layers of its brilliance.

Moana 2 Trailer Drops, Percy Jackson Season 2 Announced, and Taylor Swift Tour Arrives Exclusively on Disney+

By Courtney Potter

Have those calendars at the ready, y’all: You won’t want to miss any of what’s to come from The Walt Disney Company... During today’s fiscal first quarter 2024 earnings results webcast, Disney CEO Bob Iger made several thrilling announcements, sure to excite all manner of Disney fans!

Moana 2 Coming to Theaters This November
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls us... back to adventure in Moana 2. Not much is known about the film just yet—initially scheduled to be a series, the early footage so impressed Iger and the leadership team that they decided on a theatrical release. But we do know it’s set to hit U.S. theaters on November 27, 2024. Check out the just-released teaser trailer for the film, above.

In a promotional image for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) on Disney+, star Taylor Swift is seen wearing a sparkly blue leotard and boots and holding a sparkly microphone, and her mouth is open as if in mid-song. She’s set against a light purple and pink background, and the title of the concert—and the date it’s premiering—is seen in bold letters at the bottom of the image.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) Debuting on Disney+
“Swifties,” unite! Mega-star Taylor Swift’s recent concert film, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version), will make its streaming debut in its entirety—including the song “cardigan” and four additional acoustic tunes—on March 15, 2024, exclusively on Disney+. The history-making cinematic experience from the 14-time Grammy Award®-winning artist, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour, directed by Sam Wrench, grossed more than $260 million at the global box office, making it the top-selling concert film of all time.

In making the announcement, Iger said, “The Eras Tour has been a true phenomenon that has and continues to thrill fans around the world, and we are very excited to bring this electrifying concert to audiences wherever they are, exclusively on Disney+.”

In an image from Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, from left to right, Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), Grover (Aryan Simhadri), and Percy (Walker Scobell) are standing on a beach looking at something off camera to the left. The skies behind them are stormy. Annabeth is wearing a purple jacket and green pants; Grover is wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt over a yellow t-shirt and khaki pants; and Percy is wearing a green plaid long-sleeved shirt and jeans.

Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Announced
It’s a gift from the gods! Yes, the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians has been officially renewed for a second season. The upcoming season will feature the return of stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri, who will embark on a new adventure based on The Sea of Monsters—the second installment of Rick Riordan’s best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series, published by Disney Hyperion.

“Rich in magic, wonder, adventure, and heart, Percy Jackson and the Olympians captivated the imaginations of viewers of all ages everywhere,” Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, said today. “We’re thrilled to embark on an exciting new quest and a Season 2 with Rick Riordan, our fantastic partners at 20th Television, and the exceptional ensemble of cast and creative talent that bring this story to life.”

Added Riordan: “I can’t wait to bring the next season of Percy Jackson to Disney+! Raise anchors. Hoist the mainsail. All hands on deck, demigods. We’re heading for the Sea of Monsters!”

Season 1 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is now streaming on Disney+.

Disney and Epic Games to Create Expansive and Open Games and Entertainment Universe Connected to Fortnite
Also announced today: The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games will collaborate on an all-new games and entertainment universe that will further expand the reach of beloved Disney stories and experiences.

“This marks Disney’s biggest-entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion,” Iger said today. “We can’t wait for fans to experience the Disney stories and worlds they love in groundbreaking new ways.”

In addition to being a world-class games experience and interoperating with Fortnite, the new persistent universe will offer amazing opportunities for fans to play, watch, shop, and engage with content, characters, and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and so much more. Players will be able to create their own stories and experiences; express their fandom in a distinctly Disney way; and share content with each other in ways that they love. This will all be powered by Unreal Engine. Stay tuned for more information on this cool new collaboration as it becomes available.

More of What’s to Come...
Later this year, besides Moana 2, look for an incredible slate of theatrical releases from Disney—including Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Inside Out 2, Deadpool 3, Alien: Romulus, and Mufasa: The Lion King. In 2025, Disney is thrilled to bring audiences Captain America: Brave New World, Fantastic Four, Pixar Animation Studio’ Elio, Zootopia 2, and Avatar 3. And in 2026 and beyond, fans can look forward to Frozen 3, the first Toy Story movie since 2019, and a new Star Wars movie that brings the Mandalorian and Grogu to the big screen for the first time.

Loved Percy Jackson and the Olympians? Your Next Disney+ Adventure Awaits!

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Percy Jackson and the Olympians just aired its Season 1 finale. If you loved the series and want similar stories to enjoy on Disney+, we have suggestions.

If you liked the Greek mythology in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Hercules.

Hercules proudly lifts a heavy rock, gazing confidently upwards. He sports a red headband, brown cufflinks, and a brown-orange brass cuirass-like tank armor tunic.

Transport yourself back to ancient Greece with Disney’s Hercules (1997). This animated classic beautifully captures the essence of Greek mythology while delivering a heroic and heartwarming story.

If you liked following close friends on an adventure in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Luca.

Luca and Alberto, in their human boy forms, enjoy ice cream by the sea. Alberto sports a vibrant yellow tank top, while Luca dons a beige, linen, checked shirt.

Embark on a seaside adventure with Luca (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) and his brash new friend Alberto (voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer) in this 2020 animated feature. They may not be demigods, but they are magical—two young sea monsters posing as human boys in a small Italian coastal town. This beloved Pixar film explores the power of friendship against a backdrop of mesmerizing Italian locales. See it now on Disney+—and in March, enjoy the movie for the first time in movie theaters nationwide!

If you liked the wholesome family moments in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Encanto.

Mirabel and Dolores joyfully dance in a brick, stone, and ceramic open-space patio. Mirabel wears round green glasses and a vibrant blue and white dress adorned with embroidered detailing, fringe, tassel trims, and butterfly appliques. Dolores has a red bow adorning the front of her head and wears a charming red, white, and yellow dress featuring lace around the collar, puff sleeves, and striped detailing on the skirt.

For fans who cherish family-centered stories, the world of Encanto (2021) brings forth a charming tale of love, humor, and the importance of family bonds. Sure, you’ve probably seen it a few times already, but you know you want to watch it again.

If you liked the theme of self-discovery in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Echo.

In a scene from Marvel Studios’ Echo, one of Wilson Fisk’s thugs (on the left) crouches with his right foot forward. Maya Lopez, played by Alaqua Cox, uses her prosthetic leg to kick the man’s ribcage. They are fighting near an old arcade game inside an outdated bowling alley.

Delve into the rewarding journey of self-discovery with the 2024 Marvel series Echo, a story that shares many of the themes of identity and community found in Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Note that Echo is for mature viewers and is not appropriate for younger children. Learn more about Echo and its characters here.

If you liked the imaginary worlds that came to life in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Loki.

Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, wears a black coat, pointing his time stick forward with a stern expression on his face.

Join the mischievous Loki on a mind-bending journey through alternate realities and mythical landscapes, where the impossible becomes possible. Learn more about the two seasons of the Marvel Studios series (from 2021 and 2023) here.

If you liked the story of a teenager learning to wield magical powers in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Ms. Marvel.  

Kamala Khan, played by Iman Vellani, smiles while wearing her Ms. Marvel costume. She stands in front of a blackboard adorned with small chalk drawings and words.

Unleash your inner hero with the story of Jersey City teenager Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) discovering her extraordinary powers in this thrilling Marvel Studios series from 2022. Learn more about the show and its characters here, and listen to the D23 Inside Disney podcast interview with Vellani here.

If you liked the uncovered secrets of Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Secrets of Sulphur Springs.

Inside a home with wooden floors, Wyatt, played by Landon Gordon, in a yellow T-shirt, faces Griffin, played by Preston Oliver, wearing an orange shirt, a gray t-shirt, and jeans. Zoey, played by Madeleine McGraw, sporting a checked shirt and tie-dye white jeans, stands next to Griffin.

Get ready for a mysterious and suspenseful ride with three seasons of the Disney Channel series Secrets of Sulphur Springs (2021–2023), where uncovering hidden truths takes center stage as its young, curious, and (usually) brave lead characters explore the history and mystery of the paranormal Tremont Hotel.

If you liked the trouble in school storyline of Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Spiderman, played by Tom Holland, is wearing his Super Hero costume and, facing the lens, is flying.

Experience the challenges of a teenage Super Hero navigating high school life in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), blending action and humor seamlessly—and leading to two equally thrilling sequels, including 2019’s Spiderman: Far From Home (pictured above), also available to watch on Disney+.

If you liked the historic quest in Percy Jackson and the Olympians…

…we recommend Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, is in a train, looking above with a worried and perplexed expression. Along with his fedora, Indiana Jones dons a rugged leather jacket, and a khaki shirt.

Get ready for a pulse-pounding adventure with the iconic Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in his latest quest, from 2023, delivering thrills, mysteries, and ancient artifacts.

Every Disney+ Movie Available for Apple Vision Pro

By Sohrab Osati

Since 1923, The Walt Disney Company has been known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology in order to bring stories to life like never before. Today is one such day, as we enter the era of spatial computing* with Apple Vision Pro. Designed natively from the ground up, users can—with just a glance and a few flicks—launch the Disney+ app and enter the far, far away galaxy of Star Wars’ Tatooine or the soaring heights of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Avengers Tower.

And while, yes, sitting on a couch next to the Hulkbuster is something we could do all day, here is the list of 42 Disney films that are now available on Apple Vision Pro in stunning 3D:

Aladdin (2019)
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Avatar
Avatar: The Way of Water
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Infinity War
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Black Panther
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Widow
Captain America: Civil War
Captain Marvel
Coco / Coco en Español
Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Elemental
Encanto
Finding Nemo
Frozen Il
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Incredibles 2
Inside Out
The Jungle Book (2016)
The Lion King (2019)
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Luca
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Moana
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Raya and the Last Dragon
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Strange World
Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor: Ragnarok

*This article was created entirely using Apple Vision Pro.

Disney on Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast Will Embark on North American Tour with Reimagined Production

By the D23 Team

Disney Theatrical Group—under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher—has announced that a newly reimagined North American tour of Beauty and the Beast will launch in June 2025.

“We’ve heard from audiences for three decades now that Beauty and the Beast has touched them in a profound way—these characters, songs, and this sweeping story,” said Schumacher, Chief Creative Officer, Disney Theatrical Group, also known as Disney on Broadway. “How proud we are, then, to bring this refreshed and human take on the show—with the scale and spectacle the title deserves—to longtime fans and an entirely new generation. This Beauty is for them.”

Based on the Academy Award®-winning feature film, Beauty and the Beast is one of the most beloved stage musicals of the last half-century. The Tony Award®-winning Broadway production ran for 13 years (1994–2007) and remains one of the Top 10 longest-running Broadway shows. Worldwide, there have been productions in 37 countries, seen by more than 25 million people and translated into 17 languages.

The new tour will hold technical rehearsals and launch in Schenectady, New York, at Proctors in June 2025, prior to the official opening in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in July, followed by a stop in Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theatre in August. Casting and the anticipated two-year tour route will be announced at a later date.

Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award-winning artistic team, including composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken (who wrote the film’s beloved score with the late lyricist and Disney Legend Howard Ashman), lyricist and Disney Legend Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, and lighting design by Natasha Katz.

“We are thrilled to have once again gathered this world-class creative team on Beauty and the Beast, under the masterful direction of original team member Matt West,” said Executive Producer Anne Quart. “Together they created a beloved show in 1994, and today they’re telling that story with all the charm and romance of the original production, and newly resonant for today’s audiences. It’s a pleasure to be back in the room with this peerless team as they re-discover and expand Beauty and the Beast.”

There are no plans for Broadway for the production, according to a company spokesperson.

The image at the top of this story depicts a scene from the current Australian production, with Shubshri Kandiah as Belle and Brendan Xavier as Beast.