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While you may associate Memorial Day weekend with barbecues, pool parties, and fun in the sun, we’re spending this long weekend in our pajamas—and for good reason! In celebration of Adventures in Babysitting—the 100th Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM)—which premieres Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m. ET, Disney Channel is airing all 100 DCOMs throughout the month of June, beginning with a mega movie marathon this Memorial Day weekend! Check out the full line-up of films below:
Friday, May 27
10 a.m.—Disney’s Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama
11:20 a.m.—Read It and Weep
12:55 p.m.—Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
2:40 p.m.—Jump In!
4:15 p.m.—Lemonade Mouth
6:15 p.m.—Zapped
8 p.m.—High School Musical 2
9:55 p.m.—The Cheetah Girls 2
11:45 p.m.—Zenon the Zequel
Disney’s Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama
Saturday, May 28
1:25 a.m.—Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
2:55 a.m.—Twitches Too
4:25 a.m.—Alley Cats Strike!
6:25 a.m.—You Wish!
8:05 a.m.—The Proud Family Movie
9:50 a.m.—Quints
11:25 a.m.—Horse Sense
1:10 p.m.—Cow Belles
2:50 p.m.—Twitches
4:30 p.m.—The Even Stevens Movie
6:15 p.m.—Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie
8 p.m.—Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
9:50 p.m.—Princess Protection Program
11:30 p.m.—The Cheetah Girls: One World
Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
Sunday, May 29
1:05 a.m.—Zenon: Z3
2:40 a.m.—Halloweentown High
4:20 a.m.—The Thirteenth Year
6 a.m.—Right on Track
7:45 a.m.—Full-Court Miracle
9:35 a.m.—Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off
11:20 a.m.—Brink!
1:10 p.m.—Double Teamed
2:55 p.m.—Rip Girls
4:35 p.m.—Motocrossed
6:20 p.m.—Cloud 9
8 p.m.—Teen Beach 2
9:55 p.m.—Bad Hair Day
11:40 p.m. How to Build a Better Boy
Teen Beach 2
Monday, May 30
1:20 a.m.—Pixel Perfect
2:55 a.m.—The Other Me
4:30 a.m.—Genius
10 a.m.—Stuck in the Suburbs
11:30 a.m.—Halloweentown
1:05 p.m.—Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
2:55 p.m.—Smart House
4:25 p.m.—High School Musical
6:15 p.m.—Camp Rock
8 p.m.—Descendants
10:05 p.m.—Teen Beach Movie
11:55 p.m.—Cadet Kelly
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
Tuesday, May 31
1:50 a.m.—The Cheetah Girls
3:35 a.m.—Johnny Tsunami
Wednesday, June 1
12 a.m.—Return to Halloweentown
2 a.m.—Can of Worms
Thursday, June 2
12 a.m.—Going to the Mat
2 a.m.—Miracle in Lane 2
Friday, June 3
12 a.m.—The Suite Life Movie
2 a.m.—A Ring of Endless Light
Saturday, June 4
12 a.m.—Invisible Sister
2 a.m.—Now You See It
Sunday, June 5
12 a.m.—Girl vs. Monster
2 a.m.—Phantom of the Megaplex
Monday, June 6
12 a.m.—Tru Confessions
2 a.m.—Tiger Cruise
Tuesday, June 7
12 a.m.—Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire
2 a.m.—Under Wraps
Wednesday, June 8
12 a.m.—Den Brother
2 a.m.—Go Figure
Thursday, June 9
12 a.m.—Avalon High
2 a.m.—Jett Jackson: The Movie
Friday, June 10
12 a.m.—Minutemen
2 a.m.—Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension
Saturday, June 11
12 a.m.—The Poof Point
2 a.m.—Up, Up and Away
Sunday, June 12
12 a.m.—Life is Ruff
2 a.m.—Hounded
Monday, June 13
12 a.m.—Ready to Run
2 a.m.—The Jennie Project
Tuesday, June 14
12 a.m.—The Scream Team
2 a.m.—Don’t Look Under the Bed
Wednesday, June 15
12 a.m.—The Color of Friendship
2 a.m.—Buffalo Dreams
Thursday, June 16
12 a.m—Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!
2 a.m.—Hatching Pete
Friday, June 17
12 a.m.—The Ultimate Christmas Present
2 a.m.—Twas the Night
Saturday, June 18
12 a.m.—StarStruck
2 a.m.—Geek Charming
Sunday, June 19
12 a.m.—Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board
2 a.m.—Jumping Ship
Monday, June 20
12 a.m.—Dadnapped
2 a.m.—Get A Clue
Tuesday, June 21
12 a.m.—Let It Shine
2 a.m.—Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure
Wednesday, June 22
12 a.m.—The Luck of the Irish
2 a.m.—You Lucky Dog
Thursday, June 23
12 a.m.—Radio Rebel
2 a.m.—Frenemies
Friday, June 24
12 a.m.—Gotta Kick It Up!
2 a.m.—Stepsister From Planet Weird
8 p.m.—Adventures in Babysitting (100th DCOM)
It’s the song heard ’round the world—about the world! it’s a small world is celebrating its 50th year at Disneyland park and it’s not hard to see why: With stunning design by Mary Blair and Rolly Crump, music by the Sherman brothers, and character design and costume design by Marc Davis and Alice Davis, respectively, it’s no surprise that the classic attraction is a family favorite at Disney Parks around the world.
Think you’re a seasoned sailor of “the happiest cruise that ever sailed”? Cruise on and see if you can place these animated animals in their correct lands.
1. Don’t get a frog in your throat! Where can you find this reptile trio?
2. Where can you spot this striped specimen?
3. Hip-hip-hooray! Where can you find this fan favorite?
4. It’s okay to smile at this crocodile—once you find him!
5. This one’s black and white—do you know where to find this precious panda?
6. Water you waiting for? Guess where you can find this water buffalo!
7. BONUS ROUND: There’s a sneaky sea serpent that lives at it’s a small world—but you need to guess before you sea it!
Answers:
1. FROGS: These three hopped on over to the Middle East and Asian Holiday area.
2. TIGER: While he’s no Rajah, you can find this tiger near Aladdin and Jasmine in the Middle East and Asian Holiday area, just after a depiction of the Taj Mahal.
3. HIPPO: You can’t miss this hippo in Adventure in Africa—keep an eye out after saying “Hakuna Matata” to our pals Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba.
4. CROCODILE: This croc lives in a tropical hideaway towards the end of Pacific Islands Paradise, just before the journey into the Spirit of America.
5. PANDA: You can find this panda in the Middle East and Asian Holiday area, right before saying hello to Mulan and Mushu.
6. WATER BUFFALO: After you spot our panda pal, look across the way to find the water buffalo in the Middle East and Asian Holiday area.
7. BONUS ROUND: Did we fool you? You can find this slithery sea serpent just outside of it’s a small world, along with many other terrific topiaries.
There’s a great big, beautiful Tomorrowland at Shanghai Disney Resort! Created especially for Shanghai Disneyland, this newly imagined land celebrates the hope, optimism, and potential for the future—themes from the original Disneyland—for a whole new culture. With just three weeks until the grand opening, D23’s Ultimate Countdown to Shanghai Disney Resort continues with a land that takes guests to infinity and beyond.
Disney fans around the world are counting down to the opening of one of the most thrilling and exciting attractions at any Disney park: TRON Lightcycle Power Run. Riding atop individual, two-wheeled Lightcycles, guests will be launched across a canopied section of track—the Upload Circuit—before diving high-speed into the Grid, a mysterious game world. Adrenaline-pumping music, lights, and 3-D graphics electrify a multi-sensory environment as “Programs” and “Users” speed, dip, and dive through digitized darkness on one of the fastest coaster attractions in Disney theme park history.
Shifting from the Grid to the Gamma Quadrant, guests can go from zero to Space Ranger hero aboard Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue. This interactive adventure is inspired by the Disney•Pixar Toy Story films as well as the popular Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin that premiered at Walt Disney World. At Shanghai Disneyland, the Evil Emperor Zurg is threatening to destroy the home planet of the Aliens so Buzz Lightyear calls out for more Space Rangers to help stop Star Command’s most wanted! The immersive, new storyline combined with a new, interactive targeting system will make this one of the most engaging attractions at a Disney park.
In a galaxy far, far away, Jedi, Sith, and Padawans will discover an experience that honors the Star Wars Saga inside the Star Wars Launch Bay. Iconic intergalactic set pieces, props, and memorabilia help to bring the Star Wars story to life, while guests of all ages can also encounter favorite characters like C-3PO and Darth Vader—and even take photos piloting the Millennium Falcon!
Elsewhere in the galaxy, young space travelers can video chat with none other than Experiment 626 himself during Stitch Encounter. With new humor and content for guests of Shanghai Disney Resort, everyone’s favorite blue cosmic alien engages in unrehearsed conversations, plays games, makes jokes, and takes guests for a spin around the galaxy.
Back in Tomorrowland, sky pilots strap in to individual Jet Packs and enjoy the thrill and wonder of flight. Two at a time, guests blast off on transportation of the future, controlling how high their Jet Pack goes. Walt Disney’s long affiliation with aviation dates back to the Astro Jets at Disneyland park from 1956 and now, 60 years later, his hope and optimism for the future continues to be expressed at Shanghai Disneyland!
Guests can break away from their travels on the upper concourse of Tomorrowland and enjoy Chinese and Western food at the Stargazer Grill. From the outdoor deck, guests will be able to see the Enchanted Storybook Castle and enjoy a variety of burgers at the largest restaurant in Shanghai Disneyland.
Stay tuned next week as D23’s Ultimate Countdown continues with the largest of all the lands in Shanghai Disneyland: Fantasyland.
Live-Action Beauty and the Beast Gets Teaser-Trailer Treatment
There we were, sitting in near the fountain of our little town (it’s a quiet village!), reading our favorite book—we’d just gotten to the part where the heroine meets Prince Charming… when suddenly, on our mobile screen of choice, appeared a brand-new teaser for Disney’s live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast! (We were so excited, we almost ran right into the baker on his way to get the baguettes. But that’s another story…)
Beauty and the Beast stars Emma Watson (the Harry Potter film series) as iconic Disney princess Belle—a bright, beautiful, and (very) independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast and locked away in his castle. Despite her fears, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. Also featuring Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) as the Beast, Luke Evans (The Hobbit) as Gaston, Josh Gad (Frozen) as Lefou, Ewan McGregor (the Star Wars prequel trilogy) as Lumiere, and Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks) as Mrs. Potts, the film will bewitch audiences worldwide beginning March 17, 2017.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
Parks March 2—May 30 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival June 16 Shanghai Disney Resort to open June 17 Soarin’ Around the World Debuts at Disney California Adventure and at Epcot September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30 and October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29 and December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resort Television May 27 100th DCOM Celebration Kicks Off on Disney Channel at 10 a.m. June 24 Adventures in Babysitting Premieres on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. EDT
All Your Favorite Tunes from Disney Channel Original Movies on One Album!
As we gear up for the debut of Disney Channel’s 100th Original Movie(DCOM)—Adventures in Babysitting, premiering June 24 at 8 p.m. ET)—Walt Disney Records keeps the celebration going with the release of a new digital album chock full of songs from chart-topping DCOM soundtracks! Your Favorite Songs from 100 Disney Channel Original Movies hits virtual store shelves on Friday, May 27 (and is actually available for pre-order right this minute, over at iTunes).
The centerpiece of the album is a medley of super-iconic DCOM songs performed by Hollywood Records recording artists Forever In Your Mind; the band’s music video will also debut on Friday, May 27—during the big “100th DCOM Celebration” programming event on Disney Channel—and will be available on DisneyMusicVevo right after its TV premiere.
Look for awesome cuts like “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’” from Teen Beach Movie; “This is Me” from Camp Rock; “Rotten to the Core” from Disney’s Descendants; and (of course) “Wildside” from Adventures in Babysitting. Happy listening, y’all!
New Finding Dory Trailer is Unforgettable
Here’s another way to remember that Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, the much-anticipated sequel to Finding Nemo, is about to swim into theaters on June 17: a shiny new trailer!
Set off the coast of California, Finding Dory reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres), with her friends Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence) and Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? The film also features the dulcet tones of Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Idris Elba, Kate McKinnon, Eugene Levy, and Diane Keaton.
And speaking of something “Unforgettable,” check out this performance from last Friday’s episode of Ellen, when Sia dropped by to sing her cover of the classic 1951 song (originally made popular by Nat King Cole), which will appear in the end credits of the film.
Season 2 of Miles from Tomorrowland: Coming June 20 to Disney Channel!
Disney Junior’s Emmy®-nominated animated series Miles from Tomorrowland is back for Season 2—and all the new intergalactic fun kicks off this June! The series, which boasts an impressive pedigree of NASA, Google, and Space Tourism Society consultants, follows the out-of-this-world missions of young adventurer Miles Callisto and his family as they work together to help connect the galaxy on behalf of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
Celebrity guest stars this season include Star Trek: The Next Generation alums LeVar Burton (as Galactic School teacher Dr. Consilium), Whoopi Goldberg (as creative tech genius The GameMaster), and Jonathan Frakes (as Miles’ paternal grandfather). Plus, Good Morning America’s chief meteorologist and recent Dancing with the Stars finalist Ginger Zee voices Dr. Zephyr Skye, Tomorrowland’s leading weather forecaster.
Look for Miles and all his interplanetary pals when Miles from Tomorrowland premieres on Monday, June 20, at 9 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel (with a preview via the Disney Junior App beginning on Monday, June 13)!
Final Countdown to Soarin’ Around the World at Disney Parks Worldwide
Ever imagined flying high above the Great Wall of China? Or feeling the Australian wind in your hair whilst gliding above Sydney Harbor (with its iconic Sydney Opera House nearby)? Well, you won’t have to imagine much longer: Disney Parks’ Soarin’ Over the World is poised to take flight beginning in mid-June! And if you’re looking for a lil’ sneak peek at the exhilarating journey, check out the video from our pals at the Disney Parks Blog, above.
Disney Cruise Line Returning to Stateside Home Ports in 2017
If you’re looking for a fantastic way to sail the globe—leaving once again from convenient locations across the good ol’ U.S. of A.—look no further than Disney Cruise Line (DCL)! They’ve just announced a return to several popular stateside home ports for limited-time engagements…
In the fall of 2017, DCL will return to New York City with sailings to the Bahamas and the Canadian coast—including a new seven-night Canada cruise. Additionally, San Diego, California, will serve as a home port with cruises to Mexico, and Galveston, Texas, will again be home to sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
For more info on all DCL’s 2017 sailings, row your boat over to their website.
Elena of Avalor to Debut Ball Gown Designed by Project Runway Alum
“Hola! Tenemos noticias para ti!” (That’s Spanish for, “Have we got news for you!”) Princess Elena—the star of Disney Channel’s newest animated series, Elena of Avalor—will been seen in the show wearing a beautiful ball gown inspired by her rich Latin American heritage. And that’s not all: The gown was designed by Project Runway alum Layana Aguilar! Says the Brazilian-born-and-raised fashionista, “Designing a dress for a Disney princess is a dream come true for me and the proudest moment of my career so far. And as a mother, I am so excited to introduce my kids to [the new show].”
Layana’s design is also the inspiration for the dress that Princess Elena will wear when she meets and greets her “royal subjects” at Disney Parks later this year! You’ll be able to find the princess at Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort, and at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Keep your “ojos” peeled for more info on her Parks debut as it becomes available.
Big Casting News for Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok
A dazzling array of all-star actors will be joining Chris Hemsworth in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, the continuing story of the hammer-wielding Super Hero that’s due in theaters November 3, 2017.
Oscar® winner Cate Blanchett (Cinderella) will costar as Hela, a mysterious new villain—and joining her are Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) as Grandmaster, Karl Urban (the Star Trek trilogy) as Skurge, and Tessa Thompson (Selma) as Valkyrie. Additionally, Mark Ruffalo will reprise his Avengers role of Bruce “The Hulk” Banner.
And don’t worry: Besides Chris Hemsworth in the title role, all your favorites from the first two Thor films are returning, including Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Idris Elba as Heimdall, and Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin.
Helena Bonham Carter is back and giving everybody a piece of her very large mind again as the Red Queen, Iracebeth, in Alice Through the Looking Glass, the hotly anticipated follow-up to Disney’s blockbuster live-action adaptation of Alice in Wonderland in 2010. In the film, Bonham Carter reteams with Mia Wasikowska (Alice), Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter), Anne Hathaway (The White Queen) and the late Alan Rickman (voice of Absolem, the caterpillar-turned-butterfly), and is joined by her Sweeney Todd and Les Misérables co-star Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays Time.
In an online exclusive interview with D23, Bonham Carter discussed her excitement over getting back into the headspace of the Red Queen and working again with some of her wondrous collaborators.
Tim Lammers (TL): Was there a certain amount of reconditioning, vocally, since you screamed “Off with their heads!” quite a bit in Alice in Wonderland? Helena Bonham Carter (HBC): It turned out to be very exhausting on the first day of production. I thought to myself, ‘I remember how to play this,’ and by lunchtime I didn’t have any voice left because I had been screaming for an hour (laughs). It was fun for a bit, then I realized, “I can’t do anymore and now I’m mute.”
TL: And was it exhausting, physically? HBC: It was much more exhausting. The Red Queen is an exhausting character to play. I had a lot more to do and I think my part is actually bigger in this film. And, she’s unhappier. Can you believe it? And she’s even angrier.
TL: The Red Queen was taken away to be imprisoned at the end of Alice in Wonderland. Where do we find her in Alice Through the Looking Glass and what are her motivations? HBC: When we meet her she has been banished to the Outerlands and the only thing she has is time, and the notion of time is personified by Sacha Baron Cohen’s character. I love him and he loves me, but I only really love him because he has an object that I want—the Chronosphere—which you can use to travel through time and turn back time. I want it to travel back in time to get my crown again, but Alice wants it to help out the Hatter and his family… We also find out why she has such a big head.
TL: I can’t imagine anybody reacting well to her head swelling to twice its size. HBC: In the film, you’ll realize why it totally wasn’t my fault. You find out why it’s so big and who’s to blame. The Red Queen has a huge inferiority complex because of her big head. That has a lot to do with her sister (The White Queen), who’s got a perfect head and is perfect all around. The second film investigates the relationship between the two of them. I want to be queen because I’m the oldest, but Mirana comes and steals my throne and my crown.
TL: How did you wrap your head around playing a character with such a big head? HBC: When I was first approached to play the role, I spoke with [screenwriter] Linda Woolverton and we talked about the Red Queen having a big head and how angry she was. I played her the age of my daughter, who was 2 at the time. She had tantrums all the time and had no inhibition with her emotions. So in that way, it was fun to play someone who was entirely selfish and has a big head, just like any toddler.
TL: Who does Iracebeth remind you of in Alice Through the Looking Glass? HBC: It’s a lot of fun because there’s a bit of Miss Havisham [from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations] wrapped up in the Red Queen. She’s been banished to nowhereville and she still thinks she’s queen. There’s a bit of delusion involved. There’s a bit of Sunset Boulevard in there, too. She’s a bit lost in time, clinging on to an illusion.
TL: Alice Through the Looking Glass marks your seventh film with Johnny Depp. I can’t help but think part of the reason you keep doing films together—part of the intrigue is wondering what creative new ideas this guy is going to bring to the table. HBC: I always wonder what he’s going to come dressed like. I’m deeply envious of his costumes most of the time, and his accessories. He always has tons of accessories and has never been minimal in his tastes and nor am I, frankly. Johnny’s completely eccentric in his choices, so it’s always fun to see what he’s going to do next. He’s completely unpredictable, and that is, of course, if you can tell where he is because most of the time he’s completely unrecognizable.
TL: Of course, the film also reunites you with Mia Wasikowska. Could you sense any differences in Mia between the first and second films? HBC: She hadn’t changed that much between the first and second film, even with all the success she’s had. She’s so indelibly sweet and wise. It’s a clever and interesting mix, how she’s so wise and has an old soul, but incredibly, has a naiveté, too, and a modesty. Mia’s so well-adjusted. There’s such a genuine truth to her. She’s grown, but doesn’t seem that much older, visually. As for the rest of us, we had so much makeup on that you couldn’t tell if we aged or not (laughs), but Mia hadn’t really changed that much except she had shorter hair.
TL: Sadly, Alice Through the Looking Glass is Alan Rickman’s last film. When was the last time you saw him? HBC: It was about 18 months ago in a restaurant and he was sitting with his wife, Rima, and we had a big hug. [After he passed, there was something] about his butterfly character that I said to his wife that I felt was poignant. There was a saying I read, ‘Just when the caterpillar thought it was all over it became a butterfly.’ I love that saying and I thought that applied. I love the idea that maybe he has become a butterfly, not physically, but in that it’s about a transformation. Death is transforming. I don’t think it’s the end, but unfortunately it’s the end of us seeing Alan in his usual shape.
TL: I can’t go without mentioning that one of my favorite film songs in the last year was your “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” as the Fairy Godmother at the end of the credits of Cinderella. That was so terrific. HBC: There’s a funny story about that. [Cinderella Director] Ken Branagh wanted me to record the song when I was in Shepperton filming Alice Through the Looking Glass. At the end of shooting one day I went to composer Patrick Doyle’s office in full Red Queen makeup to sing “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” [huge laughter]. It was just to check out the key I was going to sing it in, and here I was having a full sing-along in my full Red Queen outfit. Patrick, whom I’ve known for years, was in absolute hysterics. There’s a video of it somewhere.
The name Stan Lee has become synonymous with some of the most iconic superheroes who have ever leapt off of comic book pages and onto the silver screen. This multi-generational pop-culture icon has been intimately involved with Marvel Comics and its predecessors for more than seven decades, and was at Marvel’s helm for the creation of such characters as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and the Fantastic Four… to mention a few.
On a beautiful sunny day in Southern California, Stan welcomed us into his Beverly Hills office to discuss his love for heroes, fans, and Walt Disney. His smile, laughter, and enthusiasm for life are contagious. Surrounding his desk are photos he has taken with friends, celebrities, even U.S. Presidents. It’s an inspiring reminder that his life has been packed with almost as many adventures as those immortalized in the comic book pages he’s helped to fill.
Stan as a young boy in New York City; he recalls how his bicycle was the greatest thing in his life at the time, since it gave him the mobility to travel the city.
D23: Where did you grow up? Stan Lee: Right in Manhattan, and for a few years I lived in the Bronx, then back to Manhattan again. So I’m a real New Yorker.
Being a “real New Yorker,” who were your role models and heroes?
Errol Flynn. I remember after I saw him in Robin Hood—I must have been 15 years old—I would leave the theater with a little crooked grin on my face thinking that’s the way he grinned. There were also heroes in the books that I read: The Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, and Don Sturdy. I wouldn’t miss a Tarzan story or a Sherlock Holmes story.
Did you always enjoy reading when you were a kid?
I was a voracious reader. My mother used to say that I loved to read when I ate, and if I had nothing to read, she said I would read the label on the ketchup bottle or the mustard jar.
When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
I always thought I’d be a writer. When I was about 14, I’m ashamed to admit this, I got myself a little briefcase. I used to carry it around with me, hoping it would make me look like a writer.
Stan crafting an animation script in his Manhattan office in the 1940s, during the Timely comics years. At the time, he worked on such scripts as Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal, Mighty Mouse, Millie the Model, and Nellie the Nurse.
How old were you when you were first hired to work at Timely Comics?
I think I was about 16 or 17. It was somewhere around there.
What were your initial daily tasks?
The artists would draw a page in pencil, then an inker would go over it. There were still little pencil lines showing, so my first job was to erase all of the pencil lines. I would go home every night with an aching arm.
What was your first creative contribution to be published?
In those days, every one of the comics had a little two-page story that nobody read. I was there for a few days, and someone said, “Oh by the way, I want you to write a two-page Captain America story. No pictures. Just words.” So I wrote it, and it was published. It said, “by Stan Lee.” I cut it out and hung it on the wall at home.
Captain America was a popular comic book hero during World War II, but readers lost interest in him once the war ended. How did you reintroduce him?
When I started Marvel in 1962, I was really kind of running the place, though I was still answerable to the publisher. I decided to bring Captain America back. I wanted to make him different than he had been. I would always let him feel as if he is a man out of time. His world is the world of the 1940s, fighting dictators and so forth. Suddenly he’s alive in today’s world. He felt like an anachronism, like he didn’t belong in this age. This is a troubled superhero who’s trying to understand a different world that he’s woken up in. Luckily it caught on. He became very popular, and he is very popular today.
Stan with his wife, Joan, circa early 1960s, at home in Hewlett Harbor, New York, on Long Island. The couple were married in 1947; Joan was a hat model and, as Stan describes, a true beauty.
What made you decide to introduce existing mythology with the Norse god Thor?
You are always trying to top yourself, and I figured I had a guy who is the strongest living mortal [Thing] and a guy who could burst into flames and fly [Human Torch]. What can I do to top that? Nobody can be bigger than a god! A lot had been written about the Roman and the Greek gods. There hasn’t been much written about the Norse gods! I like the name Thor, and I love the fact that he’s got this hammer that is his weapon.
How do you draw inspiration in creating a new super-hero or villain?
If I have to write something, I sit down and I hope I can dream something up. I’ve been lucky so far. Like a carpenter who says, “I think I’ve got to make a shelf. I’ll get a piece of wood, and I’ll make the shelf.” I’ve got to write a story. Okay, I’ll sit down next to the typewriter, and I’ll write the story.
With the Fantastic Four, you started to use larger vocabulary words.
Oh, college-level vocabulary. I used to figure that the kids would either begin to understand what the words meant through their use in the sentence, or they would get it by osmosis. If they had to go to a dictionary, that’s not the worst thing in the world that could happen.
“When I was still quite young, I saved up whatever money I had and bought my first deluxe book, which cost a whopping dollar and a half. It was called The Art of Walt Disney. Man, how I treasured that book! I felt Walt Disney was a creative genius…” —Stan Lee
Was this because you felt that comic books could be educational as well as entertaining?
Comic books are educational because they teach kids to read. If you enjoy reading things, you’ll develop a facility at it. Once they become readers, they go on to other things.
The best Marvel stories have always been created with a balance between great writing and great artwork.
A comic book without a good artist is only half a comic book!
Who were some of your favorite artists to work with?
I have so many! Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, John Romita, John Buscema, Gene Colan, Alex Ross, George Tuska, Gil Kane, and a lot of others! I was lucky. I had the best artists.
Where did the name “Marvel” come from?
We were called Atlas at the time that I did the Fantastic Four. I thought I could do a lot with a name like Marvel. It looks powerful when you letter it, and I was able to create such slogans as “Make Mine Marvel,” “Marvel Marches On,” and “Welcome to the Marvel Age of Comics.”
What was “Stan’s Soapbox”?
I wanted our readers to feel that when they buy a Marvel book, they are visiting a bunch of friends. So every month I wrote a column about anything. Just the way I felt about things, and I’d print it just as though I was sitting in the room with the reader, talking to them.
In this digital age, what has become the new “Stan’s Soapbox”?
Oh, I am on Twitter! I don’t just tweet one thing. I tweet three, four, five, six at a time. I’m long-winded, and I can’t make due with 140 letters.
You have become famous for the catch phrase, “Excelsior!” Where did that originate?
I remember that the great seal of the state of New York had “Excelsior” written on it. It’s an old English thing that really means, “upward and onward to greater glory.” I always liked that word, so I started signing everything, “Excelsior!”
A portrait in Stan’s office. It was created by a friend who once worked for Andy Warhol.
With the many cameo appearances you’ve had over the years in Marvel films, do you have a favorite so far?
I like them all! Maybe my favorite, though, was the one in Spider-Man 2 where I say to Peter Parker in the street something like, “Yes, one man can make a difference.” Then when I walk away, I say, “’Nuff said!”
Did you ever have the opportunity to meet Walt Disney?
No, and I regret that. When I was still quite young, I saved up whatever money I had and bought my first deluxe book, which cost a whopping dollar and half, a fortune to me in those days. It was called The Art of Walt Disney. Man, how I treasured that book! I felt Walt Disney was a creative genius because of Snow White, Bambi, Pinocchio, Fantasia, and all the other. I always wished I had met Walt Disney. As a provider of entertainment, he was my idol.
Stan receives a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame on January 4, 2011.
Do you have any one favorite thing from Disney animation, live-action films, or theme parks that most impressed you over the years?
Everything he did impressed me. I mean every one of his movies had something in it that was fantastic. Whether it was Jiminy Cricket, some of those scenes in Fantasia, the live-action nature series, even The Mickey Mouse Club. Everything he did, he did so well. What I loved about it, it was all family-oriented. It was something anybody could watch and enjoy. I thought he was the most brilliant guy.
What are your feelings regarding Marvel now being a part of The Walt Disney Company?
I think it’s a great thing for both companies! I think it’s a great thing for Marvel to have Disney’s power behind it, and Disney’s brains. I think for Disney to have the Marvel characters with their built-in audience is wonderful!
Do you have any parting words for current, as well as budding new Marvel “true believers”?
Yeah. Keep reading the Marvel stuff. Keep going to every movie that I have a cameo in, because that’s the only reason they give me the cameos. [Stan laughs] They know it brings in a much bigger audience!
Join your D23 ‘ohana for an unforgettable week celebrating the beauty and welcoming spirit of Hawai‘i at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. This 5-day, 4-night experience offers D23 Members the chance to enjoy all that the world-class vacation resort has to offer, plus special daily experiences and surprises created especially for the fan in all of us.
Today, we’re excited to share that Joe Rohde, portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, will join our festivities for two unforgettable events. Joe will share some of the magic and tradition behind what makes Aulani Resort unlike anywhere else in the world.
During each day of the event, guests will unwrap a new gift, from a welcome bag and daily keepsake to a set of exclusive limited-edition pins. Between exploring Aulani Resort’s wide range of activities at your own pace and sharing magical moments with fellow D23 Members and surprise Disney guests, this relaxing weeklong getaway will create vacation memories that will last a lifetime.
Monday, August 22 VIP Welcome Cocktail Party (4–6 p.m.)
Kick off your week of relaxation at Aulani Resort with a welcome party along the pristine shores of Ko Olina! Join fellow D23 Members and the D23 Team for a cocktail reception on the beach, featuring an appetizing barbecue buffet, live entertainment, and incredible vistas of the resort’s sweeping seascape.
Tuesday, August 23 Walt Disney Animation Studios Presentation (10 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Catch an insider’s glimpse into the adventurous world of Moana, the upcoming animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios! Gather in the Ka‘ala Ballroom, where a special guest will give an early behind-the-scenes look at the action-packed journey that sails into theaters this November. Guests must be 10 years of age or older to attend this presentation.
Wednesday, August 24 D23 Group Classes (Schedule TBD) and Private Movie Night (6–9 p.m.)
Join in a variety of cultural activities and private D23 group classes throughout the day, including ‘Ohana Hula, ‘Ohana Ho‘okani Pila (‘ukulele lesson), and a Hawaiian craft class*.
Then, as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, gather on the Halawai Lawn for snacks, beverages, and a private nighttime screening of a Disney film classic!
*Based on availability; spaces will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday, August 25 VIP D23 All-Day Private Patio (9 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Delight in the enchanting sights and relaxing sounds of Ko Olina Beach as D23 Members enjoy all-day reserved access to ‘AMA‘AMA patio. Stop by at select times for delectable food and beverages, live entertainment, and exclusive experiences with special guests:
9 a.m.—Meet Kahulu De Santos, Cultural Advisor, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Start your morning with a delicious continental breakfast and discover how Aulani embraces the time-honored traditions of Hawai‘i with cultural advisor Kahulu De Santos.
12 p.m.—Meet 2015–16 Disney Ambassador Janelle Sanqui
Stop by to create your own burger at Hawaiian Burger Lunch Buffet and find out how the first Aulani Ambassador, Janelle Sanqui, shares Disney magic and the spirit of Aloha with guests and fellow Cast Members each day.
4:30 p.m.—Meet Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
While enjoying a selection of fine wines and artisan cheeses, discover how Disney Imagineers created Aulani Resort with portfolio creative executive Joe Rohde.
Friday, August 26 Aulani Resort 5th Anniversary Character Breakfast (7 a.m.–8:30 a.m.)
Join your fellow D23 Members, favorite Disney characters, and guest of honor Joe Rohde at Makahiki Restaurant to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Aulani Resort! After enjoying a bountiful breakfast feast, a farewell toast will serve as the perfect ending to the relaxing week. Each guest will receive a complimentary photo with Mickey Mouse as a keepsake to remember his or her experience.
Event credentials required. All events and details subject to change at any time.
Ahoy, mateys! We’ve got an anniversary on our hands: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides—the fourth installment of the hugely successful Pirates film franchise—sailed into theaters on May 20, 2011… Once again starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbosa, On Stranger Tides added some new branches to the Pirates family tree, including Oscar® winner Penélope Cruz (Vicki Cristina Barcelona) as Angelica, the first female pirate in the franchise; and Ian McShane (Deadwood) as the formidable Blackbeard.
The film followed Captain Jack on his quest to the legendary Fountain of Youth, crossing paths with Angelica (with whom he shares a questionable past) and ruthless Blackbeard along the way. To celebrate On Stranger Tides’ fifth anniversary—and to piqué our collective interest ahead of the franchise’s fifth installment (set to be released in Summer 2017)—we’ve assembled five surprising factoids about the movie. “Read on, me hearties, yo ho…”
1. It’s the first Pirates movie to be shot entirely in 3-D.
“The only way we would release Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 3-D is if the film was actually filmed in 3-D,” admitted producer Jerry Bruckheimer at the time of the movie’s release. The crew—led by director Rob Marshall and cinematographer Dariusz Wolski—was among the first in Hollywood history to take digital 3-D cameras into remote locations in Puerto Rico and Hawaii, and to shoot inside real watery caves and full-size pirate ships. And despite its totally “high-tech” nature, the specific equipment used (RED digital cinema cameras) allowed Wolski to film 3-D with greater attention to realistic historic details. “We’re trying to be very true to the period in retaining candle and natural life, as you see in 18th-century paintings,” he explained.
2. Before the cameras started to role, there was a lot of preparation…
Stunt coordinator and second unit director George Marshall Ruge had already lent his skills to the first three Pirates installments—as well as both National Treasure films and The Lord of the Rings trilogy)—before taking on On Stranger Tides. Ruge and his team created elaborate set pieces on which to stage intricately choreographed fights, including a two-level pub storeroom and the ship rigging of the Queen Anne’s Revenge… some of which required more than six months of groundwork. The movie enlisted a whopping 100 stunt players for filming in England alone! Additionally, Penelope Cruz endured two months of training in Los Angeles before ever stepping foot on an On Stranger Tides set: “[Ruge’s team] taught me to lose the fear, and how to be 100 percent alert,” she said.
3. For On Stranger Tides’ costumes, the devil was truly in the details.
Penny Rose, the costume designer for all four Pirates films, left no detail unattended to when it came to adorning Captain Jack, Barbossa, Blackbeard, and the rest of the cast with accurate duds. More than 1,700 different fabrics were acquired in Florence, Italy, and buttons were bought from a small store in Paris; an amazing 700 costumes were created in Rome just for the movie’s background players! “The costumes are constructed absolutely authentically,” admitted Rose. “There are no modern gimmicks within them. You’ll find no zippers or Velcro on these costumes!” Bonus fun fact: Depp’s Captain Jack had 80 different headscarves, so he’d never run out…
4. Zombie makeup is harder than it looks.
The film’s Makeup Department Head, Oscar® winner Joel Harlow, charged his fellow department artists with creating and executing the look of Blackbeard’s eerie zombie crew. “We did a lot of research into Santeria symbols, voodoo lore, classic zombie movies, as well as shrunken heads,” said Harlow. “And we did an initial battery of testing in Los Angeles before filming began.” Ultimately, the makeup on each zombie took an average of three-and-a-half hours to complete.
5. …And it wouldn’t be a Pirates movie without memorable music!
Filming for On Stranger Tides was completed on November 18, 2010—at which time, the film’s post-production team shifted into high gear. Composer Hans Zimmer, who’d given the first three Pirates films their distinctive musical sound, was back to create a score that was hopefully both traditional and innovative. “You try to treat each film as an autonomous movie,” Zimmer explained, “but at the same time, there’s great fun in revisiting ‘old friends,’ as it were.” Since Penélope Cruz’s character, Angelica, is Spanish, Zimmer felt there should be some Latin influences to this particular score—so he enlisted the help of Mexican guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriella. “It’s very exciting because it’s the first official invitation for us to collaborate with a great composer for a film,” Gabriela said.
Don’t forget: The next Pirates film, Dead Men Tell No Tales, will reunite Captain Jack and Captain Barbossa with Will Turner (Orlando Bloom)—and will introduce brand-new villain Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem). The adventure begins May 26, 2017!
“Hold your breath, cross your fingers, here we go!” Roald Dahl’s epic tale The BFG comes to life this summer, courtesy of legendary director Steven Spielberg… and we’ve got a brand-new trailer to (re)whet our whistle, above.
Disney’s The BFG tells the über-imaginative, colorful story of a young girl (newcomer Ruby Barnhill) and the dim-witted but kind-hearted giant (Oscar® winner Mark Rylance) who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. Also starring Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey), Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), and Bill Hader (Inside Out), the film bursts into theaters on July 1.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
Parks March 2—May 30 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival June 16 Shanghai Disney Resort to open June 17 Soarin’ Around the World Debuts at Disney California Adventure and at Epcot September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30 and October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29 and December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resort Television May 27 100th DCOM Celebration Kicks Off on Disney Channel at 10 a.m. June 24 Adventures in Babysitting Premieres on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. EDT
2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival—Now 62 Days of Fun!
How much delicious food, delectable wine, and amazing music can you pack into a little more than two months? Epcot aims to find out with this year’s edition of their International Food & Wine Festival—which is expanding by nine days! Now in its 21st year, the Food & Wine Festival allows guests to sample global cuisines, wines, and beers; enjoy cooking demonstrations from some of the world’s best chefs; and revel in the dulcet tones of concerts from well-known music artists.
With the nine-day expansion, you can bet that the 2016 edition will bigger and better than ever! Celebrity chefs—including Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, Cat Cora, and Jamie Deen—will be on hand (with more added in the weeks to come), and all-new, hands-on experiences with chefs, bakers, and “mixologists” will be offered in the Festival Center. Additionally, look for brand-new dishes to taste—like beef brisket and vegan Greek nachos! And don’t forget the Festival’s “Eat to the Beat” concert series; this year, eight new acts will join returning favorites including Wilson Phillips and Boyz II Men (featuring recent Dancing with the Stars competitor Wanya Morris).
The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs from September 14 to November 14—and most activities are included in your Epcot park admission! For more info, click here.
High School Musical 4 Open Call Attracts 5,000 Wannabe Wildcats
A few weeks ago, we alerted all you singin’ and dancin’ teenager-types (or those with teens in the family) about an upcoming High School Musical 4 open casting call in Anaheim, CA. Well, that open call happened on Sunday, May 15—and an estimated 5,000 hopefuls descended upon the Anaheim Convention Center for their chance at Disney Channel stardom!
That’s not all: High School Musical star Corbin Bleu surprised the young performers (many of whom traveled from all over the country) to encourage and support them before their audition. These 5,000 singers, dancers, and actors join the more than 13,000 online submissions that have come into the casting team through the Disney Applause app.
Who will be “all in this together”? Which unknown actors will “get their head in the game”? Stay tuned…
Star Power for Star Wars Celebration Europe
Star Wars fans “across the Pond” (or those of you willing to travel), listen up! Some very cool celebrity guests are queuing up for this year’s Star Wars Celebration Europe, which blasts into orbit in July.
Gareth Edwards, director of the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will join Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and some special, yet-to-be-announced guests for a Rogue One panel at Celebration Europe on July 15—and from what we can gather, it’ll be a totally “can’t-miss” event. They’ll be joining previously announced Celebration guests including Warwick Davis (who’ll be acting as host), Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill! Keep your eyes peeled for more Star Wars Celebration Europe news as it becomes available. And for those fans that want to attend in person, visit StarWarsCelebration.com for tickets.
Disneyland Guests Go Through the Looking Glass with Johnny Depp
Ever imagined interacting with Alice Through the Looking Glass’ Mad Hatter, as portrayed (with impish delight) by Disney Legend Johnny Depp? That dream recently came true for some unsuspecting Disneyland Park guests, when Depp—hidden somewhere in Underland—appeared as the Hatter via appropriately magical video at the park’s entrance.
Check out the adorable clip, above… and don’t forget to follow Alice as she helps the Hatter reclaim his “muchness” when Alice Through the Looking Glass debuts in theaters on May 27.
Get Inside Disney Parks with New Video Series
Our friends over at the Disney Parks Blog recently premiered their very own weekly video series, entitled Inside Disney Parks. Each newscast will feature the blog’s latest stories, as well as video not shared anywhere else. Viewers will get a true “insider’s look” at amazing Disney destinations the world over, and will be the first to know about what’s happening right now and what’s to come.
The first installment features the new Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; a look at the new Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Disney California Adventure; and a rundown of all the Star Wars fun coming to Disney Parks this summer. Take a gander, above…
As the current TV season draws to a close, we’ve been riding a California Screamin’-esque roller coaster of emotions watching the season finales of our favorite ABC shows. And as sad as we are to have to say goodbye for the summer, today our spirits are climbing—in part because tonight brings a two-hour season finale of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but mainly because ABC has just announced its primetime schedule for the 2016–17 season. The new lineup is an E-Ticket Ride filled with suspense, romance, and imagination. Here’s a sneak peek at five new shows we can’t wait to see:
Designated Survivor
Have you ever noticed during a major presidential event, like the State of the Union or an inauguration, that there’s always one lower-level cabinet member missing? That’s the “designated survivor,” the person who would step in and become the U.S. President in the event of a catastrophic event. In the new show Designated Survivor, Kiefer Sutherland (24) assumes that role—and must assume the presidency after a devastating attack on Washington. Will he be able to prevent the country—and his own family—from falling into chaos? We know it’s going to be fun to find out.
Why We’re Excited: Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Kiefer Sutherland had us on the edge of our seats with his portrayal of Jack Bauer on the political thriller 24. We have 12 seconds of Designated Survivor, in the teaser above, and we’re dying to know what happens next!
Conviction
Hayes Morrison (played by Hayley Atwell of Marvel’s Agent Carter) is a lawyer and a former First Daughter of the United States (with a mother who’s running for the U.S. Senate). To avoid hurting her mother’s campaign—and jail time for cocaine possession—Hayes takes a job with the brand-new Conviction Integrity Unit, where she’ll use her brilliant legal mind to turn over cases where there is credible suspicion of wrongful conviction. Plus, she’ll have the chance to turn things around with her high-profile family.
Why We’re Excited: We loved Hayley Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter and as the mother who taught Cinderella to “have courage and be kind” in the 2015 live-action feature, Cinderella. This role feels like a departure for the actress, who we would follow anywhere.
Still Star-Crossed
William Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo and Juliet ended—SPOILER ALERT!—not-so-happily. But what about the feuding families left behind? Still Star-Crossed, which is based on a book by Melinda Taub, picks up where Shakespeare left off and charts the treachery, palace intrigue, and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers’ tragic fate.
Why We’re Excited: The period drama comes from Shondaland, the production company that’s brought us Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. With stunning costumes, blood feuds, and Shonda Rhimes’ astounding track record, this is a show we know we don’t want to miss.
Time After Time
Based on a popular novel and movie, Time After Time follows famed science fiction writer H.G. Wells through time to modern day Manhattan in pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Once he arrives in New York City, H.G. Wells (played by Freddie Stroma of the Harry Potter films) finds a world he never thought possible and a young woman who captivates him.
Why We’re Excited: This cat-and-mouse adventure comes from executive producer and writer Kevin Williamson, the creative force behind Dawson’s Creek, Scream, and Vampire Diaries, so we’re counting on a thrill ride through time.
Imaginary Mary
This live-action CGI hybrid focuses on a single career woman, Alice (played by Jenna Elfman of Dharma & Greg), who falls in love with a single father of three and gets help navigating the transition from single life to family life with the help of an unlikely source: the imaginary friend she dreamed up as a child.
Why We’re Excited: The CG animation for the show was designed by the creator of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning short, Feast, Patrick Osborne. We wish our own imaginary friends had been as fun as Alice’s is!
