Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Swings onto PlayStation 5!

By Laura Hathaway

The Marvel’s Spider-Man video game saga is about to add another chapter, with the highly anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This game finds both Peter Parker and Miles Morales defending Marvel’s New York from sinister forces, the likes of which neither has seen. Will the bond between our Spider-Men stand the test?

With the game now out only on PlayStation 5, here are some key reasons to pick up your copy:

Double the Spideys
Why play as one Spider-Man when you can play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales? Seamlessly switch between both Spider-Men to cover more ground as they protect Marvel’s New York. And, if you run into the other Spider-Man while fighting crime, you can perform a tag-team takedown! Each Spider-Man is playable and has their own story arc, powers, and Spidey suits. Speaking of suits…

Put on Your Favorite Suit
The Marvel’s Spider-Man video game franchise is well-known for excellent suit design. From the iconic Advanced Suit to the quirky Bodega Cat Suit (featuring Spider-Man the Cat), suits allow you to feel like you can express your personality through the Spider-Men. Well, hold on to your Spider-Cat masks because, in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, there are over 60 different Spidey suits between Peter and Miles PLUS color variant options on almost all of the suits—giving you even more style options to choose from. Why not explore and find your favorite?

Meet The Super-Heroes’ Super Supporters
Finding your strength with the help of your community is a core part of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Our Spider-Men are stronger with each other but also have their support systems to keep them strong.

  • Mary Jane “MJ” Watson: Peter’s long-time girlfriend and reporter for the Daily Bugle, she is smart, cunning, and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to save Marvel’s New York and the world.
  • City Councilwoman Rio Morales: Not only is she a dedicated community leader, but she is also Miles’ mother. Miles knows he is nothing without her support.
  • Harry Osborn: Peter’s best friend since high school is back from a crippling illness with a new lease on life. Now, he wants to recruit Peter to help him heal the world.
  • Ganke Lee: The voice in Miles’ ear, Ganke can whip up a solution to a problem in no time, helping both of our Spider-Men protect the city.

Battle Super Villains
Iconic Super Heroes need iconic Super Villains and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has plenty of those, each one intimidating in their own right!

  • Kraven the Hunter: Kraven and his band of Hunters have arrived in Marvel’s New York under mysterious circumstances. Presumably, he’s there to hunt but what... or who?
  • The Lizard: Dr. Curt Connors has transformed into the imposing Lizard. Can the Spider-Men catch him in time before he wreaks havoc on Marvel’s New York?
  • Sandman: He’s large, strong, angry, and very... sandy.
  • Venom: The terrifying symbiote will test the Spider-Men in ways they didn’t even know possible.

THWIP and Soar Around an Expanded Marvel’s New York
No Spider-Man experience is complete without web-swinging through Marvel’s New York. With more of the city to explore (areas like Brooklyn, Coney Island, and Queens), there are more opportunities to swing in style. In addition, the Spider Suits for our heroes have been updated with Web Wings. Find a tunnel and soar through buildings, over the water, and into the skies.

Buy and play Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 only on PlayStation 5!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Courtney Potter

Hard to believe, since it feels like summer was just a few weeks ago, but we’re suddenly creeping up on Halloween… so why not start spell-ebrating a little early with some ghoulishly fun content from around the world of Disney this weekend? (Sure, we threw in a decidedly non-spooky episode of a beloved Disney Channel animated series, but we guarantee it’s entertaining regardless!) Take a gander below at what to expect:

In a color image from Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night, two people are seen inside a huge cage that a cloaked figure, to the cage’s right, is shooting some sort of red mystical light into. There are dim lamps surrounding the perimeter of the cage. Another cloaked figure is standing below the cage, close to the camera’s vantage point.

Werewolf by Night in Color—streaming Friday, October 20, on Disney+
Now presented in vivid color, Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night in Color takes place on a dark and foreboding night… as a secret cabal of monster hunters emerge from the shadows and gather at the Bloodstone Temple following the death of their leader. In a strange and spooky memorial to the leader’s life, the attendees are thrust into a mysterious and deadly competition for a powerful relic—a hunt that will ultimately bring them face to face with a dangerous monster! Inspired by horror films of the 1930s and ’40s, and directed by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, this chilling special (which first premiered, in black and white, in 2022) explores a whole new corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In a black-and-white image from Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night, Billy Swan (Al Hamacher), left, and Verussa (Harriet Sansom Harris), right, are standing in a darkened room. A suit-bedecked Swan is behind a large book displayed on a pedestal; a red light is somehow emanating from said book. Verussa, wearing a leather coat and gloves, is gesturing toward the book to people off-screen.

Big City Greens—Saturday, October 21, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD
The episode’s two stories include: “Iced,” in which Gramma Alice (voiced by Artemis Pebdani) butts heads with Nick (voiced by Billy West) when he crashes her special family hockey outing; and “Chipped Off,” where Chip Whistler (voiced by Paul Scheer) recounts what happened to him since “Chipocalypse Now.”

In an image from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) is standing in a living room dressed as Santa Claus, and handing a toy to a small boy whose back is toward the camera. To his right is a Christmas tree and his gift sack, and behind him is a fireplace with stockings hung above it.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—Sunday, October 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
It’s the 30th anniversary of this beloved stop-motion animated film… which for many kicks off multiple holiday seasons in one fell swoop! For the uninitiated, the 1993 tale is the heartfelt story of Pumpkin King Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon, with the singing voice of Disney Legend Danny Elfman), who’s grown bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine. Longing to spread the joy of Christmas, his merry new mission puts Santa in jeopardy… and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere! Also featuring the voices of Catherine O’Hara, Ken Page, and the late great Paul “Pee-Wee Herman” Reubens.

In an image from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!, from left to right, Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Disney Legend Tim Allen), and Sheriff Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) are huddled together and appear a bit frightened. They are bathed in mysterious green light.

Toy Story of TERROR!—Sunday, October 22, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
What starts out as a fun road trip for the beloved Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn toward the mysterious when they end up at a roadside motel. Directed by Angus MacLane—and set after the events of Toy Story 3—this 2013 TV special reunites all your favorite Toy Story voices, including Disney Legend Tim Allen as Buzz, Tom Hanks as Sheriff Woody, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Carl Weathers as Combat Carl, and more!

In a promotional image for ABC’s The Great Halloween Fright Fight, judge Carter Oosterhouse stands in front of one of the episode’s homemade Halloween displays. He’s wearing a goldenrod yellow sweater; to his right is a spooky tree with “arms” outstretched and a creepy face, surrounded by some tombstones.

The Great Halloween Fright Fight—season premiere Sunday, October 22, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Hold on to your broomsticks: It’s time for The Great Halloween Fright Fight! In the season premiere, the Britt, Dunahee, McCabe, and Herman families face off building eye-popping home Halloween displays—as judge Carter Oosterhouse decides who will win the $50,000 prize and the Fright Fight trophy.

Gargoyles Remastered Is Now Available!

Gargoyles Remastered is now available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam and GOG!

Journey through one thousand years of legend as Goliath, leader of the Gargoyles. Stone by day, warriors by night, the Gargoyles are sworn protectors against the evil Eye of Odin and all who seek to use its immense powers to control the world. While on your journey, battle armies of Viking Warriors in ancient Scotland and smash relentless hordes of menacing robots in modern-day Manhattan. The fate of the Gargoyles and humanity is up to you. Your quest – find and destroy the Eye of Odin before it destroys the world!

Gargoyles Remastered is an artfully crafted revival of the ‘90s classic 16-bit side-scrolling platform adventure. Relive the epic journey of Goliath and the Gargoyles featuring enhanced visuals, animations, and SFX, all inspired by the acclaimed animated series. The world of Gargoyles comes to life with a level of detail that will thrill fans of the animated series and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. Experience classic gameplay that stays authentic to its predecessor while including new features such as achievements, gameplay rewind, and more!

For more about Gargoyles Remastered! www.gargoylesremastered.com

Dancing with the Stars Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling on “Disney100 Night”

By Zach Johnson

There was no shortage of pixie dust in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom!

On Tuesday, the 11 remaining couples celebrated The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary with timeless performances set to songs from classic and recently released films. “Disney100 Night” began with the pro dancers performing a routine to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from the fan-favorite film Encanto, choreographed by Christopher Scott. From there, the couples—wearing costumes by Daniela Gschwendtner and Steven Lee—channeled beloved Disney characters in the hopes of impressing the judges, earning viewers’ votes, and getting one step closer to winning The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Mauricio Umansky and pro Emma Slater were the first couple to dust off their dancing shoes, earning a score of 19/30 for their Paso Doble routine to “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Fantasia. After the show, Umansky told D23, “We felt so good. It’s Disney: It’s magic, it’s happy, it’s amazing. We felt great about our dance, and we had a great time. We delivered!” Getting into character as Sorcerer Mickey was a delight, Umansky added: “How lucky am I? I’m literally Mickey Mouse on ‘Disney100 Night’ on live television all around the world. It could not have been better!” Slater agreed the character was the perfect choice for Umansky to embody, saying, “I think Mauricio is the most iconic, happy, positive symbol for hope, enjoyment, excitement, and love. I mean, that’s Mickey Mouse right here!”

Following that number, Mira Sorvino and pro Gleb Savchenko performed a Waltz to Cinderella‘s “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Although Savchenko had previously performed a Waltz to the same song with Chrishell Stause in Season 29, he said “the choreography, the pace, and the story” were different, just like his “chemistry” with each partner. For Sorvino, Tuesday’s performance marked a turning point in the competition, as her stage fright finally disappeared. “I felt like I was her tonight, because this is my Cinderella story, [doing] Dancing with the Stars,” Sorvino said. “I love dancing so much.”

In the end, the couple earned a score of 21/30.

Next, Barry Williams and pro Peta Murgatroyd performed a Jazz routine to “He’s a Tramp” from Lady and the Tramp, which ended with them sharing a spaghetti noodle. Despite a few “fumbles,” as judge Derek Hough put it, the couple earned a still impressive score of 18/30. “You’re so charming, my man,” Hough reassured Williams. “I just love you to death.”

Jason Mraz and pro Daniella Karagach hit the dance floor next, performing a Foxtrot routine to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin and earning a score of 24/30. Going into next week, Karagach teased, “Without giving away our next dance, it’s going to be even more challenging.” Mraz laughed, saying, “That’s the theme of this whole show! It started out like, ‘You got the hardest dance out of the way.’ Second week: ‘This one’s harder.’ Third week: ‘This one’s very hard.’ This week for me was the hardest dance. Next week, apparently, it’s going to be the hardest dance and very challenging. I’m getting used to it.”

Lele Pons and pro Brandon Armstrong took a walk on the wild side with their Rumba routine to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, earning a score of 22/30. “I think it was by far her most confident and her best performance, technically,” Armstrong told D23. “Everything the judges are saying are things we want to keep getting better at. You notice tonight that they did compliment her on fixing things that we had been given [before]. Now they’ve given us more things, and so we’re going to keep working on those.”

As Lumiere, Alyson Hannigan lit up the screen during her Jazz routine with pro Sasha Farber to “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. “[With] the wardrobe and the hair and the makeup, it just it was so easy, because the departments did such an incredible job,” she said. “They’re incredible at what they do—all of them! It made it super fun.” After earning a score of 18/30, she vowed to “work on the technical aspect that is not coming easily. I’m trying! I watch a lot of videos when I get home—just dancing, dancing, dancing!”

“Disney100 Night” got even more playful when Harry Jowsey and pro Rylee Arnold performed a Quickstep to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story, earning a score of 21/30. “I think we did really good,” said Arnold. “I think this is definitely Harry’s best dance. He really brought out the character. We had so much fun on the dance floor, and I was just so proud of him.” Jowsey said he especially enjoyed getting to embrace his “inner child” as Woody. Likewise, when Arnold tried on her costume, she recalled, “I actually felt like Bo Peep. Then, when I saw Harry in his outfit, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh! He looks like Woody!'”

Next, Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy earned the night’s highest score of 27/30 for their Paso Doble to “Un Poco Loco” from Coco. “Obviously, we’re humbled by the feedback,” Chmerkovskiy said. “It was everything that we worked really hard for, so we’re very fortunate that it came together the way we planned.” Gomez—whose friend, AnthonyGonzalez, voiced Miguel in the hit Pixar Animation Studios film and showed up to support her for the “Disney100 Night” taping—said she was excited to perform the routine. “‘Un Poco Loco’ was literally embedded in my brain for probably two years after Coco came out,” she laughed. Praising Coco’s “incredible soundtrack,” Chmerkovskiy added, “Coco is more than just entertainment; it represents something really important to a lot of people.”

Adrian Peterson and pro Britt Stewart next performed a Viennese Waltz to “Baby Mine” from Dumbo, backed by pianist Chloe Flower­—a routine judge Carrie Ann Inaba called “the most touching dance of the night.” They earned their first sevens, for a score of 21/30.

Ariana Madix and pro Pasha Pashkov then performed a Contemporary routine to “Into the Unknown” from Frozen 2, earning a score of 25/30. “I think Elsa is such a powerful and awesome character, and her story is something I really resonate with,” Madix told D23. “It was really fun to get in character.” She also enjoyed seeing the other couples in their Disney best, saying, “Alyson’s candelabra hair? Obsessed! I can’t get enough of it. That needs to go in the Disney Archives. It’s so good. And seeing Mira as Cinderella, looking so elegant and beautiful, and Xochitl’s look—everyone just looks really phenomenal. I love it.”

Not only is Madix a major Disney fan—she’s a former Cast Member at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! “Honestly, it was such an incredible experience,” she said. “It allowed me to be a part of something that I loved so much as a kid, but also to be a part of something that’s so much bigger than I or any one person could ever be, and that is the Disney magic.”

The night’s final performance came from Charity Lawson and pro Artem Chigvintsev, who performed a Viennese Waltz to “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. After the couple earned a score of 24/30, Chigvintsev confessed, “‘Disney Week’ one of my favorites.” It was Lawson’s favorite thus far, particularly because she is so fond of the live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey. “It hit different, seeing someone who looks like me,” she said. “Halle was amazing, and she embodied that role so perfectly.”

At the end of the episode, Peterson and Stewart were eliminated.

Dancing with the Stars is simulcast live across both ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT (in local time zones). Each episode is also available to stream next day on Hulu.

Scream-Worthy D23 Halloween Collectibles—On Sale Soon!

By Peyton Liebler

Whether you hail from Halloweentown or Halloween Town, you can bet your bottom bones these all-new collectibles are sure to make you scream with frightful delight! Witch-ever way you spend your spooky season, these intrinsic items of enchantment are ready to mobilize your thrills and chills as fast as a bewitched bus, coffin sleigh, or your preferred method of levitating cleaning supplies!

D23 is proud to offer several blood-curdling keepsakes skele-brating three monstrously monumental anniversaries this year! Each of these spine-tingling trinkets will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney this Tuesday, October 24, at 8 a.m. PST.

Artwork featuring D23-exclusive the Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary pin. The artwork of the pin is black with silver elements inspired by Billy Butcherson’s gravestone. The pin itself is set on a backer card with green and black Halloween designs.

D23-Exclusive Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary Pin – $17.99
Bewitched fans long since dead, deep asleep in thy wormy bed, wiggle thine toes, open thine eyes, and spell-ebrate 30 years of Halloween havoc with Hocus Pocus! D23 Gold Members can take part in the sinister Sanderson deeds and wake the dead with this pin resembling the gravestone of one William Butcherson, also known as everyone’s favorite zombie: Billy! This pin is a special, shopDisney-exclusive color variant; attendees of the D23 Black Flame Ball were fortunate enough to snag its light-colored counterpart as an event-exclusive gift!*

This pin is inspired by Hocus Pocus... In 1993, the Black Flame Candle was ignited by an unsuspecting group of kids, inadvertently unleashing the wrath of three witches on the storied city of Salem, Massachusetts. Sinister sisters (Disney Legend Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker) with talents of unfathomable magic (and questionable teamwork skills) mounted brooms, mops, and vacuums in a dastardly plot to retain eternal youth. Though ultimately foiled, the Sandersons returned in 2022 in their long-awaited sequel---Hocus Pocus 2. These beloved films have garnered a cult following, with Hocus Pocus especially becoming a forever-celebrated Halloween classic.

Artwork featuring D23-exclusive Halloweentown 25th Anniversary Pin. Artwork of pin is purple and orange with silver elements, inspired by the iconic town-square Jack O’ Lantern. The pin is featured on a backer card with purple and black Halloween designs.

D23-Exclusive Halloweentown 25th Anniversary Pin – $17.99
Celebrate 25 years of magic and enchantment with Halloweentown! D23 Gold Members are invited to leave behind the mundane of the mortal world, hop on a bewitched bus, and make themselves at home in a town where “being normal is VASTLY overrated”! This unique pin is the perfect way to reflect on over two decades of the beloved Disney Channel Original Movie, with the iconic town square Jack O’ Lantern serving as inspiration. This is a special, shopDisney-exclusive variant of this bewitching pin; attendees of the upcoming “25 Years of Halloweentown with D23” event can look forward to procuring the accompanying variant of this pin as an event-exclusive keepsake.*

This pin is inspired by Halloweentown: The worlds of the mortal and the supernatural were introduced to Marnie Piper (Kimberly J. Brown) and the rest of the Cromwell clan, 25 years ago, in one of the most beloved Disney Channel Original Movies of all time. After following their grandmother, Aggie Cromwell (Debbie Reynolds), into her magical homeland of Halloweentown, Marnie and her siblings discover they come from an illustrious line of witches. Halloweentown is not only a haven for supernatural beings, but it’s also in jeopardy—and  Marnie and her siblings must discover a way to make sure this wondrous realm is protected from the mysterious forces of evil which threaten the safety of Halloweentown and the eclectic citizens which inhabit it.

 

Artwork featuring D23-exclusive Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary Pin. The artwork of the pin is blue, orange, white, and tan with silver elements, inspired by Zero the ghostly dog and his adorable doghouse, inside of a coffin shape. The pin is set on a backer card with orange and black Halloween designs.

D23-Exclusive Tim Burton’sThe Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary Pin – $17.99
It’s been 30 years since we journeyed into the holiday worlds of old with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas! D23 Gold Members can join in the fun with this adorable pin, fit for the Pumpkin King himself! Featuring Jack Skellington’s spirited dog Zero and his doghouse, this is the perfect way to “make a scene” for all fans of frights and fun!*

This pin is inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas... Three decades ago, the king of Halloween Town—Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon)—accidentally stumbled into the dazzling world of Christmas Town. Determined to capture the wonder of this wintery land, Jack took matters into his skeletal hands and mobilized the town’s citizens of his to nab “Sandy Claws” and take the holiday for themselves. Though he has the unfailing support of his creepy community—and his loyal ghostly canine—Jack ultimately discovered the chaos that ensues when these two vastly different worlds collide.

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All pins available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Each of these pins are sold for $17.99, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of each style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Each pin style is offered in a limited-edition quantity of 1,500 pins. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

Every Way to Experience Loki in Disney Parks

By Emily Hewitt

With Marvel Studios’ Loki Season 2 underway on Disney+, there are also new activations being brought to Disney Parks around the globe! As such, we’ve compiled a list of all the memorable ways you can experience the God of Mischief yourself, during your next visit to the Parks…

Disneyland Resort

Two walk-around characters at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park are dressed as Loki and O.B. from Marvel Studios’ Loki. Loki is dressed in a light gray long sleeve collared shirt with a dark blue tie, gray trousers, and a black belt, and is standing with his arms crossed and a serious look on his face. O.B. is next to him, wearing a dark brown, light brown, and green patchwork jacket with brown slacks, glasses, and an apron; he is smiling while holding an orange book.

Walk-Around Characters
Meet Loki with his friend O.B. as they walk around Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, greeting and interacting with guests. Loki is stepping right out of the series in his Time Variance Authority (TVA) outfit with his light blue shirt, gray slacks, and dapper tie, while O.B. is sporting his iconic green and brown jacket.

Magic Shots
The next time a PhotoPass photographer takes your photo at Disney California Adventure, a Magic Shot featuring Miss Minutes can be added—so it looks like you’re enjoying your day with the adorable, orange TVA mascot!

A piece of key lime pie sits on a white plate on a black table. The pie is light green with a light beige crust topped with a whipped white topping and a dried slice of lime.  

Food
Don’t miss out on a slice of key lime pie, topped with whipped cream and a dried lime slice, from Pym’s Test Kitchen at Avengers Campus. It will transport you right to the retro headquarters featured in the series.

Walt Disney World Resort

Food
Head to The Ganachery at Disney Springs to pick up a key lime-flavored ganache along with some Miss Minutes chocolate… the perfect combo to make you feel like you’re in the TVA.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Walk-Around Character
Loki, dressed in his classic villainous outfit, can be seen around Hong Kong Disneyland, greeting guests with his iconic gold horns.

Disneyland Paris

A piece of key lime pie sits on a white plate in someone’s hands. The pie is light green with a beige crust, topped with a whipped white topping and a dried slice of lemon on top. 

Food
Disneyland Paris will also have a variant of key lime pie—literally called “Variant #85 Key Lime Pie”—which can be paired with a “God of Mischief mocktail,” featuring ice cubes stamped with a picture of Loki himself.

The Stars are Dancing into Costumes Fit for Princes and Princesses on Dancing with the Stars’ “Disney100 Night”

By: Emily Hewitt

Dancing with the Stars’ “Disney100” night is just a few hours away and is sure to usher in ballgowns and suits fit for Disney royalty. Before the episode airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT, simulcasting live across both ABC and Disney+ in local time zones and next day on Hulu, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club got an exclusive peek at the costumes the stars and pros will be wearing tonight from the show’s costume designers, Daniela Gschwendtner and Steven Lee.

Left: A sketch shows a woman wearing a dress while she holds her hands out. The sleeves are loose-fitting but are fitted to her wrists. The skirt is flowy, and the top is a V-neck. There is a sketch from her backside that shows an outline of a leotard. Yellow and blue fabric are paper clipped to the paper with arrows pointing to the dress, describing parts of it. Right: A sketch shows a man dressed in a mariachi-inspired costume. The Dancing with the Stars logo is in the bottom right corner and there are arrows coming off the man in the sketch with descriptors of his outfit.

Xochitl Gomez and pro Val Chmerkovskiy will be dancing the Paso Doble to “Un Poco Loco” from Coco—and, of course, they need costumes to fit this culturally rich song and dance. Gschwendtner is marrying a flamenco look with Gomez’s Mexican heritage by adding a ruffle from an original Mexican dress at the bottom of her skirt. As more of a traditional homage to Paso Doble, Chmerkovskiy will sport a typical Paso Silhouette that still has Mexican inspiration. To create his look, Lee cut up a Mariachi outfit and made it more danceable and sparkly by adding the signature Dancing with the Stars rhinestones. The look is topped off by a teal bow tie which will compliment Gomez’s teal dress.

Left: A sketch shows a man dressed in an open chest jacket and pants with a clock around his waist. Cogsworth from Beauty and Beast is in the bottom right corner and under him is the Dancing with the Stars logo. There are arrows coming off the man in the sketch with descriptors of his outfit. Right: A sketch shows a woman dressed in a top and pants while she holds her hands out. There are arrows pointing at her outfit with descriptive words and there are three pieces of gold fabric paperclipped to the paper including a beaded one, a flat one, and rhinestone floral pattern applique.

To fit the grand song “Be Our Guest,” Alyson Hannigan and pro Sasha Farber will be dressed as none other than the charming characters who sing the Beauty and the Beast song, Lumiere and Cogsworth. However, to prevent inhibiting their movements, these outfits will be more on the “fashion” side of interpretation, Gschwendtner said. Hannigan will be wearing an outfit featuring lots of textures to bring Lumiere to life. Farber’s outfit will be made of fabric of an older style via browns and brocades. Lee is hoping to add a clock to the outfit, but the fast paced Jazz style might not allow this detail.

“They’re dancing Jazz, so we had to keep it stretchable and that’s not going to get in the way, but kind of still keep into that world of Cogsworth,” Lee says. “I believe they’re adding a little mustache.”

Left: A sketch shows a woman dressed in a top and pants. The top has puff sleeves and a peplum detail in the back while her pants are flowy and feature polka dots. Three pieces of fabric are paper clipped to the paper: pink, a blue rhinestone, and white with pink polka dots. Arrows point to her with descriptive words of the outfit. Right: A sketch shows a man dressed in Woody’s outfit from Toy Story. There are arrows coming off the man in the sketch with descriptors of his outfit. In the bottom right corner is the Dancing with the Stars logo.

As an ode to Toy Story, Harry Jowsey and pro Rylee Arnold will be dressed as Woody and Bo Peep. The Quickstep requires fast movement, though, so Woody’s jeans will be built as dance pants using denim lycra fabric, which is stretchy and features yellow denim stitching and pockets to give it the authentic look. Arnold also won’t be wearing the typical poofy Bo Peep dress. Rather, she will be in Palazzo pants, allowing her to float across the dance floor with ease, while maintaining a similar looking top to Bo Peep.

A sketch shows a woman dressed in a top and skirt. The top is cropped with thin straps and the skirt is flowy with a trim at the bottom. A piece of purple blue shimmery fabric is attached to the paper with a paperclip. Arrows point to her with descriptor words of her outfit.

As we all know, “Flippin’ your fins, you don’t get too far / Legs are required for jumping, dancing.” Thus, Charity Lawson will be dancing a Viennese Waltz in pants that are made of a shimmery, mermaid-inspired fabric. Using inspiration from the live-action The Little Mermaid, pro Artem Chigvintsev will be wearing Prince Eric’s gray detailed suit rather than the blue detail suit from the animated version.

Left: A sketch shows a man dressed in a matching burgundy long-sleeve shirt with a cowl neck and pants. Arrows point off of him with descriptor words of the outfit. In the bottom right corner is the Dancing with the Stars logo. Right: A sketch shows a woman dressed in a dress that hits just at the knee and has a flowy skirt. A piece of burgundy fabric is attached to the paper with a paperclip and arrow point to her with descriptor words. In the bottom right corner is the Dancing with the Stars logo.

As Ariana Madix is portraying Elsa from Frozen 2, the reality star will be wearing a dress in the same burgundy and raspberry colors as the character’s cape in the film. Pro Pasha Pashkov will be portraying the voice Elsa hears and will be dressed in a chiffon shirt and pants, which will be easy for him to move in during their routine.

Left: A sketch shows a woman dressed in a dress while she holds her hands out. The dress sinches at the waist with cutouts and the skirt goes straight down. Blue fabric and rhinestone fabric are paperclipped to the paper. Arrows point to the woman with descriptive words of her dress. Right: A sketch shows a man dressed in a white, long vest with gold detailing and white pants. Arrows point off of him with descriptor words of the outfit. In the bottom right corner is the Dancing with the Stars logo.

Jason Mraz will be dressed as Aladdin in his white outfit, but his will be fitted with a long vest rather than a jacket so he can better hold his frame in the Foxtrot to “A Whole New World”. Accompanying him will be pro Daniella Karagach, dressed as Jasmine. Her look will be more of a “fashion Jasmine,” Gschwendtner explains, due her costume featuring similar sleeves, color, and beads to the animated princess. In other words, the outfit won’t be an exact replica.

Left: A sketch shows a man dressed in a gray suit with a white shirt and a yellow and orange striped tie. Dumbo is in the bottom right corner and under him is the Dancing with the Stars logo. There are arrows coming off the man in the sketch with descriptors of his outfit. Right: A sketch shows a woman wearing a dress that has a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt. It has rhinestones all over and attached to the paper is a piece of pink fabric with silver rhinestones on it.

As it might be hard to trudge around the ballroom in a full on elephant costume, Gschwendtner and Lee have incorporated the essence of Dumbo into Adrian Peterson’s costume via a striped gray suit and a red and yellow tie to mirror the ruffle around Dumbo’s neck. Pro Britt Stewart will be wearing a custom dyed blue gray dress to elegantly compliment the color pallet of Peterson’s suit as they dance the Viennese Waltz to “Baby Mine.”

Left: A sketch shows a woman wearing a dress that has a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt and a piece of fabric coming off her neck. Attached to the paper is a piece of cream fabric. Right: A sketch shows a man dressed in a brown shirt and white pants. In the bottom right corner is the Dancing with the Stars logo. There are arrows coming off the man in the sketch with descriptors of his outfit.

Again, since a literal animal costume isn’t properly suited for ballroom dance, Lele Pons and pro Brandon Armstrong will be sporting outfits with a more liberal take on The Lion King. Pons will have a flowy cream dress which perfectly accentuates the elegant Rumba moves of their “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” routine. Armstrong will sport a brown shirt, which will have a slight non-animal print that should pop under the lights, and off-white pants to match Pons.

Left: A sketch shows a man dressed in a white prince’s suit with blue lining. In the bottom right corner is the Dancing with the Stars logo. There are arrows coming off the man in the sketch with descriptors of his outfit. Right: A sketch shows a woman wearing a dress that has a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt. It has roses all over it and a blue rose made of fabric is paperclipped to the paper. The woman in the sketch is also wearing a tiara and the words Mira V. Waltz LT Blue are written on the paper.

Mira Sorvino’s costume will stay true to the classic Cinderella dress, which Gschwendtner says Sorvino is very excited about. Pro Gleb Savchenko’s elegant Prince Charming outfit will have a blue lining to match the classic Cinderella blue that Sorvino will be swirling around in as they perform the Viennese Waltz to “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”

Left: A sketch shows a woman wearing a dress that has long sleeves and fringe coming off the bottom. There are two pieces of fabric attached to the paper, including a wooden printed one and a beige swatch with rhinestones on it. Right: A sketch shows a man dressed as Mickey Mouse from Fantasia as he is wearing a red shirt and pants with a skirt coming off the pack. Mickey Mouse from Fantasia is next to him and the Dancing with the Stars logo is in the bottom right corner. Arrows come off the man with descriptor words of his outfit.

No “Disney100 Night” could be complete without an ode to the classic 1940 film Fantasia. Mauricio Umansky’s costume will blend inspiration from classic Paso Doble style with direct inspiration from Mickey Mouse’s outfit. Instead of wearing Mickey’s red cloak, he will be wearing red pants with a classic Paso Doble jacket with a Paso Doble skirt in the back. Of course, the blue hat will top off the look.

“Everything’s cut like a Paso Doble, but the silhouette is focusing on Mickey’s robe that we have on him,” Lee says. “Some of the fabric is velvet with a little bit of gold sparkle to it, in keeping with the whole magic of it all and the powers of Mickey in that movie.”

As they dance to “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” pro Emma Slater will take on the inanimate character of a broom, which entails wearing a wood print to mirror the handle and fringe pieces mirroring the brush.

Left: A sketch shows a man dressed in a gray pinstripe suit. Tramp from Lady and the Tramp is in the bottom right corner and under him is the Dancing with the Stars logo. There are arrows coming off the man with descriptor words of his outfit. Right: A sketch shows a woman dressed in a dress with a ruffled skirt and thin strapped top. There is a rusty sparkly fabric attached to the paper and there are arrows coming off her with descriptor words of her outfit.

Barry Williams and pro Peta Murgatroyd will be playing the roles of Lady and Tramp as they dance to “He’s a Tramp,” so they will be dressed in the same color scheme as the dogs. As an ode to Jazz, Lee added a pinstripe fabric to the suit. Murgatroyd requested a bit of fur on her dress, so this detail was incorporated via her hem and cuffs, which will be paired with Lady’s iconic turquoise color. It wouldn’t be Dancing with the Stars if there wasn’t a bit of shimmer to her dress as well!

How Once Upon a Studio Reacquaints Fans with Beloved but Rarely Seen Characters

By Zach Johnson

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new original short film Once Upon a Studio features a treasure trove of characters—543 of them, to be precise—scrambling to assemble for a group photo in honor of the studio’s 100th anniversary. Audiences will no doubt recognize popular characters from such feature films as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Jungle Book (1967), Robin Hood (1973), The Little Mermaid (1989), The Lion King (1994), Lilo & Stitch (2002), Frozen (2013), and Encanto (2021), in addition to dozens of fan-favorites who had appeared in various shorts.

“Every time I watch Once Upon a Studio, I am reminded of the laughter and the tears all of these characters have brought to families and fans all over the world—including me,” says Clark Spencer, President of Disney Animation. “And with every viewing, I see something new. So, I hope audiences watch it over and over again to discover all of the hidden treasures that are throughout the short. And if they are like me, they will also tear up a time or two because these stories and these characters have been such an important part of our lives.”

Indeed. Given that Once Upon a Studio is a love letter to 100 years of Disney Animation, it was important to writers and directors Dan Abraham and Trent Correy that such beloved characters—albeit rarely seen—be represented in equalized measure. “There is a balance in figuring out how to how to keep some of these characters in there,” Correy explains. “Chernabog is an interesting one, for example, because we had a whiteboard with all the characters we wanted to include and the ones we were missing. And literally, beside Chernabog, I wrote: ‘Never going to happen; he is the size of a mountain. How do you fit him in a building?’ Dan came up with the idea of the Dalmatians watching Fantasia‘s ‘Night on Bald Mountain’ segment on TV, so we were able to save him.”

Other rarely seen hand-drawn characters to spot in Once Upon a Studio include Susie the little Blue Coupe, Pecos Bill, Bongo, Dodger, Gurgi, Evinrude, Ferdinand the Bull, Johnny Appleseed, Peter and the Wolf, Alice Blue Bonnet and Johnny Fedora, the Reluctant Dragon, Casey at the Bat, and John Henry. “I wanted Gopher from Winnie the Pooh,” Abraham adds. “He’s not in the original A.A. Milne books, or the 2011 film Winnie the Pooh, but I always got a kick out of him as a young kid.”

As much as the intention was to surprise and delight fans, it was also a chance for the filmmakers to revisit characters that had inspired them to get into the filmmaking business. “There was always an intent to create moments for characters like those,” says producer Yvett Merino. “We all know characters like Ariel and Pocahontas, but my husband is a big fan of the classic shorts. He asked me, ‘Is Pedro the plane going to be in there?’ And he’s in there! He’s in that big, final group shot. People identify with many different characters, and I think that’s the beauty of our films. So, it’s great to create these moments for those characters who aren’t really in the spotlight anymore so fans can see them back onscreen.”

The animators were equally as excited to reacquaint themselves with such characters—with Robin from Back to Neverland being a collective favorite. Voiced by Disney Legend Robin Williams and featured in a film that was part of the animation tour at Disney-MGM Studios, Robin was a sentimental favorite for many, including animator Michael Woodside, who pitched and animated him for the short. (In fact, many were inspired by that film and that Studio to become animators.) And, although he served as head of hand-drawn animation, animator and director Eric Goldberg was able to cherry-pick some assignments for himself—including a key moment in which Mickey Mouse interacts with a portrait of Walt Disney. “That was very important to me,” he says. “I also wanted to animate most of the Ward Kimball characters, like the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter, because I love that kind of animation. And I’ve always had an affinity for Goofy, so I enjoyed animating him climbing up the ladder.” Goldberg praises the clean-up artists—led by Rachel Bibb, Lureline Weatherly, Emily Jiuliano, Kathleen Bailey, and Dan Tanaka, who worked alongside the hand-drawn animators—for ensuring that the characters were on-model and ready for their close-ups.

Fans will no doubt need to stream Once Upon a Studio multiple times on Disney+ in order to find all their favorites—and that’s part of the fun, according to the filmmakers. In fact, Abraham says, the entire short is filled with Easter eggs: “When you’re pausing it, do it on the last shot, because each one of those characters—all 543 of them—are all in character.” Given the sheer number of characters and references, Correy jokes that Once Upon a Studio could also be called Easter Egg: The Movie. “Aside from all the character Easter eggs, there are sound effects that are Easter eggs,” he says. “There are music cues and a couple of chords that might just be underlined in the score. And if you look on the bookshelves or you look at the portraits on a wall, there are dozens upon dozens of deep-dive Easter eggs.”

Once Upon a Studio is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The short film will also air Monday, October 16, on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Freeform, FX, FXX, and FXM, with additional airings Wednesday, October 18, on Disney Junior and Sunday, October 22, on Disney Channel. Once Upon a Studio will also play in front of the Disney100 special engagement of Moana, playing in theaters through Thursday, October 26.

Here’s How a Four-Page Contract Started The Walt Disney Company

By Frank Pallotta

On Monday, The Walt Disney Company celebrated a momentous milestone: its 100th anniversary. Over the last century, Disney has created magical moments, iconic stories, and a media kingdom that has helped grant wishes both large and small.

But all of it—the parks, the blockbusters, even Mickey Mouse himself—started out of a Los Angeles residence with a contract that was hardly four pages long.

“The Walt Disney Company officially began on October 16, 1923, when Walt Disney signed a very simple contract in his uncle’s Hollywood home,” Rebecca Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, said. “With this agreement Walt and Roy Disney were able to produce and distribute a series of silent cartoons, the Alice Comedies. This opened a door to the development and production of 100 years of Disney magic that has enchanted the whole world.”

Walt Disney (left) and Roy Disney (right) pose for a photo in matching hats.

On that date Walt Disney signed a contract with Margaret Winkler—a New York cartoon distributor. The innovative silent cartoons known as the Alice Comedies—which were made between 1924 and 1927 about a real-life girl going on adventures in a cartoon wonderland—was a major success for Walt and Roy and the seed of the Disney company as we know it today.

The contract—which is roughly four pages—was signed at 4406 Kingswell Ave. in Los Angeles, where Walt was living at the time. The contract holds the signatures of Walt Disney, Winkler, her future husband (and later distributor of Walt’s Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon series) Charles Mintz, and Walt’s uncle Robert, who stood as a witness.

“Walt was an optimistic young man who had earlier suffered what he himself called ‘good hard failures’ in Kansas City,” Cline added. “Having developed two earlier animation studios that had failed, he decided to leave his home in Kansas City and headed to Hollywood to find a new career in movies.”

A still from the Alice Comedies

Cline added that unable to find work directing or acting, Walt “shopped around a pilot film he had made in Kansas City. He convinced his brother Roy to take a chance, leaving behind a stable career in banking, and together they decided to form yet another animation studio—together.”

“The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, which eventually became The Walt Disney Company of today, was a risk that finally paid off,” she said.

And 100 years later, that risk is still paying off as Disney has grown into a titan of entertainment and joy around the world. The company has spent the last century entertaining, informing, and inspiring millions of people, and all of it started with a short contract signed in a modest family home.

“The Alice Comedies contract is definitely the most important document that resides within the Walt Disney Archives’ collections,” Cline said. “One hundred years later, long after our founders left us, we still have a unique window into the exact origins of The Walt Disney Company.”

Honoring Disney Legend Burny Mattinson’s Legacy in Disney Animation’s Once Upon a Studio

By Zach Johnson

The all-new original short film Once Upon a Studio begins with the artists, storytellers, and technologists at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, heading home for the day—and Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, The Walt Disney Company’s longest-serving employee of 70 years, is the last person to walk out the door. When the coast is finally clear, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse step out of a picture on the wall and put out a call for hundreds of characters to assemble for an official 100th anniversary Studio portrait—setting into motion a magical tribute to 100 years of characters, stories, and Disney magic.

Clark Spencer, President of Disney Animation, says Mattinson was the perfect person to make such a cameo in Once Upon a Studio given his depth of experience and his continued influence. “For 70 years, Burny was such an important part of this studio. His career spans everything from working in the mailroom to being an animator and story artist to directing feature films to being the best mentor anyone could ever ask for. His smile lit up the Studio, and the joy he brought to every room was infectious. Simply stated, his influence on the people and the films of Disney Animation was extraordinary,” Spencer says. “For those of us who had the honor to work with him, he inspired us to truly be the best that we could be.”

Mattinson filmed his opening sequence in August 2022, six months before he passed away at age 87. Fortunately, he had the opportunity to attend a screening of Once Upon a Studio before his passing, where he shared his gratitude for being included in such a special short. “Oh, he loved it,” says Dan Abraham, who wrote and directed Once Upon a Studio with Trent Correy. “When I storyboarded this, in the very first frame, I drew, ‘Burny Mattinson walks out of the door with a young intern.’ And that was all about handing the baton on to the next generation. He was in the storyboards for months and months before Burny even knew he was in them. When Once Upon a Studio was greenlit, we went to Burny and asked him, ‘How would you feel about being part of this?’ And he was really, really into it! I don’t think he had done any on-camera work up until that point. But Burny is an animator and a story artist, so he’s an actor with a pencil; he has been his entire life. When he delivers his line—”If these walls could talk…”—there is a sparkle in his eye. It is just undeniable the things that Burny has seen in his 70 years at the company: Walt Disney, the death of Walt Disney, the emergence of computer animation, all the different people who were in charge throughout the decades. And he just rolled with it all.”

Mattinson began his Disney career in 1953 and was still making contributions to new animation projects up until his passing; his last released feature film was Strange World (2022). He was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to several generations of Disney animators. With Abraham and Correy committed to incorporate him in the opening scene, producers Bradford Simonsen and Yvett Merino contacted Mattinson to gauge his interest.

It wasn’t a hard sell.

“At some point we were like, ‘We better ask Burny,'” Merino recalls with a laugh. “We had a great call with him where we pitched the short and said we would love for him to be a part of it. Of course, he said yes and that he was so honored and humbled that we’d thought of him. But it’s Burny Mattinson! Who else would we want to represent the Studio other than him?”

Indeed. Mattinson started his career at Disney as an assistant to Disney Legends Marc Davis and Eric Larson, working on classic films like Lady and the Tramp (1955), Sleeping Beauty (1959), One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), and The Jungle Book (1967). He became a full-fledged animator with Robin Hood (1973) and went on to further acclaim as a story artist, director, and producer. He directed the holiday film Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and served as a producer onThe Great Mouse Detective (1986)—the latter of which, according to animator/director Eric Goldberg, saved the Studio from being shut down.

“When they were pitching The Great Mouse Detective—which at time it was called Basil of Baker Street—[then-head of Disney Animation] Roy Disney called up Burny and said, ‘Make this pitch good, OK? They have really a lot riding on it.’ When they pitched the boards, the executives weren’t really paying attention. Burny said, ‘Well, I have one more thing to show you…’ He had made a story reel of one of the sequences he’d boarded; it’s the barroom sequence in The Great Mouse Detective where they’re trying to get ahold of Ratigan. This was the executives’ first time with any involvement in Animation, and they realized, ‘This is our entry point. This is how we can work with Animation.’ With a story reel, you can change things, you can alter things, you can edit things. So, Burny showed that story reel and they greenlit the project. What Burny didn’t know—and what Roy told him afterwards—was that they were prepared to actually shut down Animation and asset strip the library. Years later, I said, ‘ Burny! You saved Disney Animation!’ And he went, ‘Yeah, I guess I did.’ He was a humble as pie guy! We absolutely would not be here without Burny.”

As the Studio’s story guru, Mattinson contributed to many films and shorts over the next 35 years, including a role as head of story on Winnie the Pooh (2011).  Disney Legends Woolie Reitherman and Frank Thomas “had convinced him to go into story after they saw his thumbnails,” Goldberg recalls. “From that point forward, he was a premiere story artist.” At the time of his passing, Mattinson was working with the Academy Award®-winning director of Big Hero 6, Don Hall, and others on a new project. Mattinson was a beloved and legendary figure who loved working with young filmmakers and sharing all that he had learned during his unprecedented tenure at Disney. “Burny was a good friend,” Goldberg adds. “The thing that Burny represents for me is the entire gamut of the studio, because he did practically everything—and he did all of it well!”

Disney Legend Burny Mattinson poses in front of a bronzed plaque of his handprints and signature at Legends Plaza at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

The credits for Once Upon a Studio end with a dedication that reads, “For our Pal Burny and his 70 years of legendary storytelling at Disney Animation”—a fitting coda for someone who had poured so much of himself into making the Studio what it is today. “Burny’s first film as an artist was Lady and the Tramp and he was still making an impact at Disney Animation all the way up to Once Upon a Studio,” Spencer says. “And what I think the short captures so beautifully is all the incredible work thousands of people brought over the decades to create the stories and characters that define Disney Animation—including Burny.”

Once Upon a Studio will debut as part of ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney: Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration! programming block on Sunday, October 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.