How Jeremy Renner Builds Hope in Rennervations

By Zach Johnson

Jeremy Renner isn’t just a hero onscreen—he’s a hero in real life, too.

Disney+ celebrated Renner’s new Original series, Rennervations, with a red carpet premiere, FYC panel, and block party reception Tuesday night at the Westwood Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. Joining Renner were co-host and business partner Rory Millikin, executive producer Romilda De Luca, executive producer and showrunner Patrick Costello, and members of the series’ build crew, including Roxy Molohon and Rob “Bender” Park. Special guests included members of the charities featured in the series, including The Base Chicago, Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Nevada, and Casa Hogar, as well as stars from Disney Branded Television’s Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and Secrets of Sulphur Springs, to name a few. Executives including Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company; Dana Walden, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company; Craig Erwich, president, ABC Entertainment, Hulu and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals; Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television; and Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios, also turned out for the event.

Dana Walden, Jeremy Renner, and Bob Iger pose for photographers at the Rennervations premiere.

In a post-screening Q&A, moderated by ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, Renner opened up about the genesis of Rennervations, a four-part series that embraces his lifelong passion of giving back to communities around the world by reimagining large-scale vehicles to meet a community’s needs. Renner said he began collecting several decommissioned vehicles about five years ago—he owns several lots in Nevada, in fact—with the intention of reimagining them. “There’s always a purpose for every single one of them,” he said, “and the purpose kept changing as I kept buying more.”

“They’re perfectly good machines and they shouldn’t go to waste,” the actor continued. “I started to think of ways to repurpose them, and then when it became about kids directly, I got really excited about it and started going really, really crazy.”

In Rennervations (now streaming on Disney+), Renner and his all-star build crew turn a tour bus into a mobile music studio, a delivery truck into a mobile water treatment facility, a shuttle bus into a mobile recreation center, and a city bus into a mobile dance studio. Renner’s celebrity pals Vanessa Hudgens, Anthony Mackie, Anil Kapoor, and Sebastián Yatra then help him deliver the finished vehicles to each of the organizations.

Jimmy Kimmel interviews Jeremy Renner at the Rennervations premiere.

Molohon admitted Renner’s ideas were “really ambitious,” but said he inspired the build crew to think outside the box. “When we presented our concept drawings, I thought, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to do this,’” she said. “His passion and drive for what he was doing—for helping these kids—motivated us all to give 110 percent.”

Indeed. According to Renner, one of the crew members was so inspired by his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Nevada that he ended up joining the program himself. “That’s the whole point of this,” Renner said. “The end result— secretly, for me—is that somebody would get inspired to actually do something... There’s a kid who now has a big brother. His life will be changed. That is amazing!”

Disney D23 Rewind—Week of April 10

By Courtney Potter

An image promoting the eats and treats to come on Marvel Day at Sea in 2024, on select Disney Dream sailings. Two cupcakes are seen; the one on the left has a chocolate depiction of Iron Man on top and is wrapped in red paper with red and yellow sprinkles, and the one on the right has a Spider-Man topper and is wrapped in blue paper with red glossy frosting.

Marvel Day at Sea Offers Up Heroic Eats and Treats

Marvel Day at Sea, a themed celebration on select Disney Dream sailings in 2024, features all-day entertainment including exciting meet and greets and thrilling stage shows… and the cherry on top? The food and beverages, from Iron Man brownies to Marvel-themed lattes!

Cabanas, the main buffet on board the Disney Dream, will undergo an overnight Marvel makeover with Super Hero posters and banners across the eatery—and lavish food displays and specialty desserts will be featured on the menu. Meanwhile, over at Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats, special snacks will include Groot marshmallow sticks, Captain America brownies, and Marvel-themed gelato flavors.

Those craving caffeine can head to the onboard coffee shops, which will serve the special Captain Marvel mocha latte. Plus, designs like Captain America and Black Panther will decorate the foam of other hot drinks.

The food will truly shine at the rotational dining dinners… The Marvel Day at Sea menu is consistent across all scheduled locations, complete with themed place settings and costumed servers. So, what can you expect? Look for delicious dishes such as Black Panther Kachumbari Salad, featuring a romaine wedge served on a bed of diced  tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions with a lemon-cilantro mayonnaise; Thor Mjolnir Meatballs and Pasta, with beef and veal meatballs in a rustic tomato sauce with penne pasta, broccoli, ricotta cheese, buttered breadcrumbs, and basil; Ravagers’ Devil’s Food Cake, with its layers of chocolate cake filled with chocolate Chantilly crème; and themed beverages like the Multiverse, containing Zignum Mezcal, Reposado, blueberry, grapefruit, and Electricops.

Marvel Day at Sea will be offered on 10 five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The itinerary for cruises sailing January 7, January 21, February 4, February 18, and March 3, 2024, include George Town, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay; for cruises sailing January 12, January 26, February 9, February 23, and March 8, the itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.

ICYMI—Icons of Disney Storytelling: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

In D23’s continuing series with some of the most prolific storytellers from around the worlds of Disney, we hear from Emmy®, Grammy®, and Oscar® winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—the songwriting team behind Frozen, whose most recent work, the Hulu Original series Up Here, is now streaming. See what they had to say about working for The Walt Disney Company and telling stories through song by clicking here.

In concept art for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite, from left to right, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Clarabelle are seen standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in their colorful Pride Night Cavalcade outfits.

Disneyland After Dark Celebrates First-Ever Pride Nite—This June

Big news from the good folks at Disneyland Resort: During Pride Month this June, Disneyland After Dark will bring the first-ever Pride Nite for two unforgettable evenings at Disneyland Park: Tuesday, June 13, and Thursday, June 15.

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite is a separately ticketed event inside Disneyland Park that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and will include themed entertainment, Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, specialty menu items, event merchandise, and more. It begins with a three-hour, pre-party mix-in from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT, then the private party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. PT—when guests can ride some popular attractions after regular park hours. (A theme park reservation is not required.)

So, what can you expect? A Pride Nite Cavalcade down Main Street U.S.A., featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy dressed in fun special attire; the Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, where a DJ (alongside Stitch) will be spinning great tunes; a Pride Nite Dance Club along the Rivers of America; and even country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe!

But that’s not all: In addition to the special offerings during this event, guests will receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party, along with commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map. (Separately priced Disney PhotoPass packages are not included.)

A limited number of tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning April 18 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), and to the general public on April 20 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com, subject to availability—so mark those calendars! And for more info, visit the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite page at Disneyland.com…

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

So, wondering what to watch this weekend from around the worlds of Disney? Let us help you decide! There are brand-new episodes of Kiff and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur on Disney Channel; the birth (so to speak) of a Super Hero in Captain America: The First Avenger on FX; the always enjoyable Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa episode of American Idol on ABC; and so much more…

In an image promoting the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, a hand is holding a cup containing a yogurt-type treat with a cookie on top; the cup is labeled with the words “Emile’s Fromage Montage,” as well as images of cheese and Emile the rat from Ratatouille. EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth can be seen blurrily in the background.

2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins July 27

Amazing news for food fanatics: Our pals at the Disney Parks Blog have announced that the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE® will officially dish up delights at Walt Disney World Resort from July 27 through November 18! Sip and savor mouthwatering dishes at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT—including returning favorites The Fry Basket and Flavors from Fire. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival, as summer turns to fall…

As per usual, the fun doesn’t stop with the food; there will be many ways for folks to enjoy this year’s event: Fromage fans can take part in Emile’s Fromage Montage, a cool way to try tasty cheese dishes from around the world (using your Festival Passport) that concludes in a sweet treat; and families can embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak—a Ratatouille-inspired adventure where guests both young and the young at heart can search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.

Meanwhile, during the Halloween season, guests can partake in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt from September 29 through October 31. The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre; performers will be announced at a later date. Plus, bring the festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins, and so much more.

Planning an EPCOT visit from July through November? Make sure to check out TasteEPCOT.com for more info…

The Adventure Begins in New Crater Trailer

Disney+ recently premiered the trailer for their Original Movie Crater, which debuts exclusively on the streaming service next month. Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, the coming-of-age sci-fi adventure stars Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Mckenna Grace, Billy Barratt, Orson Hong, Thomas Boyce, and Scott Mescudi.

Crater is the story of Caleb Channing (Russell-Bailey), who was raised on a lunar mining colony and is about to be permanently relocated to an idyllic faraway planet following the death of his father (Mescudi). But before leaving, to fulfill his dad’s last wish, he and his three best friends—Dylan (Barratt), Borney (Hong), and Marcus (Boyce)—and a new arrival from Earth, Addison (Grace), hijack a rover for one final adventure on a journey to explore a mysterious crater.

The film, written by John Griffin and produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Dan Cohen, begins streaming on Friday, May 12.

Updates From Disneyland Paris, Including Walt Disney Studios Park

As we celebrate Disneyland Paris’ birthday this week, they added to the festivities by announcing—via the Disney Parks Blog—some amazing updates coming to the resort this year.

In the clip above, Walt Disney Imagineers look over (and work on) the in-progress Frozen-themed land at Walt Disney Studios Park, inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios films. Near the Arendelle Castle, the teams have already welcomed their very first trees; all told, more than one thousand trees will be planted by the end of the expansion project!

This summer, it’ll be the season of Pixar at Disneyland Park, when Pizzeria Bella Notte will soon debut a new room inspired by the Disney and Pixar film Luca. Additionally, the Mexican-themed restaurant Fuente Del Oro in Frontierland will transform into Casa de Coco – Restaurante de Familia. Plus, cross the way at Walt Disney Studios Park, “Toon Plaza” will soon be transformed into an immersive experience paying tribute to Pixar films; this whimsical space will soon include a new raised backdrop featuring Ember and Wade from Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature Elemental.

But that’s not all: Walt Disney Studios Park will also be home to the new show “Together: a Pixar Musical Adventure,” coming to the Studio Theater. This 30-minute show blends together both French and English dialogue in an original story (based on the worlds of Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and more) featuring spectacular effects and a live eight-person orchestra! And there’s more: it’s a small world at Disneyland Paris will make its big comeback on May 5, and Les Mystères du Nautilus will soon open after getting a complete subsea refresh. 

Exciting New Trailer for The Marvels—Coming This November

Carol Danvers is off to save the world once more in The Marvels, which released a thrilling first trailer earlier this week…

The film follows Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), aka Captain Marvel, who has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. Unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as… The Marvels.

Also starring Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, and Park Seo-joon, The Marvels is directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Kevin Feige. The Marvel Studios film releases in its full glory in theaters on Friday, November 10!

Disney+ Reveals Official The Muppets Mayhem Trailer and Series Guest Stars

More exciting Electric Mayhem news for all you Muppets fans out there: Disney+ has debuted the official—and hilarious!—trailer for the new Original series The Muppets Mayhem, starring Lilly Singh, Tahj Mowry, Saara Chaudry, and The Electric Mayhem band. The musical comedy series premieres with all episodes on Wednesday, May 10, only on Disney+.

The series follows the iconic sextet—Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone, and Lips on trumpet—on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven young music executive, Nora (Singh), the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current-day music scene as they try to finally record their first studio album.

Disney+ also announced a truly star-studded lineup of guest stars—in addition to the previously announced Anders Holm—joining The Electric Mayhem Band on their journey: Paula Abdul, Steve Aoki, Rachel Bloom, Nicole Byer, Sofia Carson, Morgan Freeman, Kesha, Tommy Lee, Lil Nas X, Kristen Schaal, Ben Schwartz, Ryan Seacrest, Kevin Smith, Chris Stapleton, Danny Trejo, and “Weird Al” Yankovic, to name a few. What a cavalcade!

The sure-to-be-rockin’ The Muppets Mayhem soundtrack will be available on streaming platforms also beginning May 10—and the band’s debut album, The Electric Mayhem, is set for release on vinyl on Friday, May 12. Pre-save/pre-add the digital soundtrack and pre-order the vinyl album here… and listen to your favorite tracks from the Muppets on the official playlist here.

All the Coolest News from Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023

Unless you were off-planet this last weekend—and how exciting if you were—you probably heard about all the incredible updates to come out of Star Wars Celebration Europe. Should you need a refresher… or, y’know, if you did just come back from that space vacay and you haven’t seen all the amazing trailers (Ahsoka, anyone?) and casting news, click here and rejoice in the galactic revelry!

In concept art for Rogers: The Musical at Disney California Adventure Park, Steve Rogers aka Captain America is seen in the middle of a stage, holding his shield, as if coming out of the “pod” that helped give him super strength. He’s surrounded by various characters (including Agent Peggy Carter) on either side, like they’re in the middle of a musical number. The proscenium of the stage is bathed in red and white light, and the backdrop is bathed in blue light.

Rogers: The Musical Debuts June 30 at Disney California Adventure Park

We could watch this all day… yes, Rogers: The Musical will officially premiere at Disney California Adventure Park on Friday, June 30, for a limited time.

Based on the life of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, the show first debuted as a fictional Broadway musical in the Disney+ Original series Hawkeye. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, then treated guests at the D23 Expo 2022 to a pop-up version of the musical’s climactic number, “Save the City,” based on the battle of New York from the first Avengers film.

Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog revealed earlier this week (with concept art, seen above) that the 30-minute production will arrive at the Hyperion Theater at Disneyland Resort this summer, with musical numbers including “Save the City” from Hawkeye as well as “Star Spangled Man” from the film Captain America: The First Avenger and five brand-new, original songs.

This production follows the story of Steve Rogers from his humble beginnings during World War II to his ascent as Captain America. He’ll be joined by Peggy Carter, Nick Fury, and members of the Avengers.

Rogers: The Musical will run from Tuesday through Saturday most weeks.

See the Epic New Trailer for Peter Pan & Wendy

Disney+ recently debuted a thrilling new trailer for the original film Peter Pan & Wendy. The live-action reimagining of the J.M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated classic Peter Pan premieres Friday, April 28, exclusively on the streaming service.

The film introduces Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson), a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan (Alexander Molony), a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi), she travels with Peter to the magical world of Never Land. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook (Jude Law), and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.

Peter Pan & Wendy, directed by David Lowery, also stars Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan.

8 New Facts About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

By the D23 Team

We can’t help but sing “Almost There” when we think of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park in 2024. Today, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog shared more than half a dozen new details about the highly anticipated attraction.

First, the Disney Parks Blog shared that Mama Odie will reprise her role in the upcoming attraction! Check out the newly released rendering above for a first look at her role, where Mama Odie will joke with guests following a special display of her magic. The 200-year-old Bayou Fairy Godmother, with her eccentric belongings and “seeing eye snake” Juju, is comically eccentric, yet wise and all knowing, throughout the adventure. Jenifer Lewis, who voiced Mama Odie in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog, is once again returning to her role for the attraction.

To help inspire the Imagineers’ creations, New Orleans artist and YAYA Arts Center alumna Sharika Mahdi has created the next installment in a four-part commissioned series: a tribute to our wise and whimsical keeper of the bayou. Along with The Princess and the Frog film, the Imagineering team continues to use Mahdi’s latest piece as inspiration for how Mama Odie will appear throughout the attraction. Guests may see evidence of this in the resemblance of the image below depicting Mama Odie.

Mama Odie isn’t the only familiar face joining the jamboree on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney Parks has revealed even more new details about the highly-anticipated attraction, such as:

  • A brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities
  • Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics® figures
  • Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans
  • New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film
  • The alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party in the attraction queue
  • Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, and Prince Ralphie
  • Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure builds on the story of Princess Tiana, a character whose pride and perseverance reminds us of a universal truth: within us lies the potential to make our dreams come true. This all-new adventure will bring Disney Parks guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before when the attraction opens in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.

To make room for this new magic, Splash Mountain at Disneyland park will be closed starting May 31, 2023, to begin the next phase of development for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Bread and Butterfly Toast

Magic is everywhere: One must simply just know how to cook it up. With a little imagination—and some creatively crafted bread—any breakfast can be a true morning glory. An ordinary dining table becomes an enchanted forest when loaded with plates of Bread and Butterfly Toast. After all, many things can be learned from the flowers—from sunrise straight through to the golden afternoon!

Discover more delectable Alice in Wonderland-inspired recipes in the Alice in Wonderland: The Official Cookbook, now available for purchase here.

4 to 6 servings

Vegetarian

6 brioche rolls or 1 brioche loaf

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1⁄2 cup half and half
  • 6 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted, plus more for the pan
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons “I’m in a Jam” Homemade Strawberry-Lemon Jam (page 105) (optional)
  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1⁄2 cup Mock Clotted Cream (page 103) (optional)

Have two baking sheets standing by. Preheat the oven to 225°F.

Slice each brioche roll into 1⁄4-inch slices, and place them in a single layer on the baking sheets. Gently toast the brioche slices until they just start to crisp (but not brown), about 5 minutes.

While the brioche is toasting, prepare the egg custard. In a wide low dish, thoroughly whisk together the milk, half and half, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add a bit of butter as needed to prevent sticking. Place 1 or 2 slices of brioche into the egg mixture, turning gently to coat both sides. Do not let the pieces soak: Brioche is delicate and will fall apart. Add the slices to the skillet, and cook until they are brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.

Transfer the cooked pieces back to the baking sheet, and keep them warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

If using the jam, whisk it to thin it a little, and add it to the sliced strawberries, to glaze.

To serve, place two pieces of French toast together, bottom side to bottom side, creating the butterfly shape. If desired, spoon a small strip of Mock Clotted Cream down the center, and decorate with strawberries. A few larger pieces of strawberry can be used to “lift” the wings by placing them underneath the brioche slices. If you are not using the Mock Clotted Cream, simply decorate the center of each butterfly toast with strawberries, and serve. The glazed berries make a delicious syrup, but feel free to serve with your favorite maple syrup as well.

Icons of Disney Storytelling: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

By Zach Johnson

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are always in harmony.

Not that they need any introduction, but the couple is the Academy Award®-, Emmy® Award-, and Grammy Award®-winning songwriting team behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Winnie the Pooh (2011), Frozen(2013), and Frozen 2 (2019); Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco (2017); Marvel Studios’ WandaVision (2021); and Hulu’s Up Here (2023). For the stage, the Lopezes wrote Finding Nemo: The Musical, which ran from 2006–2020 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort, and adapted Frozen for Broadway, which opened in 2018 and is now on tour across North America.

Graduates of Yale University and Williams College, respectively, Lopez and Anderson-Lopez now reside in Brooklyn, New York, with their two daughters. They joined D23: The Official Disney Fan Club for an expansive Q&A about telling stories through songs.

D23: What makes Disney the perfect home for storytellers such as yourselves?
Kristen Anderson-Lopez (KAL): Disney has a great tradition, from the very beginning, of using music to tell stories and deepen the audience’s connection to and understanding of the characters—and that is through every branch we’ve participated in at Disney. Whether it’s Marvel or Pixar or Disney or the parks, music is everywhere. So, it’s a wonderful place to work because we, as songwriters, feel very valued. They see our job as storytellers the same way that we see our job as storytellers. It’s story first, always, and the music just is an outgrowth of what the character wants and needs and is facing.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez pose at the Frozen 2 premiere.

D23: How has the legacy of Disney’s storytelling has impacted you as songwriters?
Robert Lopez (RL): When we first started working at Animation, we were working with Tom MacDougall, the president of Disney Music, as well as [Disney Legend] Chris Montan, who was sort of the emeritus. Tom was really nice to us and an amazing, amazing friend. He’s really the answer you’re looking for about what makes Disney such a great place for songwriters to work. Tom understands songwriters inside and out; he supported our process and was like our therapist through all that. When we were starting on Frozen, we turned in our first piece, and Chris said, “Can you give us something else that’s better? Because you really need to bring your best. What we do has the ability to last for centuries—for forever, for eternity. You don’t want to come to us with anything less than your A-game. Be sure you’re bringing your A-game every time you write.” That’s something that sinks in, especially when someone like Chris says it. It’s now something I think about every time I pick up a pen. I never think, “Well, it’s Tuesday.” I think, “This has the opportunity to last a lifetime. Let’s make it count.”

D23: That’s both inspiring and terrifying!
KAL: If you want to hear the voice in Bobby’s head, it’s Chris saying, “This has to last for centuries.” Sometimes it’s my job to say, “You know, it’s Tuesday. Let’s save the ‘it has to last for centuries’ until Thursday, and let’s just do the first draft on Tuesday.”

D23: Up Here debuted as a stage musical eight years ago, and now you’ve adapted it for Hulu. What was it like to revisit those songs and also executive produce the series?
KAL: When we were looking at rewriting a lot of it right after we opened in La Jolla in 2015, we couldn’t even wrap our minds around it. We were far too close; we had put too much of ourselves in it. And then we went on to do Frozen on Broadway, Frozen 2, Coco, and WandaVision—all these things. It was nice to be able to come back and go, ‘Oh, yeah! Remember that song? I like that song.’ The hook is the same, but almost every other lyric is rewritten for this character in this situation—and you can’t do that until you have some distance.

Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez smile on the set of Up Here.

D23: What would young Bobby and young Kristin think of the fact that adult Bobby and adult Kristin are getting to create such iconic songs for Disney, Marvel, and Hulu?
KAL: Well, young Bobby and young Kristin show up every single day we are at work. When we are in flow, we are two kids. We are best friends on a play date, pretending to be Elsa or Miguel or Lindsay. We are still those kids. The other thing is that young Kristen didn’t really know females could be songwriters or executive producers. So, even though she was doing this in her own backyard, the narrative she downloaded was that she had to be an actress. She hadn’t seen female songwriters. Now, I tell whomever I can that I am a songwriter and I love what I do. I also get to be married and have kids. You can be a woman leading a rich life and also create all these things.

D23: What are some common things the two of you hear about the songs you’ve written for the Walt Disney Company? Songs like “Let It Go” and “Remember Me,” for example, continue to resonate with fans of all ages, demographics, and experiences.
RL: In the documentary series about Frozen 2, Into the Unknown, there’s a scene where one of the animators shows the directors this letter about “Let It Go.” This girl shared her experience of having been really depressed and thanked Disney for changing her life and being her strength in a moment of need. That got me. We were trying to solve a story point! We were trying to put something that was meaningful to us out into the world. We never were trying to help a girl get through a tough time. But it turns out that’s the purpose of this. At its best, music can save people’s lives. It can help people get through rough times. That’s one of the functions of art. And God bless Disney for having the reach that it does, in terms of in terms of helping people all over the world.

KAL: I also just get a kick out of seeing a child wearing an Elsa backpack on the street as we walk home from the office. We’ll be like, “Look! She’s got Elsa shoes! Right on!”
RL: The older and more well-worn, the better!

Star Wars Day Comes Early on shopDisney

For Star Wars fans, May the 4th is more precious than Life Day! If you find yourself among those who are counting down the moments to that very special day, shopDisney has a treat for you: early access to merchandise celebrating Star Wars Day and the infamous Cantina!

Check out all the Star Wars merchandise shopDisney has to offer—and don’t forget to ensure that you use the same email for your account on shopDisney as you do for your D23 Gold Membership to take advantage of your discount! 

Greedo “May the 4th Be With You” 2023 Zip Hoodie for Adults
Greedo salutes Star Wars fandom by raising an intergalactic cocktail glass (or two) at the Mos Eisley Cantina with this commemorative zip hoodie release for May 4, 2023, direct from Tatooine. Bottoms up!

Star Wars Day “May the 4th Be With You” 2023 T-Shirt for Adults
“May the 4th be with you” on Star Wars Day 2023 while clad in this commemorative tee that’s sure to be a fan favorite. The front features a mouth-watering selection of colorful and creative refreshments with which to celebrate the annual event

Star Wars Day “May the 4th Be With You” 2023 T-Shirt for Kids
The Force is with the fandom when they’re wearing this commemorative cotton tee release for May 4, 2023, now known throughout the galaxy as Star Wars Day. Vivid full front art makes the most of your celebration.

Star Wars Day: “May the 4th Be With You” Tumbler with Straw
Celebrate the most galactic day of the year with refreshing sips from this Star Wars: “May the 4th Be With You” tumbler. Whether your bevy of choice is blue milk, Jawa juice, or something of the terrestrial variety, you’ll enjoy it all the more in the company of R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, Jawas, and other galactic revelers. Fill up this thirsty 37-ounce stainless steel tumbler and enjoy, and may the 4th be with you always.

Star Wars Day 2023: “May The 4th Be With You” MagicBand+ – Limited Edition
MagicBand+ lets you engage with Disney moments like never before as it reacts to select park interactions with lighting effects and gesture recognition. This special limited-edition design was created for Star Wars Day, the annual event celebrated in a galaxy not so far, far away!

Greedo “May the 4th Be With You” Star Wars Day 2023 Baseball Cap for Adult
You’ll forever debate who made the first move (Han or Greedo?) while wearing this traditional twill baseball cap with curved bill and woven Greedo appliqué featuring “May the 4th Be With You” Star Wars Day 2023 logo and embroidered accents.

Luke Skywalker 40th Anniversary Legacy Lightsaber Set – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Imagine yourself as Luke Skywalker battling to rescue Han Solo when holding this Legacy lightsaber collectible. Created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, this detailed reproduction of the lightsaber Luke wielded in Episode VI features a green light-up blade and motion and impact-activated sound effects.

Be sure to keep visiting shopDisney as they add to their Star Wars collection ! We hear there are some pretty special items launching in early May…

Solve a Mystery in an All-New Grid—TRON: Identity Launches Today!

Something has been taken… are you the one to illuminate the truth?

TRON: Identity releases today on PC and Nintendo Switch, and the mystery has only just begun.

Play as Query, a detective program called in to solve a crime and uncover secrets that could impact the mysterious Grid he calls home. The choices you make matter; forge partnerships, uncover clues, and determine your perilous path as you make your way through branching storylines and twisty outcomes.

To navigate through this puzzling mystery, you’ll need to, well, solve puzzles! Defrag the identity discs of those you encounter to unlock lost memories, with puzzle mini-games increasing in complexity as you progress through the storyline.

TRON: Identity provides hours of content and re-playability as you explore several different outcomes to your choices, with each play-through offering more to discover. Change your approach, encounter new scenarios, and impact the fate of the server. It’s up to you.

This novel adventure has much in store for fans of Disney’s TRON. The game is set in an all-new Grid that was left alone to evolve without User intervention, and the legacy of Flynn is everywhere. The large, new cast of TRON characters you’ll interact with—like Prinz, the devotee of the Users design, or Proxy, the renegade rival—have shaped their world around the stories of “The Founders.” Encounter lightcycles; vibe to a striking game soundtrack inspired by the world of TRON; and definitely avoid ending up on the wrong side of an identity disc!

Play TRON: Identity today, available on Nintendo Switch and PC.

Decoding the Grid: A Conversation with TRON: Identity Producer Heidy Vargas

By Reena Bassil

The time is nearly here! Step into the Grid and embark on a mysterious journey with TRON: Identity, the latest visual novel puzzle adventure game from Disney Games and Bithell Games. Disney Games Producer Heidy Vargas has defragged many Identity Discs in her day, but her true passion is creating immersive game worlds for players to get lost in. We sat down with Vargas to discuss her work on TRON: Identity, as well as her impressive career journey at The Walt Disney Company. Check out what she had to say below! 

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club:  We understand you’ve played a key role in the development of TRON: Identity. What can you tell us about that game?
Heidy Vargas (HV): TRON: Identity is an exciting visual novel puzzle adventure set within a mysterious new Grid. Fans can expect an immersive visual novel with branching storylines and action-based decisions that can impact your path and the world around you. You will defrag Identity Discs by solving entertaining puzzles, and each puzzle will help recover memories that get you closer and closer to solving the mystery.

D23: What made your work on TRON: Identity special to you?
HV: I’ve always found diversity and inclusion to be an important part of my everyday life. When working on TRON: Identity, it was key for the Disney Games team and Bithell Games to present this new Grid as a reflection of the real world that also represents our players with diverse and unique characters. My hope is that players will see a Program character that resembles themselves.

D23: TRON: Identity follows a different storyline than the franchise it is based on. Can you touch on the decision to create something new?
HV: Our team is always looking for new and exciting ways to extend the iconic storylines that our fans know and love. TRON: Identity allows fans to immerse themselves even deeper within the world of TRON and interact with original characters and stories – stories that they themselves shape through their own decisions.

Mike Bithell and Heidy Vargas riding on TRON: Lightcycle / Run, both on the lightcycle-style attraction vehicles and wearing excited expressions.

D23: What similarities and differences will fans see in comparing the game to the TRON: Legacy-inspired TRON: Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort?
HV: TRON: Identity builds on the established visual cues and iconography from the TRON: Legacy film. A few things will feel familiar, but you’ll also find something that isn’t found in the existing films or the attraction… our new Grid features trees.

D23: Disney and Bithell Games worked together to create TRON: Identity and clearly focused on unique and great storytelling. What was it like working with Bithell Games?
HV: Working with Bithell Games has been an extremely collaborative process. They are experts in all things TRON and they weren’t afraid to take this well-established franchise and create an entirely new world. The team was extremely confident in their ability to create a new gaming genre unique for this Disney franchise.

D23: How did you start working with Disney?
HV: I began my career with Disney a few weeks after graduating from UCLA. Through the Disney Professional Internship program, I was able to learn very quickly on the job and gain exposure to other divisions within Disney. I was able to transition to a full-time role, but I quickly found myself volunteering for playtest sessions with the Games Team. I really didn’t expect I would be here now!

A screenshot from TRON: Identity, featuring the player character walking towards a building, which is labelled “Imposing Building.” The character has its back to the viewer, so that we only see their coat (featuring glowing “TRON” lines) and their Identity Disc. The entire image is tinted an electric blue color often associated with the franchise. Below the screenshot is a text box, which contains the text, “ It’s a cold night in the city. Nothing new there. You pull your coat tighter. Feel the heat of its glow, a small comfort agains the brittle rain.”

D23: What example do you want to set for future generations of game developers?
HV: I hope to be a positive and encouraging presence for newcomers in the industry. Having worked with interns in the past, I always aim to share information and knowledge and create space for everyone. It’s important for those of us in the business to encourage unique voices and foster an environment that encourages diversity.

D23: There has been much more emphasis on inclusion in the workplace – tell us what inclusion means to you and what advice you have for allies to keep the conversation going.
HV: Inclusion helps cultivate a culture that welcomes people to be themselves, acknowledging our differences and how these differences can contribute and improve our work and organization. I joined our DE&I teams very early on, and it’s been amazing to see how many of our peers have prioritized and dedicated their time to continuing the conversation. There is so much room for improvement in terms of inclusion in the workplace because it is an ever-evolving conversation. My advice, think of yourself as a leader no matter what level you’re at, it’s important to lead by example. Practice inclusivity with confidence and others will feel inclined to do so too.

D23: Tell us about the importance of seeing diverse representation in games.
HV: As a Latina it was always a challenge to find characters that looked like me, and I was given little opportunity to customize my player avatar to look like anyone that resembled me. I grew up with such a love of games like the Sims because of the ability to customize my world and create my own stories. Because of this I knew I wanted to be a voice for more representation in the projects I contribute to.

D23: What other projects do you have in the works?
HV: I’m the lead Producer on Disney Emoji Blitz, which is celebrating its 7th birthday this year and is constantly adding new Disney and Pixar emojis and features. There are a few other projects in the works that I can’t mention yet, but of course, TRON: Identity is the start of Bithell Games’ collaboration with Disney on TRON-dedicated games. Players can expect more TRON titles to come in the future, but for now we are excited to bring you TRON: Identity on April 11!

4 Out-Of-This-World Moments from Star Wars Celebration Europe

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This past weekend, Star Wars fans from around the world gathered in London, England, for a convention of intergalactic proportions: Star Wars Celebration Europe, an annual fan experience celebrating all things from a galaxy far, far away. This year’s event was full of immersive exhibits, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, and so much more—including panels packed with exciting announcements and can’t-miss moments! With so much happening in the Star Wars galaxy, we decided to round up some of our favorite parts of the weekend so you won’t miss a minute of the action from this year’s epic event.

Logos for The Acolyte, Ahoska, Skeleton Crew, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyall surround a bigger, silver logo for Lucasfilm LTD. All the logos sit on the black and green branding for Star Wars Celebration.

So Many New Trailers!

The Lucasfilm Studio Showcase is traditionally full of first looks and new trailers, and this year’s panel was no exception! The final trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, releasing June 30, 2023, showed off even more of the action and adventure in store for our favorite explorer. See for yourself:

Possibly one of the most anticipated trailer drops from the panel was a first look at Ahsoka, and during the showcase it was revealed that the series will premiere in August 2023! Take a look at the trailer—and mark your calendar, because August is just a lightspeed jump away…

Those weren’t all the trailers revealed during the weekend; fans of Star Wars Visions rejoiced as a first look was dropped for Volume 2 of the series, which will feature nine new shorts from nine global animation studios:

For any younglings out there, this trailer is for you! The first trailer for Young Jedi Adventures, coming to Disney+ and Disney Junior on May 4th, was revealed over the weekend as well:

Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Lars Mikkelson, and Diana Lee Inosanto onstage during the Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 at ExCeL London on April 08, 2023, in London, England.

Thrawn RETURNS—Plus More Casting News

 A new trailer wasn’t the only Ahsoka intel we got from Star Wars Celebration Europe—a galaxy’s worth of stars was revealed for the series, including Lars Mikkelson as the menacing Gran Admiral Thrawn! Also joining the cast are Ray Stevenson, Ivanna Sakhno, Diana Lee Inosanto, and David Tennant.

Plus, the full cast of Star Wars Visions Volume 2 was revealed, including notable voice talent such as Cynthia Erivo, Daveed Diggs, Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose, Anjelica Huston, Daniel Dae Kim, and Denis Murin. You can check out the full cast list for each episode here.

Even MORE Star Wars at Disney Parks!

During the Walt Disney Imagineering panel, Imagineers Ann Morrow Johnson and Asa Kalama—along with Matt Martin from Lucasfilm—revealed that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be blasting off with new stories and new characters starting in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California, Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, and Disneyland Paris in France. Plus, intergalactic pop heads can jam out no matter where they go, with a just-released new playlist from DJ R3X. To celebrate May the 4th, a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiserplaylist will drop on streaming platforms, including songs from icon and superstar Gaya. Previously, only guests of the Halcyon starcruiser could hear this purple popstar perform—so we’re in for a real treat with this release!

Kathleen Kennedy, James Mangold, Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy onstage at the Lucasfilm Studio Showcase at Star Wars Celebration Europe. Behind them are an array of Star Wars aliens and droids.

Three New Star Wars Movies Announced!

As if there wasn’t already enough excitement from Star Wars Celebration Europe, the Lucasfilm Studio Showcase also made a MAJOR reveal that we’re totally hype(rspace)d about! THREE new Star Wars films are in our future, to be directed by James Mangold, Dave Filoni and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Mangold’s film will be set during the dawn of the Jedi, telling the story of early Force users, while Fionli’s film pulls together threads from recent Disney+ series. Obaid-Chinoy’s film comes with another surprise: Daisy Ridley joined Obaid-Chinoy to reveal that she’ll be returning as Rey to tell a story set 15 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, centered around “rebuilding the Jedi Order and the powers the rise to tear it down.” Well, we know our moviegoing plans for the next few years!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

This week don’t miss the spectacular new content coming to your TV and assorted streaming devices. On Wednesday, watch all episodes of Rennervations on Disney+, followed by an all-new episode of ABC’s Not Dead Yet and the Season 2 premiere of Freeform’s Single Drunk Female. A new episode of Station 19 debuts Thursday on ABC, and on Friday, two episodes of Saturdays air on Disney Channel.

In a scene from Rennervations, actor Jeremy Renner stands in front of a chalk board during a presentation.

Rennervations—Wednesday, April 12, on Disney+
Jeremy Renner is ready to make some Renner-vations! The actor and Marvel Studios Super Hero, alongside his team of expert builders, use their skills to reimagine decommissioned vehicles and rebuild them into mind-blowing creations that serve communities around the world, proving every build has a purpose. The four-part Disney+ Original series follows Renner around the world, from his hometown of Reno, Nevada, and Chicago, Illinois, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Rajasthan, India. In each location, he teams up with a celebrity friend (Anthony Mackie, Vanessa Hudgens, Anil Kapoor, and Sebastián Yatra), all of whom share his enthusiasm and join him to deliver the finished vehicles to each organization. All episodes are available to stream at launch.

In a scene from Not Dead Yet, actors Angela E. Gibbs, Rick Glassman, and Gina Rodriguez look at a crystal orb.

Not Dead Yet—Wednesday, April 12, at 9:31 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Cricket (Angela E. Gibbs) decides she is finally ready to spread Monty’s ashes and enlists help from Nell (Gina Rodriguez). Elsewhere, Sam (Hannah Simone) and Lexi (Lauren Ash) support Dennis (Josh Banday) as he chooses an egg donor. The new episode, which also stars Rick Glassman, is available to stream the next day on Hulu.

In a scene from Single Drunk Female, actor Sofia Black-D’Elia holds a small succulent plant with a sign that reads “Get Well Soon.”

Single Drunk Female—Wednesday, April 12, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The hit series—intended only for mature audiences—returns for Season 2 with not just one, but two episodes! For the first time in forever, Sam (Sofia Black-D’Elia) thinks she has a life worth celebrating and throws herself a birthday party. Meanwhile, Brit (Sasha Compere) tries to convince everyone that she and Joel (Charlie Hall) have the “perfect divorce.” Then, in the second episode, Sam’s newfound self-confidence is shaken when she discovers her new boss is someone from her past. Elsewhere, Olivia (Rebecca Henderson) makes a life-changing decision and Felicia (Lily Mae Harrington) fails to properly congratulate her boyfriend on his new promotion. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

In a scene from Station 19, actors Grey Damon and Jaina Lee Ortiz cook in the station’s kitchen.

Station 19—Thursday, April 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Emotions boil over at the station as the team disagrees with Theo’s (Carlos Miranda) leadership style. Meanwhile, Carina (Stefania Spampinato) enlists Ben (Jason George) and Maya (Danielle Savre) to help her with a patient in an uncomfortable position. Elsewhere, Natasha (Merle Dandridge) and Sullivan (Boris Kodjoe) hit a roadblock in their relationship. Stream the episode the next day on Hulu.

In a promotional image for Saturdays, actors Peyton Basnight, Danielle Jalade, and Daria Johns stand side by side.

Saturdays—Friday, April 14, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Two all-new episodes skate onto your TV this Friday! Ari (Peyton Basnight) hosts her first sleepover with her new best friends. However, the soiree is a flop when it falls the same night as Paris (Danielle Jalade) and Simone’s (Daria Johns) Chocolate Club. In the second episode, Paris rallies everyone to throw a block party, and in the process, the girls go to great lengths for a signature on the petition by visiting the scariest house on the block. The series also stars Omar Gooding, Tim Johnson Jr., Jermaine Harris, Missy Fierro, and Mirabelle Little.