The Legacy of Burny Mattinson

By Alison Stateman

When Disney Legend Burny Mattinson passed away on February 27, 2023, he was the longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company, a few months shy of his 70-year work anniversary. The animator, director, producer, and story artist worked on films that spanned the decades, from Lady and the Tramp (1955) to Strange World (2022).

At the beginning of his career, Mattinson worked directly with several Disney Legends and members of the Studios’ core group of early animators—dubbed the “Nine Old Men” by Walt Disney—including Marc Davis, Eric Larson, and Ollie Johnston. During his years at Disney, Mattinson influenced and inspired generations of the Disney animators and other artists who followed in his footsteps. Several shared with D23 their memories of Mattinson, his lasting legacy, and more about their treasured collaborator, mentor, and friend.

Burny Mattinson’s Disney Legends plaque at the Disney Legends Plaza at The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. The words “Disney Legends” and the date, “October 13, 2008,” are inscribed above his handprints and beneath those are his signature and name in all-caps along with “Animation” embossed on the bronze plaque.

“Burny was a kind of bridge,” animator Mark Henn shares. “I always likened him to being the missing link. There weren’t many artists of his generation. We almost went right from the ‘Nine Old Men’ to my generation. It was like a big jump. But Burny was one of the few of what I call the missing-link generation, and that was a big part of what made his stories so special.”

Mattinson, Henn says, jumpstarted Henn’s career when he hired the young artist to animate Mickey Mouse in Mickey’s Christmas Carol—Mattinson’s directorial debut—and was always available for guidance and a “kibitz” in his office.

“Burny’s office was always a safe haven, a place to come to chat, shoot the breeze, talk about work, talk about life—he was very open and accommodating to ideas,” says Henn. “One of the things I will always remember was we’d periodically put a story reel up and screen it and we’d all come back to Burny’s office, and he would say, ‘Alright, what’s working? What’s not working?’ And I was always so impressed with that, because he had his vision for a show, but he was always open to ideas, anything that would make it better.”

Academy Award®-winning director Don Hall, who began his career at Disney as a story apprentice on Tarzan (1999), recalls first meeting Mattinson, who worked alongside fellow animator and Disney Legend Joe Grant at the time.

“I was very much aware of this ‘Room of Legends,’ and it took me a while to get up the nerve to talk to him… But once I got over the living legend part of it and just asked questions and got them talking about the Studios’ history, that fear kind of melted away, and I was just in awe of many of the stories from back in the day,” Hall says.

“For somebody who was new to the studio and soaking up everything I could from every legend that this place had, it was kind of amazing.”

(From left to right) Burny Mattinson sits in a chair on a stage, wearing a bright blue shirt underneath a white cardigan and khaki pants. He wears dark-rimmed glasses and is turned toward animator Eric Goldberg, who has a microphone in hand and is wearing a patterned button-up shirt, dark pants, and eyeglasses. The two men are smiling at one another. A display in the back reads “Happy 65th Burny.”

Legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg (pictured above, right, with Mattinson in 2018) first met Mattinson when Goldberg joined Disney in 1990 to work on Aladdin (1992), for which Goldberg was responsible for bringing the Genie to life.

“Funny enough Burny at first didn’t actually care for what we were doing with the Genie,” Goldberg shares. “He’d sit in on the meetings and go, ‘All this Robin Williams stuff isn’t funny.’ And eventually it clicked, and he got it. He understood what our wavelength was, and we got along swimmingly. We became fast friends, and we continued to have a mutual admiration society for each other,” Goldberg shares.

Remembering the first time he saw Mattinson’s storyboard work on Aladdin, Goldberg says, “The boards that he had up were spectacular. That’s the only word I can use. The boards were very atmospheric of the Genie going under Jafar’s evil control and lifting up the palace and all the clouds are circling, and those boards were unbelievable… You could feel all the emotions and feelings in all the characters.”

(From left to right) Don Hall points at a detail in a Disney Animation artwork among many framed on the wall, while Burny Mattinson stands next to him, also pointing. Don wears a blue plaid shirt and blue jeans, while Burny is dressed in tan pants and a tan coat with a black cap.

Hall, pictured above with Mattinson in a photo from January 2023, worked with Mattinson on several projects, including his directorial debut, Winnie the Pooh (2011); Big Hero 6 (2014); and Strange World. Hall says one of Mattinson’s greatest lessons was to never lose sight of the audience and the heart of the story.

“Burny was such a great guide to reorient us,” says Hall. “If the story was getting too plot heavy or getting bogged down in the rules, Burny was so good about taking it back to simplicity and reminding us that we’re here to entertain the audience. He was always such a great barometer for that.”

Mattinson was responsible for the addition of one very particular element in Strange World, the final film Hall worked on with him.

“Very early on in a story meeting, he said ‘I think you need a dog in the movie. The Clades need a dog.’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, Burny, I think Splat is going to be our dog character.’ And then all the story artists ganged up on me and said, ‘We want a dog.’ So I said, ‘Alright,’ and so we named him Legend after Burny, because that was my nickname for him, because he’s a bone fide Disney legend. And then in Strange World that dog Legend steals the show in every scene he’s in. That’s all because of Burny.”

As Goldberg says, “what was the thing he did best? He did all of it the best. He was a great director. He was a great producer. He was a great animator. He was a genial personality, which just made it a pleasure to work with him. He would just always do his best and, usually 99 percent of the time, his best was better than anybody else’s.”

6 Times Ginnifer Goodwin Joined the Worlds of Disney

By Jessica Benda

Zootopia’s Judy Hopps is determined and hard-working… and the actor that voiced her—Ginnifer Goodwin—isn’t much different!

Goodwin is known for her role as the first bunny police officer in the 2016 film, but that’s far from the only time she’s lent her talents to Disney stories: Whether it’s starring as a reimagined Disney Princess or an inquisitive fairy, she’s ventured into several other Disney-related realms throughout the past two decades.

In honor of Zootopia’s seventh anniversary on Saturday, March 4—yes, it was really seven years ago—we’re looking back through its star’s appearances within the worlds of Disney.

In the forest, Snow White stands beside Prince Charming, looking stoically out at something. Played by Ginnifer Goodwin, Snow White wears an embroidered, belted tan tunic and matching pants. Her black hair is loose and falls past her shoulders. Prince Charming, played by Josh Dallas, wears a long-sleeved, black tunic with red embellishments. His sword sits in its hilt at his side.

Once Upon a Time
In 2011, ABC’s Once Upon a Time mashed classic fairytales into one modern town: Storybrooke. Disney characters were plunged into the real world with no memory of their previous lives, except for the Evil Queen and now Storybrooke mayor, Regina Mills. Goodwin starred as the adventurous, good-hearted Snow White, or Storybrooke’s Mary Margaret Blanchard. She starred alongside Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David Nolan—and they made their fairytale romance real when they married in real life in 2014!

The series ran until 2018, and Goodwin pushed the show forward as a main character for most of its seven-season run; though she departed at the end of Season 6, she rejoined the cast for a bittersweet farewell in the series finale.

In the animated film Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast, Fawn (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) stands outside and holds a book sideways so it falls open. She grins as she inspects it. Her brown hair is tied up in a ponytail that falls below her wings, and she wears a one-shoulder orange top.

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (2014)
The sixth installment of the Tinker Bell franchise nudges the spotlight towards one of her best friends: Fawn, voiced by Goodwin, a spunky animal-talent whose heart can get her into trouble. When Fawn befriends a furry, giant creature called the NeverBeast, she works to prove his goodness to the rest of Pixie Hollow. Though Fawn has been a primary character in past Tinker Bell films, this is the first that Goodwin lends her voice to.

In a still from Sofia the First, a close-up of the animated Gwen, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin—who wears a double-sided pair of round glasses. She lifts the top half of the glasses toward her forehead, and her green eyes peer through the bottom half. Her brown hair is tied back into two braids with a yellow hairband, and she wears a yellow dress and white apron.

Sofia the First
Sofia the First super-fans—or Ginnifer Goodwin super-fans—might remember hearing the actor’s upbeat tones in a Season 2 episode of the four-season series. She voiced the episode’s Gwen, a kitchen maid with a passion for inventing. Though Gwen’s father disapproves of her gizmos, Sofia (voiced by Ariel Winter) nudges her to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time inventor.

In a still from Ramona and Beezus, Aunt Bea (played by Ginnifer Goodwin) stands outside in a garden with Ramona, Beezus, and their mother. The mother holds an umbrella, though it’s not raining. They’re wet from a water fight, grinning together as they look at something off-camera. Aunt Bea wears a colorful floral dress and a yellow cardigan.

Ramona and Beezus (2010)
Based on Beverly Cleary’s cherished novels, Ramona and Beezus follows third-grader Ramona Quimby (Joey King) and her up-and-down relationship with her older sister, Beezus (Selena Gomez). Ramona spends much of the film trying to reunite her Aunt Bea (Goodwin) with her old high school boyfriend Hobart (Josh Duhamel)—though she and Beezus get into plenty of trouble along the way. Between tree climbing, a water fight, and a car wash gone wrong, Goodwin brings the kind and fun-loving Aunt Bea to life.

Walk the Line (2005)
Goodwin took on a darker role in Walk the Line, a biographical drama film about singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. Goodwin plays Cash’s first wife Vivian, who embarks on a tumultuous marriage that Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) is unfaithful during. Produced by Fox 2000 Pictures, this was the first now-Disney film that Goodwin starred in; with a PG-13 rating, Walk the Line is geared toward older audiences.

In Zootopia’s Little Rodentia, the animated Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) holds a giant donut just above Fru-Fru, a small Arctic shrew, keeping it from falling on top of her. Judy wears her police uniform, and her ears stick straight up.

Zootopia (2016)
Perhaps one of her most iconic roles, Goodwin provided the voice of Officer Judy Hopps in Zootopia. Judy jumped fearlessly over hurdles to earn her job and solve a case, finding an unlikely partner in smooth-talking fox Nick Wilde (voiced by an equally smooth-talking Jason Bateman). Goodwin’s Judy also appeared in the video game Disney Infinity 3.0—and Zootopia spawned the 2022 Disney+ anthology series Zootopia+.

In February, Disney announced that a Zootopia sequel is on the way—stay tuned for more details!

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

By Andie Hagemann

From spectacular sequels to all-new episodes of fan-favorite series, you won’t want to miss this slate of content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend. On Friday, a new episode of SuperKitties pounces onto the screen, airing on both Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Then, watch a special presentation of Kingsman: The Golden Circle on FX, followed by Ralph Breaks the Internet on Disney Channel, both airing on Saturday. Embark on a journey to Genovia by watching The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement when it airs Sunday on Freeform. And, last but not least, a new episode of American Idol debuts Sunday night on ABC.

In a scene from an episode of SuperKitties, a white, purple, and gray kitten uses a jetpack to talk to a small brown and white dog in a red stroller. The kitten wears an orange superhero mask, an orange jumpsuit, and blue boots.

SuperKitties—Friday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
We’re feline great because an all-new episode debuts this week, and the four-legged heroes—Ginny (voiced by Emma Berman), Sparks (voiced by Cruz Flateau), Buddy (JeCobi Swain), and Bitsy (voiced by Pyper Braun)—are in some hairy situations. In the first story, the SuperKitties stop Mr. Puppypaws (voiced by James Monroe Iglehart) from stealing dog toys. Then, after Lab Rat (voiced by Ruth Pferdehirt) turns off all the lights in Kittydale, Bitsy must overcome her fear of the dark to help her squad.

In a scene from Kingsman: The Golden Circle, actors Taron Egerton and Mark Strong are zip-tied to metal chairs inside a laboratory. Egerton wears a black suit with white pinstripes and black glasses. Strong wears black glasses and a black jumpsuit.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle—Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on FX
After the Kingsman headquarters is destroyed, the surviving agents turn to an allied secret spy organization in the United States named Statesman for help. In an adventure that tests their strength and wits, the two agencies team up to save the world and take down a ruthless villain. The action-packed film, which is intended only for mature audiences, stars Taron Egerton as Eggsy, Colin Firth as Harry Hart, Mark Strong as Merlin, Channing Tatum as Tequila, Halle Berry as Ginger, Pedro Pascal as Whiskey, Jeff Bridges as Champ, Julianne Moore as Poppy, and Disney Legend Elton John as himself.

In a scene from Ralph Breaks the Internet, Vanellope von Schweetz, a young female character, sits center in a large room and surrounded by Disney Princesses—Ariel, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Moana, Elsa, Tiana, Anna, and Mulan—who are dressed in contemporary, casual clothing.

Ralph Breaks the Internet—Saturday, March 4, at 2:35 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman) embark on a high-flying adventure through the World Wide Web in search of a replacements part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. However, the quest becomes too complicated for the misfit duo, so they enlist the help of the citizens of the internet throughout the perilous journey. The star-studded voice cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Gal Gadot, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Ed O’Neill, Alfred Molina, Ali Wong, and Sean Giambrone, to name a few.

In a scene from The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, actor Anne Hathaway shoots a flaming arrow and wears a silver crown atop her head and a white and silver pantsuit.

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement—Sunday, March 5, at 2:35 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The sequel to The Princess Diaries finds Mia (Anne Hathaway) still grappling with her life as a princess. Upon graduating from Princeton, she returns to Genovia—and, of course, her best friend Lilly (Heather Matarazzo) is right by her side. However, upon their arrival, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Disney Legend Julie Andrews) informs her granddaughter, Mia, that she cannot ascend the throne unless she is married within 30 days. Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine) emerges as one of Mia’s top suitors; however, he is more interested in the crown. The film also stars Hector Elizondo, Raven-Symoné, Callum Blue, John-Rhys-Davies, Kathleen Marshall, Joel McCrary, Larry Miller, Caroline Goodall, and Sean O’Bryan.

In a scene from an episode of American Idol, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan sit behind a large desk reading “American Idol” and watch a contestant perform.

American Idol—Sunday, March 5, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The search for the next singing sensation continues with another audition-filled episode. Superstar judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, along with host Ryan Seacrest, embark on a nationwide search to find the next generation of superstars with stops in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Nashville. New episodes of the iconic competition series are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your Mandalorian knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Approximately how old is Grogu at the start of The Mandalorian Season 1?

Correct! Wrong!

At the start of The Mandalorian Season 1, adorable Grogu is approximately 50 years old—having been born in the year 41 BBY.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge
You are the ultimate Disney fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Disney D23 Rewind—Week of February 27

By Courtney Potter

Spooky New Trailer for Secrets of Sulphur Springs Season 3

Disney Branded Television just released a first sneak-peek look at Season 3 of the Disney Channel series Secrets of Sulphur Springs. The series follows the adventures of Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver) and his family at The Tremont, a hotel with a paranormal past.

As we catch back up with Griffin and crew, a new ghost checks into room 205 and starts wreaking havoc around The Tremont. After learning the evil presence will ruin their lives by 2024, the kids race to solve a tangled mystery in the past. This could be the key to defeating the ghost in the present—and saving the Dunns and the Campbells from a very bleak future…

The series also stars Kyliegh Curran as Harper Dunn, Elle Graham as Savannah Dillon, Kelly Frye as Sarah Campbell, Josh Braaten as Ben Campbell, Landon Gordon as Wyatt Campbell, Madeleine McGraw as Zoey Campbell, Diandra Lyle as Jess Dunn, Johari Washington as Topher Dunn, and Eugene Byrd as Sam Tremont

The new season of the Children’s and Family Emmy® Awards-nominated series premieres Friday, March 24, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel. All episodes are available on Disney+ the day after they air on Disney Channel.

Themes From Wondrous Journeys Now Available on Streaming Platforms

If you’ve visited Disneyland Resort lately and been lucky enough to catch the brand-new nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Park, you no doubt remember the incredible music featured… a total of 18 Disney songs are heard throughout! But one of the songs is brand-new: the spectacular’s theme, “It’s Wondrous,” with music and lyrics by Grammy® winner Alex Geringas and Duddy Brown.

Beginning today, Friday, March 3, fans can find the main version of the theme—performed by Devan Garcia and Rudi—as well as the show exit version, performed by Lawrence, across all major music platforms!

“It’s Wondrous” is first heard upon the show open; later, elements of the song are woven throughout the musical score of other Disney tunes, creating an audible throughline—in particular, a musical refrain that the creative team referred to as “the butterfly call.” The finale of Wondrous Journeys then brings “It’s Wondrous” back for a triumphant crescendo. Guests then, no doubt, finish their viewing by dancing along to the soul-funk exit version arranged and performed by Lawrence.

So, take a listen wherever you stream your music… and don’t miss Wondrous Journeys the next time you visit Disneyland Resort!

Miley Cyrus and Disney Reunite for a Disney+ Original Special

Whether you’re a Hannah Montana fan or a newcomer to her work, here’s some cool news: Miley Cyrus will perform her greatest hits and new songs in an upcoming Disney+ performance special in celebration of her upcoming album, Endless Summer Vacation.

From Disney Branded Television, Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) will include a performance of her hit single “Flowers,” which has been No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for six consecutive weeks since its debut. For the first time, the multiplatinum-selling recording artist will also perform eight songs from Endless Summer Vacation, one of her chart-topping classic hits, and a special duet with Rufus Wainwright.

The global superstar’s cinematic performances are threaded with exclusive interviews in the famed Los Angeles house where Frank Sinatra once lived and where Cyrus shot the “Flowers” music video.

Cyrus, who also serves as executive producer, opens the door to audiences worldwide—providing insight into her new album and the person she is today. The Backyard Sessions is a series that Cyrus began in 2012 for her fans, where she and her band performed in an intimate, outdoor setting. Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) is a continuation of what soon became a benchmark series.

Look for the special to premiere Friday, March 10, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, only on Disney+.

ICYMI: Icons of Disney Storytelling—Peter Sohn

The latest in our series of interviews with some of the most creative and innovative storytellers from around the worlds of Disney, D23 sat down for a chat with Pixar’s Peter Sohn. He talks everything from what makes Pixar the perfect place for the kinds of stories he wants to tell, to the fun he’s had voicing characters, and so much more.

Look Alive! It’s a Teaser Trailer for Disney’s Haunted Mansion 

Disney has debuted the teaser trailer for the comically creepy Haunted Mansion, premiering in theaters this summer.

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, Haunted Mansion follows a woman (Rosario Dawson) and her son (Chase W. Dillon) who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Justin Simien, the film features an all-star ensemble cast that also includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Dan Levy. Jamie Lee Curtis plays the beloved Madame Leota, and Jared Leto takes on the role of The Hatbox Ghost.

“As a lifelong fan of the Haunted Mansion attraction, I’m beyond excited to share the teaser trailer for our new film adaptation featuring an incredible cast,” says Simien. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create a scary, funny, and cinematic otherworldly adventure for both new and die-hard fans to enjoy! I can’t wait for audiences to experience this big screen version of the iconic Disney attraction.”

See the film in theaters beginning July 28!

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

Happy March! The third month of the year already… Celebrate time’s march (see what we did there?) with some quality viewing from around the worlds of Disney—including a new episode of SuperKitties on both Disney Channel and Disney Junior; a special presentation of Kingsman: The Golden Circle on FX; a new episode of American Idol on ABC; and so much more.

In a new image from the it’s a small world attraction at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, a new doll can be seen sitting in a wheelchair. The doll is playing a flute, has blonde hair, and is wearing a white shirt, an orange and green striped vest, and yellow pants. Around the doll are other it’s a small world dolls dressed in their typical international-style outfits.

‘it’s a small world’ Debuts New Doll at Magic Kingdom Park

Our pals at the Disney Parks Blog recently announced that a new doll using a wheelchair has debuted at the Magic Kingdom’s “it’s a small world,” inside Walt Disney World Resort. Wearing yellow pants and a striped vest, the doll sits in a light blue wheelchair with wheels themed to the attraction.

Among those seeing the doll for the first time were members of the ENABLED Business Employee Resource Group, a Disney cast member-led group that promotes accessibility.

“The parks are very special to my family,” Liv, a member of the ENABLED leadership team explained to the Parks Blog. “My sister Chloe used a wheelchair, so to see a character in such an iconic attraction that puts the spotlight on accessibility makes my heart feel full.”

Keep an eye out for the new doll the next time you visit the Magic Kingdom!

An image of the lazy river from Disney Typhoon Lagoon Water Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Foliage and palm trees line the lazy river, in which guests are sitting in inner tubes floating in the water. The sun is shining. Rock formations can be seen in the background.

Disney Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Reopens March 19

Speaking of Walt Disney World Resort, here’s some great news for the beachcombers amongst us: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is set to reopen Sunday, March 19!

The reopening marks the return of the park’s exciting attractions and special events, including H2O Glow After Hours. After closing time, the late-night party includes special glow effects, a DJ-ed dance floor, and complimentary ice cream treats and popcorn. This limited-capacity event runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on select nights from Saturday, May 20, through Saturday, September 2. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 3, on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Guests can also look forward to the return of the largest outdoor wave pool in North America: The Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. The attraction uses state-of-the-art technology to create controlled waves up to six-feet high, creating two surfing options—“open surf’’ for small groups that involve 10 waves, or “private surf’’ for groups of up to 25 people.

Typhoon Lagoon’s reopening will also bring several new food offerings, including fresh DOLE Whip® flavors such as watermelon, mango, strawberry, and raspberry at Snack Shack; a new Pineapple Upside Down Cone at Happy Landings; and a Barbecue Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Flatbread at Leaning Palms.

We’re ready to hang ten… are you?

New Teaser Trailer for Peter Pan & Wendy, Coming Soon to Disney+ 

Second star to the right, and straight on ’til morning… Disney+ just shared the teaser trailer for the original movie Peter Pan & Wendy—a live-action reimagining of the J.M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated Walt Disney classic Peter Pan.

The film follows 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 leader of a pirate ship, Captain Hook (Jude Law), and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.

“In making Peter Pan & Wendy, we set out to craft a film that honors both the original J.M. Barrie text and Walt Disney’s animated adaptation,” director and co-writer David Lowery recently said. “We wanted to invigorate our retelling with emotional sincerity, an open heart, and a grand yearning for adventure. Hundreds of incredible artists spent many years bringing this film to the screen; I’m excited for audiences to see their work, to go on this ride, and to rediscover an evergreen tale from a new perspective.”

The film also stars Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan.

Get ready to experience the timeless adventure—featuring beloved characters—like never before, when Peter Pan & Wendy debuts Friday, April 28, exclusively on Disney+.

An image of the special Snow White-themed Oscar statue that Walt Disney received in 1939, as currently displayed at Carthay Circle Restaurant inside Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. Behind the gold statue—which has one “regular” size Oscar and seven very small ones lined up on small wooden steps next to it—is a red curtain.

Limited-Time Fun Celebrates the Oscars® at Disney Parks

The glitz and glamour of the 95th Oscars® will light up ABC on Sunday, March 12—and Disney Parks are ready to celebrate with fun limited-time food and photo ops!

At Disneyland Resort, the iconic Snow White-inspired Oscar statue (that Walt received in 1939) is on display through Monday, March 20. The trophy traveled from The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, California, and is now available for selfies and photos a-plenty at Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park. (Fittingly, the restaurant is inspired by Carthay Circle Theater, where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937!)

Another photo op is just steps away at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where a larger-than-life Oscars statue is stationed by a red carpet. The display will be up through Wednesday, March 15.

An image of the Oscars “step and repeat”-style red-carpet display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. A backdrop is seen toward the center-right of the image with the “Oscars95” logo on it; toward left of the backdrop is a poster featuring Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel. To the far left is a giant Oscar statue in front of a window, surrounded by a velvet rope.

Limited-time food comes to Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure from Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 12; guests can choose between three funnel cakes at Award Wieners and then head over to Schmoozies! for a chocolate brownie milkshake, complete with a bow tie for the occasion.

Meanwhile, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, the ABC Commissary offers a tropical tart topped with an Oscars chocolate coin, while specialty popcorn blends are offered at select carts; these delights are available through Oscars Sunday, March 12. Plus, this year’s photo wall comes to Disney Springs in early March for the perfect picture… and don’t forget: Post your photos to social media with the hashtags #DisneySprings and #Oscars.

Hulu Debuts Trailer for New Musical Series Up Here

Our good friends at Hulu are getting ready for the big premiere of Up Here, a new musical romantic comedy series that premieres on Friday, March 24. All eight episodes debut on the streaming service simultaneously.

Set in New York City in the waning days of 1999, the series follows Lindsay (Mae Whitman) and Miguel (Carlos Valdes) as they fall in love and discover that the greatest obstacle to finding happiness together might be themselves—and the treacherous world of memories, obsessions, fears, and fantasies that lives inside their heads.

The cast also includes Broadway vets Katie Finneran and Andréa Burns, as well as John Hodgeman, Sophia Hammons, and Emilia Suárez.

Up Here is written by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, with songwriting duo (and Frozen music masterminds) Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez composing the original songs. Thomas Kail, known for his work on Broadway’s Hamilton, directs and executive produces the series.

You’ll Be Living for Saturdays Too… After Watching This Trailer!

The good folks at Disney Branded Television have rolled out (pun intended) their trailer for their new series Saturdays.

Executive produced by Marsai Martin (black-ish, Fantasy Football), Saturdays is a coming-of-age comedy that takes place on the very best day of the week! It revolves around 14-year-old Paris Johnson (Danielle Jalade) and her best friends, Simone (Daria Johns) and Ari (Peyton Basnight), who hone their roller-skating skills on the cool parquet floor of Saturdays Roller Palace, a local skating rink in Chicago. Together they form the We-B-Girlz skate crew and are determined to show and prove they have the hottest skate routines on the planet—and to become Goldens, the best skaters at the rink!

Saturdays is set to premiere with back-to-back episodes on Friday, March 24, on Disney Channel, with episodes one through six available the next day on Disney+.

Everything to Watch and Listen to During Women’s History Month 2023

By Andie Hagemann

This Women’s History Month—and beyond—we’re celebrating trailblazing women across The Walt Disney Company. From the debut of Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts Season 2 on Disney+ to all-new episodes of Not Dead Yet, Alaska Daily, and The Company You Keep on ABC, and so much more—don’t miss the incredible lineup of captivating content available across Disney’s streaming services, on Disney’s linear networks, and streaming across select audio platforms.

To commemorate the occasion, we’ve compiled the ultimate viewing guide for content across the worlds of Disney.

In a scene from an episode of The Company You Keep, actor Catherine Haena Kim sits in a restaurant booth and wears a red blouse.

ABC

New episodes of beloved series The Conners, The Goldbergs, and Abbott Elementary debut Wednesday nights on March 1, 8, and 15, and are available to stream the following day on Hulu. From a budding romance to teacher game nights, don’t miss all the hilarious hijinks from each show’s leading ladies.

New series Not Dead Yet will air new episodes on March 1, 8, and 15, at 9:31 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The series follows Nell Serrano (Gina Rodriguez), a broke and newly single self-described disaster, working to restart the life and career she left behind five years ago. When she lands the only job she can find―writing obituaries―Nell starts getting life advice from some unlikely sources, the dead people whose lives she’s writing about.

Not Dead Yet also stars Hannah Simone as Sam, Lauren Ash as Lexi, Rick Glassman as Edward, Josh Banday as Dennis, and Angela Gibbs as Cricket.

This Thursday, March 2, starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Station 19, Dixon (Pat Healy) threatens Natasha (Merle Dandridge) in the aftermath of his poor judgement. Meanwhile, Jack (Grey Damon) is met with disappointment on his first day back. Then, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Grey’s Anatomy, Link (Chris Carmack) leans on Jo (Camilla Luddington) for emotional support as he preps for a surgery on a well-known athlete. Maggie (Kelly McCreary) and Winston (Anthony Hill) aren’t on speaking terms, while Simone (Alexis Floyd) and Lucas (Niko Terho) are surprised by an unlikely visitor. Additional new episodes will air throughout March on ABC and are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Starring Hilary Swank, Alaska Daily returns with all-new episodes beginning this Thursday, March 2, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The series returns with a heart-pumping episode that will have viewers on the edge of their couches as Eileen (Swank) is held hostage in the newsroom by Concerned Citizen (Bill Dawes). Additional new episodes will air throughout March on ABC and are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

American Idol is back on the airwaves for Season 6 on ABC. With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Nashville to find the next singing sensation. Ryan Seacrest hosts the iconic series. New episodes premiere March 5, 12, and 18 on ABC, and the following day on Hulu.

New heist drama The Company You Keep, starring Catherine Haena Kim and Milo Ventimiglia, premieres new episodes on March 5 and 19, both airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

A night of passion leads to love between con man Charlie (Ventimiglia) and undercover CIA officer Emma (Kim), who are unknowingly on a collision course professionally. While Charlie ramps up the “family business” so he can get out for good, Emma’s closing in on the vengeful criminal who holds Charlie’s family debts in hand—forcing them to reckon with the lies they’ve told so they can save themselves and their families from disastrous consequences. The series is based on the Korean Broadcasting System series My Fellow Citizens.

The series also stars William Fichtner as Leo, Tim Chiou as David, Freda Foh Shen as Grace, James Saito as Joseph, Sarah Wayne Callies as Birdie, Felisha Terrell as Daphne, and Polly Draper as Fran.

The Rookie: Feds starring Niecy Nash-Betts returns with all-new episodes beginning Tuesday, March 21. Episodes are available to binge on Hulu.

In a scene from an episode of Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts, host and Disney Legend Robin Roberts interviews Sheryl Lee Ralph, Marsai Martin, and Brooke Shields.

Disney+

Disney+ Original series MPower launches Wednesday, March 8, and salutes the marvelous women, on-screen and off, who have brought our iconic Marvel heroes to life.

Season 2 of Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts premieres Wednesday, March 15, on Disney+. Get personal with Disney Legend Robin Roberts as she returns for another season of intimate conversations with multiple generations of Hollywood’s most inspiring women. This season’s guests include Brooke Shields, Chloe Kim, Chrissy Metz, Dionne Warwick, Hayley Kiyoko, Kelly Osbourne, Kyla Pratt, Loni Love, Marsai Martin, Rita Wilson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Yaya DaCosta. Each episode is a profound and insightful discussion that bears witness to incredible journeys of self-actualization. Listen to never-before-heard stories of how these trailblazers learned grace, found fulfillment, conquered certainty, and embraced community. Discover their commonalities and learn how their stories and experiences created room for expansion and evolution.

The doctor is in! Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. launches all episodes of Season 2 on Friday, March 31, on Disney+. When Lahela’s (Lee) first love, Walter (Alex Aiono) returns from the World Surf Tour, he’s not the same boyfriend she said good-bye to months before. But she’s not the same girl either. That becomes clear when she meets a bad boy on a dirt bike, Nico (Manheim.) She’s faced with a decision: fight for what she knows is true or give new love a chance. It’s all complicated by the pressures of being a teenage doctor. Luckily, she has her family, co-workers, and best friend Steph (Emma Meisel) to support her along the way.

The series also stars Kathleen Rose Perkins as Dr. Clara Hannon, Jason Scott Lee as Benny Kamealoha, Matthew Sato as Kai Kamealoha, Wes Tian as Brian Patrick Kamealoha, Mapuana Makia as Noelani, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Charles, and Ronny Chieng as Dr. Lee. Manheim is new to the cast this season.

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. is executive produced by Kourtney Kang, who created the series. Melvin Mar, Jake Kasdan, Dayna Bochco, Jesse Bochco, Matt Kuhn, and Justin McEwen serve as executive producers. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television. Season 1 of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. is currently available binge on the streaming service.

All episodes of National Treasure: Edge of History are available to stream on Disney+. Jess Valenzuela (Lisette Olivera) has a knack for solving puzzles, but her life is turned upside down when an enigmatic stranger gives her a clue to a centuries-old treasure that might be connected to her long-dead father. Jess’ skills are put to the test as she and her friends follow a series of clues hidden in American artifacts and landmarks. But can Jess outsmart a black-market antiquities dealer in a race to find history’s greatest lost treasure and unbury the truth about her family’s past? The series also stars Zuri Reed, Antonio Cipriano, Jordan Rodrigues, Jake Austin Walker, Catherine Zeta Jones, Breeda Wool, Lyndon Smith, and Armando Riesco.

Both seasons of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder are available to binge on Disney+. Building off the standout success of the series’ debut, Season 2 of

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder continues to tell entertaining and laugh out-loud stories, while highlighting culturally specific experiences of the Black community and addressing universal topics.

The series stars Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez, Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, EJ Johnson as Michael Collins, Bresha Webb as CeCe, and Aiden Dodson as BeBe.

Discover even more content in the "Her Stories" collection on Disney+.

In a scene from Prom Pact, actor Peyton Elizabeth Lee holds a neon sign reading, “Prom?” and wears a hot pink dress, hot pink tights, and hot pink shoes.

Disney Channel

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White) and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur (voiced by Fred Tatasciore). After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.

Based on Marvel’s hit comic books, the action-packed, funny, and heartwarming series also stars Libe Barer as Casey, Alfre Woodard as Mimi, Sasheer Zamata as Adria, Jermaine Fowler as James Jr., Gary Anthony Williams as Pops, and executive producer Laurence Fishburne as The Beyonder. New episodes debut weekly on Disney Channel and are available on Disney+.

The new coming-of-age comedy, Saturdays premieres Friday, March 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel. The series revolves around 14-year-old, Paris Johnson (Danielle Jalade), and her best friends Simone (Daria Johns) and Ari (Peyton Basnight), who hone their roller-skating skills on the cool parquet floor of Saturdays, a local skating rink in Chicago. Together they form the We-B-Girlz skate crew and are determined to show and prove they have the hottest skate routines on the planet!

The series also stars Golden Brooks as Deb Johnson, Omar Gooding as Cal Johnson, Jermaine Harris as London Johnson, and Tim Johnson Jr. as Derek “D-Rok.”

Saturdays is created and executive produced by Norman Vance Jr., who also serves as showrunner. Additional executive producers are Marsai Martin, Josh Martin, Carol Martin, and Nicole Dow for Genius Entertainment.

In Season 3 of Secrets of Sulphur Springs, a new ghost checks into room 205 and starts wreaking havoc around The Tremont. After learning the evil presence will ruin their lives by 2024, the kids race to solve a tangled mystery in the past that may hold the key to defeating the ghost in the present and saving the Dunns and the Campbells from a very bleak future. The spooky series returns March 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel.

The series stars Preston Oliver as Griffin Campbell, Kyliegh Curran as Harper Dunn, Elle Graham as Savannah Dillon, Kelly Frye as Sarah Campbell, Josh Braaten as Ben Campbell, Landon Gordon as Wyatt Campbell, Madeleine McGraw as Zoey Campbell, Diandra Lyle as Jess Dunn, Johari Washington as Topher Dunn, and Eugene Byrd as Sam Tremont.

Secrets of Sulphur Springs is from writer and executive producer Tracey Thomson. Charles Pratt Jr. serves as showrunner and executive producer.

Disney Channel Original Movie Prom Pact debuts Thursday, March 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Friday, March 31, on Disney+.

It’s the height of prom season, and high school senior Mandy Yang (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and her best friend and fellow outsider Ben (Milo Manheim) are surrounded by over-the-top ‘80s-themed Promposals. However, Mandy keeps her eyes focused on a different goal: her lifelong dream of attending Harvard. When she finds out that she has been put on the waitlist, she is determined to do whatever she can to get herself accepted, even if that means asking for help from the one person she abhors—popular all-star jock Graham Lansing (Blake Draper) whose father is a powerful senator and Harvard alum. Once Mandy becomes Graham’s tutor, she begins to realize there’s more to him than she thought and perhaps something more to life than Harvard.

Prom Pact also stars Monique Green as LaToya, Arica Himmel as Zenobia, Jason Sakaki as Charles, Chelah Horsdal as Mrs. Lansing, David S. Jung as Tom Yang, with Wendi McLendon-Covey as Alyssa Yang and Margaret Cho as Ms. Chen.

Anya Adams directed the movie and is also an executive producer, along with Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar, Julie Bowen, and Rachael Field. Lee is also a co-producer on Prom Pact, which was written by Anthony Lombardo.

Disney Junior

Episodes of the hit animated series Eureka! are available to stream on Disney+. Set in the fantastical prehistoric world of Rocky Falls, Eureka! follows the story of Eureka, a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. She designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. The series stars Ruth Righi as Eureka, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Lil Rel Howery as Eureka’s parents, Roxy and Rollo, and Javier Muñoz as her teacher, Ohm.

Key art for Jeanette Vs. with Jeanette Lee playing pool on a billiards table with red felt and against a black background.

ESPN+

All month long, ESPN+ and ESPN Networks will highlight women’s sporting events, including the NCAA Women’s Basketball Conference Championship games (from now through March 12), NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship (March 17 and 19), and NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships (March 22-25).

Continue the Women’s History Month celebration by binging acclaimed ESPN films: 37 Words, Dream On, and Jeanette Lee Vs., to name a few.

37 Words tells the inspiring story of Title IX—the hard-fought battle to push for equal rights in education and athletics; the decades-spanning effort to nullify its impact; and the rippling effects of the landmark civil rights law that continue to resonate today. Helmed by acclaimed directors Dawn Porter and Nicole Newnham, the four-part series charts the spectacular transformation that 37 words have inspired in American culture and the lives of women, as well as the many ways in which the spirit of this bold law has yet to be fully realized. 

30 for 30: Dream On, a three-part documentary, tells the story of how the dominating run to a gold medal by the 1996 United States women’s Olympic team cemented the birth of the WNBA, and inspired generations of stars to follow. The film chronicles the team’s formation; its worldwide tour that preceded the Olympics; its tremendous performance at the Atlanta Games; and its impact that continues to resonate more than a quarter century later.

 30 for 30: Jeanette Lee Vs. returns with Jennifer Lee to her roots in Brooklyn, New York, where, as the young child of Korean immigrants, she suffered from scoliosis, a painful spinal condition that required surgery. Lee rebelled as a teenager and fell in love with billiards one night when she walked into a pool hall in Manhattan. Within a few years, she was playing tournaments and heading toward the professional circuit. Soon, women’s billiards was a mainstay on the fledgling ESPN2 network, and Lee’s unapologetic approach to self-promotion made her a television star.

ESPN Podcasts

30 for 30 Podcasts’ Pink Card tells a four-decade story of daring women who defy Iran’s ban on women entering stadiums. Shima Oliaee serves as host and executive producer for Pink Card. The podcast is the first project from superstar athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe’s production company A Touch More.

In a scene from an episode of Good Trouble, actor Maia Mitchell stands and holds a blue coat in her left arm. She wears blue denim jeans and a black blouse.

Freeform

grown-ish follows Andre Johnson Jr., aka Junior (Marcus Scribner), as he finishes his first year at Cal U, transitioning from Zoey’s little brother to big man on campus. New episodes debut Wednesdays (March 1, 8, and 15) at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform and the next day on Hulu.

The series also stars Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Diggy Simmons, and Daniella Perkins. Kenya Barris, Zakiyyah Alexander, Courtney Lilly, Craig Doyle, Disney Legend Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland, E. Brian Dobbins, Michael Petok, and Shahidi serve as executive producers.

New episodes of The Watchful Eye premiere Mondays (March 6, 13, 20, and 27) at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform and the following day on Hulu. The series follows Elena Santos (Mariel Molino), a young woman with a complicated past, maneuvering her way into working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family in a mysterious building in Manhattan. She quickly learns that everyone in the building has deadly secrets and ulterior motives. What they don’t know, however, is that Elena has some shocking secrets of her own.

From Ryan Seacrest Productions, the series is created by Julie Durk, who also serves as consultant. Emily Fox is showrunner and executive producer. Ryan Seacrest Productions’ Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass, Andrea Shay, and Jeffrey Reiner serve as executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.

The final two episodes of Love Trip: Paris air back-to-back Tuesday, March 7, at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform. The season finale finds Lacy, Rose, Caroline, and Josielyn mulling life-changing decisions. Who will move to Paris? Who will stay together? Tune in to find out! Episodes are available to binge on Hulu the following day.

Good Trouble returns for Season 5 on Thursday, March 16, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform with the 20-something residents of Los Angeles’ The Coterie. The roommates will face their toughest obstacles yet as they’re confronted with evolving relationship challenges and new career opportunities. Through highs and lows, romance and heartbreak, The Coterie crew will lean on each other while they navigate the next stage of adulthood.

The series stars Cierra Ramirez, Tommy Martinez, Emma Hunton, Sherry Cola, Zuri Adele, Josh Pence, Bryan Craig, and Booboo Stewart. Maia Mitchell will reprise her role as Callie Adams-Foster this season.

Good Trouble is executive produced by Joanna Johnson, Christine Sacani, Greg Gugliotta, Jennifer Lopez, Benny Medina, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Ramirez. Johnson also serves as showrunner.

New episodes will also debut March 23 and 30 on Freeform. All episodes are available to stream the following day on Hulu. 

In a scene from an episode of Great Expectations, actor Olivia Colman grabs the chin of actor Fionn Whitehead.

FX

FX limited series Great Expectations, starring Olivia Colman, premieres on Sunday, March 26, with the first two episodes, exclusively on Hulu. Steven Knight’s six-part series adapts the classic Charles Dickens coming-of-age story, which was published in 1861 after Dickens first released it in a series of weekly chapters beginning in December 1860.

Great Expectations is the coming-of-age story of Pip (Fionn Whitehead), an orphan who yearns for a greater lot in life, until a twist of fate and the evil machinations of the mysterious and eccentric Miss Havisham (Colman) shows him a dark world of possibilities. Under the great expectations placed upon him, Pip will have to work out the true cost of this new world and whether it will actually make him the man he wishes to be.

Also starring in the limited series are Shalom Brune-Franklin, Johnny Harris, Hayley Squires, Owen McDonnell, Trystan Gravelle, Laurie Ogden, Rudi Dharmalingam, Tom Sweet, Chloe Lea, and Matt Berry.

Knight serves as writer and executive producer alongside Tom Hardy, Ridley Scott, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker, and Kate Crowe. Brady Hood and Samira Radsi serve as directors. Great Expectations is produced by FX Productions in association with the BBC, Scott Free and Hardy Son & Baker.

In a scene from Boston Strangler, actors Carrie Coon and Keira Knightley sit at a desk and look at small pieces of paper.

Hulu

How I Met Your Father Season 2 is now streaming on Hulu with new episodes debuting weekly on Tuesdays. The series follows Sophie (Kim Cattrall), who is telling her son—sometime in the near future—the story of how she met his father. The story catapults viewers back to the present where Sophie (Hilary Duff) and her close-knit group of friends—Valentina (Francia Raisa), Jesse (Christopher Lowell), Ellen (Tien Tran), Charlie (Tom Ainsley), and Sid (Suraj Sharma)—are in the midst of figuring out who they are, what they want out of life, and how to fall in love in the age of dating apps and limitless options.

How I Met Your Father is written by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger. Executive producers include Aptaker, Berger, Carter Bays, Craig Thomas, Pam Fryman, and Adam Londy. Duff also serves as a producer. The series is a production of 20th Television.

From 20th Century Studios, Boston Strangler tells the story of the trailblazing women reporters who broke the story of the notorious Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s. Boston Strangler premieres Friday, March 17, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories. 

The film follows Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the various Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era. Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth. 

Directed and written by Matt Ruskin, Boston Strangler also stars Alessandro Nivola, David Dastmalchian, Morgan Spector, Bill Camp, and Chris Cooper. The film is produced by Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Michael Pruss, Josey McNamara, and Tom Ackerley, with Michael Fottrell and Sam Roston serving as executive producers. The film is intended only for mature audiences.

A musical romantic comedy set in New York City in the waning days of 1999, Hulu Original series Up Here follows the extraordinary story of one ordinary couple, as they fall in love—and discover that the single greatest obstacle to finding happiness together might just be themselves—and the treacherous world of memories, obsessions, fears, and fantasies that live inside their heads.

Up Here stars Mae Whitman, Carlos Valdes, Katie Finneran, John Hodgman, Andréa Burns, Sophia Hammons, and Emilia Suárez. The series is written by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel with songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez writing original songs. Thomas Kail directs and executive produces the series alongside Levenson, Sanchez-Witzel, Anderson-Lopez, Lopez, and Jennifer Todd. 20th Television serves as the production company alongside Kail's Old 320 Sycamore Productions.

Discover additional content highlighting women directors, writers, creators, and more in the Made By Her hub on Hulu.

In a scene from an episode of UnPrisoned, actors Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo hug.

Onyx Collective

Inspired by the life of series creator Tracy McMillan, UnPrisoned follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a relationship therapist and single mom who teeters between being messy and a perfectionist. Paige’s life turns right-side-up when her dad Edwin (Delroy Lindo) is released from prison and moves in with her and her teenage son Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).

The original dramedy from Onyx Collective—intended only for mature audiences—premieres Friday, March 10, on Hulu, with all eight episodes streaming at launch. The series will stream on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ in all other territories.

UnPrisoned is executive produced by McMillan and Yvette Lee Bowser, who also serves as showrunner. Washington, Lindo, Pilar Savone, Joy Gorman Wettels, and Jen Braeden also serve as executive producers.

Explore more phenomenal content highlighting Black women from Onyx Collective on Hulu.

Chefs Carolynn Ladd and Kristen Kish cook together in a kitchen.

National Geographic

Throughout March—and beyond—National Geographic spotlights spectacular women both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller takes viewers on an investigative journey, exposing the inner workings of the most dangerous black markets, criminal organizations, and trafficking networks around the world. Gaining access that only National Geographic can provide, our fearless guide Mariana van Zeller puts her life at risk to better understand these underground economies and the people behind them. Season 3 is now airing on National Geographic and available on Hulu.

National Geographic spices up the small screen with Restaurants at the End of the World, an all-new docuseries that combines all the flavors that make for heaping servings of must-watch TV. The four-part series, headlined by award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and global trailblazer Kristen Kish, travels to four off-the-beaten-path pockets on the planet and premieres weekly on National Geographic, beginning Tuesday, March 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic, and available to stream starting Wednesday, March 22, on Disney+.

Restaurants at the End of the World follows Chef Kish as she searches for the secret ingredients—people, places, culture, and traditions—within the world’s most remote restaurants in Boquete, Panama; Svalbard, Norway; North Haven Island, Maine; and Paraty, Brazil. Running any successful venture takes a certain tenacity and grit, but those who set up deep in the wild—cut off from the grid and normal supply lines— are in a class all their own. Chef Kish goes behind the scenes and embeds herself with local purveyors, farmers, herders, kitchen crew, managers, and head chefs to listen to their stories and witness the day-to-day balancing act required to bring unique food to the table, meal after meal. She then dives into the depths of the land to forage only the freshest ingredients and, along the way, unearths the culture and heart behind the cuisine.

Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet follows Dr. Michelle Oakley as she juggles being a full-time veterinarian, wife, and mom in Haines, Alaska, where she runs an animal clinic and makes house calls, which sometimes require her to venture into the desolate wilderness to check on patients. Episodes are currently available to stream on Disney+. Save the date because a new season debuts Saturday, April 8, on National Geographic Wild and Wednesday, April 12, on Disney+.

A Bounty of Photos from the Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3 Launch Event

By Zach Johnson

This is the way... to see out-of-this-world photos from the Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3 launch event! D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was pulled back into the series’ orbit as Disney+ rolled out the red carpet at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood Tuesday for stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Emily Swallow, Amy Sedaris, Giancarlo Esposito, Omid Abtahi, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Katy O’Brian, and Tait Fletcher. Other guests included Disney Legend Jon Favreau, who serves as showrunner and executive producer; executive producers Dave Filoni, Colin Wilson, and Rick Famuyiwa; director Peter Ramsey; and composer Ludwig Göransson.

In Season 3 of the Emmy® Award-winning series, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. Meanwhile, Din Djarin (Pascal) crosses paths with old allies and makes new enemies as he and Grogu continue their adventures together. But, according to lore, Djarin is no longer a Mandalorian; after removing his helmet in the presence of another person, he’s an apostate. The Armorer (Swallow) said the only path to redemption is for him to bathe in the living waters of Mandalore—meaning this will be the first time the planet will be seen in live action after first being seen in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “It’s probably a mystery to some people what it is exactly, and we reveal that in Season 3,” Filoni said. “When we when we go places like that, that were in an animated series, Jon and I look at that reference and try to make it work. It’s exciting.”

(Left to right): Bob Iger, Disney Legend Jon Favreau, Giancarlo Esposito, Amy Sedaris, Pedro Pascal, Emily Swallow, Katee Sackhoff, Rick Famuyiwa, Carl Weathers, Dave Filoni, and Alan Bergman pose for a photo at The Mandalorian Season 3 launch event in Hollywood.

Exciting, yes, but also daunting. Production designer Doug Chiang said adapting Mandalore for live action “was one of the biggest challenges” his team faced. “Filoni had developed so much of that in animation already, so we were very respectful of it. But some things need to be translated for a different medium. Our biggest challenge was: How do we [translate] that aesthetic? How do we bring that world and that culture into something that could fit within the live-action world of The Mandalorian? The key was actually to have Dave Filoni. He was there to guide us. He loves The Mandalorian.”

He’s not the only one who loves the series. Lee, who plays Captain Carson Teva, said he’s as big a fan of Star Wars: The Mandalorian as anyone. “I’m excited, because I’ve been waiting for two years to see this stuff come to fruition,” the actor told D23 on the red carpet. “I’ve not seen a stitch of footage except for the trailers. It’s like Christmastime and I finally get to unwrap the present. Is it what I think it is? I hope so!”

The first episode from Season 3, “Chapter 17 – The Apostate,” is now streaming on Disney+. Before you watch it (or rewatch it!), enjoy more photos from the launch event:

Find Your Bounty with Mando Mania

By Analise Warner

This is the way…to bountiful new Star Wars: The Mandalorian products! No need for holopucks or bounty credits to find and collect the galaxy’s most-wanted merchandise. We have scoured the galaxy to share some new Grogu and Din Djarin inspired products to help you prepare for the premiere of Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3, premiering on March 1 on Disney+ with new episodes every Wednesday.

Joffrey’s: STAR WARS™ The Mandalorian™ – Precious Cargo Blend Coffee D23 Exclusive Reveal
Joffrey’s Roastmaster has searched across the galaxy for the finest quality Arabica beans and is excited to bring you this ethically sourced, 100 percent Arabica coffee that is small-batch roasted and delivers a rich and smooth taste. Part of the Disney Specialty Coffee Collection, this artisan brew brings you the galaxy’s finest quality medium-roasted Arabica beans and exclusive packaging inspired by Grogu.

  • Available in 11oz: Ground and Whole Bean

Grogu in Pram – The Mandalorian
That precious bounty Grogu is now available in his hover pram. Bitty Boomers are wireless Bluetooth speakers that are ultra-portable! Imagine a collectible with a purpose. Don’t be fooled though, what they lack in size they make up for with mind-blowing sound. Tiny size. Huge sound.

  • Sync two speakers together for extra boom!
  • Connect to any Bluetooth enabled device
  • Four hours + of music play on a single charge
  • Backpack clip / strap included
  • Can be used as a selfie remote
  • 2″ tall

Grogu™ Freshener
Imagine Grogu’s™ meditative presence as he reaches out with the Force. Notes of gardenia fill the air, with touches of lavender and rosemary. Crafted with essential oils and recyclable materials.

  • Fragrance notes: Top: Lavender, Rosemary, Marine; Mid: Gardenia, Mineral Amber; Base: Patchouli, Vetiver, Sea Moss
  • To Use: Hang freely. Designed for cars or other small spaces. Control scent throw by only exposing part of the freshener at a time.

Star Wars Grogu Tamagotchi
The Star Wars™ Grogu™ Tamagotchi Nano brings the beloved character to the palm of your hand like never before. It’s up to you to take care of Grogu, and how you do will change him into one of 12 different appearances, this includes three secret styles! Play two different mini-games, along with a third that alternates depending on how you interact with Grogu. The “Using the Force” device comes with an included chain for on-the-go fun and comes with a silicone case to show off your fandom!

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season Two)
Explore the official behind-the-scenes companion to Season 2 of the hit Disney+ series Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Filled with concept art, character, vehicle, weapon, and creature designs, and interviews with key crew and creatives, including executive producer/showrunner/ writer and Disney Legend Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Lion King) and executive producer/ director Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels), The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season Two) will provide readers with an exclusive look at the stunning art and design work that helped bring new and returning characters and locations to life. The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season Two) is the only book to explore the artistic vision for this groundbreaking sophomore season, taking readers on a deep dive into the development of the next chapter of Din Djarin and Grogu’s story. Exclusive interviews with the filmmakers and the Lucasfilm visualists provide a running commentary on Star Wars: The Mandalorian’s innovative art and design, revealing the inspiration behind the look and feel of the series.

Mando Mono-Line, For Mandalore, and I’m With Mando
Bring home the bounty for your sock drawer! Get ready for Season 3 of Star Wars: The Mandalorian with brand new designs from Rock ’Em Socks.

ColourPop Cosmetics’ The Mandalorian™ Collection
Complete your galactic vanity with The Mandalorian™ Collection including our best-selling The Child™ Palette! This complete set includes the NEW 9-pan The Mandalorian™ Pressed Powder Palette with saturated neutrals and rich earth toned shades in buttery matte, matte with sparkle, and shimmering metallic finishes. Pair with The Child™ Pressed Powder Palette featuring a mix of sages, olives, golds, and neutral tones in a range of finishes from matte and metallic to our iconic Super Shock formula. Complete your The Mandalorian™ haul with two shades of our nourishing Lux Lip Oil, a super cute The Child™ Hand Mirror to check out your look on the go, and The Cutest in the Galaxy Makeup Bag for all your galactic beauty essentials!

Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Starship Class: Boba Fett’s Starship
Take back Tatooine with the Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Starship Class: Boba Fett’s Starship. Featuring incredible details and authentic scaling, this 7-inch vehicle is based on the Firespray gunship reclaimed by Boba Fett when he became daimyo of Mos Espa. Blast into battle with a pivoting cockpit and wings, opening side panel, removable weapon block, extending boarding ramp, chin cannons that can be positioned and a seismic charge hatch. Vehicle also includes articulated 1-inch Boba Fett and Fennec Shand micro figure accessories, compatible with any Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron craft. Collect Boba Fett’s Starship and rule the planet with respect. Officially licensed Star Wars product from Jazwares for ages 8+.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3 Posters
These Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3 posters are perfect for any Star Wars fan. Shop Trends posters are printed on premium paper with high-quality ink to ensure a sharp, vibrant design, making it the perfect wall decor for any room.

Mandalorian and Grogu PopOuts
Add a little bounty of choice to your phone with these convenient and out-of-this-world designs.

QUIZ: Do You Know the Way to Complete The Mandalorian Quotes?

By Analise Warner

The man, the myth, the Mandalorian. Din Djarin is a man of few words, yet his Disney+ series Star Wars: The Mandalorian has a bounty of wise and witty lines. Since the debut of The Mandalorian on Disney+ in 2019, iconic Star Wars quotes have infiltrated fans’ everyday conversations. Ever catch yourself saying “this is the way,” or “I have spoken” while chatting with a friend about nothing intergalactic related? Then this quiz is for you! Test your mighty Mandalorian knowledge to brush up on previous quotes in preparation for the bounty to come in The Mandalorian Season 3, all episodes now streaming on Disney+.

“I can bring you in ____, or I can bring you in ____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 1, Chapter 1, quote from The Mandalorian

“Bounty hunting is a ____ profession.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 1, Chapter 1, quote from The Client

“I will initiate _____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 1, Chapter 1, quote from IG-11

“I’m a Mandalorian. ____ are part of my religion.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 1, Chapter 2, quote from The Mandalorian

“I would like to see the _____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 1, Chapter 7, quote from The Client

“You are a clan of ____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 1, Chapter 8, quote form The Armorer

“Wherever I go, he ____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 2, Chapter 9, quote from The Mandalorian

“There you will find Ahsoka Tano. Tell her you were sent by ____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 2, Chapter 11, quote from Bo-Katan

“I like firsts. Good or bad, they’re always ____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 2, Chapter 13, quote from Ahsoka Tano

“I’ll see you again. I _____.”

Correct! Wrong!

Season 2, Chapter 16, quote from The Mandalorian

“I believe that pursuit of ____ is the most noble thing someone can do.”

Correct! Wrong!

The Mandalorian Season 3, spoken by Dr. Pershing

“You walk both ____”

Correct! Wrong!

The Mandalorian Season 3, spoken by The Armorer

“Mandalorian are stronger ____”

Correct! Wrong!

The Mandalorian Season 3, spoken by Bo-Katan

“Surrender or ___?”

Correct! Wrong!

The Mandalorian Season 3, spoken by Moff Gideon

QUIZ: Do You Know the Way to Complete The Mandalorian Quotes?
“Come, little one” – Luke Skywalker
A young Padawan, perhaps? Looks like you need some training; no Jedi tricks will help you now.
“I Like Those Odds” – The Mandalorian
Neither here nor there. Make sure to brush up on your skills before hunting down any bounty!
“I Have Spoken” – Kuiil
Kuiil would be proud! All of the wisdom and wit spoken in The Mandalorian has resonated with you. The Force must be strong with this one!
“A friendly piece of advice, assume that I know everything” – Moff Gideon
You have the knowledge to yield the power of the Darksaber!

Icons of Disney Storytelling: Peter Sohn

By Zach Johnson

In this special series of intimate interviews, D23.com speaks with the most talented, prolific, and articulate storytellers from across The Walt Disney Company.

Is there anything Peter Sohn can’t do?

Sohn, who grew up in New York and graduated from California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts), joined Pixar Animation Studios in September 2000, where he worked in the art and story departments for the Oscar®-winning feature film Finding Nemo (2003). For his next project, The Incredibles (2004), Sohn worked in the art, story, and animation departments—proving that, much like the Parr family, he’s up for any challenge. After that, he worked as a story artist for WALL•E (2008)—another Academy Award® winner.

From there, Sohn made his directorial debut with the short film Partly Cloudy (2009). The following years saw him work on beloved titles such as Toy Story 3 (2010), Brave (2012), and Inside Out (2015), to name a few. Sohn also directed the original feature film The Good Dinosaur (2015), in which he voiced the character Forrest Woodbush. In fact, Sohn has voiced many Pixar characters over the years, from Ratatouille’s Emile and Monsters University’s Scott “Squishy” Squibbles to Luca’s Ciccio and Lightyear’s Sox.

Currently the Vice President, Creative, at Pixar Animation Studios, Sohn is hard at work putting the finishing touches on Elemental, a new original feature film releasing on June 16. Set in Element City, where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, the film introduces Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis), a tough, quick-witted, and fiery young woman whose nascent friendship with Wade (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy, challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.

Now, Sohn joins D23: The Official Disney Fan Club for a wide-ranging Q&A...

Darla, a red-headed girl with big green eyes and freckles, screams as she sits in a dentist’s chair, exposing her silver braces and headgear. She is wearing a purple sweater and a green bib, and she is pointing forward as dentist’s tools fly everywhere.

D23: How did it feel when you first joined Pixar Animation Studios?
Peter Sohn (PS): I remember meeting a tribe of filmmakers who were very passionate and being really inspired by their love of filmmaking and building such universal characters. I didn’t know anything about CG animation; Toy Story was released during my first year at Cal Arts, but I remember seeing that and wanting to understand more.

D23: What makes Pixar the perfect home to tell the kinds of stories you want to tell?
PS: The community here is very supportive. People care about how to have fun and how to tell stories. Whether it’s notes, riffing, or playing with ideas, it all comes from a place of trying to help fulfill a concept. There’s such a sincere want to find the truth of the characters and the story—in every department. When you grow something here, people understand how fragile a seed of an idea can be, because they’ve done it. They’ve all been in those trenches, so they share advice: “That’s a pitfall! Be careful! But if you need to fall into it, we’ll be here.” Pixar is just super supportive, creatively.

D23: How has the legacy of Disney storytelling impacted your own work at Pixar?
PS: Oh, man! Seeing animated Disney films as a kid made a big impression on me, because the stories were so universal and creative and artful. I’ve always wanted to work for Disney. As a kid, when I found out how those films were made and I learned about the people behind them, that became my goal. I would read about them in books, and my role models would tell me to “observe life” and “find fun ways to caricature and translate it in storytelling.” That became the DNA of how I approach drawing or looking at things—all because of all of those early philosophies they had formed while making those early Disney films. Now, when I’m listening to voices or riffing with people, there’s always something that triggers a Disney film or experience.

Spot, a 7-year-old caveboy, crouches on a rock. Behind him are pine trees.

D23: You’ve had many opportunities during your time at Pixar, from directing two feature films to voicing multiple characters. How does it feel to be in an environment where you’re often encouraged to take chances and step outside your comfort zone?
PS: I think it’s all luck. It’s driven by a very sincere love for the work and the people here. It’s the most cliché thing to say, but seeing another person make the most of their talent is like a sporting event to me. I’m very lucky for all the opportunities I had to jump into different departments. I see these artists like athletes, slamming, dunking, and shooting their three-pointers. In the art department, I would watch a production designer do their thing, and in the story department, I loved seeing a story sequence get pitched and everyone connecting to it. Or, when you’re in the voice room and you see someone be very vulnerable, you’re so grateful. Through the years, I consider myself super lucky to have had the chance to have jumped around. I owe a lot to the artists and filmmakers who put forward the idea of wanting to do the best for each film.

D23: How has being at Pixar enabled you to collaborate with other storytellers?
PS: So much of my job at Pixar has been about learning. When you’re done with a film, it’s not nomadic—like a lot of films in Hollywood are. With most films, you’re let go and you have to find another home. Most of the people at Pixar have worked as long as I have or even longer. And so, every film has been a building of experiences. You’re always sharing with each other. With the insights of the new generations here, there’s this amazing mix of people that you’re always learning from. It’s not just about a movie experience. It’s about lifeexperiences from all different folks working side by side. It becomes the reason why you get up. As hard as filmmaking can be, you think about the people you get to work with, and you wake up and think, “This is going to be fun!”

D23: How have Disney and Pixar supported your development as a storyteller?
PS: I was a sketch artist designing scuba gear for the dentist’s office [in Finding Nemo]. The director, Andrew Stanton, saw some of my work and said, “Hey, have you ever thought about doing story?” And I had not. I only wanted to be an animator. I was like, “Frank and Ollie [Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston] are my gods. That’s the life for me... and hi-diddle-dee-dee!” This idea of going into story was new, but Andrew gave me a shot at it, even though I didn’t know what I was doing. I was literally making flip books of the scenes I was animating, and he threw it all out. He was like, “No, this is the one storyboard that tells everything. What are you giving me 100 proposals for?” I was crushed because I’d spent all night on those drawings, but at the same time, it was a big deal for me to understand and boil it down the essence of a scene. I learned a lot on The Incredibles right after that with Brad Bird, as well as on Up with Pete Docter. There was always a way to get better at X or to do it in a more focused way. Brad brought me to do voices. I had never done anything like that before. I never grew up thinking about that. But again, as I was pitching something, he saw something in me: “You could be a funny East Coast rat. The world of French cooking is effete, but the rats are blue collar.” He smelled my background, and he brought me in in that way. With performing, I didn’t know what I was doing, so he’d give advice in terms of where to be vulnerable, where to push it—and how to do that.

Ember, a glowing orange humanoid with a fiery head, and Wade, a watery blue humanoid wearing a yellow T-shirt, stand side-by-side overlooking Element City.

D23: What are some common things you hear from fans about your work at Pixar?
PS: The thing I always hear is, “You are just as chubby as Russell!” It’s usually funny stuff like that, which I love. But even if I’m just saying the title of some of the movies I’ve worked on, people smile and say, “Oh, you worked on that film?” They light up. It doesn’t matter what you did on it; you were part of it. When I go to Korea and see family members who know what Finding Nemo is and they have the same reaction as someone in Yonkers, New York, I’m just like, “Wow. That is really amazing.”

D23: How has Pixar helped you realize your dreams—and also dream new ones?
PS: There’s a lot that happens in 22 years in your personal life, and all of that gets mixed into your work day. If you have creative problem at Pixar, everyone starts pulling from their lives to solve it. It’s a handshake—a weird form of therapy, maybe. It’s sort of magic. So, when you’re drawing a goofy idea, Pixar gives you the room to come up with it, then dig into it and try to find out why you’re even going there in the first place.