Meet the Characters of Disenchanted

By the D23 Team

Set 10 years after the original Enchanted, Disenchanted follows Giselle and Robert as they move their growing family to the suburbs of Monroeville in search of a fairytale life. Suburban life turns out to be less about singing with the birds and more about dealing with a local queen bee—Malvina Monroe, who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Still searching for some magic in her life, Giselle accidentally transforms the town into a real-life fairytale—consequently placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy! Watch the film on November 18, streaming exclusively on Disney+, to find out whether Giselle can reverse the spell and learn what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

Before you start streaming Disenchanted this weekend, we have a question for you: How will you know… the characters? We’ve created this handy guide to the characters both new and familiar—and that’s how you’ll know!

Giselle stands on her balcony with a hand up to her mouth as she calls out a song.

Giselle (Amy Adams)

Originating from the fairytale kingdom of Andalasia, Giselle was once betrothed to the kingdom’s prince, before discovering a new kingdom and a new prince that set her life on a different path! Now, she lives in New York City, married to Robert Philip, a pragmatic divorce attorney who has learned to see the magic in life.

About her character, Adams says, “Giselle comes from this place of such extreme joy and optimism, and she understands that outside of that, there’s an impact that she can have on the world by just seeing the best in every situation. And that is such a beautiful thing to get to play.”

Her newest situation? Moving to the suburbs and dealing with the local alpha female. Can this problem be solved with some fairytale magic? That’s something Giselle will have to find out for herself.

Robert, wearing a puffy shirt and navy overcoat, holds his gloved hand to his chest with a smile.

Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey)

Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey returns as Giselle’s husband, Robert, who had a lot to learn about the magic of life in Enchanted. Now, he’s adjusting to married life and a new home.

Dempsey explains, “They’ve moved to suburbia, and Robert has to commute into the city for work. He is wondering what he is doing with his life, as he needs more meaning. Then a spell is cast, and he suddenly becomes a fairytale version of himself. He becomes a knight on a quest, which he thinks gives him a purpose.”

His fairytale self is less serious and more swashbuckler—and he’s not afraid to break into song. Director Adam Shankman explains, “Patrick is singing and dancing and doing all sorts of stuff that he never thought he was ever going to do.”

Unlike his character, Robert, Dempsey couldn’t wait to burst into song: “That was the best part of the entire movie because I had to challenge myself in different ways. I have never really sung before, so it was all about finding my voice and working with the dancing.”

Prince Edward pops out from behind Nancy, wielding a magic wand and a smile. Both are dressed in elaborate outfits befitting a prince and princess.

Prince Edward (James Marsden)

Giselle’s would-be husband, the silly and sweet Prince Edward, returns in Disenchanted. Now married to Nancy, he had been living his typical fairytale life before being called to Monrovia to visit Giselle and Robert. “I had so much fun on Enchanted, and I’d been wanting to jump back in,” says Marsden. “Edward is the only character of the bunch that has not really changed. Giselle has adapted to this new world, and Robert’s adapted to having a fairytale princess bride. [Nancy] had to adapt from the real world to Andalasia. Edward? He is the same. He is a hopeless romantic who is in love with being in love.”

Nancy Tremaine (Idina Menzel)

In Enchanted, Nancy started the film betrothed to Robert and ended it marrying a prince—and moving to Andalasia! Disney Legend Idina Menzel is no stranger to fairytale life, having also voiced Elsa in the Frozen films. In Disenchanted, she joins her husband Prince Edward to visit Giselle and Robert—and once Giselle’s spell is cast, she gets to do more than just tour their new house!

While Nancy famously did not sing in Enchanted, she has her own musical number in the new film. “‘Love Power’ is a beautiful ballad that tells an integral part of the story,” Menzel explains. “Nancy encourages Morgan to find love and embrace Giselle. It is an opportunity to grow Morgan’s character and bring her closer to Giselle in their mother-daughter story.”

Giselle, Sophia, Morgan, and Robert stand inside their new home, all reacting in surprise to something in front of them.

Morgan Philip (Gabriella Baldacchino)

Disenchanted in many ways in a mother-daughter story, between Giselle and her stepdaughter, Morgan. When we last saw Morgan, she was a little girl trying to make sense of her father’s impending wedding—and the fairytale woman crashing in their house. In Disenchanted, that fairytale woman is now married to her father. Plus, she’s adjusting to an expanding family and a new home—that’s already a lot for a young woman to handle! Then, Giselle goes and makes a wish for life to be like a fairytale, and the rules of fairytale life have unexpected consequences between stepmother and stepdaughter…

Rosaleen and Ruby flank Malvina as they all walk through a crowded room. Malvina is dressed like an evil queen, while Rosaleen and Ruby both wear simpler gowns and hats.

Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph)

New to the world of Disenchanted is Malvin Monroe, Giselle’s suburban adversary. When Giselle first meets Malvina, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, she is already controlling—but with the magic of Giselle’s wish, things get a little out of hand.

“Playing a Disney villain was an unbelievable dream,” Rudolph says of the role.

Adams adds, “Maya is a totally different type of villain who works more through manipulation and has created this power dynamic that reflects the power dynamics she had in her non-fairytale life as the alpha female of the town.”

Rosaleen (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Ruby (Jayma Mays)

What’s a Disney villain without henchmen? Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays play Rosaleen and Ruby, Malvina’s two sidekicks. “They are sort of an echo of the ugly stepsisters from Cinderella,” jokes Shankman.

Circle of Life: The Lion King’s 25-Year Broadway Journey

By Courtney Potter

Twenty-five years. A quarter century. It’s an illustrious milestone in the history of Broadway. Only two other productions have achieved such status before... and on November 13, Disney Theatricals’ The Lion King joined those rarified ranks. Featuring songs by Disney Legends Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice, the show opened in 1997 at the New Amsterdam Theatre and has since moved to the Minskoff Theatre—where it celebrated this past Sunday with a truly star-studded 25th anniversary performance.

Not only has The Lion King been thrilling theatergoers for two-plus decades in New York City, but it’s been simultaneously bringing its tale of heart and home to audiences in over 100 cities in 21 countries, and on every continent except Antarctica! Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese), there are currently nine productions of The Lion King around the globe: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, on tour across North America, and on tour in the U.K. & Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally. Winner of six 1998 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical and Best Director of a Musical for Julie Taymor (the first woman winner ever), the show—produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher)—has now been seen by an astonishing 112 million people. 

Such a momentous achievement within the show’s “Circle of Life” is obviously worth celebrating—and to that end, we spoke exclusively with several members of The Lion King’s current cast and staff, many of whom have been with the show for nigh on two decades... and one who was there when it all began!

A production still from The Lion King on Broadway, of ensemble members performing as a cheetah and two giraffes, during “Circle of Life.” A large yellow “sun” is seen in the background. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Where it began, in fact, was in Minneapolis, Minnesota—where South African performer Lindiwe Dlamini joined the show during its summer 1997 pre-Broadway run. Incredibly, and historically, she’s been with the show’s triple-threat ensemble ever since. “When we first started, I had no idea what the show was going to look like,” she explains. “So going through the audition process, and then starting rehearsals—we started to see the costumes, and I thought to myself, ‘How are we going to perform in these? How do we walk in a hyena costume?’... But just to see the whole thing unfold—learning all these movements; the singing, the dancing, with the puppets. The first day of previews came, and that’s when I thought, ‘Oh, we have something amazing here.” Dlamini and those Minneapolis cast members are in a particularly exclusive group: they got to watch as audiences encountered the show—director Julie Taymor’s soon-to-be-Tony-winning vision—for the very first time: “It was an experience that I wish a lot of people who perform in The Lion King [now] could experience,” she admits, “because it was the first time that people saw something this different in theater.”

Two of Dlamini’s Broadway castmates—L. Steven Taylor and Bonita Hamilton, currently starring as noble patriarch Mufasa and cunning hyena Shenzi, respectively—have been with The Lion King for nearly as long... a testament to the familial warmth that permeates the show, not just onstage but behind the scenes as well. In Taylor’s case, it took several years of auditions—including a week-long “Lion King School” in San Francisco, learning different South African languages and traditions—before he joined the cast; at the time, it was only for a temporary “replacement” role, in the ensemble and as a Mufasa understudy, covering someone who was taking a leave of absence. “One of the things that stands out for me is, all of my rehearsals were with the music supervisor, the dance supervisor, and the resident director; I didn’t really meet a lot of the cast until I had my final ‘put-in’ rehearsal—and I’ll never forget how everybody rallied around me. It sounds cliche, but it’s true: it’s like they had known me all my life. It really set me up for success... and 17 years later, here I am.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Lion King audition story reads like Hollywood script: Newly graduated theater performer goes to New York City, navigating the transit system for the first time to attend frenzied concurrent auditions; later, in a rush to get back to upstate New York for the show she was currently performing in, she’s pulled over for speeding! “The state trooper said, ‘Where are you going so fast?’” Hamilton recalls, chuckling “And I said, ‘I just had two Broadway auditions! But I’ve got a show to get to!’ And he said, ‘I’m going to give you a warning in hopes that one day I’ll see you on the Broadway stage.’ By the time I got back to my apartment in Albany, my agent called me.” Hamilton had booked both auditions that day—but chose The Lion King, and has been with the show for 18 years.

Jayden Theophile as Young Simba and L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, along with the ensemble of The Lion King on Broadway. Young Simba and Mufasa are up on a set piece, at center, denoting “Pride Rock”; Mufasa’s hand is outstretched. Ensemble members are wearing headdresses outfitted with small platforms of grass. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Behind the curtain, several former Lion King cast members have transitioned into current staff roles—a common occurrence for long-running productions, but all the more prevalent when the show truly feels like a second family. Rufus Bonds Jr. joined The Lion King’s first national tour in Los Angeles in 2000, as Mufasa, and toured with the show for two years. Several other Broadway (and London) shows later, as well as another Lion King tour stint, Bonds decided to go back to school for his Masters in Fine Arts—kicking off a trajectory in both teaching theater and directing; not only is he currently a visiting professor in Syracuse University’s drama department, as of 2021, he’s also The Lion King on Broadway’s resident director. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he admits. “What my role really is now with The Lion King is to make sure that everyone show authentically as themselves—and not to hide behind the mask. To be the ‘duality’ that Julie [Taymor] always talks about; to really create that and to bring their own lives to their roles... My goal is to make sure everybody in the building understands the importance of their role and what they do.”

Kendra Moore, a fan of the 1994 Disney animated hit from a young age, saw the original Broadway production in 1997: “I remember being amazed—sitting up in the balcony of the New Amsterdam Theatre and thinking, ‘Wow, this is a really unique piece of theater. But it’s probably not something I’m ever going to be involved in, especially being a concert dancer and classically trained; that’s not my thing.’ Little did I know what the future had in store for me!” Moore wound up joining a new touring company of The Lion King, starting in Chicago in 2003; all told, they visited more than 80 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ultimately, though, Moore decided she needed a change of pace—and, using skills she’d honed producing charity performances the Lion King cast would do “on the road,” parlayed her experience into a job with the tour’s Company Management office in 2016. A year later, she joined the Company Management team on Broadway—and right away helped plan celebrations for the show’s 20th anniversary.

Tshidi Manye as Rafiki and ensemble in a production still from The Lion King on Broadway. Rafiki is standing center, in front of the shadow of a large tree, the branches of which stretch up and surround other hand-drawn images, all set against a reddish orange backdrop. Ensemble members to the left and right of Rafiki are wearing headdresses outfitted with small platforms of grass. (Photo by Joan Marcus)

These five individuals have an undoubtedly unique perspective on the 25-year history of the production—and it truly is history, especially considering the very recent past. Several mentioned, as a stand-out memory, the show’s return after Broadway’s extended hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The day we re-opened, September 16, 2021, we performed ‘Circle of Life’ on ABC’s Good Morning Americain Times Square,” Hamilton recalls. “That was pretty amazing.”

“Just bringing life to Times Square that morning,” Dlamini adds, “It was so early, but we were so excited to go do it!”

Hamilton continues, “In Simba’s song ‘Endless Night,’ he says, ‘I know that the night must end, and the sun will rise.’ We didn’t know if we were going have an audience; if people would feel safe to come and sit shoulder-to-shoulder with someone for two hours and 30 minutes. That Times Square performance was, to me, an indication—one of the moments that made it very clear to me that ‘the sun will rise’ and we will get through this.”

And the future of the show is as bright as that sun in its perpetual “sapphire sky,” thanks in part to the heartfelt tale at its very core. “At the crux of its longevity is the story,” Moore explains. “It’s a story we all connect to. It’s how we tell that story. It’s the incredible the vision that Julie Taymor had, of taking the movie to the stage... And it’s the people. Not only the performers, the talented group of people that make up the show—but also the talented people behind the show, from the front of the house to the back of the house, to the people in marketing and ticketing. It’s not just one person that makes it so special; it’s the whole collective.”

“These characters may seem larger than life,” adds Taylor. “But I’ve always said that the thing that makes the show timeless is that the characters actually have real-world circumstances that are relatable to everyday people. And that changes, according to where you are in your life. Take my character, Mufasa, for instance; what parent can’t identify with wanting to impart some knowledge and wisdom onto their child, and then struggling to place responsibility on them without dimming their light?... People go through phases and stages as they grow and evolve. And it’s kind of wild, because when you look at the show through the lens of 25 years [of life], the theme of evolution and growth—which is what our show is about—it’s represented right there, in the two-plus decades of the show.”

Watch the video below for a look at this Sunday’s incredible anniversary celebrations...

The Lion King, now in its 25th year, is currently playing at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City—and probably in a city near you! For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit lionking.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From the return of an iconic Disney Princess to a brand-new holiday competition, you won’t want to miss all the magical content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! Scott Calvin is back… in the all-new series The Santa Clauses, debuting Wednesday on Disney+. Friday marks the premieres of Best in Snow, Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse, and Disenchanted—all available exclusively on Disney+.

In a scene from the series The Santa Clauses, actor and Disney Legend Tim Allen portrays Santa Claus/Scott Calvin and faces actor Elizabeth Mitchell, who portrays Mrs. Claus/Carol Calvin. Allen wears a red sweater. Mitchell wears red silk pajamas and rests her hands on Allen’s chest.

The Santa Clauses—Wednesday, November 16, on Disney+
After being Santa Claus for nearly 30 years, Scott Calvin (Disney Legend Tim Allen) is as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his magic. Scott struggles to keep up with his demanding job, as well as spending quality time with his family. Upon discovering there’s a loophole to retire from his role, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband. The brand-new series also stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol/Mrs. Claus, Kal Penn as Simon Choksi, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra, Austin Kane as Cal, Rupali Redd as Grace Choksi, Devin Bright as Noel, and Matilda Lawler as Betty. The first two episodes debut at launch, with new episodes airing Wednesdays thereafter.

From the special Best in Snow, judges Sue McGrew and Andre Rush pose side by side. Behind them is a large stage with red steps and covered in snow. A sign on the stage reads, “BEST IN SNOW” in blue writing on a red background. Christmas trees and garlands decorate the area behind them.

Best in Snow—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
Hosted by Tituss Burgess, this all-new holiday special features teams from around the world who are transported to a magical snowy village—Snowdome—to battle for the coveted title of “Best in Snow.” With the help of Snowdome’s finest carvers, teams will transform their 10-foot, 20-ton blocks of snow into spectacular creations inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios, and The Muppets Studios. Watch beloved characters from Coco, Moana, and The Lion King be brought to life in snow as well as musical performances from Burgess, Kermit the Frog, and DCappella.

In a scene from Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, a close-up shot depicts an artist sketching Mickey Mouse on a large sheet of white paper.

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
The hit Disney+ Original documentary debuts on the streaming service this week! Today, Mickey Mouse is one of the world’s most beloved icons. Learn how Walt Disney dreamed up the cheerful character—who became an overnight sensation when he starred in the first sync-sound animated short, Steamboat Willie—and Mickey’s evolution over the decades.

In a scene from The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck stand behind a long table covered in orange pumpkins. Above their heads, a large yellow banner reads, “PUMPKIN GROWING CONTEST” in red. Behind them are large autumnal trees covered with yellow and orange leaves. Goofy holds his hands up by his head and wears a green hat and tan vest. Donald wears a blue hat and blue shirt with a red bow tie.

The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
This all-new original special follows Mickey Mouse, who inherits a rundown pumpkin farm in a leafy village from a distant relative. Mickey is determined to turn around his family’s luck and revitalize the farm and leans on his pals Minnie, Donald, and Goofy to help him do so.

In a scene from the film Disenchanted, actor Amy Adams portrays Giselle and wears a navy gown with puffy sleeves, gold accents around the wrists, and peacock feather lining the neckline. Adams looks at actor Maya Rudolph who stands to the left of Adams. Rudolph portrays Malvina Monroe and wears an ornate black gown with a cape and gold accents down the front. Rudolph wears a large red jeweled necklace around her neck and a large gold crown on her head.

Disenchanted—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
The highly anticipated sequel to Enchanted is finally here! Directed by Adam Shankman, the all-new live-action musical comedy includes the beloved original cast and new music from Disney Legend Alan Menken, with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It’s been more than 10 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) married, but Giselle is unhappy with life in the city, and their growing family moves into the sleepy suburb of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. But Giselle soon realizes the suburbs has its own set of rules, and queen bee Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph) makes her feel even more out of place. Giselle turns to the magic of Andalasia for help—which then accidentally transforms the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and puts her family’s happiness in jeopardy! The film also stars Disney Legend Idina Menzel, James Marsden, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, and Gabriella Baldacchino.

Disneyland Park Announces Revival of Adventureland Treehouse—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Revival of Adventureland Treehouse Coming to Disneyland Park in 2023 

Listen up, Disneyland Resort fans! Some fun news has just been announced, and we won’t have to wait too long to see it take root… pun intended.

Walt Disney Imagineers just provided an inside look at the enhancements coming to the treehouse in Adventureland, formally known as Tarzan’s Treehouse. Paying tribute to the original treehouse that Walt Disney and his Imagineers built in 1962 for the film Swiss Family Robinson, the Adventureland Treehouse will return in a delightful new way in 2023.

The attraction will showcase fascinating new environments created among the branches of a giant tree on the shores of the Jungle River, where guests will once again enter via the giant waterwheel and follow the wood rope up stairways and into the boughs.

An artist’s rendering of the mother’s den from the Adventureland Treehouse coming to Disneyland Park in 2023. There is an organ against the left wall; next to it is a harp, and on the right is a chaise lounge, a bookcase, and a chair. A sign hangs above the harp that says “Mother’s Music Room.” Some plants decorate the room, and tapestries hang on several walls. Several Oriental rugs are seen on the floor.

In this new story, guests will find amazing rooms that the resident family created for one another. From the mother’s music den (as shown in the concept art, above) and the young sons’ nature room to the teenage daughter’s astronomer’s loft, all things are fashioned from found objects, natural resources, and pure ingenuity.

For those who would rather stay on terra firma, the bottom floor will showcase an ingenious kitchen and dining room, along with the father’s art studio—displaying hand-drawn sketches and paintings of each of the rooms.

Imagineers are hard at work bringing this classic back in a fresh way… full of magic, enchantment, and wonder. Stay tuned for more details—including opening dates!

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

Hunker down in your comfiest clothing this November weekend and enjoy some incredible content from around the worlds of Disney… What’s there to look forward to? Why, the premiere of the sing-along version of Mary Poppins Returns on Disney+, for one! There’s also a new episode of Hamster & Gretel on Disney Channel; brand-new hijinks on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC; and so much more.

A behind-the-scenes image from production of Lucasfilm’s The Acolyte, coming to Disney+. Creator Leslye Headland, on the right, is holding a tablet computer and gesturing; she’s wearing a brown sweater and has long brown hair. In the middle is actor Lee Jung-jae; he’s wearing a black coat with a gray hooded sweatshirt underneath. On the left is Amandla Stenberg; she’s wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic on it and black pants. Stenberg and Lee are looking at Headland.

New Casting Announced for Disney+ Original Series, Lucasfilm’s The Acolyte

Earlier this week, Disney+ announced eight talented performers joining the cast for The Acolyte, an upcoming Original Star Wars series from Lucasfilm.

Joining the previously announced Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) are Emmy® Award winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix).

The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.

From creator, showrunner, and executive producer Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), The Acolyte has begun production in the United Kingdom. Look for it exclusively on the streaming service soon.

This Way to a New Trailer for Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?

We have our first look at Disney Legend Idina Menzel’s brand-new documentary, Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?—coming next month to Disney+. The intimate and inspirational documentary from Disney Branded Television and Ideal Partners follows Menzel on her journey to fulfill a lifelong dream to headline Madison Square Garden.

The beloved Tony Award®-winning actress and singer’s many triumphs include iconic Broadway roles in the original productions of Rent and Wicked, as well as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2. Yet one dream goal has evaded her grasp: to headline a concert at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City. In Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?, filmmaker Anne McCabe captures Menzel on a national tour over the course of 16 shows as she juggles the challenges of being a working mom with a grueling travel schedule, all while preparing to finally realize her dream.

Take an in-depth look at Menzel as you’ve never seen her before when the film premieres on Friday, December 9, only on Disney+.

Prepare Yourself for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with These 5 Details

The day has finally come… Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now in theaters, and we’ll follow along as the Wakandans try and embrace their next life-altering chapter. What should you know before going to see the film? We’ve put together a list of five important details, culled from the film’s recent virtual press conference; find out more by clicking here.

A headshot of Jimmy Kimmel; he’s wearing a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. He has dark hair and a salt and pepper beard, and is standing against a white background.

Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Host the 95th Oscars®

Emmy® Award-winning late-night talk show host and producer Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the 95th Oscars, according to executive producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner; Kimmel hosted back-to-back broadcasts in 2017 (89th Awards) and 2018 (90th Awards). Additionally, Molly McNearney (Kimmel’s wife and a producer on Jimmy Kimmel Live!) will serve as an executive producer.

“We’re super thrilled to have Jimmy score his hat trick on this global stage. We know he will be funny and ready for anything,” Weiss and Kirshner said. Added Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, “Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognize the incredible artists and films of our 95th Oscars. His love of movies, live TV expertise, and ability to connect with our global audiences will create an unforgettable experience for our millions of viewers worldwide.”

“Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honor or a trap,” Kimmel joked. “Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said ‘no.’”

Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and recently signed a three-year contract extension, making him one of the longest-running talk show hosts in American TV history.

The 95th Oscars will be held at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood—and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Zootopia+ Has Arrived on Disney+!

The good folks at Disney+ released a brand-new trailer for their short-form Original series Zootopia+ in honor of all six episodes dropping this week—and it promises some truly adorable fun!

The series heads back to the beloved, fast-paced mammal metropolis and dives deeper into the lives of some of the Oscar®-winning feature’s most intriguing residents—including Fru Fru, the fashion-forward arctic shrew; ZPD dispatcher Clawhauser, the sweet-toothed cheetah; and Flash, the smiling sloth who’s full of surprises. (Fun fact: Keep your ears peeled for a voice appearance by Disney Legend Kristen Bell, reprising her role as Priscilla the Sloth!)

Zootopia+ is directed by Josie Trinidad (co-head of story, Zootopia; head of story, Ralph Breaks the Internet) and Trent Correy (director, Once Upon a Snowman and Drop), and produced by Nathan Curtis (associate producer, Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon). It’s now streaming exclusively on Disney+

ICYMI: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Films Dubbed in Native American Languages

Ever wonder what it’s like to hear Star Wars: A New Hope in Navajo? Wonder no more, because it’s available right this very minute as a bonus feature on Disney+! There are a few other films dubbed in Native American languages available on both Disney+ and Hulu; get more information here, and then have your own watch-a-thon in honor of Native American Heritage Month!

The Cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Attends Premiere Events Around the Globe

By Victoria Hunt

Premiere events for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have been happening on red—and purple—carpets everywhere ahead of today's release! The cast joined fans in cities across the world to celebrate the much-anticipated sequel to Black Panther.

Hollywood, California

The world premiere was hosted in Hollywood at the legendary El Capitan Theatre. The star-studded event rolled out the purple carpet for celebrities including Michael B. Jordan, Rihanna, and Daniel Kaluuya.

Washington D.C.

On October 30, the National Museum of African American History and Culture welcomed cast members from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the late Chadwick Boseman’s wife in celebration of the film’s release.

London, England

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Lagos, Nigeria

Mexico City, Mexico

Simu Liu, Xochitl Gomez, Bret Iwan, and More Share Their Disney Holiday Traditions

By Sarah Sterling

Dust off those cobwebs and throw away your jack-o-lanterns, because Halloween is over and the winter holiday season is about to begin! It’s one of the best times of the year for Disney fans—with seasonal additions to the Disney Parks, new movie releases, and so much festive enchantment to enjoy! We here at D23: The Official Disney Fan Club have lots of Disney holiday traditions and, at Wednesday night’s BoxLunch Gala honoring Feeding America, we had a chance to ask some of your favorite Disney stars what their Disney traditions are!

Isabella Ward of West Side Story stands on the red carpet against an orange step-and-repeat featuring the BoxLunch and Feeding America logos. She has long brown hair that sits straight behind her shoulders and she is wearing an ankle-length, one-shouldered red dress.

With overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Resort; special events like “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” at Walt Disney World; and seemingly endless treats, characters, and entertainment to enjoy, we agree with West Side Story’s Isabella Ward that the Disney Parks are a great place to make holiday memories! “I grew up in Florida, so we would always go to Walt Disney World during Christmastime,” she explained, “and see all the snow and the fireworks and do the whole thing! So, my tradition is definitely Walt Disney World—going to the Parks!”

If you prefer to cozy up at home for the holidays, your traditions might match up with Shang-Chi himself, Simu Liu. “The Santa Clause!” Liu exclaimed when we asked him his favorite Disney holiday movie; “I watch The Santa Clause every year.” Liu will serve as the 2022 BoxLunch Giving Ambassador and, later in the evening, he matched a $100,000 donation for Feeding America—bringing the total up to $200K to provide food to people in need through a nationwide network of local food banks.

Bret Iwan smiles at the camera in front of an orange step-and-repeat. He is wearing a gray suit jacket, gray button up shirt, and forest green tie.

Bret Iwan, the official voice of Mickey Mouse, has a similar tradition. “Every Christmas I have to watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol. I remember waiting for it on ABC every Christmas season and when it would finally come on, we’d sit down as a family and watch it.” Iwan has voiced Mickey Mouse for over a decade, inheriting the role from Disney Legend Wayne Allwine in 2009. On November 28, you can hear Iwan as Mickey in a brand-new holiday special, Mickey Saves Christmas—debuting on Disney+; “I’m hoping [this] becomes a new Christmas tradition for families to watch,” he admitted.

Xochitl Gomez gives the camera a sly over-the-shoulder smile on the red carpet in front of an orange step-and-repeat. She is wearing a mauve colored jumpsuit and her dark brown hair is styled in loose waves.

Christmas is totally paw-some for WandaVision’s Emma Caulfield Ford: “My daughter really loves Santa Buddies. That’s really the tradition for us.” But Caulfield Ford’s own taste in Christmas movies skews a bit more adult, while still staying within the worlds of Disney. “My Christmas films are, you know, like Die Hard,” she revealed. “That’s the all-time Christmas movie—let’s be honest!” Meanwhile, Marvel darling Xochitl Gomez might need some help; when asked if she has any annual Disney holiday traditions, she said, “Not really, but I should probably make one now that I’m in this world!” However, Gomez explained that—in terms of movies she watches on repeat—Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is “on loop at this point,” no matter the time of year.

What are your Disney holiday traditions? Follow D23 on social media and let us know how you celebrate!

Don’t you want to know who Simu Liu’s Disney character crush is? Be sure to follow D23 on TikTok for more highlights from the 2022 BoxLunch Gala and exciting celebrity interviews… and keep an eye on D23.com for the latest Disney news.

Celebrate Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with Film-Inspired Products

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now in theaters and we’re celebrating by letting you know about some of the great merchandise available. Be one of the best dressed Marvel fans with an array of apparel and accessory options or collect something you’ll treasure featuring beloved characters from the film. Check out the items we’ve curated below and be sure to check shopDisney on November 14 for even more amazing items inspired by the film!

Shuri Marvel Designer Collection Doll – Black Panther: World of Wakanda – Limited Edition at shopDisney

Thoughtfully designed and crafted by Marvel artists to ensure every detail is realized with ingenuity and authenticity, the Marvel Designer Collection proudly presents this limited edition Shuri doll. King T’Challa’s younger sister is featured in her glamorous outfit inspired by what she would wear to a royal Wakandan evening event. Beautifully detailed with exquisite decoration, including dramatic face make-up, Shuri comes with a display stand and is presented in an elaborate gatefold box, making it a must have for collectors.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Bomber Jacket for Adults at shopDisney

Slip into this reversible bomber jacket and feel like you’re on a vacation in Wakanda forever! Cozy and comfortable with ribbed trims and zip front.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Socks for Adults

Your steps will feel as light as a feather when walking in these socks. Inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the bold graphic design is accented with 3D wings!

Black Panther: World of Wakanda Double Kimoyo Beads Bracelet at shopDisney

Inspired by the advanced communication technology used by the Wakandans, these replica Kimoyo Beads are from the Black Panther: World of Wakanda Collection. Each of the 12 beads is inscribed with a different symbol, noting its particular power, and the bracelet is held together with the magnetized silvertone bead.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fashion T-Shirt for Women at shopDisney

Salute the heroic life of King T’Challa, aka the Black Panther, in this boxy fashion tee with dolman sleeves, back seam and raw edge accents. Metallic inks make the memories shine.

LEGO Shuri’s Sunbird 76211 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at shopDisney

Join Shuri aboard the amazing Sunbird aircraft from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Tilt and rotate the two huge engines and fold the hinged wings forwards and backwards as you soar through the skies above Shuri’s homeland of Wakanda and beyond. If Attuma attacks, fire the stud shooters then go into battle alongside Nakia with her rings and Ironheart MK1 with her jetpack.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Zip Jacket for Adults at shopDisney

Dramatic graphics that appear to glow decorate the front of this jacket inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The movie’s title is spelled down the long sleeves while the front zip features a purple zip pull with the Black Panther logo!

Funko Pop! Marvel: Black Panther Wakanda Forever – Namor

Return to the Kingdom of Wakanda with some of your favorite warriors. Pop! Namor is ready to charge into the action as part of your Marvel collection. Collect him to complete your set from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Marvel Legends Series Okoye

The leader of the Dora Milaje returns with this premium 6-inch-scale Okoye action figure from Hasbro inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Looking for more? shopDisney has a full collection of merchandise for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with new and exciting items arriving November 14!

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 Marvel Studios music knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Besides the Blank Panther films, what other Disney property has composer Ludwig Göransson scored?

Correct! Wrong!

Prolific composer Ludwig Göransson has provided the score for many TV and film projects throughout the worlds of Disney, including the ABC series Happy Endings; Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red; Lucasfilm's The Book of Boba Fett; and more!

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!

 

Be the Talk of Christmas Town with RSVLTS new Nightmare Before Christmas Collection

Look snow cool this holiday season with RSVLTS all-new Nightmare Before Christmas Collection. Featuring five new soft and stretchy button-down shirts, you’ll be festively fashionable at any holiday event. This collection is the “Christmas” side to the Spooky Season Nightmare Before Christmas collection that brought the “Nightmare” with a small collection of uniquely detailed flannels celebrating the multi-holiday classic.

Ready to help two holidays collide during your celebrations? All shirts will be available here on November, 15, 2022 at 4:00pm ET.

Since 2012, the RSVLTS® brand and apparel is rooted in super high-grade pop culture fandoms and nostalgia, dedicated to those with a bold and fun spirit. What makes RSVLTS different is its approach to producing incredibly comfortable and fashionable, officially licensed gear, and original designs, in a unique style that kick-starts a conversation and fully captivates the room. With the RSVLTS proprietary material, the soft, stretchy, and oh so radical KUNUFLEX™ poly-spandex blend, its shirts are guaranteed to make people feel just as good as they look, perfect for any event or occasion.

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Meet the New Characters of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever returns us to the world fans adored in 2018’s Black Panther, but also brings us to a world shaken by tragedy and threatened by outside forces. The characters we know and love— Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Nakia, Okoye and the Dora Milaje—are mourning the loss of King T’Challa. However, new forces (and new faces) quickly come into play, and our heroes must band together to protect Wakanda again. Who are these new faces, both friend and foe, stirring up change? Get to know the new characters you’ll be meeting in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) stares at the camera head-on, his face-half lit and half in darkness. He wears a complex, beaded collar, and jewelry on his ears and through his nose.

Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía)
Fans of Marvel comics are very familiar with this aquatic ruler—Namor is one of Marvel’s oldest characters, first appearing in Marvel Comics #1 in 1939 under the moniker “the Sub-Mariner.”  Tenoch Huerta Mejía dives into Namor’s big screen debut as the ruler of Talokan, a hidden undersea nation descended from an ancient Mayan community—that is also a reimagining of Atlantis from Marvel comics. Much like the Wakandans, the people of Talokan remain hidden from society to survive, distrusting outsiders in the name of survival.

Director Ryan Coogler explains, “[Namor has] lived a really long time and knows no equal in terms of his capabilities, being able to fly and breathe underwater, and breathe at high altitudes and walk around on land. He’s incredibly strong.” He alerts Queen Ramonda and Princess Shuri to a global threat—but also shares with them his disturbing plan to thwart it.

A portrait of Namora (Mabel Cadena), a blue-skinned woman wearing a breathing mask and a complex, spiky collar. She is looking to her right at something we cannot see.

Namora (Mabel Cadena)
Namor’s cousin (the name might have given it away), Namora is a fierce Talokanil warrior who serves as his right-hand woman. Mabel Cadena explains, “She’s ready to protect Namor and protect his people and fight to the death for all of them.” She looks up to her cousin, viewing him as a father figure. “Namora is a strong woman,” continues Cadena. “She can be a warrior. She can be a princess. She can be different things.”

A portrait of Attuma (Alex Livinalli), a blue-skinned man wearing a headdress, spiky shoulder pads, and a breathing mask. He is emerging from the darkness and staring head-on at the camera.

Attuma (Alex Livinalli)
Unbelievably skilled, Attuma is one of the strongest and fastest warriors in Talokan. Narratively, he serves as a counterpart to the Dora Milaje, acting as a foil to Okoye. Producer Nate Moore explains, “Okoye’s a powerful character in that she’s charismatic without saying a lot. In finding our Attuma, who ends up being a foil to Okoye through most of the film, we needed to find an actor who had a similar skill set—someone who wouldn’t necessarily need a lot of dialogue, who had a physicality that was very obvious, who looked iconic.” Alex Livinalli was perfect for the role.

“Yes, he’s a fighter,” Livinalli explains, “But the way I see him, he’s just a very lovable person. He has love for his people, for Namor, for Namora, for his way of life—he’s kind of like a father protecting his family. That’s who Attuma is: ‘If you compromise our way of life, you’re gonna see how much I love fighting.’”

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A close-up portrait of Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), wearing goggles and a gold necklace. She is half-shadowed, as if she is emerging from the darkness.

Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne)
While Shuri has always been Wakanda’s resident whiz kid, she may have finally met her match in Riri Williams; a 19-year-old MIT student with a genius-level intellect, Riri brings an outsider’s perspective to the high-tech world of Wakanda. “It was great to have this young college student from Chicago running circles around everybody in school but now thrust into this crazy world with the Wakandans and the Talokanil,” says director Ryan Coogler.

“Shuri’s at a turning point,” says Coogler. “Shuri’s at a point where she’s vacillating between optimism and pessimism, and she meets Riri, who is like a version of herself.  She ends up taking on kind of a big sister role with Riri, which is really interesting because Shuri was the youngest character in the first film.”

Coogler recalls being the youngest person on the crew, and how strange it can feel to now be in a leadership position—to be older and wiser. “That’s the idea of time and change, and we wanted to highlight that,” he explains. “With Riri, it was somebody for Shuri to help be responsible for and to look out for and advise.”

Aneka (Michaela Coel) looks over her shoulder at the camera, shrouded in darkness except for her face and the shiny silver of her shoulder and collar.

Aneka (Michaela Coel)
Aneka is a high-ranking leader of the Dora Milaje, a group of warriors expertly trained to protect Wakanda. While she is highly skilled, Aneka also has a rebellious steak and a love for trying new things. In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Aneka teams up with Dora Milaje member Ayo to take on a bigger role in the group. “It’s a really interesting dynamic that we haven’t seen before,” explains screenwriter Joe Robert Cole. “Seeing Ayo and Aneka fighting back-to-back is really exciting.”

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever roars into theaters November 11, 2022.