Disney’s Disenchanted: What Happens After Happily Ever After?

By Courtney Potter

By the end of 2007’s Enchanted, kindhearted Giselle (Amy Adams)—despite all manner of obstacles, animated and otherwise—had truly found her “happily ever after.” She’d vanquished the evil queen and started a new life in the big (live-action) city with a smart, handsome “prince” of a New Yorker, Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey), and his adorable daughter Morgan.

But what exactly happens after “happily ever after”? Disenchanted, the brand-new follow-up to the fan-favorite film, aims to answer just that—and it’s now streaming exclusively on Disney+! Giselle, Robert, their baby Sophia, and the now-teenage Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) have left New York City for a new life in sleepy, suburban Monroeville. But it’s not exactly the quick, fairy-tale fix Giselle had initially dreamed of; for one thing, there’s the town’s “queen bee,” Malvina (Maya Rudolph), who’s set out to make Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Turning to the magic of Andalasia for help, Giselle accidentally transforms the entire hamlet into a real-life fairy tale—and puts her whole family at risk in the process! Can she save them all before it’s too late?

D23 was lucky enough to hear exclusively from several members of the film’s cast—as well as director, choreographer, and executive producer Adam Shankman—about the making of Disenchanted, and what viewers can expect from this tune-filled adventure:

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.

James Marsden, who returns as Prince Edward—Giselle’s original intended who winds up marrying Robert’s former fiancé, Nancy (Disney Legend Idina Menzel)—was particularly excited to revisit the character. “Edward is the same guy [in this film],” he explains. “It’s everything I loved about that character and about playing that character: this unabashed, hopeless romantic. The only thing he loves more than Giselle in the first movie—which ended up being Nancy—was the sound of his own voice, right? He’s the guy in love with being in love. So he’s there with that same sort of cheerful optimism. It’s a great character to play... so I was excited to jump back into that suit, and was chomping at the bit to sing at the top of my lungs again!”

Speaking of singing, Menzel—also returning from the 2007 film—is especially thrilled to get to sing in Disenchanted... something that, unfortunately, hadn’t materialize last time round. But the filming of it was decidedly memorable. “My first night [on set] was performing the new song that I have, with Gabby [Baldacchino as Morgan]. And it was a beautiful night, and the set was sparkling... When you film these kinds of movies, you always feel like you’re in a real fairy tale. And when you film movie musicals, it’s so much fun because it seems like the crew is so starved for the music. They’re not used to being able to shoot these as often as they’d like. So when they have beautiful music playing over and over and over again, there’s just this wonderful energy that you can feel on set. I remember finishing a few takes, and they were all crying and clapping!”

She continues, “I remember looking at everyone and saying, ‘Y’know, I didn’t just sing that—I sang it in my closet [during the COVID-19 lockdown], and recorded it, and now I’m lip-syncing it for a movie,’” she adds, chuckling. “But it was just like I was doing live theater or something! I guess having come out of the isolation and everything we’d all been living in, from a performer standpoint, it was so good to connect with an audience—even if it was a film crew.”

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

Menzel’s co-star in that scene, Baldacchino, still can’t believe her incredible luck—Disenchanted is her first role in a studio film, and it’s alongside people she’s admired for years. “Watching Enchanted was a core memory for me, if you will,” she admits. “And I think a lot of people in my generation can relate, in that it came out during a really special time in our childhood... So when I found out I had an audition for the sequel, I did not think I was going to be in it. I mean, what are the chances? But I was so excited. I remember thinking, ‘Okay, I cannot wait to see this!’ So it's all pretty surreal.”

She adds, “I actually met Amy on Zoom for the first time, when we did a ‘chemistry read’ during one of my final auditions. And then she was there to break the news to me when I found out I was cast as Morgan. Plus, she and I were two of the first cast members to arrive in Ireland, where we filmed the movie. So we had some time together before everything started, to connect and to form that ‘mother-daughter’ relationship that’s at the core of this movie and the heart of the story—which was such a special thing to be able to do, especially because I had always admired her as an actress and had looked up to her as a kid. I mean, she was Giselle! To get to act alongside her was an honor, but it was also so much fun.”

For Rudolph, Adams really is the not-so-secret ingredient to making this film magical. “She is the closest thing I’ve ever witnessed to a true princess,” she explains. “Enchanted is so perfect because of Amy—and how she made Giselle feel unbelievable, like a true fairy tale princess, not to mention when she sang. The first day when I came to set and saw Amy in her beautiful blue housecoat I realized I was talking to Giselle. I felt entranced, like a little kid talking to a princess! She is absolutely perfect.

“And I think audiences will be amazed by all of the beauty that went into creating this film,” Rudolph continues. “From the costumes, makeup, and hair to the set design and the songs. I got to step into a real-life fairy tale every single day—even thinking about it now gives me goosebumps!”

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

All told, Shankman can’t wait for audiences to finally see the finished product. “I think that people will really love Amy and Maya’s duet; it’s pretty special. And Idina’s big power ballad is surreal. Her vocal is almost all her original demo that she did over Zoom in her closet—that was nuts. She and Amy did their demos at the beginning of the lockdown. Actually, Amy recorded the song ‘Fairy Tale Life’ in hercoat closet.” The songs, once again by Stephen Schwartz and Disney Legend Alan Menken, are truly an integral part of the film’s construction. “There is no way to describe the experience of getting to work so intimately and for so long, creating an original musical with your idols,” he continues. “We have been crafting all of this for years and I still can’t process how surreal it’s all been. It’s beautiful and magical and humbling.”

“Discovering a new engine for Giselle’s growth while making the movie feel funny, emotional, and connected to the first movie was the big challenge,” Shankman adds. “I love where we landed; it all feels very relatable... and having a new group of incredibly funny people for the ‘OGs’ to play in the sandbox with was nothing but pure joy.”

Quiz: Which Marvel Family Would You Be A Part Of?

Despite the many hardships that come with being a Marvel Super Hero, we can’t help but sometimes wish we were a part of the action. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is officially in theaters and its message of community and familial support is incredibly inspiring. While you might not be related to any of our favorite characters, take the quiz below to figure out which Marvel family you would belong in.

Which of these cities would you love to move to?

Which superpower would you choose?

Who is your favorite MCU villain?

What’s your favorite land at Disneyland Resort?

Who’s your Super Hero sidekick?

Quiz: Which Marvel Family Would You Be Apart Of?
T’Challa’s Family

The Dora Milaje, the personal security of the Black Panther as well as Wakanda’s defense, stand in matching red and orange uniforms with large spears.

Just like T’Challa and his sister Shuri, you are also fierce and, at times, too brave for your own good. You’d fit in perfectly with this extraordinary group where family and beliefs always come first. Be sure to catch up with T’Challa’s legacy in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, now in theaters.
The Khan Family

Kamala Khan is wearing her Ms. Marvel suit, which is red, blue and gold. Behind her is a chalk board with several illustrations. She is holding a piece of chalk.

Being a teenager is tough, and being a teenage Super Hero is even tougher! Without the guidance of her parents, Kamala Khan (also known as Ms. Marvel) could easily get to caught up in the overwhelming territory that comes with both. It is a very fine balance that everyone must contribute to. You’d make a perfect addition to the Khan family, because you prioritize communication and transparency, just like them!
The Lang Family

Scott Lang wears a black T-shirt looking to over his right shoulder. His Ant-Man suit is hanging on a shower curtain rod in front of him.

Like all families, the Langs from Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man franchise are far from perfect, but they put love and support at the center of their actions. Scott Lang is all about second chances after receiving his own, making the Lang home a place of acceptance. Pull up a seat to join Scott and his daughter Cassie, because you belong in the Lang family!
The Banner Family

Bruce Banner and Jennifer Walters are looking eye-to-eye with their hands in the praying stance in front of them. They are both in their hulk forms.

To be a part of the Banner family from The Avengers is no easy feat. With Bruce Banner’s incredible intelligence and his superhuman strength as the Hulk, you must have brains and brawn just like him! You aren’t afraid of a challenge, but sometimes your emotions get the best of you when threatened. Between Bruce Banner and Jennifer Walters aka She-Hulk, you’re in some pretty good (and green) hands!

Behind the Scenes of Disney Animation’s Strange World

By Alison Stateman

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest feature Strange World may be set in a fantastical landscape that defies expectation, but at its core it’s a story about family and all the connection and conflict that entails.

Debuting exclusively in theaters on Wednesday, November 23, the 61st animated feature from Disney Animation introduces fans to a family of legendary explorers, the Clades, as they navigate an uncharted, treacherous subterranean land—alongside a motley crew that includes the family’s three-legged dog, Legend; a mischievous blob named Splat; and a slew of ravenous creatures.

Helmed by Oscar®-winning director Don Hall (Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer Raya and the Last Dragon), the film boasts a voice cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a farmer who finds himself thrust into an expedition into the unknown; Dennis Quaid as Jaeger Clade, Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, a pilot, natural leader, and Searcher’s wife and partner in all things; Jaboukie Young-White as Ethan Clade, Searcher and Meridian’s 16-year-old son, who longs for adventure beyond his family’s farm while also navigating a school crush; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, the head of the land of Avalonia—a valley surrounded by mountains so steep that nobody has ever ventured beyond them—and the leader of the exploration party.

During a recent virtual press conference, the filmmakers and key members of the voice cast shared what drew them to the story, the personal touchpoints used in developing their characters, and the collaborative spirit of the production.

Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White) and his dad Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal) stand with backs to the viewer in the foreground as they gaze out into a fantastical magenta and peach-toned world, with flying creatures and strange landforms walking among fanned creatures.

An Origin Story

“These guys came in with their A game and they wanted to be involved,” said producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled), referring to the voice cast in attendance. “I’ve never had a cast so devoted to the story from day one. From the day that Jake came in, Dennis, Gabrielle, and Jaboukie, they all invested in the story. That’s the wonderful thing about animation. It is an iterative art form, and everyone contributes. There’s 450 people who have touched this film, and these four did such an amazing job in terms of bringing these characters to life.”

The story that Hall and Nguyen developed was one inspired by their own families.

“It started with just this idea of thinking about my kids and thinking about what kind of world they’re going to inherit. That was top of mind,” said Hall. “When I started this, I wanted to tell a story that speaks to how we become good ancestors and to tell that through three generations. That’s just a very core relationship that I think we can all relate to. And then to tell it through the lens of this fun pulp, action-adventure story was a dream come true.”

In addition to the personal origins of the story, Hall and Nguyen were inspired by adventure stories from the first half of the 20th century, from authors like Jules Verne and Arthur Conon Doyle to movies like King Kong.

Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) stands in the center gazing up at something frightening, with his fire-shooting weapon clasped in front of his body. He wears a gusseted vest over a tattered short-sleeve shirt with both wrists covered in protective tan fabric. Searcher Clade stands behind to his left in profile in green pants and lime green shirt. Ethan Clade stands to the right of Jaeger in profile, a purple beanie on his head, purple jacket with magenta accents at the sleeves and waist with white fluffy collar. He wears green cargo shorts. Both Searcher and Ethan have their hands raised in apprehension. They are surrounded by wormlike, pink-magenta life forms.  

A Family Affair  

For Gyllenhaal, the personal story behind the film was what appealed most to him.

“Stories are what attracts me to a film. I could feel from Don, Qui, and Roy early on that it came from a true place. It wasn’t a story that came from the ether. That made me want to be involved because it felt very personal, and then I got to bring my own family and my own experience in a different way, particularly because it was animation,” said Gyllenhaal.

Quaid concurred, saying, “It was just layers upon layers. It felt like a real family, with real issues that you wind up fighting about over the Thanksgiving dinner table. Those things that could come up and it was real to me, and it didn’t look away or try to cover it over and it was very funny.”

As far as his character Jaeger is concerned, Quaid said, “He was a fixated person. He sees himself as the greatest explorer the world has ever known and wants his son to carry on the banner and legacy of all that. Both Searcher and Jaeger are hypocritical without knowing it. They wind up doing the exact thing that they fought against. Everybody in this film is after the same thing—they just have different ways of going about it to save Avalonia.”

Quaid, who has played a number of heroic roles in his illustrious career, appreciated the film’s more nuanced take on Jaeger. “Jaeger harkens back to the ’50s and ’60s when the man was supposed to go out and work and he’d be gone, and you didn’t think twice about it. He can be heroic, and at the same time, what you miss is everything that’s really important,” he said. “I like the way that they portrayed it and faced it and owned it and addressed what all goes with that.”

For Young-White, what was fun about playing Ethan was that “he does kind of play the peacemaker, but he’s also the last piece of the destiny being fulfilled… This is round two. This is everything all over again. He’s a really good intro to the generational aspect of everything.”

Union, meanwhile, was drawn to her character’s strength and approach to parenting. “This allowed me to show how I am in real life,” she said. “I’m a cool mom with the big life. I’m not a fighter pilot, but I fight. This was a lot closer to my natural personality and how we get down at home as parents and how we lovingly nudge our children to live their best lives on their own terms.”

From left to right: Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White), his mother Meridian (Gabrielle Union), and father Searcher Clade. Meridian has her flight goggles raised on her forehead with a green scarf atop them and wears a green vest over an ivory shirt with ivory fluffy collar. She is gripping the controls of the Venture airship with a determined look on her face. Searcher, dressed in a green tunic with brown details gazes out with his hand raised emphatically. Ethan’s eyes are glued at what lays outside the front window of the ship. He wears a purple beanie and purple coat with a patterned yellow scarf.

 Creative Collaboration

For Union, working on the film was “a dream come true.”

“I’ve done voice acting before on a smaller scale with Disney Junior,” said Union, referring to prior work voicing Nala in The Lion Guard. “But to be able to provide a voice for the famed Disney Animation department was a dream come true. That’s something we all of us hope for, and then to be given freedom to [contribute was great]; they kept so much of what I adlibbed. It just made it fun and easy and super-efficient.”

“That’s what makes working with them so wonderful,” Gyllenhaal added. “They’re really open to you bringing yourself [to the role] and little do you know, all the animators are starting to watch your face, watch your movement, watch your facial expressions, and the character slowly does become you as you become it. It’s an odd, extraordinary transformation.”

Union concurred. “Clearly, they’re watching and it’s all in there, my little ’isms and stuff that I do. They got it. They weren’t playing,” she said with a laugh. Having the animators create an accurate physical depiction of Meridian was another highlight.  “Having a little Black girl at home who is obsessed with hair and her hair and everyone else’s hair, seeing the hair texture of Meridian and the curls and very much leaning into the natural hair movement and celebration of our hair in its natural stage, that was huge. Her having very Afrocentric features and her having a shape, hips—that was awesome.”

“Our team is super diverse at Disney and so many of our story artists, animators had so much personal input into making this film,” said Nguyen. “We really wanted a film that reflected the world that we actually lived in, because there was always a version where you could just make them all blue or something. But instead, we wanted a world that when you look out the window, it felt like the world you’re actually in.”

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

By Andie Hagemann

This weekend, we’re honoring Disney Legend Elton John ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, airing exclusively on Disney+ on Sunday, November 20. Before groovin’ to the “Rocket Man” on Sunday night, binge these four titles from the world of Disney that celebrate and feature the music icon!

Musicians and Disney Legends Elton John and Tim Rice sit on a bench next to a black piano. John wears an all-black suit with a black button-down dress shirt and thin, wire-framed glasses. Rice leans on the piano and wears a black sweater and dark charcoal button-down shirt. A black microphone is propped on the piano and rests near Rice’s mouth. Behind them are long, tan curtains and large lighting fixtures.

The Lion King (1994)—Disney+
John and fellow Disney Legend Tim Rice collaborated on the soundtrack for the beloved animated film, including the award-winning singles “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The film follows a feisty lion cub Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas), who “Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” but after the loss of his dad, Mufasa (voiced by Disney Legend James Earl Jones), his life takes an unexpected turn. Simba escapes accusations, guilt, and the Pride Land and learns how to embrace a worry-free philosophy. As Simba (voiced by Matthew Broderick) matures, he soon realizes he must reclaim his place as the rightful King of the Pride Lands.

In a scene from the animated series The Simpsons, a cartoon version of musician and Disney Legend Elton John sits at pink piano in a colorful garden. John wears a blue suit, red-framed glasses, a black T-shirt, and black shoes. A man and a woman sit on the opposite side of the piano and hug while looking at John. The man wears a black button-down shirt, green jacket, and white pants. The woman wears a magenta dress and yellow scarf draped on her neck and shoulders.

The Simpsons (Season 10, Episode 14)—Disney+
In the episode “I’m with Cupid,” Apu (voiced by Hank Azaria) stuns Springfield when he pulls off the ultimate surprise for his wife on Valentine’s Day—a private concert with music superstar Elton John. Humiliated by their mediocre gifts, the husbands of Springfield plot revenge. John guest stars as himself in this hilarious episode.

Key art for the ABC’s drama series Nashville. Actors Hayden Panettiere, Connie Britton, and Charles Esten stand in a corn field next to a vintage black truck. Panettiere stands with her right arm on her right hip and left arm on the car. Panettiere wears a silver, sequined mini dress with large silver earrings. Britton leans her body into the open cab of the truck. Britton wears a strapless black, sparkly mini dress. Esten wears a black button-down dress shirt and black slacks. Above the truck reads, “NASHVILLE,” in white lettering.

Nashville (Season 4, Episode 20)—Hulu
Gunnar (Sam Palladio) gets to the opportunity perform with music legend Elton John, who guest stars as himself. Elsewhere, Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Esten) reflect on their relationship while Scarlett (Clare Bowen) does some soul searching. Meanwhile, Luke (Will Chase) appears on a talk show to discuss a subject important to him, but the focus quickly shifts to a family emergency.

Key art for 20th Century Studios’ film Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Actor Taron Egerton portrays Eggsy and stands center. Egerton wears black, thick-rimmed glasses, an orange velvet suit jacket with black lapels, a black bowtie, white button-down dress shirt, and black pants. Actors Colin Firth and Mark Strong stand behind and on each side of Egerton. Firth portrays Harry Hart and wears a black eyepatch, gray suit, black tie, and white button-down dress shirt. Strong portrays Merlin and wears a black jacket with black pants, a black tie, and white button-down shirt. Actors Channing Tatum and Julianne Moore stand behind on each side. Tatum portrays Tequila and wears a tan cowboy hat, white button-down shirt, blue denim jacket, and denim pants. Moore portrays Poppy Adams and wears a yellow and white plaid, two-piece suit. Above their heads reads “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” in gold lettering.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle—Hulu
The heroes face a new challenge when their headquarters are destroyed, and the world is held hostage. Their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the U.S. called Statesman, and in a new adventure, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy to save the world. John makes a hilarious cameo as himself in this action-packed film. The star-studded film includes Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, and Mark Strong, to name a few!

Key art for Disney+ special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. Musician and Disney Legend Elton John sits at a large, black piano on a stage. He wears a blue suit with “E.J.”, gold stripes and red roses embroidered on the back. To the right reads “ELTON JOHN LIVE: FAREWELL FROM DODGER STADIUM FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS.” Below is the Disney+ logo and “Streaming Live Nov. 20 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.”

Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium—Disney+
The historic concert event features the legendary superstar live from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in his final North American show. As part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, the concert features special guests and performances of unparalleled global hits spanning decades, in one of the greatest send-offs in music history. Last but not least, leading up to the concert is the Countdown to Elton Live red carpet event featuring celebrity guests and a countdown to the historic live concert.

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse Draws a Vivid Portrait of an Icon on Disney+

By Bruce C. Steele

The story of Mickey Mouse is the story of America, from his music-infused birth at the tail end of the Jazz Age, in 1928, through the struggles of the Great Depression and World War II, all the way up to the high tech of the 21st century. The new Disney+ Original documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, debuting on Friday, November 18, traces how the beloved icon has been adapted and adopted by one generation after another, across time and across the globe. “I was raised on Mickey in the ’80s,” recalls the film’s director, Jeff Malmberg—a decade when many kids saw the mouse chiefly as a park greeter, plush toy, and corporate icon. “And that’s very different than if you’re raised watching him in a movie theater.”

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse brings together all the eras and incarnations of Mickey during more than 90 years, assessing what, exactly, gives this mouse such durability and magnetism—while also filling in what younger generations may not know about the Mickey of their forebears. The youth of 2022, for example, may not realize that Mickey was once a movie star as big as Harrison Ford or Emma Stone. In fact, says longtime Disney animator Eric Goldberg, “A lot of people today don’t really regard him as a character—or not as a particularly funny character. And I think he’s all those things. Mickey has tons of personality. He has his own playful, resourceful, fun way of looking at things and doing things… There has to be a reason that he’s lasted to this day. And I think it’s his indomitable spirit and that pure joy of movement that he has.”

Movement is key to Goldberg’s major contribution to the documentary: a brand-new, hand-drawn short titled “Mickey in a Minute,” in which some Disney magic pulls our hero into a whirlwind that spins him into scene after scene from his own past, revisiting some of his most iconic roles, such as “Brave Little Tailor” (1938) and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Fantasia (1940). The kinetic and comic cartoon finally lands Mickey where he began, whistling at the wheel of a steamboat.

This dazzling and delightful short—which will have Disney+ viewers reaching for the remote to rewind and rewatch—is the finale of the larger 93-minute whirlwind that is the full documentary. Somehow Malmberg and his producers—Meghan Walsh, Chris Shellen, and Morgan Neville—have squeezed in the full scope of Mickey’s life (so far) as well as discussions of his cultural impact and importance, testimonials from a wide diversity of adorable fans, a fascinating tutorial on the art of animation, and much more. Mickey’s enduring appeal, as the film asserts, is partly geometric. “He’s a very simple character for people [to recognize],” Walsh says. “Three circles. That makes it easy. And he’s been around for a long enough time that people now can take him and turn him into what they would like… From the ’60s onward, people have been co-opting Mickey for their own artistic and political purposes, and I think that’s really unique and interesting. It’s what art does for the human spirit—we take art and we figure out ways to make meaning out of it for ourselves. And the great thing about Mickey, because he is so simple, is people can do that in a million different ways.”

“He’s just as relevant today as he was when I read Mickey Comics when I was a kid,” says animator, author, and Disney Legend Floyd Norman, who joined what was then called Walt Disney Productions as an animation in-betweener in 1957, soon became a lead animator, and is an interview subject in the documentary. “Mickey Mouse, he started as this simple character,” Norman says in the film. “But over time he gets so big, he becomes this reflection of who we are—the good and the bad. How is that even possible with this little mouse?”

To find out, the filmmakers talk with artists, cultural historians, and collectors for whom Mickey is a consuming passion, as well as share footage of some of the mouse’s most famous admirers, such as author Maurice Sendak and artist Andy Warhol. “I think the takeaway from the documentary is that everybody knows this character and loves this character,” Goldberg says. “He usually represents something that they really enjoyed growing up and can still be enjoyed.”

Along the way, viewers also get a compact biography of Mickey’s alter ego, Walt Disney, from his boyhood in Marceline, Missouri, to his role as Mickey Mouse’s creator, protector, and onscreen voice. “Walt was Mickey and Mickey was Walt,” Goldberg says. “They were inseparable.”

Even more than half a century after Walt Disney’s passing, the film makes clear, Mickey provides a living conduit to his creator. “Walt identifies with Mickey, and we all connect with Walt in that very special way through Mickey Mouse,” Norman says. “So, it is a unique relationship and, I think, something that’s very, very special.”

Goldberg adds, “If you want a key to how Walt looked at life, you don’t have to go much further than watching some classic Mickey cartoons.”

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse is chock-a-block with clips from Mickey’s filmography—his best-known parts, of course, but also less-familiar roles. (A 1955 television commercial, for example, features an angular Mickey and Minnie Mouse driving a Nash Rambler—with their two little mouse children in the backseat!) There are even glimpses of contraband Mickey, such as when he was illicitly co-opted for an antiwar cartoon in the 1960s.

One important observation the film makes, Walsh says, is that the phenomenon that is Mickey Mouse has been developed and expanded by a long and ever-growing roster of skilled and enthusiastic contributors. “It’s not just Walt Disney,” she explains. “It’s people like Floyd Norman, like Eric Goldberg. It’s the women of the [Disney] Ink and Paint Department in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. There are a lot of people that have contributed and built this character into what we know today.”

It’s a living legacy, as the very existence of the animated short “Mickey in a Minute” within Mickey: The Story of a Mouse makes clear. Watching Goldberg and his fellow veteran animators Mark Henn and Randy Haycock at work on some of the estimated 1,500 drawings it took to make the cartoon is both an inspiring glimpse of current artists at work and a living demonstration of the pencil-and-paper origins of Mickey Mouse. Goldberg and the creative team did hundreds of hours of research for the one-minute short, guaranteeing that each incarnation of the character was accurate to its origins, right down to the width of each line and the presence of particular shadows. “I wanted to make sure, first of all, that the animation and the characters looked and moved like they did in those iconic pieces,” Goldberg says.

“We animated it on paper,” he continues. “We cleaned it up on paper; we in-betweened it on paper. It was inked-and-painted digitally, [but] we were replicating what that looked like in terms of [traditional animation] cels.” The resulting short, like Mickey Mouse himself—and the documentary that tells his story—is “absolutely authentic,” Goldberg says. “One hundred percent traditional.”

Watch Mickey: The Story of a Mouse beginning November 18, exclusively on Disney+.

Where to Enjoy Art for Native American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World Resort

November is Native American Heritage Month and to help you celebrate we’ve compiled a list of places you can view stunning art inspired and created by Native Americans across Walt Disney World Resort. Whether a full-fledged gallery dedicated to Native communities or thematic décor across Disney’s Parks and hotels, we’re here to help you plan some must-see stops on your next visit.

Wide shot of The American Heritage Gallery at EPCOT. There are various art pieces inside glass display cases on either side of a doorway with “The American Heritage Gallery” above the door in gold lettering. Inside the exhibit are red, white, and blue murals and screens.

EPCOT American Heritage Gallery
Find the American Heritage Gallery inside the American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. This impressive gallery represents Native communities from seven regions across the United States and showcases historical artifacts alongside contemporary works of American Indian art. Featured artists include fashion designer Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo), dollmaker Glenda McKay (Ingalik-Athabascan), and Juanita Growing Thunder (Assiniboine Sioux) from the Growing Thunder family of Montana. The American Heritage Gallery is a unique storytelling experience where you can view interactive displays that help you further explore the art, artifacts, and history through narration by some of the featured artists!

A nighttime shot of the trading post at EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion. The hand carved totem poles are illuminated with up-lighting and the door to the Trading Post store is open with light shining from inside.

The Canada Pavilion Carved Totem Poles
Discover the details behind the hand-carved totem poles in the Canada Pavilion inside EPCOT’s World Showcase. Tsimshian artisan David Boxley created his first totem pole for the Canada Pavilion’s Trading Post in the ’90s and created two more in 2017. The recognizable Eagle Totem Pole represents a famous cultural folktale in which a boy finds an eagle caught in a net and frees it. Years later, when hunger strikes the boy’s tribe, he walks on the same beach, only to find the eagle there waiting for him with food as payback for his kindness. Boxley’s Whale Totem Pole tells the tale of the first potlatch, a ceremonial feast celebrated by the Nagunaks and creatures of the sea. Make sure to stop and admire Boxley’s incredible hand-crafted totem poles and other Native American-inspired décor paying homage to Native communities on your next visit to EPCOT!

Wide view of the Wilderness Lodge lobby. Large, themed chandeliers hang from the ceiling with silhouettes of bison and other animals. Large wooden poles hold up the ceiling and carved totem poles adorn the walls. The lobby is empty, but you can see chairs, couches, and rugs available for guests to sit on.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Lobby
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a resort hotel inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges and celebrates American craftsmanship and the beauty of the untamed wilderness. While this hotel offers many unique experiences, such as nature trails and scenic overlooks, there is also plenty of Native American-inspired art to see in the lobby. Amid ceiling-high totem poles, headdresses, and various replicas of Native artifacts and art pieces, take the time to enjoy the hidden gems at this unique resort.

We hope you take time to stop by these notable spots at Walt Disney World to enjoy these Native American art pieces. Have you visited the American Heritage Gallery before? Or admired Canada Pavilion’s incredible totem poles? Let us know on social media and keep reading D23.com for more information on Disney Parks year-round!

Enchanting Moments from the Disenchanted Press Conference

By Courtney Potter

Ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after?” In just a few days’ time, we’ll get a magical, tune-filled answer when Disney’s Disenchanted debuts exclusively on Disney+.

It’s been more than 10 years since the events of the beloved, fan favorite film Enchanted. Now, Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) are happily married, but Giselle has grown a bit disillusioned with the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules—as well as a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her loved ones’ future happiness in jeopardy. This puts Giselle in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

To celebrate the film’s approaching debut, Adams, Dempsey, and Rudolph recently joined fellow Disenchanted cast members Disney Legend Idina Menzel (Nancy), Gabriella Baldacchino (Morgan), Yvette Nicole Brown (Rosaleen), Jayma Mays (Ruby), and Oscar Nunez (Edgar/Barista/Mirror)—as well as producer Barry Josephson, director/executive producer Adam Shankman, and composer and co-songwriter Disney Legend Alan Menken—for a joyful virtual press conference, where they shared insights about making such a special film.

In a production still from Disenchanted, Giselle (Amy Adams), Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino), and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) are standing in their new house; they have quizzical looks on their faces, and are looking just off camera. Giselle is holding baby Sophia. A stairway is seen behind them, as are a few workmen to their right.

Adams on returning to Andalasia:

“We were looking at where Giselle would be now,” Adams, who also produced the movie, explained. “When we leave her in Enchanted, there’s been an evolution from the beginning of the movie to who Giselle is at the end of the movie. So, this film is taking that evolution of who she might be after spending 10 years [away]—but also making sure we keep her grounded and true to her feelings, without losing that joy, and that naivete and innocence and purity that makes Giselle so special. That’s where my launching place was—taking everything that I loved about Giselle in the first movie, and then getting this opportunity to spin it throughout. It was really just such a pleasure.”

Jacobsen on continuing Enchanted’s enchanting elements while telling a whole new tale:

“Amy really was our starting point of wanting to play Giselle again,” he said. “It was just such a joy to see the script come together and become something really joyous, a musical with comedy but with the right amount of drama, all pivoting around, what is Giselle’s new ‘character?’ What is her dilemma? How do we progress from the original movie and yet make something that was definitively a new movie, a fresh new start for her character and the other characters that everybody loved from the first film?’ And I can’t think of anybody’s stewardship that it was better to develop with than Adam, because he really understood what the music elements needed to be and how all the characters needed to grow.”

Rudolph on the “dream come true” of working on a movie musical with Broadway and Hollywood icons:

“We all had fun; we really did,” the actress admitted. “Even though I’ve had a chance to sing in things before, it was nothing like this experience. And knowing that I was going to get to sing this Menken and [Stephen] Schwartz song was really, truly like a ‘life fulfillment’ [thing—like I’d been training for the marathon my whole life! And that’s what it was every day. We’d go to vocal rehearsal and we’d go to dance rehearsal, and we were working towards the day where we shot the song. And then we shot it, and it was amazing! Truly, I’m not worthy. Such a dream come true. There are no words for stuff like that… This was little Maya’s dream of what it’s like to be in a musical.”

In a production still from Disenchanted, Rosaleen (Yvette Nicole Brown), Malvina (Maya Rudolph), and Ruby (Jayma Mays) are standing and looking off camera. There is a group of people clumped together behind them, exiting through a door. Rosaleen (on the left) is wearing a black and pink gown with a black hat; Malvina (in the middle) is wearing a black gown with gold beaded trim and a black cape, as well as a red beaded necklace and a gold crown; and Ruby (on the right) is wearing an orange and purple gown with an orange hat. The three have smirks on their faces.

Brown on how the cast of Disenchanted helped her through a particularly challenging time:

As the friend of D23 explained, “I want to say, since you’re all here, people know that I lost my mom while we made this film. And I want to take a moment to thank everyone that I’m looking at, [as well as] our entire crew. Maya swooped me up and took me to her house and kept me for a weekend. Jayma was like my touchstone. And Adam took me to a… what was it? The little fair they had [near the filming location in Ireland] every Sunday. I got calls from Patrick. Everyone enveloped me in love. I don’t have any sadness about my time with you, at the hardest time of my life, because that was the love of this film. So, I wanted to make sure I thanked you all again, and I’m so happy that our love letter is about to be out in the world. And I know my mother would want to thank you all, too, for taking care of her baby.”

Menzel on the shifts her character Nancy makes this time ‘round:

“Mine was a pretty drastic change [in the first film],” she admitted, chuckling. “I go from this cynical New York chick who jumps down a portal—or a manhole—and then I come out [entirely different].” (Shankman interrupted at this point, adding, “That’s not even the movie, that’s just her life!”—much to the assembled group’s delight.) Menzel continued, “It was so much fun, but the challenge was figuring out the balance; Adam and I would talk, and I’d say, ‘How much of my New York accent do I still have, coming back from Andalasia? And how much has this idyllic, romantic, beautiful, perfect place rubbed off on me?’ And then putting on the corset and all that—it was an easy journey for me.”

Mays, Nunez, and Baldacchino on being “newbies” in the cast:

“I was so excited to join this cast,” Mays said. “I was a huge, huge fan of the first film. So, when I got this job, I was like, ‘Great, I can retire now. I did it!’ And it was a dream. We had so much fun.” Nunez concurred, remembering one scene in particular: “I got to do a scene with Maya and Amy—Maya, who I’ve wanted to work with forever, and Amy was on The Office 35 years ago,” he kidded, laughing. “In between, while we were waiting to shoot, Amy—I don’t know if you remember this, but you would sing, always. We were so happy, just hanging out, and you wouldn’t stop singing with a big smile on your face. There was a lot of love there.”

“When I was little and even growing up, Enchanted was my favorite movie,” added Baldacchino, “so being able to join all these people was surreal to me. And I’m so, so grateful to sing music written by Alan Menken and Schwartz; I grew up performing, I love musical theater and singing—so that wasn’t new for me—but to get to originate something that they wrote is an honor.”

In a production still from Disenchanted, Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) is outside, standing in front of a board that has announcements tacked to it; he’s looking off screen to the left and smiling wide. He’s wearing a blue tunic with a white shirt underneath, as well as brown gloves. The sun is shining.

Dempsey on catching back up with Robert, and what movie musicals have taught him:

“At the very beginning, Robert is very much the same,” the actor explained, “although he is kind of trying to balance life with his new baby—and with his older child, and the conflict [there] between the stepmother, and that dynamic. But then getting into the larger-than-life stuff was completely freeing and really fun. For me, it was a fantastic ride. I had a great time, where I could do some sight-seeing in Ireland and work on the musical. And that whole process of finding your voice—working with the [vocal] coach on that—learning the lyrics and the choreography was an extraordinary experience, and something I’d never done before. I really appreciate the talent, the voices—the singing that Idina and Amy and Maya and everyone [does]. It’s an extraordinary feeling you get when you sing; the vibration—there’s something very intoxicating about it. So, it was nice to get a taste of that.”

Menken on working with Schwartz again to set Giselle and company’s world to music:

“Rather than write for any individual actors,” he explained, “Stephen and I—in the case of this musical—write for the characters and the storyline and take it from there. It just so happens that the actors are perfect for this. In terms of ‘where to start,’ in a way you start from the first Enchanted, which had the most amazing premise: We start in the world of early Walt Disney animation, and this animated princess is thrown into Times Square, where she’s totally unequipped to deal with what happens, and the score kind of grows up with her as she begins to adapt to this world. Well, in the new version, she longs for that world. So, we still go back to those early [themes]—but there’s no ‘happily ever after’ in our world, unlike, an animated ending. So, she makes this wish, and that just throws us into this amazing storyline.”

“Stephen and I had the best time working together,” Menken added. “It’s our fourth movie together: Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and now this.”

Shankman on why now is the right time for Disenchanted, and his own idea of “happily ever after”:

“Things were getting really complicated out in the world when we started all of this,” the director said. “There was just a lot of conflict going on, and it felt like it was a good time. The stars definitely aligned; the movie is coming out at the right time.”

He continued, “And I would say my ‘happily ever after’ is just the continued love and support of my friends and my loved ones around me. ‘Happily ever after’ sort of says ‘time stops’—because it indicates that life ceases; like bad things never happen again, which is not how life works. To be able to move through life with the joy and the love and the support, in good and bad, with my friends—this group included, for sure, and that is not bologna—that’s ‘happily ever after’ to me. To be able to keep that level of love and support and friends—and laughing!—that’s ‘happily ever after.’”

See Disney’s Disenchanted on Disney+ beginning this Friday, November 18!

Dreams Came True at the World Premiere of Disenchanted

Wednesday evening was a wish come true as the cast and crew of the Disney+ Original movie Disenchanted walked the red carpet at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. Set 10 years after the events of Enchanted (2007), Disenchanted follows Giselle, Robert, and Morgan as they move from bustling New York City to the small suburb of Monroeville. Their new home is a picture-perfect fairytale town, not far off from Giselle’s animated world of Andalasia—however, the family will soon learn that so much comes after happily ever after.

The cast of Disenchanted poses in a group photo in front of a sign for the film’s world premiere

Amy Adams looked regal at the premiere with newly inducted Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey. The pair return in Disenchanted as Giselle and Robert, a couple from opposite worlds who fell in love when Giselle was thrown into the human world by the evil Queen Narissa in Enchanted. Also returning for this charming sequel are Idina Menzel (Nancy) and James Marsden (Prince Edward) whose characters have been living in Andalasia since we last saw them get hitched at the end of Enchanted. Marsden performed two songs in the original film but gets the opportunity to sing with Menzel in Disenchanted. “Idina’s song is one of my favorite songs Alan [Menken] has ever written. It’s really fantastic. I can’t wait for it to drop and for everyone to start listening to it!” gushed the film’s music producer, Matthew Rush Sullivan. Fans will be delighted to find out that every main cast member sings in Disenchanted, so you’ll be sure to hear your favorite character on the soundtrack.

Gabriella Baldacchino poses on the red carpet for the Disenchanted world premiere.

 

This includes newcomer Gabriella Baldacchino, who is taking over the role of Robert’s daughter, Morgan, now age 16. For Baldacchino, being cast in Disenchanted still does not feel real. “To actually get to be in Disenchanted is something I could have never thought possible, and I am just so freaking grateful,” Baldacchino said. Luckily, cast members including Amy Adams were ready with lots of advice for her. “She said to me to not deny those feelings [of self-doubt], to just embrace them and bring them to my character and use them. And ever since, I think I have taken that with me in everything I do.”

Yvette Nicole Brown poses next to the poster for Disenchanted

Playing new characters in Disenchanted are acclaimed comedian and actor Maya Rudolph, Glee’s Jayma Mays, and Disney+ superstar Yvette Nicole Brown. Rudolph plays Malvina Monroe, a new foe for Giselle to face in Monroeville. Malvina is very popular in town—the place is even named after her! Along with Malvina comes Ruby (Mays) and Rosaleen (Brown), personal assistants who become new foes in Giselle’s quest to create her happily ever after.

Disney Legend Alan Menken in front of the step and repeat for the Disenchanted world premiere.

The final touch on this picture-perfect sequel is the magical music of composer Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Menken has written music for over a dozen of your favorite Disney movies, from The Little Mermaid to Captain America: The First Avenger, and has worked with Schwartz on films such as Pocahontas, Mulan, and, of course, Enchanted. For Disenchanted, Menken says he drew inspiration from the Disney classics: “This is the most Disney of all of them, because it goes deep into the history, the vault, of the writers who worked on Snow White, Cinderella, and Pinocchio—we were pulling from everything!”

Matthew Sullivan added, “There’s new music top to bottom! It’s all new songs.” We are sure that the songs created for Disenchanted will become earworms for the rest of the year and fan favorites for decades to come!

You can stream Disenchanted on Disney+ starting Friday, November 18. In the meantime, check out all the magical moments from the world premiere in the gallery below.

Stream Disenchanted on Disney+

Peter Sohn Breaks Down the Spark Between Ember and Wade in Elemental

By Zach Johnson

Opposites react in the just-released teaser trailer for Elemental, an all-new, original feature film from Pixar Animation Studios releasing on June 16, 2023. Set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, Elemental centers on Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis), a tough and fiery young woman, and Wade (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy.

Director Peter Sohn says Elemental is inspired by his formative years in New York City. “One piece is that there were fun times and hard times in my family,” he says. After his parents emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s, they built a grocery store in the Bronx, a neighborhood bustling with different cultures, languages, and people—much like Element City. While Ember and Wade may not appear to be compatible, Sohn says that’s the point: “The other piece is that I fell in love with someone who isn’t Korean—and my parents really wanted me to marry someone Korean—so there was a bit of a culture clash. Those two pieces of my life formed what would later become Elemental.”

Element City is made up of diverse inhabitants, including Ember and Wade, who will soon discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common. “The concept of the city itself started off with Ember,” Sohn tells D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We thought, ‘What’s the best city we can build to support Ember’s journey of identity and belonging?’ It started by thinking about a city that would be hard for fire, and so we based it off of water. The idea is that Water got to this area first, and then Earth came, so it became a delta. Then, they built a water infrastructure with water canals and elevated water channels everywhere, making it even tougher for Ember. Then, Air came in after that, and Fire was one of the last groups to come into the city.”

In other words, Sohn says, “It’s not the easiest for Ember.”

Life gets a little easier—and better—when Ember drops her headphones and her hand grazes Wade’s on the subway. “We wanted to create a good introduction to Ember and Wade’s possible relationship,” Sohn says. “There’s a little drop on Ember’s hand to remind you, ‘Oh, yeah, they can’t mix very well.’ It’s a subtle thing, but there’s a little smile at the end; there’s something there. What is that? It’s just a tease.”

Ember and Wade have instant chemistry, despite their seemingly obvious differences. “When I first pitched this story and started developing it, I asked myself: ‘What’s fire?’” Sohn tells D23. “People can see it as a temper. People can see it as passion. As a practical thing, fire burns and sparks—but what does it mean to burn bright? There are all these ingredients to what we already perceive as fire, and that started to form Ember’s personality. It’s the same thing for Wade. Water can be transparent. What does that mean? He wears his emotions on his sleeve. He goes with the flow. That helped form these personalities that were already pretty opposite, and then we had to find that Venn diagram of where they overlapped. That’s the hopeful magic. I hope people can buy into the sparks, the chemical reaction, that could form a relationship.”

Celebrate Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with Products from These Black-Owned Businesses

It is time to return to Wakanda, as Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now playing in theaters nationwide! To further extend the magic for our fans, Marvel has collaborated with a group of inspiring Black-owned businesses to develop product and collectibles that will bring joy for years to come. These collaborations embody the spirit and storytelling of the film and the importance of authentic representation. Marvel is excited to continue working with these brands and other Black-owned businesses on future projects.

World of EPI

The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fresh Fierce Collection was named the Doll of the Year at the 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. World of EPI and founder Dr. Lisa Williams authentically designed this Fresh Fierce Dolls collection in collaboration with Marvel. Featured are the iconic and strong female warriors from the film: Shuri, Okoye, and Nakia.

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold coffee has developed a new collection inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which includes coffee grounds and beans, as well as Keurig K-Cups themed to the film with reimagined special-edition packaging that highlights fan-favorite characters.

Pear Nova

Award-winning, luxury nail care brand Pear Nova has created a https://www.pearnova.com/pages/black-panther-wakanda-forever inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This nail collection embodies the resilience, vibrancy, and innovation of the Wakandan culture and even includes “vibranium” claws!

FUBU

Sportswear brand FUBU has released apparel featuring Black Panther designs, and this collection has the coolest streetwear styles for men and women. Pictured above is the Black Panther Tie Dye Crewneck and the Women’s Black Panther Tee.

A Dozen Cousins

This product line from A Dozen Cousins features characters from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and includes new, co-branded Jollof Rice, Jerk Chicken, and Coconut Rice Seasoning Sauces, alongside a “vibranium” spoon, which is inspired by the rare and powerful metal native to the fictional nation of Wakanda.

Young King Hair Care

Young King Hair Care develops natural hair care products. The Young King Hair Care Black Panther Styling Balm Hair Pomade and Young King Hair Care Black Panther Co-Wash Hair Treatment products are inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and include characters from the film on the packaging.

Actively Black

Athleisure brand Actively Black has released a collection that features styles for both men and women—which includes performance shirts, tights, hoodies, and joggers—emblazoned with official Black Panther artwork.

All of these items would make great holiday gifts for Marvel fans! Check out these incredible Black-owned businesses and make sure to watch Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, now in theaters.