First Look: See Paige O’Hara, Richard White, and Alan Menken’s Cameos in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration

By Zach Johnson

Oh, isn’t it amazing!

Later this week, ABC will broadcast the animated and live-action blended special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration... but before you can say “bonjour,” D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can exclusively announce that Disney Legend Paige O’Hara and Richard White will cameo in the star-studded spectacle! Presented by The Wonderful World of Disney, the two-hour reimagining of the beloved story Beauty and the Beast was taped in front of a live audience at Disney Studios and will air Thursday, December 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and will be available stream on Disney+ Friday. (Pre-save music from the special before the album debuts on Thursday, December 15.)

In a still from ABC’s Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Paige O’Hara, wearing a brown and orange striped dress, a blue and white apron, and a white shawl, stands in front of Woolverton’s Books. H.E.R., wearing a blue dress, a white shirt, and a blue bow in her hair, peruses the book selection. She carries a white wicker basket in her arm.

O’Hara and White’s cameos should delight fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 1991 animated feature film Beauty and the Beast, as they voiced Belle and Gaston, respectively. In Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, O’Hara will play a librarian, while White will play a baker. The two stars will appear in the opening number, “Belle.” Keep an eye out for some additional Easter eggs, like the sign for Woolverton’s Books (above), which is named after Linda Woolverton—who wrote the screenplay for the classic film.

In a still from ABC’s Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Paige O’Hara, wearing a brown and orange striped dress, a blue and white apron, and a white shawl, hands a book to H.E.R., wearing a blue dress, a white shirt, and a blue bow in her hair. Behind them, a man caresses an illustration of a pig.

Not only that, but Disney Legend Alan Menken, composer of the original animated film, will also makes a fun cameo in “Belle.” Look for him playing piano on the song!

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration has no shortage of superstars. As previously announced, five-time Grammy®- and Academy Award®-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. will play Belle, Josh Groban will play the Beast, Joshua Henry will play Gaston, Martin Short will play Lumière, David Alan Grier will play Cogsworth, Shania Twain will play Mrs. Potts, Leo Abelo Perry will play Chip, Rizwan Manji will play LeFou, and Jon Jon Briones will play Maurice, while the imitable Rita Moreno will serve as the narrator.

In a still from ABC’s Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Richard White, wearing an apron, a chef’s hat, bloomers, and brown buckled shoes, walks with H.E.R., wearing a blue dress, a white shirt, and a blue bow in her hair.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of when Beauty and the Beast became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The film went on to win the Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, while the song “Beauty and the Beast” won the Oscar® for Best Original Song in 1992.

Jon M. Chu, who is in an overall deal with Disney Television Studios, executive produces Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, with Hamish Hamilton directing and executive producing. Caitlin Foito, Raj Kapoor, Richard Kraft, and Katy Mullan are also executive producers, and H.E.R. is a producer. Done+Dusted, in association with Walt Disney Television Alternative and Electric Somewhere, are producing the special. The creative team for Beauty and the Beast: a 30th Celebration includes set designer Julio Himede, choreographer Jamal Sims, and costume designer Marina Toybina.

“Beauty and the Beast is a timeless story and we’re so fortunate to work with creative mastermind Jon M. Chu and veteran director Hamish Hamilton to bring a modern twist to this beloved classic for an unforgettable night of Disney magic,” Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, said earlier this year. “Stacked with unforgettable performances, this will be a must-see special event for fans of the original and for the new generation being introduced to this cherished tale.”

“Beauty and the Beast was always a game-changing cinematic experience for me,” Chu added. “When the animated movie came out, I watched it multiple times in the first weekend. It showed me the outer limits of what animated artists and storytellers could achieve, so the fact that I get to executive produce a tribute to all the creatives that made this masterpiece through our Electric Somewhere company is a dream I didn’t even think was possible. With world-class creatives and talent to reinterpret the classic musical numbers (with a few surprises), I can’t wait for the audiences, in person and at home, to experience what we have in store for them. It’s a true celebration of creativity.”

Disney Wins 16 Emmy® Awards at the Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy Award Ceremonies

The Walt Disney Company won 16 Emmy® Awards this weekend at the inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy Awards across its content brands and studios: Disney Branded Television, Disney Junior, Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television, Pixar Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Studios. Disney’s streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu earned 13 wins and one, respectively.

A complete list of Disney’s Emmy Award wins follows:

Sneakerella (Disney+/Disney Branded Television)
4 wins

  • Outstanding Fiction Special
  • Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Live Action Program
  • Outstanding Editing for a Single Camera Program
  • Outstanding Choreography

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Disney+/20th Television/Disney Branded Television)
2 wins

  • Outstanding Directing for a Single Camera Program
  • Outstanding Costume Design/Styling

The Quest (Disney+/Disney Branded Television)
2 wins

  • Outstanding Directing for a Multiple Camera Program
  • Outstanding Special Effects Costumes, Makeup, and Hairstyling for a Live Action Program

Rueby Wood stars as Nate in 20th Century Studios’ Better Nate Than Ever Wood wears a white suit jacket, a white shirt, black pants, and a black bowtie. He is standing center stage. Behind him are male dancers on one side and female dancers on the other, as well as a marquee that says NATE in block letters.

Better Nate Than Ever (Disney+/Walt Disney Studios)
1 win

  • Outstanding Cinematography for a Live Action Single Camera Program

Ciao Alberto (Disney+/Pixar Animation Studios)
1 win

  • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program

Endlings (Hulu)
1 win

  • Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program

Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas (Disney Junior/Disney Branded Television)
1 win

  • Outstanding Voice Performance in a Preschool Animated Program – Daniel Ross

Val, a furry monster with orange, red, and yellow ombre fur and incredibly long legs, drives a car in a darkened hallway. In the passenger seat is Tylor, a tall, scaly purple monster with blue stripes on his shoulder, short blue hair, and two long horns that extend horizontally from the top of his head.

Monsters at Work (Disney+/Disney Branded Television/Disney Television Animation)
1 win – Juried Award

  • Individual Achievement in Animation – Character Design – Ron Tolentino Velasco

Muppet Babies (Disney Junior/Disney Branded Television)
1 win

  • Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Program

Muppets Haunted Mansion (Disney+/Disney Branded Television)
1 win

  • Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design (tie)

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+/Disney Branded Television)
1 win

  • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From a time-traveling limited series to a reimagining of a beloved Disney film, you won’t want to miss all the spectacular titles coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week. On Tuesday, all episodes of FX’s new limited series Kindred launch on Hulu. The first two episodes of National Treasure: Edge of History premiere Wednesday on Disney+. ABC’s Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration special premieres Thursday on the network. Last but not least, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Prep & Landing airs Friday on Freeform as part of the network’s “25 Days of Christmas” festivities, and Disney Original Documentary’s If These Walls Could Sing debuts that same day on Disney+.

In a scene from the FX series Kindred, actor Mallori Johnson portrays Dana James and sits at a wooden table with each hand resting on the top. Johnson looks to her left with wide, teary eyes. Johnson wears a tan, long-sleeved sweater. On the table is a single metal candle holder covered in wax. Johnson sits inside a dimly lit wooden cabin. Behind Johnson are an old metal candelabra on the wall and a wooden rocking chair with a multi-colored quilt draped on the back of the chair.

Kindred—Tuesday, December 13, on Hulu
Adapted from Octavia E. Butler’s celebrated novel of the same name, the FX series—intended only for mature audiences—centers on Dana James (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who is ready for a new life in Los Angeles. But, before Dana can settle into her new home, she finds herself being pulled back and forth in time. She emerges at a 19th-century plantation—a place connected to Dana and her family—where she learns unknown family secrets. The limited series also stars Micah Stock as Kevin Franklin, Ryan Kwanten as Thomas Weylin, Gayle Rankin as Margaret Weylin, Austin Smith as Luke, David Alexander Kaplan as Rufus Weylin, Sophina Brown as Sarah, and Sheria Irving as Olivia. All episodes are available on the streamer at launch.

In a scene from the Disney+ Original series National Treasure: Edge of History, from left to right, actors Lisette Olivera as Jess Valenzuela and Harvey Keitel as Peter Sandusky stand face-to-face inside a dimly lit room covered with wood paneling. Olivera wears a brown leather jacket on top of a long-sleeved cream top. Keitel wears a charcoal long-sleeved top, a charcoal sweater vest with a black argyle design, and a silver watch on his left wrist. Behind Olivera and Keitel are a large wooden bureau—topped with old books, an antique glass lamp, and two daggers in a jar—and a large landscape painting with an ornate golden frame.

National Treasure: Edge of History—Wednesday, December 14, on Disney+
The all-new Disney+ Original series—an expansion of the National Treasure film franchise—follows Jess Valenzuela (Lisette Olivera), whose life is turned upside down when a stranger gives her a clue to a centuries-old treasure that might be connected to her late father. An avid puzzle-solver, Jess puts her skills to the test as she and her friends follow a series of clues hidden in American artifacts and landmarks. Can she outsmart an antiquities dealer who is also on the hunt for the lost treasure? The first two episodes debut at launch, followed by new episodes premiering weekly on Wednesdays thereafter. The series also stars Catherine Zeta Jones as Billie, Jake Austin Walker as Liam, Jordan Rodrigues as Ethan, Zuri Reed as Tasha, Antonio Cipriano as Oren, and Lyndon Smith as Agent Ross.

In a scene from the ABC special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, musical performer HER portrays Belle, smiles, and stands center. HER holds a book with a royal blue book jacket against her chest. A white wicker basket dangles on her right arm. H.E.R. wears a white blouse, a blue jumper, and a white apron adorned with several red flowers, and brown leather booties. Behind HER are a crowd of townspeople dressed in colorful period ensembles and a large backdrop painted to resemble a small town with cream buildings and red-tiled roofs.

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration—Thursday, December 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
This year marks the 30th anniversary of when Disney’s Beauty and the Beast became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars®, and the theme song “Beauty and the Beast” won the Academy Award® for Best Original Song. To commemorate the milestone anniversary for this “tale as old as time,” ABC will present an animated and live action-blended special with a star-studded cast. Award-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. will play Belle, while Josh Groban will portray the Beast. The special also stars Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan-Grier as Cogsworth, Rizwan Manji as LeFou, Jon Jon Briones as Maurice, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, Leo Abelo Perry as Chip, and Rita Moreno as the narrator. The special will be available to stream the following day on Disney+.

In a scene from the Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film Prep & Landing, elves Wayne and Lanny stand inside a brick fireplace with their arms extended outward and surrounded by a cloud of smoke. Wayne and Lanny both wear round goggles with neon green lenses over their eyes, a pointy green hat with red round balls on the end, a green coat with green fur around the collar and piping the edges, a pair of green leggings with red and green stripes, and shoes with curled toes. Above their heads hang three red Christmas stockings with white fur and a green garland with white lights. A poinsettia in a green pot is on the hearth next to a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. Opposite is a green Christmas tree decorated with white lights, red and white candy canes, and red Christmas ornaments.

Prep & Landing—Friday, December 16, at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on Freeform
After working in Prep & Landing for 227 years, Wayne (voiced by David Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Wayne is partnered with Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson)—a rookie with neverending excitement for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny are dealt unexpected challenges that test their limits, but will the elves be able to guide Santa’s reindeer through an intense snowstorm?

In a scene from the Disney Original Documentary If These Walls Could Sing, musician Paul McCartney sits in a red-padded chair inside a recording studio. McCartney wears a dark blue button-down shirt with an abstract light blue design and a pair of black pants. Surrounding McCartney are a piano, guitars, an organ, amps, speakers, and large microphones.

If These Walls Could Sing—Friday, December 16, on Disney+
For more than 90 years, Abbey Road Studios has been at the heart of the music industry. Fans journey every year to have their photo taken at the famous crosswalk, and artists aspire to follow in the footsteps of their heroes. In this Disney Original Documentary film, Mary McCartney guides viewers through nine decades of music magic and interviews iconic musicians including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Disney Legend Elton John, John Williams, and many more.

Enter for a chance to win a stellar iPad Mini from Disney Mirrorverse!

Looking for a way to play Disney Mirrorverse in style this holiday season? Enter the D23 Season of Magic Sweepstakes today for a chance to win an Apple iPad Mini, courtesy of Disney Mirrorverse! Act fast; entries close at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 12.

Last month, D23 fans got an exclusive first look at the Beast’s upcoming release. Well, we don’t need a clock (or a candlestick!) to tell us that the hour has come for the Beast to officially roar into action.

In Disney Mirrorverse, stellar magic has amplified the Beast’s protective spirit, helping him to defend his fellow Guardians. Now united with the powerfully evolved Belle, these two stand strong, shoulder-to-shoulder against the threat of Fractured foes.

Don’t miss the “Beast of Intentions” event, live now through December 26. In this special event, Beast meets fellow Mirrorverse Guardian Elsa and must learn to work together with her in order to protect the townsfolk of Port Royal from disaster.

Collect the Beast, available for a limited time, and many other powerfully amplified Disney and Pixar characters, in Disney Mirrorverse today, and create unexpected match-ups of Guardians. Your dream team awaits in the Mirrorverse! And don’t forget, Olaf, the Elemental of Heart and Hearth, will be available starting December 27!

Download and play Disney Mirrorverse today, on the App Store or Google Play!

Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes start at 12:00 a.m. ET on December 8, 2022, and end at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 14, 2022, conducted as 7 separate and distinct entry periods and drawings. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are at least 18 years of age or older at the time of entry (or the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence, whichever is older). 7 prize packs are available to be won (ARV: $105-$500). Void where prohibited. For eligibility requirements, entry instructions, prize pack descriptions, odds and limitations, see full Official Rules at http://d23.com/seasonofmagic-rules. Sponsor: Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., dba D23 Worldwide, 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521- 8440.

New The Simpsons Short Debuts on Disney+ Next Week—Plus More in News Briefs

Disney+ Announces New Short—The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’

Consider it an early holiday gift for fans of Bart Simpson and his family: Earlier this week, Disney+ announced that the new short The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’ will debut Thursday, December 15, exclusively on the streaming service. In the short, Homer surprises Marge with the ultimate gift: an unforgettable performance from Italian opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and his 25-year-old son, Matteo, and 10-year-old daughter, Virginia.

As an added bonus, on December 15, Andrea, Matteo, and Virginia Bocelli will also release the new single “Feliz Navidad,” featured in the short and from their new album, A Family Christmas.

The festivities continue Saturday, December 17, as The Simpsons celebrates an incredible 33 years since its first episode aired in 1989! The first 33 seasons are available to stream on Disney+.

The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’ is the latest in a collection of shorts from The Simpsonscreated exclusively for the streamer. The previously released shorts, currently available on Disney+ in The Simpsons collection, include Welcome to the Club; When Billie Met Lisa; Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’; The Good, The Bart, and The Loki; and The Simpsons in Plusaversary.

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

’Twas the second-to-last weekend before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring… because they were watching some quality holiday content from around the worlds of Disney. What’s on the merry menu? Check out the Freeform network premiere of Frozen 2; celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol by streaming it on Disney+; watch the broadcast premiere of Avatar on ABC; and so much more.

New Trailer for Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2

Disney+ just released the trailer for Season 2 of the Lucasfilm Animation series Star Wars: The Bad Batch.

Set months after the events on Kamino, Season 2 catches up with the Bad Batch as they continue their journey navigating the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They’ll cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they take on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will bring them to unexpected and dangerous new places…

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 stars Dee Bradley Baker who voices the Bad Batch and Michelle Ang who voices Omega. Returning guest stars include Rhea Perlman as Cid and Noshir Dalal as Vice Admiral Rampart, while Wanda Sykes will make her series debut by voicing Phee Genoa.

The new season debuts Wednesday, January 4, with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday starting January 11. Mark your galactic calendars!

Image of Disney’s island, Castaway Cay, from above. A Disney Cruise Line ship is seen at the top right of the image; on the left and bottom are several inlets, where there are beaches filled with people and umbrellas. Further inland are many trees, huts, and other buildings. The water is a bright blue.

News from Disney Cruise Line—A Return to Tropical Destinations and More

Amazing news from our pals at Disney Cruise Line: In early 2024, they’ll return to top tropical destinations in the Bahamas—including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—as well as the Caribbean and Mexico, delighting guests of all ages with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. A variety of enchanting itineraries will set sail coast-to-coast from U.S. home ports including Port Canaveral, Florida; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and San Diego.

The Disney Dream will begin early 2024 with an assortment of cruises to the Bahamas and western Caribbean. Guests can choose from three- and four-night getaways to the Bahamas and five-night vacations to the Western Caribbean, all of which will feature classic Disney Cruise Line experiences such as Broadway-style shows, innovative dining, character encounters, and fireworks at sea. Meanwhile, the Disney Wish will kick off 2024 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Line’s home port located just one hour from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Cruises aboard the Disney Wish combine enchanting entertainment and numerous Disney Cruise Line firsts, bringing to life Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars stories around every corner of the vessel. Also from Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will continue seven-night sailings to the white-sand beaches of the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

The Disney Magic will have two limited-time engagements in Galveston in early 2024, and New Orleans will also welcome the ship back for a second consecutive year in February 2024 with four-, five-, and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean. And after returning from its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, the Disney Wonder will arrive in San Diego, California, in March 2024 for three- to seven-night voyages to Mexico, including the Baja peninsula.

Bookings open to the public on Thursday, December 15. For more details, visit the 2024 Itineraries page of disneycruise.com.

But that’s not all: Starting in just a few weeks’ time, nine seven-night sailings on the Disney Fantasy will include a day-long celebration dedicated to the beloved tales of Pixar! Featuring an all-new nighttime spectacular, character encounters, dance and pool parties, and activities for the entire family, Pixar Day at Sea will debut with some “incredible” entertainment offerings on January 7, 2023!

A concept art rendering of inside the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. We’re in a bayou scene; Tiana is seen at right, dressed in a greenish jacket and dark pants. On the left is an animal band made up of an otter, rabbit, racoon, beaver, turtle, and more. Some frogs are seen on the lower right. Louis the alligator is seen to the band’s left. A ride vehicle of guests is floating through at center.

New Scene and Characters Revealed from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

As announced last week by the good folks at the Disney Parks Blog, a new scene and brand-new characters have been revealed for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024. Inspired by the hit animated film The Princess and the Frog, the attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey with Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis.

The rendering above depicts the exciting moment when guests first drop into the bayou and encounter friends both new and familiar. Fireflies will light up the night as guests cruise deeper into the bayou, and zydeco music will fill the air. It’s here where Louis explains where the music is coming from—a band of critters, including an otter, rabbit, racoon, beaver, turtle, and many others. The band members sing and play instruments made of natural materials found in the bayou.

In preparation for the thrilling new attraction, Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort will be closed beginning Monday, January 23, 2023. Additional information about Splash Mountain at Disneyland Resort will be announced at a later date.

Headshots of three performers from ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023: On the left, FINNEAS is wearing a grey suit with stripes and an orange button-up shirt, standing against an orange background; the image is purposefully blurry. In the middle, Halle Bailey is wearing a red top and is standing against a mirrored background. To the right, Billy Porter is wearing a gold tunic and white overcoat, and several rings on each hand, standing against a white background.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023 Announces Performers

There’s a star-studded line-up headed our way this New Year’s Eve on ABC, when Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest returns to ring in 2023!

Viewers can expect incredible performances from several different (and memorable) locations: At Disneyland Resort (pre-taped), look for co-host Ciara to welcome Fitz and The Tantrums, Maddie & Tae, Shaggy with Olaf Blackwood; Ben Platt with Aly & AJ; Halle Bailey; TOMORROW X TOGETHER aka TXT with Seori; Bailey Zimmerman (“Fall in Love,” “Rock and a Hard Place”); and Lauren Spencer-Smith. The Los Angeles celebration features performances by Wiz Khalifa; FINNEAS; Armani White; Betty Who; Dove Cameron; Nicky Youre; and DJ D-Nice. And Billy Porter will perform a medley of his hits in New Orleans, where he will co-host New Year’s Rockin’ Eve festivities for the Central Time Zone countdown.

Plus, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023 will also return to Puerto Rico as the first countdown on the show to welcome the New Year with Puerto Rican actress and singer Roselyn Sanchez as co-host. Puerto Rican singer and rapper Farruko will also be in attendance and perform. Last year, the island was the inaugural destination for the show’s first-ever Spanish language countdown!

The annual special will air live on ABC on Saturday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Don’t miss out!

ICYMI: Disney Announces Restoration and Recreation of the Interior of Walt Disney’s Plane to Its 1960s Design

Earlier this week, the Palm Springs Air Museum (as well as members of D23) celebrated Walt Disney’s birthday with a VIP party and the opening of a new exhibit to accompany Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I airplane. But the big news revealed during the event is that the museum—in conjunction with Phoenix Air—will restore and recreate the interior of the Gulfstream I to resemble what it looked like when Walt flew it in the 1960s! Read more about this exciting announcement here.

Bailey Bass on Playing Tsireya in Avatar: The Way of Water

By Zach Johnson

Before 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, December 16, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is introducing five new characters. Each day this week, visit D23.com for an exclusive interview with actors Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, and Sigourney Weaver.

In James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, Bailey Bass stars as Tsireya, daughter of Metkayina clan leaders Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) and Ronal (Kate Winslet). After making the long journey across the vast oceans of Pandora, the Sullys seek shelter from the Metkayina clan. Jake (Sam Worthington) invokes Uturu, a Na’vi tradition stating that any refugee seeking sanctuary must be granted safe harbor. Reluctantly welcoming their guests, Ronal and Tonowari instruct Tsireya and her brother, Aonung (Filip Geljo), to help the Sully kids adapt to the water clan’s customs and traditions. Tsireya’s ties to her family are tested once Jake and Neytiri’s son, Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), enters her life. In outtakes from Disney twenty-three, the publication available exclusively to Gold and Gold Duo Members, Bass opens up about her role, working with A-list stars, and more.

D23: How does it feel to make your feature film debut in Avatar: The Way of Water?
Bailey Bass (BB): Wow. Hearing it like that makes it feel so real! I’ve always known I wanted to be an actor, so to get to live the dream and work with people who truly love the craft of acting is incredible. I’m extremely grateful and thrilled to be a part of the Avatar franchise.

D23: How would you describe your character? How are you similar to her?
BB: Tsireya is kind and warm. She sees people for the best of who they are. I tend to be the optimist in my family and try to sympathize with people, because we never know what someone is going through. Fortunately, Jim hired actors who have a lot of similarities to their characters, which made stepping into the world of Pandora easier.

D23: The Metkayina clan lives in harmony with their surrounding oceans. Did you get scuba-certified like other actors—and if so, what did the process entail?
BB: Yes, I did—and in Hawaii of all places! I remember the captain of the boat we were using during scuba certification telling me, “This is an incredible place to get certified. I got certified in a mucky lake.” Britain and I got to swim through reefs. There was even a rare sighting of a 4-foot shark and whale together. We snorkeled near them!

D23: How else did you prepare for your role?
BB: There was a lot of training involved in the preparation for filming. We spent months working on everything from freediving, to parkour, to dialect—even going out and swimming in Hawaii was part of it. Jim wanted the cast who was part of the Metkayina clan to remember what the sand felt like, the way the salt water waves glided against our skin, the way the ocean and the animals in it lived in harmony. He gave us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in it so that when we stepped onto the gray soundstage a couple weeks later, we could imagine and visualize Pandora in a real way.

D23: What was it like filming the second and third films simultaneously?
BB: On any given day we could be filming scenes from the middle of the second film and then cut and shoot a scene from the beginning of the third film. It was a very supportive set, led by Jim Cameron. He was our anchor, so I always felt like I knew what I was doing.

D23: How does Avatar: The Way of Water lead into the events of the third film?
BB: We introduce a lot of new characters in Avatar: The Way of Water and really take the time to show who they are. Leading into Avatar 3, we built a foundation to explore all the places Pandora has to offer and get to explore the characters more along that journey.

D23: What do you hope Disney fans take away from Avatar: The Way of Water?
BB: I’m a Disney fan myself, and there’s this feeling we get when watching a Disney film or stepping into a Disney park... and that feeling is magic. Disney creates an escape like no other, one that’s often filled with feeling and hope. So, I hope fans fall in love with the magic throughout Avatar: The Way of Water—the magic in the characters, the magic in their homes, and the environments around them.

Disney+ Welcomes You Back to the Big Blue House

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Do you know a place where bears, lemurs, mice, otters, and the moon all hang out? Children of the ’90s know where to go—the Big Blue House! The beloved series Bear in the Big Blue House, developed by The Jim Henson Company, introduced kids to a house full of lovable puppets who spend the day singing songs, learning about the world, and being just plain silly. Now the series isn’t just limited to ’90s kids’ memories, since it’s streaming on Disney+ for your nostalgic viewing pleasure… or to introduce the youngsters in your life to the wonders of Woodland Valley!

To celebrate the arrival of Bear in the Big Blue House on the big, blue streaming service, D23 talked with two of the performers behind the beloved characters: Noel MacNeal, who brought Bear himself to life, and Peter Linz, the mastermind behind fan-favorite character Tutter, a mouse, along with performing Pip the otter and a variety of other characters.

D23: How does it feel to see the enduring fan base for Bear in the Big Blue House?
Noel McNeal (NM): It’s truly gratifying to see that the kids that originally grew up with Bear are now introducing their kids to the show.
Peter Linz (PL): Same here. Seeing these parents that were little kids—that were our first audience—introducing it to their own children and people posting about it! We didn’t have posting back in the Bear days. We didn’t get internet in Woodland Valley.

Noel MacNeal smiles and poses with Bear on the set of Bear in the Big Blue House

D23: How did you develop characters and mannerisms for something as big as a bear or as tiny as a mouse?
NM: I went there to audition and Peter Van Rodin, who was the executive [producer] at the time, said, “Use your own voice.” It was explained they wanted something so that adults and kids could sit through it [together, so] you can continue having your time with each other, like a caregiver and a kid. It got sort of established that the adults would have these very distinct adult voices, but then the kid characters would have more cartoony voices, more kid-like voices.
PL: Side question for when you first did Bear: Was that was the first time you had done a puppet just using your own voice and not doing anything to it? Did you find it challenging when you first started doing it?
NM: Actually it was. Back then, before I became a dad, I called it my “Uncle Neal” mode. It’s slightly higher and lighter than my normal voice.
PL: Tutter was originally a female character, so that’s where the high voice came from. And actually just… [speaking in Tutter’s voice] Gosh, I don’t know where I came from. We picture a little boy in New York, you know what I’m saying? [Resuming his regular voice] Somehow, this little neurotic mouse has always lived in me, and I had no idea. He is my favorite type of puppet—no mechanisms. A couple of rods go up his body into his arm and his little tail, and then he’s just a mushy sock puppet. You can get so much expression out of something that really has no expression at all. It’s a wonderful challenge.

Bear sings inside his attic, where the door is open to the night sky. Luna, the moon, sings along with Bear from the sky.

D23: Why do you think Bear in the Big Blue House has had such a major impact on its fans?
NM: The show addresses universal truths of childhood. It’s a different world now, and there’s internet and technology and society’s changed, but there are certain universal truths about childhood. Kids still have birthday parties. Kids are still concerned about bugs and lightning. It addresses all those universal truths—they have a trusted caregiver, and that relationship is universal. The other thing is big and small. Big and small is a very big deal little kids, and the show has this big bear and these little creatures with big problems.

The other thing is the writing is superb. It’s just so important with, especially with children’s shows, that the writing be so on point and it was so well written and constructed that it holds up. It wasn’t too loud, it wasn’t in your face, it wasn’t too frantic, which is why it resonated so well with parents of kids with autism and special needs. Years later I would get fan emails from people saying that their kids, even though they’re grown, would still watch it on DVD or the VHS tape that they still had. So, the fact that this is back on for that audience is truly wonderful.

D23: What is your favorite episode of Bear in the Big Blue House?
NM: I loved the one I got to direct which was called “Volunteers of Woodland Valley.” And it was a specially written episode so that—because Bear was usually in 99.9% of all the scenes—this one was written so that Bear hurts his foot. He has to stay home, so his friends go out and volunteer for him. That’s the excuse for why Bear isn’t in the scene. And that was a really fun episode!
PL: “Tutter Family Reunion” was also a lot of fun. So many mice all over the kitchen.
NM: We got to invite our puppeteer friends of ours like, “Come! Come be a mouse!”
PL: The other fun thing is being in Tutter’s mouse hole. The set was elevated and I was under the set and I had big, fat Sharpie, so I made it like he had tagged underneath the mouse hole, “Mice rule, bears drool.”

D23: Who was your favorite character, besides your own?
NM: I liked the dynamic Bear had with Doc Hog.
PL: ’Cause it was another adult!
NM: He’s another adult character. The thing with Doc Hog—he would always cut you off and finish your sentences. Then, the other character was Jeremiah Tortoise, who originally was the postmaster and then became owner of the general store. When Jeremiah would say something, you’d have to finish the sentence. So, there was a great scene one time with Bear and Jeremiah and Doc Hog playing cards, and if Doc wasn’t cutting you off, Jeremiah was talking and you had to coax to get the rest of it out. I thought it was like guys’ night at the Blue House. It was really funny having these adult characters there.

An image of Tutter the mouse screaming, edited so a variety of pink heart emojis surround him as though they are emanating from him.

D23: Like you mentioned, social media didn’t exist when Bear in the Big Blue House debuted. How does it feel to see your characters’ rise in popularity on social media now, where they resonate with an entirely new audience?
PL: A lot of these characters have a whole second life outside this series. We were last in the studio 20-something years ago. Every time someone shares something with me, it’s just delightful.

The door is open, so come on in!

Stream Bear in the Big Blue House on Disney+

Gino the Gorilla Celebrates his 42nd Birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

By Andie Hagemann

We’re going bananas—because it is almost Gino’s birthday!

On Friday, December 30, this western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, turns 42 years old. Not only is Gino the oldest gorilla at the Park, but he is also a “Day One nimal, residing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening day in 1998. You may even recognize him as one of the stars from the series Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+ and National Geographic.

“It really amazes me how he is the incredible gorilla he is because he’s also a geriatric animal,” says Rachel Daneault, animal manager with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, who has worked with Gino since 2001. “He’s the only ‘OG’ from our family group—all the other animals from our family group when we opened have moved on to other accredited institutions . It’s a real testament [to him] that he’s been here for that long and he is the phenomenal guy that he is now.”

Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment cast members pull out all the stops to make birthdays extra special by creating animal-friendly birthday cakes, special enrichment items, and delectably appropriate treats for the animal to enjoy (and share). In celebration of Gino’s 41st birthday last year, the team created a cake made with a few of his favorite foods: alfalfa, pureed sweet potatoes, topped with grapes, blueberries, kiwis, and other fruit, all perched on a bed of banana leaves. Additionally, “41” was painted on rocks inside the habitat on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail with rice cereal while green beans were arranged on the ground in the shape of “41.” Last, but certainly not least, there were plenty of lettuce bouquets on hand for Gino to nosh on.

“Gino is the silverback and gets first dibs at all the good things—we can make a big cake, put it in there, and know that he’ll get some of it,” Daneault says. “However, with one of the less dominant females or one of the kids, we have to be clever with how we celebrate. Sometimes we will smear food in the shape of the number on a rock for a gorilla  that we know will sneak down and find it before Gino does.”

Despite his status as the silverback, Gino is often a goofball and engages with the people and animals around him. He loves to be the center of attention and has been known to make eye contact with Park guests and interact with children through the viewing panel of his habitat. And over the years, Gino has formed a unique relationship with his keepers.

“There are times when I’m in a training session with him—he’s in a goofy mood—and instead of doing the training, he’s doing a little dance,” Daneault shares with a laugh. “I love those moments because I feel a real connection with him.”

Shares Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko, a veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, “I have less day-to-day contact, so it’s taken me a lot of time to try to establish those relationships that the keepers already have. For me, one of the most memorable moments was when Gino started trying to get my attention and blowing kisses like he does with the keepers. When he did that for me, I thought, ‘I made it!’ and was accepted as part of the group”

Both Dr. Mylniczenko and Daneault credit Gino’s vigor to the focus on daily training and health behaviors in particular, including teeth brushing. Gorillas are very similar to us!

“Like most gorillas, Gino has dental disease, so every morning we have him come up to us (through a protected contact barrier) and we brush his teeth—he has several pockets in his mouth that we have to flush,” Daneault says. “Cardiac disease is also common in gorillas, so we practice cardiac ultrasounds and [Dr. Mylniczenko] will help us with that. We also bring in another ultrasonographer who will get readings and send them to The Great Ape Health Project. Every morning, and usually again midday, we do these training sessions to be able to do these behaviors to make sure he’s healthy and that everything is normal with him.”

In between exams and enrichment, Gino loves to play, especially with his children. Currently, five of his 14 offspring still live in his family group, which is remarkable for silverback gorillas.

“I think one of the reasons our guests connect with Gino in particular, is because he’s such a good dad,” Daneault shares. “We have families who come in, they see him, and he’ll be playing with his two 8-year-old sons or he will be playing with his 1-year-old daughter, and they can relate to that. Actually, 8 years old is quite old for a male gorilla to still be with his natal family group. One of the reasons we feel we’re successful is because Gino is very tolerant of their behavior, but he also still loves to play with them every day.”

Adds Dr. Mylniczenko, “He’s managing his family all day, essentially. It’s funny for me to try to get an echocardiogram done with him trying so hard to focus while his kids are all around [trying to get his attention].”

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

By Andie Hagemann

From Pandora to New York City (and even the unknown), this weekend is chock-full of thrilling adventures. Season 4 of the Hulu Original series The Mighty Ones premieres Friday on the streaming service. On Saturday, don’t miss Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and the network premiere of Frozen 2, both airing on Freeform. And on Sunday celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol by streaming the holiday classic on Disney+, followed by the broadcast premiere of Avatar airing that night on ABC.

In a scene from Hulu Original series The Mighty Ones, Rocksy, a light blue, abstract character with green curly hair sits in a large red chair with both arms extended forward while grabbing red-handed levers. Rocksy is in a large control room with colorful round buttons, large rectangular screens, and red square buttons. A single, yellow spotlight shines on Rocksy.

The Mighty Ones—Friday, December 9, on Hulu
The hilarious misadventures continue as the pals explore their backyard wonderland in the all-new fourth season. The Mighty Ones are forced to live as pirates searching for dry land after a big flood, while Very Berry (voiced by Alex Cazeres) questions her friendship with her new feathered friend. Elsewhere, Rocksy (voiced by Jessica McKenna) experiments with in a home makeover. These little beings might be a tad misguided but they always have each other’s backs come snow, wind, or any atmospheric phenomenon that threatens the yard that they call home. All episodes are available to stream at launch.

In a scene from 20th Century Studios’ Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, actors Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern each look out of the windows of two miniature houses with Christmas decorations. Pesci wears a solid black beanie and black coat. Pesci stands inside a small, white house with blue windows and red trim. Stern wears a white T-shirt and black jacket. Stern stands inside a miniature house decorated like a gingerbread house with a colorful roof, candy cane-like pillars, red trim, and circular, colorful lollipops.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York—Saturday, December 10, at 3:40 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The network’s “25 Days of Christmas” festivities continue with a presentation of this hilarious sequel. Welp, it happened again. Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) loses track of his father at the airport and mistakenly boards a plane bound for New York City—while the rest of the McCallisters fly to Florida. Now alone in the Big Apple, Kevin cons his way into a room at the Plaza Hotel and begins his usual antics. But Kevin’s fun is soon threated when he discovers that the Sticky Bandits, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), are on the loose.

In a scene from Walt Disney Animation’s feature film Frozen 2, Elsa stands in forest with several brown and orange trees, with her left hand placed on a light brown tree. Elsa has long blonde hair that is styled in a large single braid, big blue eyes, and wears a light blue, long-sleeved dress with white embroidery on each shoulder.

Frozen 2—Saturday, December 10, at 8:50 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Go “Into the Unknown” with the network debut of this beloved film on Freeform! Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel) finds herself feeling unsettled no matter how happy she is to be surrounded by the people of Arendelle. After hearing a mysterious voice calling out to her, she embarks on a dangerous journey to the enchanted forests beyond the Kingdom of Arendelle along with Anna (voiced by Disney Legend Kristen Bell), Kristoff (voiced by Disney Legend Jonathan Groff), Olaf (voiced by Disney Legend Josh Gad), and Sven (voiced by Groff). And with her best pals, Elsa winds up on a journey of self-discovery.

In a scene from Walt Disney Pictures and Jim Henson Productions’ The Muppets Christmas Carol, Muppets Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog portray character from A Christmas Carol and sit around a small wooden rectangular table. Around Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog are miniature versions of them playing their children. Miss Piggy wears a white head covering and a red, blue, and white plaid dress with a lace shawl. Miss Piggy holds a white plate with a cooked turkey, greens, and white onions. Kermit the Frog wears a brown suit and brown, orange, and white checkered shirt. On the table are plates, cutlery, and two white candles lit and in brown candle holders.

The Muppet Christmas Carol—Sunday, December 11, on Disney+
This year marks the 30th anniversary of this fan-favorite holiday classic. The Muppets perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the clerk of Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, and Sam the Eagle weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases—past, present, and future—who show him the error of his self-serving ways. However, the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness.

In a scene from 20th Century Studios’ Avatar, actor Zoe Saldaña portrays Neytiri, an alien being with blue CGI skin, golden yellow eyes, and long dark hair, and stands chest to chest with actor Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, in his alien form with blue CGI ski, golden yellow eyes, and dark hair. Worthington aims a large arrow. Saldana wears necklaces around her neck and left arms. Behind Saldaña and Worthington are neon strands cascading down and green foliage.

Avatar—Sunday, December 11, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Ahead of the highly anticipated theatrical premiere of Avatar: The Way of Water next week, return to Pandora with the network premiere of the 2009 film on ABC. On the lush alien world of Pandora live the Na’vi, beings who appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the planet’s environment is poisonous, human/Na’vi hybrids, called Avatars, must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Na’vi woman (Zoe Saldaña). As their connection deepens, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world.

Ring in Holiday Cheer with These Friends of D23 at Light Up the Season

By the D23 Team

It’s not the start of the season without a holiday party, and we’ve got a magical one on the books! Join us this Sunday, December 11, for Light Up the Season on the Walt Disney Studios lot. Every December, the spirit of the holiday season sweeps across the Studios Lot with twinkling lights, music, and seasonal decorations for the annual holiday party for cast members and employees. Continuing the tradition, The Walt Disney Company is extending the invitation to our D23 Members and their guests for a special encore Light Up the Season evening. Get your tickets here to join us for this can’t-miss holiday event!

Planning to attend the festive festivities? Check out the friends of D23 who will be celebrating the season with us on the lot, bringing exclusive discounts, fun prizes, and more:

A silver Citizen watch next to the Disney | Citizen logo

Citizen Watch
It’s time for some holiday cheer! Bring your favorite Disney characters home, or a gift for someone special, with a Disney | Citizen timepiece, clock, or collectible. Stop by to shop and save these special gifts!

For members who can’t join us, take the time to check out the collection here.

Art of Minnie and Mickey on a toboggan pulled by Pluto. They are sliding along a snowy landscape with a Christmas tree in the foreground. Beside the art is the logo for Disney Fine Art.

Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions
Collectors Editions, publishers of Disney Fine Art, is excited to offer D23 Members exclusive savings on limited-edition Disney artwork! Shop selections and meet artist Trevor Carlton who will be painting live.

Our limited-time 30% off promotion code will be given to all attending D23 Members.

To shop the full collections, visit www.DisneyFineArt.com

A backpack with a repeating pattern of hot cocoa mugs designed to look like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. To the left of the backpack is a mug of hot cocoa. To the right of the backpack is a Mickey ears headband, where the ears are designed to look like Mickey and Minnie hot cocoa mugs.

Loungefly
Celebrate the holidays in style with your Disney favorites. Loungefly’s booth will have Disney holiday-themed mini backpacks, apparel, wallets, and crossbody bags available for purchase.

Check out more styles by clicking here!

An open Kinder Joy candy egg is displayed against a snowy background, along with a variety of toys that could be inside the egg. Next to the egg is text that reads “Delicious treats for a magical holiday. Shop now.”

Kinder
Make your holidays magical and surprise your family with Kinder Joy, the unique chocolate treat plus toy! One half of its iconic egg shape contains layers of milky sweet creams with crispy wafer bites; the other half has a fun holiday toy designed to spark a child’s imagination. Stop by our D23 booth for a chance to win this magical treat! Kinder Joy makes perfect stocking stuffers and great gifts for kids. Add more magic to your family’s holiday season—pick up Kinder Joy at your favorite retailer today!

Buy tickets for Light Up the Season with D23!