Delightful New Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Meet the Family Madrigal in a Whole New Way with Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl

Step into Casa Madrigal for an unprecedented concert spectacular as the original voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning Encanto reunites at the Hollywood Bowl for a spectacular concert event—featuring fan-favorite musical numbers from the now three-time Grammy®-nominated soundtrack. Check out the special’s brand-new trailer, below: 

Starring Stephanie Beatriz (as Mirabel), Jessica Darrow (as Luisa), Diane Guerrero (as Isabela), Adassa (as Dolores), Carolina Gaitán (as Pepa), Mauro Castillo (as Félix), Angie Cepeda (as Julieta), and Olga Merediz (as Abuela Alma)—along with legendary Colombian superstars and multiple Latin Grammy winners Carlos Vives and Andrés Cepeda—Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl turns the historic venue into the world of the animated film that became a global phenomenon. The concert, featuring an 80-person orchestra, 50 dancers, and out-of-this-world special effects, gives viewers a front-row seat to the musical extravaganza celebrating the world, characters, and songs of the animated hit.

Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl is directed by Chris Howe (Coldplay Live at Whitby Abbey, Bruno Mars: 24k Magic Live at Apollo), and choreographed by Jamal Sims and Kai Martinez, the film’s original choreographer and animation reference consultant, respectively. Conductor Anthony Parnther leads the full orchestra, performing the film’s score and cherished songs live-to-picture, and the outstanding cast and special guest artists perform the film’s acclaimed songs live; a Colombian band, featuring musicians from the original soundtrack, accompanies the orchestra.

See it exclusively on Disney+ beginning December 28!

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

Wasn’t it just Halloween? Thanksgiving? And now we’re heading into the first few nights of Hanukkah, and Christmas is just around the corner… what’s there to watch from around the worlds of Disney? A new sing-along version of Muppets Most Wanted on Disney+; the always enjoyable, holiday-adjacent presentation of The Sound of Music on ABC; and much more where that came from.

In a still from Disney+’s The Santa Clauses, Disney Legend Tim Allen as Santa Claus/Scott Calvin (on left) and Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus/Carol Calvin (on right) are facing one another. Santa has white hair and a white beard; Mrs. Claus has blond hair in a chignon and is wearing glasses. Both wear red tops. Mrs. Claus looks concerned, and has her hand resting on Santa’s chest.

Disney+ Orders Second Season of The Santa Clauses

Great news, Santa fans! Following the debut of The Santa Clauses season finale this past week, Disney+ announced a Season 2 greenlight for the Original series! Disney Legend Tim Allen will continue in the beloved role of Santa/Scott Calvin and serve as an executive producer, while Elizabeth Mitchell will reprise her role as Mrs. Claus/Carol from Walt Disney Pictures’ blockbuster franchise.

In the series’ first season, we catch back up with Scott Calvin, who’s been Santa Claus for nearly 30 years and is as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic… Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband.

But wait, there’s more: Season 1 of The Santa Clauses will also make its broadcast television debut throughout the rest of December, across ABC, FX, Disney Channel, and Freeform. Each network will air the first two episodes…

  • Friday, December 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform, following a special marathon of The Santa Clausemovie trilogy
  • Saturday, December 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FX
  • Saturday, December 24, at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on ABC
  • Sunday, December 25, 7 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel

All episodes of The Santa Clauses are now available to stream on Disney+!

In concept art for Donald’s Dine ’n Delights at Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown, guests are seen walking up to the outside of the restaurant, which has two dark-colored domes on top; tables with orange striped umbrellas out front on the patio. Two signs can be seen with Chinese characters as well as English lettering, spelling out “Donald’s Dine ’n Delights.” Several trees can be seen on either side of the restaurant, and flower boxes line the front of the restaurant’s patio area.

Shanghai Disney Announces Donald’s Dine ‘n Delights Coming to Disneytown

Donald Duck will soon welcome Shanghai Disney Resort guests to his all-new Parisian-style garden-themed restaurant Donald’s Dine ‘n Delights in Disneytown—and we’ve got a feeling it really is all it’s quacked up to be!

Waddle down to the beautiful restaurant, where a marquee displaying a smiling Donald Duck sporting his chef outfit welcomes all. The bistro serves up freshly baked specialty pizza made by the in-house pizza chef, over-the-top milkshakes, and rich sundaes in a variety of flavors—as well as other delectable desserts. The exterior features a domed building of glass and brass highlights shaded by beautiful trees, making it perfect for outdoor seating during the day, weather permitting. The Art Nouveau style serves as inspiration for the whimsical details adorning the glass and decorative ironwork. As night falls on the quaint café, the golden glow from inside will remind guests of the famed “City of Light” on which its based…

Besides Donald, guests will also find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, as well as his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie—and even his occasional nemeses Chip and Dale—represented throughout the interior. Oval framed art features the iconic group of friends prominently hung over the booths and tables, in a casual and urban sophisticated atmosphere.

Look for Donald’s Dine ‘n Delights at Shanghai Disney Resort this winter.

New Trailer and Premiere Date for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

Earlier this week, Disney+ announced that the second season of the Emmy® Award-winning original series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will premiere Wednesday, February 1—so make sure to mark those calendars! The Disney Branded Television series is a critically acclaimed revival of Disney’s groundbreaking The Proud Family… and it just recently won Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program at the inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy Awards!

From creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder continues the story of its central character, Penny Proud (voiced by Kyla Pratt), and her iconic family: parents Oscar (voiced by Tommy Davidson) and Trudy (voiced by Paula Jai Parker), twin siblings BeBe (voiced by Bresha Webb) and CeCe (voiced by Aiden Dodson), grandmother Suga Mama (voiced by JoMarie Payton), as well as Puff (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui). By Penny’s side is her loyal crew of Dijonay Jones (voiced by Karen Malina White), LaCienega Boulevardez (voiced by Alisa Reyes), Zoey Howzer (voiced by Soleil Moon Frye), Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins (voiced by Keke Palmer), and Michael Collins (voiced by EJ Johnson).

Cedric the Entertainer returns as the voice of Uncle Bobby, with Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross, and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron. Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto return as Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, with Asante Blackk as Kareem, and Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins.

And as seen in the above new featurette, the previously announced guest star lineup includes Gabrielle Union, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Disney Legend Anthony Anderson, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Holly Robinson Peete, Maury Povich, Storm Reid, Courtney B. Vance, and Liana Mendoza.

The first season of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is available to stream on Disney+, and, beginning January 2023, episodes will air weekly on Disney Channel and Disney XD. All seasons of The Proud Family are also currently available on the streaming service.

A headshot of Bryce Dallas Howard, who will be starring in Disney’s reimagining of their Witch Mountain franchise. She has red hair and is wearing a chambray button-up shirt.

Disney+ Greenlights Witch Mountain Pilot

In further Disney+ news, our friends at the streaming service recently announced a pilot greenlight (that’s fancy Hollywood speak for “given the go-ahead”) for Witch Mountain, a reimagining of the successful film franchise. The series is a modern reinvention of the fan-favorite classic that takes place in the shadow of Witch Mountain, following two teens who develop strange abilities and discover their sleepy suburb may not be as idyllic as it seems.

Bryce Dallas Howard, known lately for her turn as director of The Mandalorian, will star in the leading role as Audrey, one of the teens’ devoted and loving mother. Her husband died from a mental illness, and now, she is trying to reassure her fretful daughter that she shows no sign of following her father’s dark spiral. She’s a warm “mama bear” type—but like everyone in this town, not everything is as it seems…

In addition to Howard, the pilot will also star Isabel Gravitt, Levi Miller, Bianca “b” Norwood, and Jackson Kelly. Look for more info on Witch Mountain in the months to come.

Hulu’s The 1619 Project Announces Premiere Date

Disney’s Onyx Collective announced a January 26 premiere date for Hulu’s upcoming six-part limited docuseries The 1619 Project, an expansion of “The 1619 Project” created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine. The limited series will debut with the first two episodes streaming exclusively on Hulu, with two additional episodes released every Thursday.

In keeping with the original project, the series seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. The episodes—“Democracy,” “Race,” “Music,” “Capitalism,” “Fear,” and “Justice”—are adapted from essays from The New York Times’ No. 1 bestselling The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story and examine how the legacy of slavery shapes different aspects of contemporary American life.

The series, hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, is a Lionsgate Production in association with One Story Up Productions, Harpo Films, and The New York Times. Look for it to stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S.; Star+ in Latin America; and Disney+ in all other territories.

In a promo image for Disneyland After Dark’s Sweethearts’ Nite, an event guide is being held up by a hand, with the bright lights of Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. in the background. Caricatures of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse can be seen on the event guide; Minnie is giving Mickey a kiss on the cheek.

Disneyland After Dark Returns in 2023

Yes, it’s true—Disneyland After Dark events are returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2023… and love is in the air! Along with the debut of Princess Nite, Disneyland After Dark will be hosting Sweethearts’ Nite for the ultimate date night. The event will offer scrumptious food and drinks, magical entertainment, encounters with your favorite Disney characters, as well as collectible merchandise!

Disneyland After Dark begins with a three-hour pre-party mix-in from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT at Disneyland Park, then the private party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. PT, allowing ticketed guests to ride popular attractions after regular park hours. Additionally, at each event, guests receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party, plus commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map to remember their Disneyland After Dark experience.

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite will begin January 31 and will continue through select nights throughout February­­—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Celebrate the love of your life, your best pal, or a cherished family member at this very special evening. Disney’s most romantic scenes from films such as Lady and the Tramp and The Little Mermaid have inspired photo-ops across the parks. The event will also have special themed fireworks, a Royal Ball hosted by Aladdin and Jasmine, as well as a romantic moonlit cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat.

Meanwhile, for all those royals out there, Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite is coming to Disneyland Resort March 7 and 9. This all-new, first-ever event will be a celebration under the stars where adventurous heroines and aspirational hearts unite. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this empowering event with iconic characters who light up the world with kindness, courage, and a touch of magic. With shimmering décor, special photo opportunities, themed food and beverage offerings, commemorative keepsakes, and characters galore, guests will be ready to step into their own adventure of bravery and grace. 

Tickets are now on sale at Disneyland.com. Get ’em while the gettin’ is good!

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

As alluded to earlier in these News Briefs, Disney had a delightful night at the first-ever Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Across its content brands and studios, it won 16 awards; for a rundown of which among your favorites took home a coveted statuette, click here.

8 Disney Hanukkah Specials to Stream This Holiday Season

By Sarah Sterling

The holiday season is here... and while there is no shortage of holly, jolly films and shows to stream on Disney+, we thought we’d highlight some of the Hanukkah specials that are also available right now! Whether you’re getting ready for a winter-break streaming marathon or just looking for something to watch to learn more about the holiday itself, we’ve listed eight things to watch—one for each night of Hanukkah. 

1. The Ghost and Molly McGee – “Festival of Lights” (Season 1, Episode 10) - Play On YouTube

In this adventure, the entire McGee family and Scratch the ghost visit Libby Stein-Torres and her family for the final night of Hanukkah. When a sudden blackout occurs across the town of Brighton, Libby’s mom boots up their bookstore’s generator, but she only has enough gas for one hour. Inexplicably, the generator keeps running for eight hour—during which Libby and her family teach the McGee’s, and later the entire town (who come gather at the bookstore for warmth)—about their Hanukkah traditions!

Stream The Ghost and Molly McGee on Disney+

2. “Puppy for Hanukkah” - Play On YouTube

In 2020, Hamilton star Daveed Diggs partnered with Disney to create a new Hanukkah anthem — “Puppy for Hanukkah.” Written by Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes, “Puppy for Hanukkah” tells the story of a little Jewish boy wishing for a puppy each night of Hanukkah before finally receiving one on the last night of the holiday. The song also explains some of his Hanukkah traditions, with Diggs reciting a Hanukkah blessing in Hebrew mid-rap. You can enjoy this Hanukkah bop by streaming the adorable music video for “Puppy for Hanukkah” on Disney+!

Stream Puppy for Hanukkah on Disney+

3. Firebuds – “Hanukkah Hullabaloo” (Season 1, Episode 13) - Play On YouTube

One of Disney Junior’s newest holiday specials is this episode of Firebuds, where Bo wonders why his mother doesn’t put up Hanukkah decorations like his father does for Christmas. To share how special Hanukkah is with his community, Bo goes overboard with decorations for Hanukkah, including a gigantic dreidel balloon that flies off in the wind and causes mild destruction across town. In the end, Bo learns that Hanukkah is special for reasons other than flashing lights and balloons—and that people choose different ways to celebrate the holidays.

Stream Firebuds on Disney+

4. Even Stevens – “Heck of a Hanukkah” (Season 1, Episode 15)

In this episode of the Disney Channel classic Even Stevens, troublemaker Louis Stevens can’t wait to open presents and searches for the Hanukkah gifts his parents have hidden somewhere in the house. When he ultimately finds them and ruins the family gift exchange for everyone, he ends up grounded for the entirety of Hanukkah. In an homage to 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life, the ghost of Louis’ great-great-great-great-grandmother, Bubbe Rose, appears to show him what his family would be like if he had never been born.

Stream Even Stevens on Disney+

5. Full Court Miracle

Based on the true story of the University of Virginia Cavaliers basketball star Lamont Carr, this 2003 Disney Channel Original Movie follows a Jewish basketball team in Philadelphia who need a new coach. Set during Hanukkah, this group of high school athletes find college student Lamont Carr and convince him to be their basketball coach. When the power goes out during the team’s final championship game, they make an agreement with their opponents that whoever has the most points when the generator runs out will win. In a true Hanukkah twist, the generator goes out and our heroes are losing, but the power miraculously comes back on and allows them to score the winning basket.

Stream Full Court Miracle on Disney+

6. Puppy Dog Pals – “Latke Kerfuffle” (Season 1, Episode 20)

In this episode of Disney Junior’s Puppy Dog Pals, Bingo and Rolly go on a mission to help their owner, Bob, make latkes for their neighbor Chloe’s Hanukkah party! While on the hunt for eggs and potatoes, the pups sing a song about the “festival of lights” and how delicious latkes are. Bob makes enough latkes for everyone at Chloe’s party and Bingo and Rolly even get to attend, participating in the lighting of the Chanukiah when they spot the first star in the night sky.

Stream Puppy Dog Pals on Disney+

7. Pepper Ann – “A Kosher Christmas” (Season 3, Episode 11)

Pepper Ann is another Disney character who celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas, and in this holiday episode she mistakenly believes that her parents want her to choose only one holiday to celebrate. She begins to make a list of what she loves most about each holiday to help her decide. In the end, she tells her parents that she loves Hanukkah and Christmas, and that choosing between them would be like choosing between her parents themselves! Of course, it was all a misunderstanding, and her parents were never asking her to choose between the two holidays. Together with her family, Pepper Ann has a great holiday season celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas.

Stream Pepper Ann on Disney+

8. Elena of Avalor – “Festival of Lights” (Season 3, Episode 18) - Play On YouTube

When Princess Rebecca of Galonia and her grandmother shipwreck on the shores of Avalor, it is up to Elena and her family to give them the best Hanukkah celebration possible! Rebecca and her family teach Elena all about Hanukkah, as well as some and Yiddish words like “nosh” (to have a snack) and “mitzvah” (a good deed). When Rebecca gets caught up in making their Hanukkah party absolutely perfect, it’s her bubbe (grandmother) who reminds her that Hanukkah is about carrying on even through the toughest challenges and making the most of what you have.

Stream Elena of Avalor on Disney+

The Ultimate Guide to Disney Holiday Magic from Target

By the D23 Team

If you’re a Disney Fan like us, we know you’re looking for any opportunity to add some Disney magic to your holiday activities, whether through baking, decorating, or keeping cozy! We’ve rounded up some of our festive favorites from our friends at Target that feature Mickey and friends, along with other fan-favorite characters, to help make your season merry and bright.

Mickey Mouse and Friends 6pc Stainless Steel Cookie Cutter Set

In the mood to make something sweet this season? Max out the Disney magic in your cookies with these cookie cutter shaped like Mickey, Minnie, and festive items.

Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Mickey Mouse Lit Blow Mold Figure – Disney store

Bring some old school cool to your holiday décor with this 1930s-inspired Mickey Mouse holiday figure that LIGHTS UP!

Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends 5ct Character Christmas Tree Ornament Set – Disney store

These festive friends are ready for winter in this glittering ornament set that’s the perfect way to complete any Disney fan’s tree. 

Disney Frozen 2 Elsa and The Nokk Christmas Tree Ornament – Disney store

Show yourself the best decorations for your tree—like this beautiful ornament of Elsa and the water Nokk, inspired by Frozen 2.

Disney Treasure Planet Christmas Tree Ornament – Disney store

Rattle the stars—on your Christmas tree, that is—with this Legacy Ornament celebrating 20 years of Treasure Planet!

Marvel Spider-Man Snow Globe Christmas Tree Ornament – Disney store

Nothing like a friendly neighborhood ornament to sling some style onto your Christmas tree! Spider-Man is dressed for swinging through the snow inside this glass globe ornament with a satin ribbon for hanging.

Women’s Disney Mickey Mouse Holiday Turtleneck Graphic T-Shirt – Disney Store

Keep cozy with the CUTEST holiday turtleneck featuring a winter wonderland perfect for Mickey and friends to frolic through.

Star Wars Holiday Ewok Plush

Your Life Day celebration is about to have out-of-this-world cuteness thanks to this adorable plushie of Wicket the Ewok.

Men’s Mickey Mouse Hanukkah Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt – Blue – Disney Store

Make your Festival of Lights a little more Mickey with this Happy Hanukkah T-shirt that includes an embroidered greeting on the sleeve!

Disney Munchlings Peppermint Bark Cupcake Mickey Mouse Scented Medium Plush – Disney store

If you’re as OBSESSED with Disney Munchlings as we are, you’ll LOVE this special seasonal plush! Reimagined as a Peppermint Bark Cupcake, this Mickey plush actually smells like candy cane.

Disney Princess Tiana Cooking Set

If you have any little ones who are almost there when it comes to helping out in the kitchen, this cooking play set lets them live out their festive foodie dreams! Channel Princess Tiana herself with this 12-piece set that includes utensils, a pot, a placemat, and more!

Kids’ Disney Mickey Mouse Slide Slippers – Red/Blue 9-10 – Disney Store

The cold winter chill has met its match in these magical Mickey slippers! Keep your feet warm in these super cute slippers inspired by Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey himself.

Women’s Disney Minnie Mouse Crew Neck Fleece Sweatshirt – Green – Disney Store

If you’ve made your shopping list, make sure you check it twice—this swell sweatshirt is a must-have to complete your winter wardrobe in ultimate Minnie style.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Happy new Marvel Studios movie release to all who celebrate! If you’re as obsessed with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as we are, you’ll want to add these items to your holiday wish list:

LEGO Marvel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever War on the Water 76214 Building Toy Set

Build the Royal Sea Leopard ship and set sail for an action-packed adventure that includes minifigures of M’Baku, Okoye, Black Panther, Ironheart MK2, and King Namor.

Marvel Black Panther Marvel Studios Legacy Collection Black Panther Vibranium Power FX Mask (Target Exclusive)

This Target-exclusive mask has everything you need to be inspired by the power of the Black Panther—pulsating and fixed light effects and an epic, movie-inspired design.

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther Legacy Wakanda FX Battle Claws Light-Up Role Play Toy

Channel the power of the Panther while you play using these Battle Claws activated via the Wakandan Salute.

Marvel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Titan Hero Series – Shuri, Ironheart, Namor Action Figures 3pk (Target Exclusive)

Recreate the action from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—or, create your own—with this action figure set featuring Shuri, Ironheart, and Namor.

Marvel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Vibranium Blast Sunbird Jet with Shuri Action Figure

Take playtime to new heights with this action figure set featuring the Princess of Wakanda herself, along with this Vibranium Blast Sunbird that can transform from flight mode to battle mode!

Funko POP! Deluxe: Black Panther – T’Challa on the Throne (Target Exclusive)

Let the King of Wakanda take his rightful place—both on his throne and in your Funko POP! Collection. This Target Exclusive figure displays an iconic moment from the original Black Panther film.

To find all these Disney favorites and more, visit your nearby Target store or shop target.com/Disney. Make sure to visit our  Target Partner Page to check out the Spotlight Collection for future announcements.

 

Walt Disney Imagineering is Celebrating 70 Years of Making Magic: Shop the Mickey’s of Glendale Exclusive Collection Online

In 1952, Walt Disney assembled a team, who would come to be known as Imagineers,to help him plan, design, and build his dream—Disneyland.  For seven decades, the magic makers at Walt Disney Imagineering have blended limitless imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences that bring together families and friends to form lifelong memories.

Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store, is excited to offer D23 Gold Members the chance to join in on the celebration with this special merchandise opportunity.

The online event is scheduled to begin on December 16 at 7 a.m. PT.

You must be signed in as a D23 Gold Member to access this event.

SHOP NOW

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Collection:

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Stainless Steel Sport Canteen by Corkcicle

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Stainless Steel Commuter Mug by Corkcicle

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Platinum Logo Baseball Cap 

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Platinum Foil Tee

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Full Color Logo Tee

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary B & W Logo Tee

Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary Logo Tee

Note: New Gold Members will not be eligible to shop until the following day after the purchase of a Gold Membership.

Avatar: The Way of Water Cast and Filmmakers Celebrate Film’s Global Premieres

By Andie Hagemann

Ahead of audiences’ long-awaited return to Pandora, the cast and filmmakers from 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water celebrated the film’s premiere across the globe with star-studded events in London, Seoul, and Tokyo. Avatar: The Way of Water opens in theaters on Friday, December 16.

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family—Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their kids—the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Avatar: The Way of Water is directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau. The screenplay is by Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver from a story by Cameron & Jaffa & Silver & Friedman & Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as executive producers.

The dazzling world premiere in London’s Leicester Square on Tuesday, December 6, included stars Worthington, Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Joel David Moore, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Brendan Cowell, Bailey Bass, as well as Cameron and Landau.

And on Friday, December 9, Worthington, Saldaña, Weaver, Lang, Cameron, and Landau attended the Korean premiere and photo call in Seoul.

Tokyo welcomed the stars and filmmakers on Saturday, December 10, at Toho Cinemas Hibiya Midtown. Worthington, Saldaña, Weaver, Lang, Cameron, Landau, and more greeted fans, signing autographs and posing for selfies.

Check out more photos from the Avatar: The Way of Water global premieres in the gallery below.

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

By Andie Hagemann

From a special presentation of a beloved classic to a new sing along, you won’t want to miss all the spectacular content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend. On Friday, Le Pupille and a sing-along version of Muppets Most Wanted debut on Disney+. Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas”celebration continues with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, airing Saturday on the network, followed by a presentation of The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause on Sunday. Round out the weekend with The Sound of Music, airing Sunday night on ABC. 

In a scene from Le Pupille, a group of young girls stand huddled together and look outside a large window. The girls wear simple brown dresses adorned with cream lace collars. On each side of the window hang large, hunter green, wooden shutters.

Le Pupille—Friday, December 16, on Disney+
From writer and director Alice Rohrwacher and Academy Award®-winning producer Alfonso Cuarón, this live-action short is a tale of innocence, greed, and fantasy. Set at Christmas time, the feature follows young girls at a strict religious boarding school who are consumed with their thoughts of desire, freedom, and anarchy.

In a scene from Muppets Most Wanted, Muppets Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Floyd Pepper, Walter, and Scooter stand in a cluster and look to the left. Behind the group is a large, ornate, stone building. Miss Piggy wears a gray fedora, a gray suit with white pinstripes, a tan blouse, and a cardinal tie with white polka dots. Walter wears a brown, green, and orange plaid button-down shirt. Scooter wears a yellow turtleneck and a shiny green bomber jacket.

Muppets Most Wanted Sing-Along Version—Friday, December 16, on Disney+
The Muppets embark on a world tour at the suggestion of their new manager, Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais), despite Kermit the Frog’s concerns. And those doubts are proven right when look-alike Constantine escapes from prison and swaps places with Kermit, landing the frog in a Siberian prison. While Kermit attempts to convince his captors of his identity, Constantine and Dominic plot to steal London’s crown jewels.

In a scene from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington, a stop-motion skeleton man, wears a red Santa Claus suit, a long, white beard, and a pair of tall black boots. Skellington hunches forward to speak to a young boy. Both stand in a dimly lit room that is decorated with a green Christmas tree covered in colorful lights.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—Saturday, December 17, at 5:15 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
What’s this? Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) is taking over Christmas? Jack, Halloweentown’s pumpkin king, is bored with his annual routine of frightening people in the real world. However, when Jack accidentally stumbles upon Christmastown, he plots to take over the holiday and assume the role of Santa Claus. The all-star voice cast includes Catherine O’Hara as Sally, Glenn Shadix as the Mayor, William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, and Ken Page as Oogie Boogie.

In a scene from The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, actor and Disney Legend Tim Allen portrays Scott Calvin/Santa Claus and sits in a wooden chair inside Santa’s workshop. Allen wears a red, long-sleeved shirt and red and gold suspenders, and a bushy white beard. Actor Martin Short portrays Jack Frost and wears a dark blue three-piece suit with white pinstripes, a white button-down shirt, and an icicle tie. Short’s suit is dusted with a white powdery substance. Behind Allen and Short are children wearing white chef hats, white gowns, and aprons with red pinstripes.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause—Sunday, December 18, at 2:40 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Scott Calvin/Santa Claus (Disney Legend Tim Allen) invites his in-laws, Bud (Alan Arkin) and Sylvia (Ann-Margret), to visit. However, Christmas cheer soon turns into chaos when Jack Frost (Martin Short) announces his plan to take over the North Pole. To thwart Jack’s plot, Scott joins forces with his family and head elf Curtis (Spenser Breslin) to take on the icy villain.

In a scene from The Sound of Music, actor and Disney Legend Julie Andrews stands face to face and locks arms with actor Christopher Plummer. Andrews wears a light blue dress with sheer short sleeves. Plummer wears a dark brown suit and a white button-down shirt. Andrews and Plummer stand next to a large window with intricate carvings.

The Sound of Music—Sunday, December 18, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Based on the real-life story of the von Trapp Family singers, the beloved musical follows Maria (Disney Legend Julie Andrews), an aspiring nun who is sent to become governess for a retired naval captain and widower, Baron von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and his seven children. After bringing a new admiration for music (and love) into the lives of the family, Maria marries Baron—but their wedded bliss is quickly threatened amid unrest in their homeland.

H.E.R. and Josh Groban Talk Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration

By Zach Johnson

With ABC’s animated and live-action blended special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, fans will discover there may be something there that wasn’t there before. Airing tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT (and streaming Friday on Disney+), the two-hour presentation from The Wonderful World of Disney stars H.E.R. as Belle, Josh Groban as The Beast, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, Leo Abelo Perry as Chip, Rizwan Manji as LeFou, and Jon Jon Briones as Maurice. Rita Moreno serves as the special’s narrator.

Josh Groban, wearing an all-black fairy tale look, stands center stage and sings his heart out.

“Who doesn’t want to be a Disney Princess?” H.E.R. says of playing one of Disney’s most beloved characters. “It’s really special to be a part of something like this, because it’s so collaborative. There are so many moving pieces and parts, and everybody is so fun to work with. It’s a special project unlike anything that anyone’s ever seen before.”

Groban says the special’s “hybrid” format is especially thrilling, saying, “I’m learning new things for the first time in a long time. I’m excited to be scared and challenged.”

Maurice (left) rests behind bars in a dimly lit cell. Belle (right) runs to his aid.

Directed and executive produced by Hamish Hamilton, the special honors the 30th anniversary of when Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Beauty and the Beast became the first animated feature film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards®.  To reimagine this tale as old as time, the producers hired production designer Julio Himede, lead choreographer Jamal Sims, and costume designer Marina Toybina, among other creative talents, to help the actors get into character on set.

“Working with everybody is a dream come true,” H.E.R. says. “Some of these people I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work with, like Josh, and David, and Shania. It’s amazing! We all come from such different worlds. Seeing the costumes and everything come together, I’m like, ‘Oh! It’s getting real. It’s getting real!” Groban feels the “same way,” saying, “Every day we’re seeing another element of [the show] start to blossom.”

Dancers dressed as a blue bird and a brown bird stare at each other. Behind them is a snow-covered fountain.

Of all the musical numbers, H.E.R. says “Beauty and the Beast” was “probably the most fun to work on,” explaining, “That was the first time [Josh and I] met in person, and we just went in, like, ‘OK, what are we going to do?’ And we had so much fun. But later, when we were rehearsing, I realized how much I love ‘Something There.’ It’s really, really special.”

Groban calls “Something There” a “turning point,” saying, “It’s the moment where Beast and Belle are kind of seeing things anew, looking at the environment they’re in, and getting some sunlight in their lives for the first time. Plus, The Beast is shaking his tailfeather with the little kiddie birds! It’s a really cute song.”

5 Things to Know About Avatar: The Way of Water

By Zach Johnson

In 2009, visionary filmmaker James Cameron invited audiences to experience a world unlike any other with his breathtaking, Academy Award®-winning epic Avatar. Now, fans are invited to embark on a brand-new cinematic journey when 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water opens in movie theaters on Friday, December 16.

In Avatar: The Way of Water, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña reprise their respective roles as Jake Sully and Neytiri, now loving parents doing whatever is required to keep their family safe. When unforeseen events displace them from their home, the Sullys travel across the vast reaches of the moon Pandora, ultimately seeking refuge from the Metkayina clan, who live in harmony with their surrounding oceans. There, they must learn to navigate not only the water world, but the clan’s dynamics.

Recently, Cameron (“Jim”), Worthington, and Saldaña joined producer Jon Landau and actors Steven Lang, Sigourney (“Sig”) Weaver, and Kate Winslet at a press conference to discuss the highly anticipated sequel. Highlights from their discussion are as follows:

A whale-like creature called a Tulkun splashes above the water’s surface at sunset. Behind the Tulkun in the distance is a large rock formation.

1. James Cameron hadn’t always envisioned writing and directing a sequel.
Although Avatar is the highest-grossing film of all-time, with more than $2.92 billion earned at the global box office, Cameron was only interested in continuing the Avatar story if he had a worthy story to tell. As it turns out, he has several more stories to tell, as Avatar: The Way of Water will be the first in a series of five films planned for release through 2028. According to Cameron, the prospect of doing even one sequel was “a lot to live up to,” but with an “amazing family of artists and troupe players,” he simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to the world of Pandora. “It’s a small group. We love each other and enjoy the process,” Cameron said. “Kate got to join that and feel that vibe as well. And that was a big incentive for me to come back and do this all again.”

“I think it’s important for a sequel to honor what the audience loved about the experience the first time, but also to get them off-balance—do things they don’t expect,” Cameron continued. “There are a lot of surprises in terms of where the story goes in this film that we’re not putting into the trailers and the TV spots and all that. You have to experience it. But it also goes a lot deeper, in terms of the heart and the emotions... I was inspired by the fact that both Zoe and Sam are parents, and I’m a parent of five. And so, we wanted to get into the family dynamics and the responsibilities of having kids, and also what that’s all like from the kids’ perspective.”

2. Sigourney Weaver returns to the franchise in a different role.
Weaver plays Kiri, the biological daughter of the avatar of Dr. Grace Augustine, the deceased character she played in Avatar. “Grace’s avatar was still alive; it has no mind of its own because it needed to be infused with Grace’s consciousness in order to move around and talk and so on,” Cameron explained. “But it turned out to be pregnant, a vessel for this little baby.” Because Jake and Grace had “a mother/son relationship” in Avatar, “He’s going to protect her child and raise her child as his own.”

Incredibly in tune with the forest’s flora and fauna, Kiri is different from her siblings Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Bliss). “There’s something unknown about her, something enigmatic about her, and I think Sig walked a beautiful line of classic teenage awkwardness,” Cameron said. “And yet, as she comes into her power, as she comes into her strength, she’s not a warrior. She’s not somebody who would react in a situation like Neytiri would. She’ll react very differently. She’s not really that much of an alpha, really, until we see her manifesting her power.”

“All power to Jim; he wanted to create a complex character,” Weaver added. “There are wonderful things about her, but she also has some deficits. I loved that I had the opportunity to play someone I consider a real adolescent in most ways, and then she has these other bright spots that she’s learning about. I was very honored, too, and thrilled, excited, and terrified. Luckily, there was a long time to prepare. I went to high school classes so I could hear the pitch of [teens’] voices. There’s a big range of who an adolescent is between 12 and 15, and once I saw that, I was like, ‘Okay, I can let Kiri come out’—whoever that is, combined with who I was at 14. It was sort of a muddle.”

The blue-skinned, green-eyed “recom” of Colonel Miles Quaritch looks at a screen displaying a video message from the human version of Colonel Miles Quaritch.

3. Stephen Lang also returns as a new character... sort of.
Lang’s Colonel Miles Quaritch died in battle in Avatar, but the actor is back in the sequel as a “recom,” a specialized avatar that has been embedded with the memories of a human driver—in this case, Quaritch’s. “It was very exciting to come back,” Lang said. “I was just so honored to be able to deepen and expand on the vision that Jim had for this character. I think in the first film he’s very, very colorful; he’s got personality, he’s got some great qualities—but, essentially, he moves through like a mindless shark. But in this iteration of it, there’s the absolute magnificent irony of coming back as the very thing he has been trying to destroy and having to make the adjustment to that, to adapt to that. It was a total pleasure for me to continue to massage this character, and find the depth, and maybe some of the humanity in him.”

4. Kate Winslet was eager to reunite with Cameron.
Together, Cameron and Winslet made a splash when Titanic was released in 1997. Now, a quarter of a century later, they’re making waves again with Avatar: The Way of Water—a project so ambitious that Winslet couldn’t turn it down the role of Ronal, the tsahìk of the Metkayina clan. “With it being Jim, I expected the absolute best of everything,” Winslet said. “It’s precision, it’s thought through, it’s thorough, it’s meticulous. I think the thing that pulled me in most of all, above everything else, is the characters he’s created. Jim has always written—for women—characters who are not just strong but are leaders. They lead with their heart and with integrity. They stand in their truth. They own their power. They have physical power that is admirable. And to be part of that, to be included, it was just so flattering.”

Winslet credited Worthington and Saldaña for creating the “heartbeat” of the film. “It’s one thing for Jim to write it; it’s quite another to find it, to give it a life, a pulse, and real blood in those veins,” she said. “It’s really, really extraordinary to be around that. It’s not a performance. It’s not things they came up with on the day. It is a universe. It is a love. It is something that is palpable. You feel it. You step into that space—it’s an empty space—but it is absolutely loaded with truths and dynamics and pulses that they built. They built it, they shared it, and it’s honestly very special to have been part of it.” 

The blue-skinned, green-eyed Na’vi siblings Lo’ak (left) and Kiri (right) peer through green branches in the forest.

5. Avatar: The Way of Water is all about family.
According to Worthington, Jake’s journey always been about finding his place in the world and finding something worth fighting for—and marriage and fatherhood gave him a sense of purpose on Pandora. “In the first film, Jake says it in the voice-over, ‘Open your eyes,’” the actor said. “He’s opened his eyes to love: the love of culture, the love of the planet, the love of Neytiri. This film is the natural extension of that. They have a family. Now, it’s about the protection of that love, that world, and that culture.”

Quiz: Which Muppet Christmas Carol Character Are You?

By Courtney Potter

’Tis the season to be jolly and joyous... especially considering it’s the 30th anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol, the truly iconic (not to mention hilarious and heartfelt) holiday film starring Michael Caine and a host of Muppet favorites!

As devout fans of all things Muppet, we here at D23 have devised a quiz to uncover which The Muppet Christmas Carol character we’re most like. Of course, we can’t keep these kinds of rollicking results to ourselves—so take the quiz and find out who you most relate to. (There are so many great characters to choose from, by the way—but we picked six favorites for the purposes of this quiz.)

Make sure to check out The Muppet Christmas Carol now on Disney+, including the just-re-added song “When Love Is Gone,” now available as an extra feature!

Stream The Muppet Christmas Carol on Disney+

Favorite holiday feast?

Favorite Christmas carol?

Favorite holiday decoration?

What do you hope to find under the tree this year?

In general, what’s your favorite thing about the holiday season?

Quiz: Which Muppet Christmas Carol Character Are You?
Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit is standing in the snow while wearing a gray overcoat and red plaid pants, and holding a gray top hat in one hand. He’s also holding Robin as Tiny Tim—who’s wearing an orange hat and orange plaid pants and a coat—up on his right shoulder. Tiny Tim is holding a crutch in his right hand.

Steady, dependable, and above all, kind, there’s “room in your heart” for seeing the good in everyone—even someone as (initially) miserly as Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge. You’re also particularly devoted to family, and will do everything you can to make sure they’re happy, especially at the holidays.
Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig is wearing a white wig and a pink coat with a striped pink and a white ascot.

The life of the party, you’ve always made sure your friends and family have a great time—especially during the holiday season! But there’s a method to your merry madness: You know how important it is to keep the spirit of the season in your heart all year through... and you’re also a bit of a matchmaker, to boot!
Gonzo as Charles Dickens

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Gonzo as Charles Dickens is wearing an orange-ish top hat, plaid pants, and a red overcoat, and is sitting in the snow, with Rizzo the Rat (wearing a black top hat) looking over his left shoulder.

You’re very observant and a more than a little quirky (we like that!), and you’re the one who always seems to know what’s going on with your group of friends. That curious spirit can sometimes get you into a bit of trouble, but you’re the adventurous sort, so you look forward to the experience!
Rizzo the Rat as Himself

You’re the proverbial “ride or die” of your friend group; sure, you might be a little suspicious of the circumstances, but why not give it a try? You’ve got a lot of street smarts to keep you safe, so expect a lot of amazing memories in the end. Just take our advice and steer clear of old timey streetlamps.
Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, from upper left to right, Gonzo as Charles Dickens, Robin as Tiny Tim, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, and Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit are standing in the snow near a holly-wrapped streetlamp; Gonzo is holding onto the lamp itself, and Robin is sitting on Kermit’s left shoulder. Miss Piggy is holding a book of Christmas carols. They are all dressed in Victorian holiday finery, including top hats, a bonnet for Miss Piggy, and scarves.

You’re definitely not afraid to speak your mind—and you’re also exceedingly supportive, wanting to make sure those closest to you are getting their due. You’re also dedicated to your family; there’s nothing you like more than making your home merry for all your kin.
The Ghost of Christmas Present

In an image from The Muppet Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Past—who has long red hair and a long red beard, and wearing a gold brocade robe—is seen on the left, with his arms outstretched around a group of puppet animals including a penguin. To his right, Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge (dressed in his sleeping gown and cap) looks on slightly confused. They are standing in the street; passersby can be seen in the background.

You’ve got a super friendly face, an outsized personality, and are positively replete with Christmas spirit—so, you’re usually the first person noticed at the party, even if there’s a chance you can only be seen by one person in particular. You’re also as helpful as can be, giving advice (when warranted) to those in need.

The Little Mermaid and Iron Man Added to National Film Registry

By Bruce Steele

Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989) and Marvel Studios’ Iron Man (2008) are among the 25 films named today to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

“Films have become absolutely central to American culture by helping tell our national story for more than 125 years,” Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, said in a statement. “We are proud to add 25 more films by a group of vibrant and diverse filmmakers to the National Film Registry as we preserve our cinematic heritage. We’re grateful to the entire film community for collaborating with the Library of Congress to ensure these films are preserved for the future.”

In 1989, The Little Mermaid kicked off Disney’s renaissance of animated musical films. In the title role as Ariel was Disney Legend Jodi Benson, a young Broadway actress who was encouraged to audition for the part by the film’s lyricist, Disney Legend Howard Ashman. Some 33 years later, Benson said she still performs Ariel’s big song, “Part of Your World,” every week.

“I’m thrilled and honored on behalf of my character and The Walt Disney Company for the Library selecting our very special film,” Benson said in an interview. The selection, she said, “is really amazing and such an honor.”

Watch Benson talking about The Little Mermaid in this video from the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry:

Iron Man, the story of the origin of wealthy inventor Tony Stark’s superhero persona, was released in 2008. It launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which now encompasses 30 feature films. Portrayed by Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., Stark went on to appear in two direct Iron Man sequels and four Avengers films, as well as Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). The character’s saga ended in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Each year since 1989, the Library of Congress has named 25 films that it deems as “culturally, historically, or esthetically important” to its National Film Registry. Online nominations from the general public are part of the selection process, and the Library of Congress reported that 6,865 titles were submitted for consideration this year.

Twenty-two Disney films have previously been added to the Registry: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs(1937) in 1989; Fantasia (1940) in 1990; Pinocchio (1940) in 1994; Steamboat Willie (1928) in 1998; Beauty and the Beast (1991) in 2002; Toy Story (1995) in 2005; Three Little Pigs (1933) in 2007; Disneyland Dream(1956) in 2009; Bambi (1942) in 2011; Mary Poppins (1964) in 2013; The Old Mill (1937) and The Story of Menstruation (1946) in 2015; The Lion King (1994), Rushmore (1998), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) in 2016; Dumbo (1941) in 2017; Cinderella (1950) in 2018; Old Yeller (1957) and Sleeping Beauty (1959) in 2019; and Flowers and Trees (1932), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), and WALL-E (2008) in 2021.