Brandy and Rita Ora Join Cast of The Pocketwatch, the Next Descendants Film

The clock is ticking…

Today, Disney+ announced Brandy and Rita Ora will journey to the fantastical kingdom of Auradon in The Pocketwatch (working title), the latest installment in the music-driven megahit Descendants franchise from Disney Branded Television. Brandy will return to the role of Cinderella, which she first played in Walt Disney Television’s iconic 1997 version of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Ora will portray the villainous Queen of Hearts of Alice in Wonderland fame.

Brandy and Ora join previously announced cast members China Anne McClain, Kylie Cantrall, and Dara Reneé, whose castings were first announced at D23 Expo 2022. McClain returns as Uma, daughter of the infamous sea-witch Ursula. Cantrall portrays Red, the rebellious 16-year-old daughter of the Queen of Hearts, while Reneé stars as Ulyana, the younger sister of Ursula.

Also being added to the  cast are Malia Baker as Chloe, the cheerful 16-year-old daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming; Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget/Young Queen of Hearts, who is sweet-natured and the opposite of her grown-up self; Morgan Dudley as the blunt and pragmatic Ella/Young Cinderella; and Joshua Colley as Hook, one of Ulyana’s sycophants. In addition, Melanie Paxson will reprise her role as Fairy Godmother from the previous Descendants movies.

The Descendants movies unfurled an imaginative mythology of two lands, the idyllic Auradon and the ragtag Isle of the Lost—the latte being home to the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and, notably, its most notorious villains. The bold new story of The Pocketwatch returns to these lands and also takes audiences through the rabbit hole to the hostile unincorporated territory of Wonderland, a magical, mysterious place made famous in Alice in Wonderland.

The expansive new story finds polar opposites Red and Chloe crossing paths at a momentous celebration in Auradon when unexpected chaos breaks out. In order to prevent an impending coup, they must join forces to travel back in time, via a magical pocket watch created by the Mad Hatter’s son, to stop an event that would lead to grave consequences.

Filmmaker Jennifer Phang is the director and co-executive producer of The Pocketwatch, and the script was written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer. Returning to the franchise is production designer Mark Hofeling. Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh are executive producers, and the casting directors are Alexis Frank Koczara and Christine Smith Shevchenko.

The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors Appoints Robert A. Iger as Chief Executive Officer

The Walt Disney Company announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.

“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”

“Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide--all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” she said.

The position of Chairman of the Board remains unchanged, with Ms. Arnold serving in that capacity.

“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.”

During his 15 years as CEO, from 2005 to 2020, Mr. Iger helped build Disney into one of the world’s most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation and international growth. He expanded on Disney’s legacy of unparalleled storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and increased the Company’s market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December, and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.

Our Favorite Quotes from Disney Legend Don Hahn in Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives

By John Gleim

The Walt Disney Archives is a magical place filled with amazing treasures and incredible people to tell you all about them. In writing and directing the documentary, Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives, currently celebrating its one-year anniversary of premiering on Disney+, I wanted to give viewers the chance to go behind the scenes of the Archives. And who better to take us on this grand tour than famed producer and newly honored Disney Legend, Don Hahn! I couldn’t have asked for a better host. His enthusiasm and passion for Disney history made our adventure all the more fantastic. Oh yeah—and did I mention Don’s proclivity for humor? Don kept us in stitches on- and off-camera; you’d think he was that other Disney Don (you know the one of the Knotts variety). To prove my point, I present to you my Top 5 favorite funny lines from Don from our film. And if you haven’t had the chance yet, be sure to check out Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives, on Disney+!

“That’s a nice eucalyptus.”

Not 30 seconds into our cruise, and Don starts pointing out some of the plant life.

“I feel like I’m engaged to the Angels.”

A rare moment where Don is allowed to actually wear an artifact, and it’s nothing less than a World Series ring!

“Ah the simple pleasures of a delicious corn dog.”

Who can blame him for making a slight deviation from our tour to sample the local fare?

“I just have no idea how I got here, to be honest. I think it was the Force.”

 Don keeps getting sidetracked on his quest to visit the office of Walt Disney. This time courtesy of fellow Disney Legend, Mark Hamill.

“I’ll just sleep on the sofa.”

A tour of this magnitude really wears you out! Finally arriving at Walt’s office, Don makes himself a little too at home, scoping out potential overnight accommodations.

For even more Archives fun, the stars of our film told us all about their favorite artifacts!

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with National Geographic

Native American Heritage Month is in full swing, but it’s never too late to celebrate from the diverse Native American and Alaska Native communities with the ultimate National Geographic roundup! From an inspiring series celebrating native families to a documentary showcasing the breath-taking land of North American, join the celebration all month long!

 

First Alaskans (2022)
Indigenous Alaskans walk in two worlds: one of traditional ways and one of 21st century challenges. Jody Potts and family live off the land on the Yokon River. Marvin Agnot’s days are dictated by the tides; the Apassingok family lives from what the Bering Sea provides; Joel and family live a life of self-reliance; John and Teresa Pingayaq pass on Cup’ik traditions to their grandchildren; and Steven Strassberg teaches his seven children ancient methods of survival.

America the Beautiful (2022)
This is the jaw dropping story of North America’s most picturesque lands and extortionary animals. The series takes you on a journey from the Artic ice caps to the blistering deserts and everything in between. In the final episode, you will meet the human heroes fighting to restore the wildlife and native lands for generations to come. Experience restoration in the plains of Montana, as members of the Chippewa Cree Tribe welcome Bisons back to their native lands after losing most of the population to hunting.

"We Are Here" Edition of National Geographic Magazine
Across North America, Native Americans are confidently taking back control over their land and culture. Indigenous model Quannah Rose Chasinghorse is front and center of the “We Are Here” edition to remind people “whose land you’re living on.” Chasinghorse uses her fame to advocate for her culture and protect her community.

Celebrate The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary with this Mickey’s of Glendale Collection!

Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store, has created a collection celebrating The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary. Once more, D23 Gold Members have the chance to shop this Imagineering Exclusive collection through an amazing online event!

The event is scheduled to begin on November 22 at 7 a.m. PT.

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

Read on for more on the “must have” items from The Muppet Christmas Carol Collection by Mickey’s of Glendale, below:

Gonzo and Rizzo “Ugly” Holiday Sweater for Adults - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Whoever coined the phrase “Ugly Holiday Sweater” clearly had never been a lamplighter in Victorian London, because this cozy sweater is fire. Featuring full-knit details in shades of red and white, it showcases silhouettes of Gonzo and Rizzo and features jellybean details. Text on the front reads “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and the back features the iconic quote “Light the lamp, not the rat!”

30th Anniversary Tee for Adults - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Inspired by Victorian broadside posters, this 30th Anniversary T-shirt features ornate damask details... and also 30 of Rizzo’s jellybeans. Includes artwork of Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Kermit the Frog, and Robin as well as accompanying text. A soft, hand-vintage screen-print style lends a comfy, broken-in feel to this tee.

30th Anniversary Spirit Jersey for Adults - The Muppet Christmas Carol
For the first time ever, everyone’s favorite caroling rabbit is featured on a Spirit Jersey as the one-and-only Bean Bunny graces the chest of this design asking for a “penny for the song, guv’nor?” With puffy and glittery ink on the back and a shoulder-to-shoulder print of the film’s logo, Muppet Christmas Carol fans will love this holiday must-have. The base of the Spirit Jersey is a cozy tartan pattern featuring silhouettes of Gonzo and Rizzo.

30th Anniversary Classic Baseball Cap - The Muppet Christmas Carol
“When a cold wind blows it chills you, chills you to the bone!” Keep your head a little warmer with this hunter green cap featuring embroidered artwork of The Muppet Christmas Carol title logo. The back features a 30th Anniversary icon of Bean Bunny surrounded by a wreath.

Gonzo and Rizzo “Ugly” Holiday Sweater Mug - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Fans of The Muppet Christmas Carol can’t forget the opening lines of the film spoken by The Great Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. Charles Dickens is “here to tell the story,” and his rodent companion is just here “for the food.” Celebrate with a thankful heart all year round with this mug inspired by iconic ugly holiday sweaters.

Concept Art Postcards - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Before a film can come to life, dozens of brilliant artists work together to establish the tone and style. This set of six postcards features three pieces of production design artwork and three costume sketches from The Muppet Christmas Carol. The back of each postcard includes room to write a greeting, address, and stamp. The detailed 5-by-7 inch prints could also be framed as artwork.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ Creative Director Picks His Super Hero Dream Team

By Justin Calvert

Like so many of us, Jake Solomon, creative director for the upcoming tactical role-playing game Marvel’s Midnight Suns, grew up enjoying Marvel comics. He never stopped, and still counts Magik—whose early adventures he read about in The New Mutants back in the ’80s— as one of his favorite characters in the Marvel Universe. He’s also a big fan of Ghost Rider, particularly the Rise of the Midnight Sons event that played out across supernatural characters’ comics in the early ’90s.

Now that the December 2 release of Marvel’s Midnight Suns is mere weeks away, and Solomon has obviously spent a lot of time playing it, do Magik and Ghost Rider make the cut on his go-to team?

“Choosing just three heroes is tough,” said Solomon. “If I had to choose only three heroes for my perfect Midnight Suns team, I’d go with Ghost Rider, Iron Man, and Nico Minoru. But I would happily sub in Magik, Captain Marvel, and Blade depending on the circumstances.”

He continued, “Ghost Rider is pure power; as long as he stays healthy, he deals massive amounts of damage. Iron Man is a swing hero who can support the team and also hit single or multiple enemies for a fair amount of damage. And Nico is the ultimate support character. Because Ghost Rider and Iron Man have so many heroic abilities, Nico is great at making sure the team always has enough of the heroism resource to keep fighting.”

Heroism is the resource needed to perform environmental attacks and unleash your heroes’ most powerful moves and is earned by playing ability cards during tactical missions. The ability cards you’re dealt at the start of each turn are random, but because you get to choose which eight ability cards each of your heroes brings into a mission, you can tailor their loadouts to your preferred playing style. Here’s what Solomon had to say about the abilities he likes to include when assembling his ideal team:

Ghost Rider

“Ghost Rider is a double-edged sword. He deals tons of damage to his enemies, but often times he damages himself in the process,” said Solomon. “Because of that, I always try to keep his Straight to Hell and Drain Souls abilities in his deck, because they can help him stay near full health. Then, with either Judgment or Penance Stare, it’s possible to convert Ghost Rider’s current health into obscene amounts of damage against his enemies.”

Iron Man

“I love using Iron Man’s Leave It To Me ability, which can draw more of his abilities into your hand,” Solomon elaborated. “His Precision ability is the perfect follow-up, letting you use powerful Iron Man abilities without discarding them. Pair those with his ultimate Hellfire Beam ability, and Iron Man has the potential to end battles in a single turn.”

Nico Minoru

“Nico is the glue that holds this squad together, bringing powerful support abilities like Empower, which reduces the heroism cost of all cards in your hand to 0,” Solomon explained. “Because Ghost Rider and Iron Man have a lot of heroic abilities, this can be a game changer. Nico can also turn the tide with her Double Up ability, which can duplicate abilities in your hand. Use this at the right time and you’ll have a nigh unbeatable combination of cards.”

He continued, “In addition to customizing your heroes’ ability loadouts, you can change their appearance by equipping different color schemes for their outfits that you’ll unlock as you progress through the game. “The unlockable black-and-gold Midnight Suns suits are always sharp. But before I get those, I tend to equip the latest color scheme I’ve unlocked for each hero, so my squad is always looking fresh.”

If you haven’t seen the Midnight Suns suits, be sure to check the “Live Among Legends” gameplay trailer above for shots of them being worn by Super Heroes including Blade, Captain America, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, and more. You might also be interested to know that a Funko Pop of Iron Man in his Midnight Suns suit is available when you purchase either the Enhanced or Legendary Edition of Marvel’s Midnight Suns from GameStop (online or in participating stores) in the US or Canada*.

Some characters may require unlocking through gameplay, but now that you know Solomon’s favorite Midnight Sunsteam, perhaps you’re thinking about which Super Heroes you’ll use in the battle against Lilith’s demonic forces. His advice? “Play with the heroes you love,” he recommended. “We’ve designed them to complement wildly varying playstyles, so any trio you assemble is going to be valid and, of course, a blast to play with!”

*Valid with purchases of Marvel’s Midnight Suns Legendary Edition or Enhanced Edition from GameStop. GameStop offer available online and at participating stores only. US & Canada only. While supplies last. 

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

By Courtney Potter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which of these cities would you love to move to?

Which superpower would you choose?

Who is your favorite MCU villain?

What’s your favorite land at Disneyland Resort?

Who’s your Super Hero sidekick?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the Scenes of Disney Animation’s Strange World

By Alison Stateman

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

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

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

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

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

An Origin Story

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

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

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

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

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

A Family Affair  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Creative Collaboration

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Andie Hagemann

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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