First Poster for Disney’s The Little Mermaid Surfaces—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

This New The Little Mermaid Poster Wants to Be Where the People Are…

Yes, it’s true: The first poster for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic, has just been revealed. The film, helmed by visionary director Rob Marshall, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide on May 26, 2023.

The beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure, stars Halle Bailey in the lead role. Rounding out the cast are Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder, Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, and Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina-with Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Take a gander at the film’s teaser trailer (which premiered at the recent D23 Expo 2022) for the first, or perhaps 21st, time, below…

The Little Mermaid is written by David Magee, with a live-action story adaptation by Magee, Marshall, and John DeLuca, based on the short story by Hans Christian Andersen, and the Disney animated film by Ron Clements and John Musker. The score is by Disney Legend Alan Menken, who won two Oscars® for the music in the animated version; music is by Menken, with lyrics by Disney Legend Howard Ashman and new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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

As we creep ever closer to Halloween, there’s progressively spookier content to fill your weekends from around the worlds of Disney. What should you expect this weekend? The sing-along version of Into the Woods premieres on Disney+; Toy Story of Terror! offers up some frights and delights on Freeform; The Owl House debuts the first of its final specials on Disney Channel and Disney XD; and so much more.

 Second Season of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Ordered

News from our friends at Disney Branded Television: A second season of the highly anticipated animated series Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur has already been ordered, before the first episode of Season 1 has even premiered! The news, along with a clip from the theme song, “Moon Girl Magic” (above)-written and produced by executive music producer Raphael Saadiq and performed by series star Diamond White (who voices Lunella, aka Moon Girl)-was revealed over the weekend during the Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur panel at New York Comic Con.

The full soundtrack from Walt Disney Records is set for release the same day the series debuts-February 10, 2023-and will feature songs from the first season. And next summer, fans can also look forward to a brand-new assortment of toys, apparel, and more inspired by the series.

Based on Marvel’s hit comic books, the series follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex partner, Devil Dinosaur (voice of Fred Tatasciore), whom she accidentally brings through time into present-day New York City. Equipped with Devil’s fierce loyalty and brawn, the loving support of her family and best friend Casey (voice of Libe Barer), and an array of her own inventions, Lunella sets out to make a difference and protect her Lower East Side neighborhood from danger.

Cast Announced for 20th Century Studios’ A Haunting in Venice

Production on 20th Century Studios’ A Haunting in Venice, an unsettling supernatural thriller inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party, is set to begin next month-and with that news comes the announcement of the film’s notable ensemble cast, including Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarico, and Michelle Yeoh.

The film, directed by and starring Oscar® winner Kenneth Branagh, is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and features the return of Christie’s most celebrated sleuth. Hercule Poirot (Branagh), now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo; when one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

A Haunting in Venice, with a screenplay by Michael Green, is set to open in theaters nationwide in 2023.

Your Selena Gomez Streaming Guide

We’ve seen her go from a Disney Channel sitcom star to holding her own opposite two comedy icons… so why not celebrate Selena Gomez with a full binge-watch of some of her works from across the worlds of Disney? D23 has a handy streaming guide to her most notable appearances-Princess Protection Program is an all-time fave-right here.

The logo for Disney+'s Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? documentary. The title of the documentary is written against a black background, and Menzel's name is spelled out in lights.

Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? Documentary-Coming Soon to Disney+

Our pals at Disney+ recently announced the premiere of the new documentary film Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? From Disney Branded Television, the intimate and inspirational film follows Disney Legend and Tony Award®-winning icon Idina Menzel on her path to realize a lifelong dream: headlining a concert at Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City.

Featuring never-before-seen performance footage alongside raw and vulnerable interviews, the documentary follows Menzel on a personal journey as she juggles the challenges of being a working mom and wife on a grueling travel schedule while preparing to take the stage at the legendary arena. Featuring interviews with Menzel herself, along with her parents, family, friends, and co-creatives, the film also weaves in show-stopping performances as she conquers the Madison Square Garden stage.

Directed by filmmaker Anne McCabe and produced in partnership with Ideal Partners, Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? will premiere on Friday, December 9, exclusively on Disney+.

A promo image of the cast of Disney Channel's BUNK'D. They are standing in front of a rustic cabin-type doorway; above the door is a sign that says

BUNK’D Renewed for Seventh Season on Disney Channel

More news from the good folks at Disney Branded Television: They just announced that a seventh season of the hit comedy series BUNK’D has been given a greenlight. This seventh-season renewal is historic, as is makes BUNK’D the longest-running live-action Disney Channel series to date!

Series regulars Miranda May (Lou), Trevor Tordjman (Parker), Mallory James Mahoney (Destiny), Israel Johnson (Noah), Shiloh Verrico (Winnie), Luke Busey (Jake), and Alfred Lewis (Bill) are all set to return. Erin Dunlap will remain as executive producer and showrunner of the series in addition to May, who’ll continue her season six appointed role as executive producer while also directing select episodes.

Season 6 of BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes will air a holiday-themed episode on Friday, December 2-with new weekly episodes returning in January 2023. Lou, Parker, Destiny, and Noah have been working double time to get the new Kikiwaka Ranch up and running in Dusty Tush, Wyoming. They must learn new ranch skills, acquaint themselves with the townsfolk, and welcome their new campers. It’s been a bumpy start… but campers Bill, Winnie, and Jake have still loved their time at summer camp. Meanwhile, counselors and campers band together to hunt for a mysterious treasure that is said to be hidden somewhere on the ranch.

New Trailer for Disney+’s Save Our Squad with David Beckham

Disney+ just debuted the official trailer for the UK Original series Save Our Squad with David Beckham, which premieres exclusively on Disney+ next month.

The heart-warming series sees Beckham return to his East London roots to mentor Westward Boys, a young, grassroots team who are at the bottom of their league, facing relegation. However, this isn’t just any league… this is the same league that Beckham played in as a young boy. Working with the head coaches, he’ll try to turn the team’s fortunes around.

The series follows along as he mentors the young squad, sharing stories from his own playing career (which spanned over 20 years and saw him play for some of the most successful clubs in the world) to teach them valuable lessons about practice, ambition, and teamwork. Off the pitch, Beckham gets the chance to spend time with players and their families, learning about their lives, hopes, and concerns while talking to them about the importance of collaboration, work ethic, and community.

Look for Save Our Squad with David Beckham to debut exclusively on the streaming service on Wednesday, November 9.

ICYMI: How Marvel Studios Unleashes Its Monstrous Side in Werewolf by Night

With the haunting new Special Presentation from Marvel Studios, Werewolf by Night, now streaming on Disney+, D23 got some spooky (and very cool) behind-the-scenes scoop from its director, Michael Giacchino. Click here to find out how the project came to be; what ’70s syndicated horror TV show inspired him; and much more.

The Enduring Legacy of Zorro

By Cesar Gallegos, Walt Disney Archives

From September 15 to October 15, during the anniversaries of the independence of many Latin American countries, Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month celebrates and honors the achievements, history, contributions, and vibrancy of Hispanic and Latinx cultures. With the celebration soon coming to a close, it marks another important milestone: the 65th anniversary of Disney’s Zorro.

Premiering on October 10, 1957, Zorro featured the debonair Guy Williams as Don Diego de la Vega and his alter ego—the friend of the people, El Zorro. The show, inspired by the stories of Johnston McCulley, follows the adventures of the legendary masked hero who fought valiantly against the oppressive forces in 19th-century California.

Almost 30 years after its premiere, a VHS copy of Zorro: The Secret of El Zorro (a compilation of episodes from the series) landed in the hands of a very impressionable five-year-old Hispanic boy. This boy, born and raised in Los Angeles, finally saw a world that resonated with not only his Hispanic culture, but also showed a hero and characters that looked a lot like him.

Though he loved Sunday newspaper comics and superhero cartoons, seeing Zorro etch that infamous “Z” left an indelible mark on the boy. The vivid world and detailed production of Zorro sparked his imagination in a way no other story had before. He played out heroic scenarios, leaping from beds and tracing “Zs” in the air with the wooden sword that his dad had made for him. Yet there was always something missing that even his imagination couldn’t fabricate...

That all changed on Halloween when his mother and aunt sewed him Zorro’s infamous costume, complete with a billowy black shirt and distinctive domino mask. When the boy slipped into this costume, the power and pride he felt was unimaginable. Though it was decades after Zorro’s initial premiere, the boy felt an unshakeable connection to that iconic hero, driven by a deep feeling of representation.

You might have guessed that the little boy... was me!

And even though the little boy has now grown up, I often think of how significant it was to see aspects of oneself and heritage in popular culture. So you can imagine my excitement, starting my career at the Walt Disney Archives and realizing that Guy Williams’ Zorro costume is in the Archives’ collection!

To celebrate Zorro’s premiere and the impact of diverse storytelling, please enjoy the following photos from not only the Archives, but also from my own personal archive... and check out Zorro for yourself on Disney+!

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

By Andie Hagemann

Spooky content is haunting your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend! The sing-along version of Into the Woods debuts Friday on Disney+, just as The New Mutants joins the streaming service’s library.Woody and Buzz embark on a mysterious journey in Toy Story of Terror!, airing Saturday on Freeform, and the beloved animated series The Owl House debuts the first of its final specials that evening on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Close out the weekend by streaming Edward Scissorhands on Disney+!

Actor James Corden sits upright on the ground with his legs straight out. He wears a brown coat, brown pants, and black boots. He looks up with his mouth agape. Actor Meryl Streep portrays a witch with wild gray hair. She wears a long-sleeved black gown with silver sparkles. She hunches and looks up toward the sky. Corden and Streep are in a forest with brown leaves strewn on the ground and on large rocks. Large trees surround them along with leafy, green plants.

Into the Woods Sing-Along Version—Friday, October 14, on Disney+

Warm up those singing voices because the sing-along version drops this Friday! The epic musical saga, directed by Rob Marshall, puts a modern twist on the beloved fairy tales you thought you knew. The stories of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) are intertwined with a humble baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt), whose desire to have a child sends them on a quest to reverse a curse placed by a witch (Meryl Streep).

From left to right, actor Maisie Williams leans through a hole in a giant wooden clock on top of a brick building with her arm extended outward. She wears a blue sweater and blue button-down shirt underneath. Actor Blu Hunt leans against the bricks and stands on a ledge. She wears a tan zippered jacket, a gray T-shirt, and blue, denim jeans with white sneakers. Her hands grasp the wall as she looks at Williams.

The New Mutants—Friday, October 14, on Disney+

Five teenage mutants—Mirage (Blu Hunt), Wolfsbane (Maisie Williams), Cannonball (Charlie Heaton), Sunspot (Henry Zaga), and Magik (Anya Taylor-Joy)—are invited by Dr. Cecilia Reyes (Alice Braga) to undergo treatments at a secret institution that promises to cure them of their dangerous super powers. As Dr. Reyes encourage the teens to share their stories, their memories soon turn into terrifying realities. The mutants begin to question why they are being held and who is trying to destroy them.

From left to right, animated characters Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody stand hunched and huddled together. They are wide-eyed and appear scared. Jessie wears a red cowboy hat with a white shirt, a yellow vest, and jeans with cow-print chaps. Buzz stands with his arms extended and wears a white space suit. Woody wears blue jeans, a brown cowboy hat, and a yellow and red button-down shirt. Cobwebs are seen above them in each corner of the frame.

Toy Story of TERROR!—Saturday, October 15, at 2:25 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform

When Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz (voiced by Disney Legend Tim Allen), and the rest of the toys stop at a motel, Mr. Potato Head (voiced by Don Rickles) mysteriously goes missing. As the pals search for him, they find themselves caught up in a frightening series of events.

From left to right, a tan sea monster-like creature with blue hair rejoices and flails its hands in the air. A teenage boy stands and looks around the room. He wears a mustard-colored sweater, denim jeans, and maroon sneakers. A teenage girl kneels on the ground and pumps her right fist in the air. She has pink hair and wears a mauve, long-sleeved shirt and a blue jumper. In her left hand she holds a scroll. A teenage girl stands to the side and pumps both arms in the air. She wears round, gold-rimmed glasses, a green jacket, a yellow shirt with an emblem of a green leaf, tan pants, and brown shoes. A teenage boy pumps his arms into the air and looks up. He wears a blue jacket, a teal T-shirt, blue pants, and gray boots. The house has broken glass windows, torn wallpaper, and damage to the wooden floors. The front door is open, and a forest is seen in the distance.

The Owl House—Saturday, October 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD

The first of the series’ final specials picks up immediately following the events of the Season 2 finale. The special finds Luz (voiced by Sarah-Nicole Robles) and her friends stuck in the human realm and willing to go to daring lengths to return to the Boiling Isles, which is in peril thanks to the evil Emperor Belos (voiced by Matthew Rhys). The following two installments will premiere in 2023.

Actor and Disney Legend Johnny Depp portrays Edward Scissorhands. He stands with his arms extended outward and holds a long strip of red paper cut into a design. Depp wears a black turtleneck under a white, button-down dress shirt. He wears dark gray pants that are held up by black suspenders. His hands are comprised of metal blades. A young boy stands to his left with his hands placed on his hips. He smiles and looks on at Depp. He wears a blue shirt with dark blue stripes. Behind them is a green chalkboard reading, “Show and Tell.” In front of them, young children sit in desks facing them.

Edward Scissorhands—Sunday, October 16, on Disney+

A scientist (Vincent Price) builds humanoid named Edward (Disney Legend Johnny Depp), but dies before he can finish, leaving the young man with a freakish appearance accentuated by the scissor blades he has instead of hands. One day, a suburban woman named Peg (Dianne Wiest) finds Edward and brings him home, where he quickly falls for Peg’s teenage daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder). However, Edward’s hands still make him an outcast despite his kindness, artistic prowess, and newfound popularity.

Your Selena Gomez Streaming Roundup!

By Sarah Sterling

A true early aughts darling, Selena Gomez has become one of the most beloved Disney stars in the history of The Walt Disney Company. A singer, actor, and producer, Selena is a triple threat who has graced our screens for more than 15 years in projects from across the worlds of Disney. In honor of the 15th anniversary of Wizards of Waverly Place and Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, here are some of the most notable appearances on television and in film where you can keep an eye out for Selena.

Promotional poster for Wizards of Waverly Place. On the left, the Russo siblings stand together with their arms crossed, each holding a sparkling wand shooting bolts of lightning. On the left is David Henrie, in the middle is Selena Gomez, and on the right is Jake T. Austin. To their right is a rectangle made of white bricks with the show’s title treatment.

Wizards of Waverly Place
One of Selena’s most well-known Disney roles was as Alex Russo in Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, a part she played for five years and over 100 episodes. The whimsical comedy sitcom follows Alex and her siblings as they train to become wizards, all while hiding their magical abilities from their high school peers. Wizards of Waverly Place (Seasons 1-4), Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, and Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex can all be streamed right now on Disney+!

Princess Protection Program
Two Disney Channel icons in one movie... what more could you want? Princess Protection Program is a 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie starring Selena and Demi Lovato in a classic fish-out-of-water, enemies-to-friends tale. Lovato plays Princess Rosalinda Maria Montoya Fioré of the fictional country Costa Luna. On the eve of her coronation, Princess Rosalinda must flee her country and join the P.P.P. (Princess Protection Program) to evade an evil plot by a neighboring country to kidnap the royal family. She is relocated to Lake Monroe, Louisiana, where she moves in with Carter Mason (Gomez) and her family. Carter initially deeply dislikes the princess but grows fond of her through their adventures acclimating Rosalinda to life as a normal American teenager. Princess Protection Program is available to stream on Disney+.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck, Sonny with a Chance, and So Random!
Selena’s Disney debut was as a guest star in Season 2 of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody where she played Gwen, who is in the school play with Zack (Dylan Sprouse) and Cody (Cole Sprouse). Since then, Selena has gone on to appear in many Disney Channel shows, becoming the Disney Channel star with one of the highest cameo-counts of all time! Selena went on to appear in The Suite Life on Deck as Alex Russo in a Wizards of Waverly Place crossover episode; Hannah Montana as Mikayla (one of Hannah’s pop star rivals); and as herself on Sonny with a Chance and So Random! All of Selena’s cameos can be streamed on Disney+. Here’s which episodes to look out for:

  • The Suite Life of Zack and Cody: “A Midsummer’s Nightmare” (Season 2, Episode 22)
  • Hannah Montana: “I Want You to Want Me... to Go to Florida” (Season 2, Episode 13); “That’s What Friends are For” (Season 2, Episode 18); “(We’re So Sorry) Uncle Earle” (Season 2, Episode 22)
  • The Suite Life on Deck: “Double Crossed” (Season 1, Episode 21)
  • Sonny with a Chance: “Battle of the Network Stars” (Season 1, Episode 13)
  • So Random!: “Selena Gomez & The Scene” (Season 1, Episode 3)

Selena Gomez and Joey King stand together on the left side of the image. Selena is standing upright with straight brown hair, a white T-shirt under a yellow and beige cardigan, and blue jeans. Her shirt and pants are covered in messy blue and purple paint handprints. Joey has her arms wrapped around Selena’s waist from behind and she is sticking her face out from behind her with a huge smile on her face. The entire image has a hot pink background and the film’s title text is to the girls’ right.

Ramona and Beezus
In 2010, Selena brought her talent to the big screen in 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of Beverly Cleary’s hit series of novels, Ramona and Beezus. Gomez played big sister Beezus to Joey King’s Ramona in a heartfelt, imaginative story where the family must get creative to save their home after their father loses his job. Ramona and Beezus is available to stream on Disney+.

Title treatment for Only Murders in the Building against a black background. “Only” is written in green, “Murders in the” is written in red, and “Building” is written in yellow.

Only Murders in the Building
One of the biggest breakout hits for Hulu in 2021, Only Murders in the Building brings Selena together with two comedy titans, Disney Legend Steve Martin and Martin Short, in a thrilling mystery comedy series. This unlikely threesome comes together to solve the murder of Tim Kono (Julian Cihi), a friend of Selena’s character, Mabel Mora. Documenting their process in a true crime podcast, Mabel, Charles (Steve), and Oliver (Martin) gain a dedicated listenership and bring peace to their historic apartment building, The Arconia, by bringing Kono’s killer to justice. Only Murders in the Building ended its equally entertaining second season this past summer and fans are ravenous for a third. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to see the next installment, which will feature new characters like Paul Rudd’s Ben Glenroy, who appeared in the finale. You can stream Seasons 1 and 2 of Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.

From Disney Channel stardom, to an illustrious music career, to an overall stream queen, we can’t wait to see what Selena does next! Which of her iconic roles is most memorable to you? Let us know on social media and continue following D23.com for the latest news on your favorite Disney stars.

Animation Is Film Festival Exclusive Event Discounts for D23 Members

D23 Members can enjoy ticket discounts for a Strange World exclusive event and Turning Red exclusive screening, as part of this year's Animation Is Film Festival!
Please read on for more details.

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Strange World Exclusive Event Ticket Discount

The fifth annual Animation Is Film Festival, produced by GKIDs in collaboration with Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Variety is held every October at the historic TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. This year’s event will run from October 21 through October 23, with a closing presentation on October 29, and will include an exclusive look at never-before-seen footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 61st animated feature, Strange World!

Presented in-person by Producer and Academy Award® winner Roy Conli, this is a first look at both film footage and behind-the-scenes of one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year, which debuts exclusively in theaters on Wednesday, November 23, is a must-see for Disney, animation, and movie fans of all ages!

The hour-long event will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m., and Animation Is Film wishes to extend a LIMITED number of discounted tickets to the D23 community. *Enter the promo code “D23” for 23% off your order through the following link: https://animationisfilm.com/events/work-in-progress-strange-world/.

Promo codes are limited. This event will sell out, so be sure to reserve your seats promptly.

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Turning Red Screening with Q&A Ticket Discount

Did you miss seeing Pixar’s newest classic "Turning Red" on the big screen? If so — the Animation Is Film Festival will offer a theatrical screening on Saturday, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. What’s more, the screening will be followed by an in-person Q&A with Writer/Director Domee Shi and Producer Lindsey Collins!

There are a very LIMITED number of seats left, and Animation Is Film wishes to offer them at a discount to the biggest Disney/Pixar fans of them all!

*Enter the promo code “D23” for 23% off your tickets through the following link: https://animationisfilm.com/events/turning-red/.

Don’t forget to enter the D23 promo code!

*Tickets are limited. Subject to change without notice.

Rosaline Infuses Shakespeare’s Timeless Love Story with Humor and a Modern Sensibility

By Alison Stateman

What if Romeo had eyes for more than just Juliet? In Rosaline, a minor character mentioned in Shakespeare’s classic play Romeo and Juliet takes center stage in a comic retelling of this timeless love story.

This rollicking reimagining from 20th Century Studios is told from the perspective of Juliet’s cousin Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever), who also happens to be Romeo’s recent love interest. Heartbroken when Romeo (Kyle Allen) meets Juliet (Isabela Merced) and begins to pursue her, Rosaline schemes to foil the famous romance and win back her guy.

The film will stream as a Hulu Original in the U.S., on Star+ in Latin America, and on Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories beginning Friday, October 14.

(Rosaline has strong language and adult themes; recommended for mature audiences.)

During a virtual press conference for the film, key members of the cast along with director Karen Maine (Yes, God, Yes) shared how they infused the tragic love story with humor and a modern sensibility.

Origin Story
Adapted from Rebecca Serle’s novel When You Were Mine by 500 Days of Summer writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the script—and the fact that Dever was playing the lead—was a major draw for Maine.

“The script was sent to me, and I was told that Kaitlyn was attached to play the lead. I love Kaitlyn; I love her work. I was dying to work with her,” admitted the director. “I read the script and it was amazing. It’s just hilarious.”

She continued, “The idea to set it in this classic Renaissance period with this modern language, and modern sensibilities and themes, just created in my mind this perfect juxtaposition of old and new that really nailed the comedy and let it shine.”

For Dever (Dopesick), the opportunity to “do anything and everything” with the character was an especially “exciting prospect.”

“The character that I created with Karen was something [where] we just felt like you could go for it in so many ways,” she said. “On the daily I was having so much fun with the role. I appreciated and admired her determination and her fearlessness and her drive, and just playing up the comedy. It was so easy to just have the most fun and be sort of outrageous sometimes, and sarcastic and comedic with this whole cast. It was really, really fun.”

That sense of fun came through during the virtual gathering, with Maine, Denver, Allen, Merced, Minnie Driver (Nurse Janet), Sean Teale (Dario), and Spencer Stevenson (Paris).

The movie, filmed over two months in Italy, marked several “firsts” for Stevenson—it was his first project for Disney; first time playing a Shakespearian character; and first time traveling outside of the United States.

“When I booked the role, I did not have a passport. I needed to get there in a week. I ended up getting my passport on a Thursday and got on a plane on Saturday. It was intense. I was so excited,” he said. “Paris is so much like me. It was kind of like playing dress up and just having fun. And it was so much fun.” (Viewers should keep an eye out for a very outré cape that Paris wears during an elaborate party scene.)

Like in the play, Paris is a count and the prospect that Juliet’s parents want her to marry. However, in the film, he’s brought to their attention as part of the larger romantic scheme by Rosaline.

Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever) reclines on her stomach as she draws a map on parchment on a portable easel, which is balanced above a stack of thick, hard-covered books. She wears a gold dress, and her hair is worn down with two front sections clasped together in loose braids. Her cousin Juliet (Isabela Merced) lies on her side, admiring the map. She wears a white dress with small burgundy flowers and a cream-colored vest. 

Characters Reimagined
In this retelling, Romeo is still a lovestruck teen—taken to the extreme.

“Romeo would fall in love with a stick,” Allen, who most recently played Balkan in West Side Story (2021), said, drawing laughs from the cast. “He’s completely obsessed with the concept and the idea of love. And other than that, that’s pretty much the entirety of his personality. He doesn’t have much else going on.”

Juliet, meanwhile, still has an innocence about her—but it’s counterbalanced with a strong sense of self. When Merced was offered the iconic role, she said she was happily surprised.

“I am used to playing characters that are very headstrong, independent—typically ‘not Juliet,’” she said. “But I think Rosaline and Juliet do a great job of representing both sides of what feminism and womanhood really is. You can be strong and be sentimental and sensitive and still be an independent woman. It’s nice to see the two sides of rebellion and then sweetness.”

Nurse Janet (Minnie Driver) ties an ivory patterned face mask on Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever) as she gets ready for masked ball. Rosaline’s strawberry-blonde hair is worn half-up/half-down and is styled in loose curls. She wears a burgundy velvet gown over a white gauzy top, as well as a gold and black jeweled necklace; there is a gold imprint of a dragonfly at the center of the front of her gown. Nurse Janet has an ivory hair wrap on that cascades down her back, and wears an ivory dress with dark grey-green lightweight coat.

Even the supporting role of Juliet’s nurse was given a modern update, as played by Oscar® and Emmy® nominee Minnie Driver (Speechless).

“You have to have an anchor in a wayward love story/drama. And she was really funny. And it was very good that she was British because British people sound funny,” said London-born Driver, which cracked up the cast.

“I always played the nurse in Romeo and Juliet in drama school and she’s always the worst part… because she was the boring old person. But now, in this, she’s obviously youthful and vigorous and extremely funny,” she continued. “I was just thrilled to be part of this whole thing with all these lovely people.”

Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever) and Dario (Sean Teale) stand on a forest path looking at one another. Rosaline wears a burgundy and lace gown with pearl accents, with her hands clasped behind her back—one injured hand is wrapped in muslin. Dario has dark short hair and a light beard. He is wearing a black and tan leather and cloth coat; metal details run up and down the front and forearms of the garment, a sword visible in a holster at his hip.

Then there is Dario, a totally new character/potential love interest played by Sean Teale (Little Voice).

Without revealing any spoilers, Teale shared what appealed to him about the role.

“The thing that drew me to Dario is that he just doesn’t mind what anyone thinks of him or how he appears,” said Teale. “He is certain in a way, and I do not possess that trait at all. But Dario manages to be a lot more progressive than a man would be in that time.”

Rosaline is produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Dan Levine, with Kaitlin Dever, Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber, Whitney Brown, Emily Morris, and Becca Edelman serving as executive producers.

Behind the Magic of “Disney+ Night” on Dancing with the Stars

The worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and more collided on Dancing with the Stars Monday. The first-ever “Disney+ Night” saw the 13 remaining couples putting their best feet forward in the hopes of getting the first perfect score of the season. While no couple managed to get a 10 from judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, or Derek Hough, three of them tied for first place, earning a score of 36/40.

The show began with an upbeat performance to “Colombia, Mi Encanto” from Encanto, featuring a special appearance from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The episode also included a performance of “That’s How You Know” from Enchanted, with Gabriella Baldacchino, star of the upcoming Disney+ Original film Disenchanted, watching from the audience. The song “Try Everything” from Zootopia was also highlighted in a troupe number in celebration of Disney’s upcoming 100th anniversary.

First up, Joseph Baena and pro Daniella Karagach performed a Charleston to “A Star Is Born” from Hercules. Although Goodman called it a “fun” performance, he said there were too many tricks in the routine: “Sometimes less would be more.” Hough agreed with Goodman, saying it was “one too many,” though he thinks Baena will “go the distance” in the competition. The judges gave them sevens across the board for a score of 28/40. This was only the second time the couple had danced together onstage, as Karagach missed the last two live shows due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. “This was so fun,” Karagach told D23 after the episode. “It feels so good to be back.” Getting into character as Hercules and Megara was extra fun: “His personality is very, very similar to Hercules,” said Karagach, with Baena adding, “She’s grumpy, like Meg!”

After landing in the bottom two last week, Sam Champion and pro Cheryl Burke returned to the ballroom to perform a Paso Doble to “The Greatest Show” from 20th Century Studios’ The Greatest Showman. Hough confessed he couldn’t help but root for Champion and credited him for staying in character throughout the routine. Tonioli called the number “big,” “ballsy,” and “passionate,” but noted that Champion missed some key details and flourishes. Ultimately, the couple received the lowest score of the night with 25/40.

Next, Jordin Sparks serenaded her son and husband with “Remember Me” from Coco before launching into a Jazz routine with pro Brandon Armstrong. Goodman deemed it the couple’s best dance to date, while Tonioli praised it for being “fluid and dynamic.” They earned 34/40 points, their highest score to date and a five-point improvement over last week. “It felt really good,” Sparks told D23. “To be honest with you, I couldn’t hear what the judges were saying because my emotions started to come up when we were standing in front of them, but I feel really good! We really worked our butts off for this dance. We drilled it, and then he was like, ‘Hey, we have to do tricks!’ And I was like, ‘Alright... throw me! Let’s figure it out!’ I’m so excited and just so, so proud of us!”

Wayne Brady and pro Witney Carson performed a Jazz routine to “Wait for It” from Hamilton—a musical that holds special meaning for Brady, who previously performed as Aaron Burr in the Chicago company. Afterward, the couple once again found themselves at the top of the leaderboard, earning an impressive score of 36/40. The full circle moment and judges’ praise brought tears to Brady’s eyes, with him telling host Tyra Banks, “I thank Witney for carrying me and making me believe I can do this.”

Next, Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart performed a Quickstep to “Finally Free” from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, earning a score of 29/40. The number was especially momentous to Stewart, who got her start as a dancer in the High School Musical film trilogy. “It’s so meaningful to me,” she said. “I was only 15 in the first movie, so to be able to perform a song from the series with Daniel was very special.” Although Durant admitted he “hasn’t seen” the films or series, Stewart said that will change ASAP: “To all the HSM fans, don’t worry! We will be watching clips this week!”

Shangela and pro Gleb Savchenko brought a little New Orleans flair to the ballroom when they performed a Charleston to “Dig a Little Deeper” from The Princess and the Frog. Shangela’s friend, Jennifer Lewis, who voices Mama Odie in the film, made a surprise appearance in the ballroom to perform the song and support the drag superstar. “This is Disney+ Night!” Shangela told D23 afterward. “Magic happened!” The couple earned a score of 32/40, with Tonioli joking that if they had dug any deeper, they would have struck oil! Getting to portray Princess Tiana in the ballroom was a career highlight, Shangela added. “I’m sure it was every little gay boy and drag queen’s dream to be a Disney Princess, and Tiana represents so much to me—especially as the first Black American princess,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wow, what a great way to honor that inclusion and also represent inclusion myself by being here.’”

After a trip to the bayou, it was on to Cherry Tree Lane, where Heidi D’Amelio and pro Artem Chigvintsev performed a Viennese Waltz to “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Mary Poppins. Hough called it their best dance to date, and the couple earned 32/40 points, a four-point improvement over last week. “It felt really good,” Heidi said afterward. “I was nervous about being in frame, so to hear we had the best frame of the night was super exciting.” She especially loved getting into character as the magical English nanny, telling D23, “I was happy that we went classic. This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I thought the set looked beautiful. It definitely set the mood for the dance. I was really happy with both what we chose and with the choreography.”

Next, Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy traversed the cosmos—er, the ballroom floor—with a Quickstep routine to “Mr. Blue Sky” from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Inaba told Windey she was “out-of-this-world good,” adding, “You have everything you need to win this competition. You are so refined.” The couple earned a score of 36/40, but for Windey, the best part was making her partner proud. “It feels so good,” she told D23. “I always look to Val for validation after our dance, and the scores are just like a cherry on top—a huge, fat cherry on top with whipped cream and sprinkles.” Dressing up as Gamora and Star-Lord took “a long time,” Chmerkovskiy said—well, at least for The Bachelorette star. “This process saw her go through seven shades of green. The artists did all the work, and I think they did a great job.” Windey said she felt “like a new woman” as Gamora, adding, “I feel like I can do anything I want to do.”

Moments later, Trevor Donovan and pro Emma Slater revved things up with a Samba routine to “Life Is a Highway” from Cars, but the judges felt there was room for improvement. Even so, Tonioli said Donovan had “no problem with gyrations and thrusts,” while Inaba acknowledged he has “come a long way” since the competition began four weeks ago. After earning a score of 28/40, Slater told D23, “I don’t know what I was expecting from the judges, but they had a lot of constructive criticism.” Slater acknowledged the “energy was so different” on “Disney+ Night,” with Donovan adding, “There was levity to the room... It’s a bit more of a party on ‘Disney+ Night.’”

Next, Vinny Guadagnino and pro Koko Iwasaki performed a Samba to “Il Gatto E La Volpe” from Luca and earned 29/40 points, a six-point improvement over last week. “It felt rewarding,” Guadagnino told D23. “During the week, we know we can dance. When you get here, that’s what the show is really about. There’s a second element to this: It’s learning the dance then it’s coming out here and doing it alongside all of these other amazing performers.” Getting to bring the Pixar characters to life on “Disney+ Night” was especially fun for the Jersey Shore star, who said, “This is, so far, my favorite theme. I don’t know if I can top it—even though next week is pretty lit, too!”

There was a little mayhem in the ballroom when Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog showed up to support Selma Blair and pro Sasha Farber as they performed a Quickstep to “The Muppet Show Theme” from The Muppet Show. The high-energy routine resulted in eights across the board for a total score of 32/40. Afterward, she told host Alfonso Ribeiro that filming Dancing with the Stars has added “so much” joy to her life.

Next, “Disney+ Night” took a bewitching turn when Jessie James Decker and Alan Bersten performed a Jive to “One Way or Another” from Hocus Pocus 2. Portraying Sarah Sanderson and Bully Butcherson, respectively, Decker and Bersten earned their highest score to date, 31/40, with Inaba calling it their “best dance” of the season. “It was so hard this week,” Decker admitted after the show. “I struggled mentally, and I had a moment where I thought, ‘Am I going to make this happen?’ I couldn’t see the light. To put in the work and get to this place, I’m like, ‘We did it! We really did it!’ It boosted my confidence, and it makes me feel like moving forward, I can do this.” High scores and judges’ praise aside, getting to embody of her favorite Disney characters made “Disney+ Night” even more magical. “I love Sarah Jessica Parker,” she said. “It made me feel like I could channel her energy, and it gave me an extra little boost of confidence.” Bersten added, “The character allowed Jessie to be free and have fun.”

Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas closed the “Disney+ Night” episode with a Jazz routine to “‘The Simpsons’ Main Title Theme” from The Simpsons. Portraying Marge and Homer Simpson, respectively, the duo earned a score of 36/40. Hough predicted the dance would “go viral,” while Tonioli said, “It was so good I didn’t want it to end.”

After voting officially closed, Banks and Ribeiro revealed which two couples were up for elimination. For the second week in a row, Champion and Burke were on the chopping block. Donovan and Slater, who had never been in the bottom two before, joined them, with the judges ultimately deciding to save the latter couple. “We got some mixed reviews from the judges,” Slater told D23 after the show. “What can you do? It landed us in the bottom two this week. Hopefully next week, we won’t be there again.”

A new episode of Dancing with the Stars will stream live on Monday, October 17, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, only on Disney+. Fans in the U.S. and Canada can vote during the livestream by visiting disneyplus.com/vote. Fans in the U.S. can also vote via SMS/text (message and data rates may apply). With each ensuing episode, live viewer votes will be combined with the judges’ scores to determine which couples may face elimination.

Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month Phone Wallpapers: Celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Cultures with an Extra Magical Touch!

Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month—September 15 through October 15—may be about to wrap up, but the fiestas don’t need to end... Whether you’re finding your magic within or learning the importance of family, we all have a reason to celebrate Voces Unidas all year long!

Share your magic with these downloadable phone wallpapers featuring Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto and Miguel (and others) from Disney and Pixar’s Coco, so you’ll never forget that together, we are magia!

Can You Guess What These Hocus Pocus Spells and Potions Do?

Spooky season is upon us, and All Hallows’ Eve is just around the corner. What better way to see if you are ready for the most supernatural day of the year than testing out some magic spells and potions from your three favorite witches from Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2. Take a gander below to see whether you can correctly guess what these spells from the Sanderson Sisters do.

What does this spell turn someone into?
Twist the bones, and the back
Itch-it-a-cop-it-a
Mel-a-ka-mystic-a
Trim him of his baby fat
Itch-it-a-cop-it-a
Mel-a-ka-mystic-a
Give him fur black as black
Just like this!

Correct! Wrong!

What does this Life Potion formula do?
Bring to a full rolling bubble
Add 2 drops oil of boil
Mix blood of owl
With the herb that’s red
Turn three times
Pluck a hair from my head
Add a dash of pox and a dead man’s toe
Green newt saliva
Add a bit of thine own tongue

Correct! Wrong!

One All Hallows’ Eve,
When the moon is round
A virgin will summon thee
From under the ground

Correct! Wrong!

Come little children
I’ll take thee away
Into a land of enchantment
Come little children
The time’s come to play
Here in my garden of magic

Correct! Wrong!

Don’t feel bad if you couldn’t guess them all correctly—at least you didn’t light the Black Flame Candle! Hop onto Disney+ to stream Hocus Pocus and the all-new sequel Hocus Pocus 2. Learn a thing or two from these three Salem nuisances.

Your Guide to the Most Magical Halloween Celebrations at the Disney Parks

By Victoria Hunt

Ready for a haunting good time? Look no further than the Disney Parks to offer magic to ghouls and ghosts of all ages. Whether you are looking for beautiful autumnal treats, villainous adventures, or photo ops with your favorite characters, get ready for the Halloween of a lifetime!

Disneyland Resort

The Haunted Mansion is decorated in Christmas lights and candles. A pumpkin scarecrow stands on the front lawn decorated like Santa Claus. He sits on a bed of pumpkins.

Haunted Mansion Holiday
Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and their friends from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas once again take over Disneyland Park’s most beloved haunted attraction, providing the most bone-chilling way to ring in this Halloween season. Hop on your “Doom Buggy” and adventure through Jack Skellington’s journey to becoming Sandy Claws. Head on down to New Orleans Square to experience this seasonal favorite, up until the new year.

Sleeping Beauty Castle is lit up in pink and purple lights. Jack Skellington’s face is to the right of the castle.

Halloween Screams
If you’re looking for a frightful sight, check out this delightful nocturnal show on select nights at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Jack Skellington hosts this Nightmare Before Christmas-themed spell-ebration with some familiar villains, including Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent and The Little Mermaid’s Ursula. The 10-minute show continues until the end of October.

Lightning McQueen is a red sportscar. He is dressed up in a blue superhero costume. Mater is to his left. Mater is a purple tow truck and sports a black wig, mustache and vampire fangs.

Halloween in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
In a celebration connected to the recent release of Cars on the Road on Disney+, guests can find Lighting McQueen and Mater cruisin’ down Route 66 in some photo-worthy costumes. Will you be able to recognize Mater and McQueen in their superhero and vampire disguises? While you’re in Cars Land, mosey on down to Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, where guests can enjoy tractor-dancing fun set to Halloween music! Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween will also be hosting a groovy, graveyard bash until October 31.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! is lit up in blue and purple lights.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark
For the brave souls visiting Disney California Adventure, Groot needs your help to rescue him from the monsters that have been unleashed! You and Rocket will need to distract the crazed creatures that have captured the galaxy’s most beloved friend. Do you accept the mission at hand?

Walt Disney World Resort

A round purple sign is held up during the parade. In yellow letters, the sign reads “Boo-To-You! Halloween Parade.” Main Street, U.S.A., is lit up in warm white lights as guests gather around the parade.

Boo-to-You Halloween Parade
If you are going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, be sure to catch this exciting, spellbinding parade before November. Your favorite Disney pals will sport adorable costumes as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A.

Cinderella Castle is lit in blue, green, and yellow lights. The center has a round logo reading “50.” Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck’s silhouettes are projected onto the lights.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular
The skies above Cinderella Castle come alive with holiday magic on select nights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The spectacular also celebrates the park’s 50th anniversary with the help of some our Disney friends in their Halloween best!

Two sets of three pumpkins are stacked on two bales of hay along Main Street, U.S.A. Cinderella Castle is the middle in the distance.

Halloween Décor and More!
No matter where you are at Walt Disney World, take a minute to enjoy the autumnal sights, including pumpkins, leaves, and some very sweet treats. When heading down Main Street, U.S.A., don’t forget to grab a quick family picture with Cinderella Castle in the background!

Disneyland Paris 

Ursula the sea witch from The Little Mermaid is projected onto the Disneyland Paris castle. Large gusts of water are splashing around the imagery. Ursula has short white hair, blue eyeshadow, and red lipstick.

Disney Halloween Festival
Disney fans in Europe should have no fear, because Halloween festivities are coming to Disneyland Resort Paris as well. Until November 6, Disney villains including Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, and Captain Hook will take over the park with ghoulish surprises and fa-boo-lous fun! Catch the haunting cavalcade as it returns to Disneyland Paris Park with Mickey and all his friends.

Hong Kong Disneyland 

Cruella de Vil wears a black satin dress with a large red lined, white fur jacket and red gloves. She is standing at an angle with her left hand in the air.

Wicked Fun Party Zone
You didn’t think Cruella De Vil only tormented our guests in Paris, did you? At Hong Kong Disneyland, the villainess herself hosts this devilish good time in Adventureland. The dalmatian-wearing prima donna takes center stage for a musical performance sure to shake guests down to their bones!

Minnie Mouse stand atop an orange pumpkin float leading a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. She wears an orange dress with green overlay. She is followed by several parade performers in matching color schemes.

Mickey’s Halloween Time Street Party
When you want to unwind and enjoy a classic parade, join Mickey and friends as they dance their way down Main Street, U.S.A. Disney Junior’s Vampirina and Princess Sofia also star in the procession this year.

Captain Hook stands with his right hand and left hook in the air. His head is tilted to the right. He is wearing a red jacket with a frilly white shirt underneath. He has long, wavy black hair and a mustache. He is wearing a purple captain’s hat with a large white feather.

Let’s Get Wicked
Cruella isn’t the only villain with musical talent this Halloween. Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent is joined by The Little Mermaid’s Ursula, Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston, The Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier, and Peter Pan’s Captain Hook, as well as several others. The villains sing and dance for guests in this scare-tastic performance.

Jack Skellington’s The Nightmare Before Dinner
Sometimes you get both tricks and treats! Take a stroll to the River View Café to enjoy a Halloween-inspired four course dinner surrounded by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed décor. Guests can expect to even see Jack, Sally, and Oogie Boogie while dining!

Wicked Fun Trick-or-Treat Trail
We hope you brought your sweet tooth because it’s time for trick-or-treating! Grab a bag and make your way through the different lands to discover character-shaped pumpkin candy stations.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Night High Halloween
Halloween themed fireworks will light up the skies of the Tokyo Disney Resort for this seasonal celebration. Watch as the castle turns into a gruesome green to compliment the ghoulish firework show!

Spooky ‘Boo!’ Parade at The Villains Rockin’ Halloween
What would a Disney Park be without a bewitching parade? Catch your favorite Disney villains during Tokyo Disneyland Park’s Rockin’ Halloween. Characters including Captain Hook and the Evil Queen will make their way through the park on bewitching floats.

Disney Halloween Greeting
Join Minnie and Mickey at the Mediterranean Harbor to catch the iconic duo in their Halloween costumes. They will also be at the Hangar stage to perform their all-new performance of Halloweentime with You.

Holiday Nightmare
Jack Skellington and his crew don’t exclusively haunt the Disneyland Resort in California. Tokyo Disney Resort’s Haunted Mansion will transition into moments from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Shanghai Disney Resort

Halloween Thrills with Disney Villains
From October 4 to November 4, Disney Villains are casting a spell over the park, transforming Shanghai Disney Resort into a haunting scene with spiderweb-covered accents and pumpkins galore! Make sure to catch your Disney Villains will make their appearance on the Castle’s balcony.

Donald’s Halloween Treat Cavalcade
Nothing says Disney quite like a parade and guests can now enjoy the return of Shanghai Disney’s Halloween cavalcade featuring our favorite characters in their most fa-boo-lous costumes.

This IS Halloween Dance Party
Make your way to Tomorrowland’s Pepsi E-Stage to enjoy a haunting good time! Get your boogie on with this Disney Halloween-themed dance party.

Halloween Spook-tacular Extravaganza
From October 28 through October 31, Shanghai Disney Resort will be hosting extra-special events to cap off the season. The four days will feature various places in the park that will turn into Halloween Party Zones for guests to watch the villains. You may even see Marvel Studios’ Loki make an appearance as well.

Sweet Treats and Merchandise
If you have the hankering for something sweet, look no further than CookieAnn’s Bakery Café. The café offers all the drool-worthy, Halloween decorated treats you could want! If you are looking for seasonal souvenirs to remember your magical time here, various shops around the park carry Halloween exclusive merchandise for the whole family!