D23: Disney's Entertainment Showcase Recap

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who grew up with the magic of animation and storytelling, I must say the D23 Expo 2025 lineup left me absolutely spellbound! The upcoming slate of movies, shows, and performances promises to transport us to realms we’ve only dreamed of – from the fantastical worlds of Percy Jackson to the gritty streets of Hell’s Kitchen in Daredevil: Born Again.

As a dedicated gamer and Disney enthusiast, I can’t contain my excitement as the D23 Expo is in full swing! Last Friday night, Disney transformed the Honda Center into a magical arena, offering a grand preview of their upcoming cinematic masterpieces, television series, and much more. Ranging from Marvel to Star Wars, Pixar, and good old Disney itself, there were countless new reveals and captivating footage that left everyone in awe. Here’s the lowdown on Disney’s Entertainment Showcase at D23 2024!

Yvette Nicole Brown makes her entrance on stage, followed by a showreel of clips from previous Disney productions. The footage includes sneak peeks of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, Snow White, among others. Bob Iger then steps onto the stage for the first time in five years at D23. He emphasizes that Disney’s primary goal is to entertain and bring joy to its audience. He discusses Disney’s worldwide influence and the importance of living up to that responsibility. Iger hints at an exciting weekend ahead for fans, stating that Disney’s various brands work together in significant ways to enhance each other’s impact.

Performers grace the stage to unveil Moana 2, featuring Auli’i Cravalho debuting a fresh tune, “Who We’re Meant to Be.” Dwayne Johnson dances Polynesian style, inciting the audience to shout a traditional phrase. Boasting about the record-breaking crowd at D23’s presentation, Johnson hints at an enhanced antagonist lineup. Cravalho reveals Moana as the island’s ruler and protective older sister, who spends her leisure time investigating signs of more people beyond the archipelago. Johnson playfully mentions Maui crooning in unheard-of tones. Emphasizing the film’s empowering message about ambition and self-belief, Johnson also teases darker villains from the original movie. A new trailer rolls out, showcasing Moana with her infant sibling, a fresh quest, Moana struck by lightning to guide her voyage, a forced reunion with Maui, and the return of the coconut tribe. Johnson introduces Alan Bergman, his longtime collaborator. In addition, they hint at their upcoming collaboration: a Monster Jam film offering a live-action spectacle through the monster trucks’ perspective. Bergman praises the broader Disney collection, expressing joy over Avatar’s return to the portfolio, which he initially felt slipped away from Disney.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement as James Cameron steps onto the stage to introduce Avatar 3! Every day, receiving fresh footage from our VFX artists feels like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. This sequel promises high emotional intensity, navigating challenging landscapes, and introducing a character that fans will love to despise. It’s not what we anticipate, but it’s definitely what we yearn for! The stage is then graced by Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington. Although they haven’t unveiled any footage yet, there are new concept artworks and an official Avatar: Fire and Ash. The artwork showcases the fiery Navi tribe, enormous hot air balloons, and numerous flight scenes. I can hardly wait!

In the continuation of the event, Brown reappears to welcome the Pixar segment. Pete Docter steps up, with his Inside Out characters amusingly responding to his humor. He expresses gratitude for making Inside Out 2 the top-grossing animated film ever. A new Inside Out series titled “Dream Productions” is unveiled, set between the films and debuting in 2025 on Disney+. Footage of the behind-the-scenes production was shown, typical of Hollywood’s chaotic environment. Pixar’s inaugural long-form series, “Win or Lose,” will be available on December 6th exclusively on Disney+. This series follows a baseball team from various perspectives using diverse animation styles. Toy Story 5 is slated for summer 2026, with Andrew Stanton penning and directing. The plot revolves around toys interacting with technology, including cell phones and rogue Buzz Lightyear toys. A movie titled “Hoppers” is scheduled for spring 2026, featuring humans swapping brains with animals. Mabel, the anime-inspired protagonist portrayed by Piper Curda, switches places with King George, the beaver king played by Bobby Moynihan. The antagonist is Mayor Jerry, acted by Jon Hamm. An alien from Elio scans the crowd for Elio himself, making jokes about Disney and the audience. Elio will premiere on June 13, 2025, with Yonas Kibreab, who voices Elio, appearing on stage. Zoe Saldana has been added to the cast as Elio’s aunt. They hint at Elio’s extraordinary hero’s journey as he is mistakenly chosen to lead cosmic endeavors. A new teaser was shown highlighting space exploration, showcasing stunning alien designs. An alien captures Elio, and a translator reveals that the alien intends to swaddle him because he appeared frightened. The Incredibles 3 is in development under Brad Bird’s supervision.

As a thrilled fan, I’m excited to share that the long-awaited Zootopia 2 is set to launch Disney Animation Studios with a flurry of witty animal puns! Ginnifer Goodwin graced us with her presence to discuss the movie. This time around, reptiles make their entry into the city; they’ve got a less-than-stellar reputation in Zootopia. One such character is Gary, a rather intimidating snake voiced by Ke Huy Quan. The latest footage unveiled Marsh Market, home to semi-aquatic creatures, where we encounter a giant seal who only communicates in “bubs.”

A troupe of vocalists present numbers from the as-yet-unreleased musical adaptation of The Greatest Showman.

In the realm of Star Wars, it’s Jude Law who graces the spotlight to unveil the first teaser for Skeleton Crew. The film bears similarities to classic Amblin tales of growing up, as four characters find themselves stranded in space and must navigate their way back home. Its release is scheduled for December on Disney+. As the initial trailer unfolds, Diego Luna returns to discuss Andor Season 2. Having spent nearly a decade with Cassian, he hints that this season will escalate the tension as Cassian discovers his true destiny. A sneak peek of Andor Season 2 is shown, interwoven with behind-the-scenes insights: rebel uprisings, K2 and Cassian’s first encounter, and Krennec. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni then step forward to share thoughts on The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. Filoni, having foreseen Favreau’s potential for a Star Wars film since Iron Man, commenced production on the project just weeks ago. A montage of old and new footage is presented as a tantalizing preview, featuring Zeb from Rebels, Mando and Grogu evading AT-ATs, and Grogu traveling with Anzellans.

During Marvel’s special event, Ryan Reynolds expresses gratitude for audience members who watched Deadpool and Wolverine. Feige then speaks. The presentation begins with Captain America: Brave New World featuring Anthony Mackie discussing the weight of his shield. A previously shown SDCC footage plays again. The Fantastic Four cast sends a video message from their dinner table, with Johnny Storm in costume; the same SDCC sizzle reel is displayed. Ryan Coogler introduces the Ironheart cast, followed by a trailer that starts with Wakanda Forever scenes. Riri Williams struggles without her suit and fails at MIT, eventually getting expelled. The Hood character, Ramos, hires Riri for illegal jobs to fund her suit. She soars through Chicago’s streets. The Daredevil: Born Again cast takes the stage, with Jon Bernthal excited to return as Frank Castle. Footage from Season 2 previews, showing people disappearing and Matt Murdock becoming a dangerous vigilante. Kamala Khan’s father questions Matt’s legal abilities, “You’re a really good one.” A new trailer for Agatha All Along is shown, featuring Agatha gathering her coven and singing the Witches Road song. The cast, led by Kathryn Hahn, performs this song on stage, acknowledging the Lopez siblings for writing it before bringing them out.

The cast and team of Percy Jackson step forward to address the crowd. They express gratitude for the incredible response that made the show such a success. In the upcoming Season 2, we’ll see Percy’s half-brother join the series, and the Sea of Monsters has officially been confirmed as part of the second season. Filming is currently underway, only one week into production. A recap video of Season 1 footage plays, followed by a glimpse of Percy in armor. Rita Ora appears to thank viewers for watching Descendants: The Rise of Red and announces the Descendants/Zombies Worlds Collide concert tour. A selection of songs from Descendants is then performed live. Lastly, a trailer for David Blaine’s latest National Geographic series, titled David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, is shown. Blaine himself takes the stage and reveals that the show has taken two years to develop. He engages the audience in an interactive mass card trick.

Disney Live-Action: Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan introduce “Freakier Friday 2”, with Anna returning and Pink Slip making a comeback. Footage from the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch appears during the event, giving us our first look at the live-action Stitch. The movie will hit theaters in summer 2025.

2024-08-10 08:40

D23: Disney’s Entertainment Showcase Recap

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