Disney News

Category: Disney

  • Marvel Studios ‘Phase 4’ Plans Revealed at San Diego-Comic-Con

    Marvel Studios ‘Phase 4’ Plans Revealed at San Diego-Comic-Con

    Saturday, at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige officially announced the lineup of Marvel’s ‘Phase 4’ projects.

    Marvel’s ‘Phase 4’ plans include 10 projects — five movies and five Disney Plus series created exclusively for Disney+, Disney’s upcoming streaming service launching in the U.S. on November 12.

    Take a look at the entire lineup below:

    The Eternals—in theaters on November 6, 2020

    Chloé Zhao directs the feature, which introduces an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Eternals stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh and Don Lee.

    The Falcon and The Winter Soldier—coming to Disney+ in fall 2020

    Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) most popular heroes—Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, and Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier—embark on a series of action-filled adventures as they fight together against evil after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) reprise their roles in the new series.

    Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—in theaters on February 12, 2021

    Kevin Feige announced the confirmed casting of Simu Liu in the title role of Shang-Chi. Destin Daniel Cretton directs, and the film also stars celebrated Chinese actor Tony Leung as the real Mandarin, and Awkwafina in a yet-to-be-disclosed role.

    WandaVision—coming to Disney+ in spring 2021

    Paul Bettany reprises the role of Vision and Elizabeth Olsen returns to her role of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. They will be joined by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris, who will be playing the grown-up version of Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in Captain Marvel.

    Loki—coming to Disney+ in spring 2021

    Tom Hiddleston returns to his role of the mercurial Loki, the God of Mischief and fan-favorite villain.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—in theaters on May 7, 2021

    The second film in the Doctor Strange franchise will reunite director Scott Derrickson with Benedict Cumberbatch, who returns for the new installment. Elizabeth Olsen will also star, and WandaVision—the Disney+ series that’s also centered around Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch—will connect directly to the feature-film storyline.

    What If…?—coming to Disney+ in summer 2021

    What If…? marks the first animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features stories that present alternate realities in the Marvel universe. Many actors from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their roles, as voice talent; and Jeffrey Wright lends his voice to the popular character The Watcher in the new series.

    Hawkeye—coming to Disney+ in fall 2021

    In Hall H, Jeremy Renner revealed the previously undisclosed title of the Disney+ original series. Hawkeye will introduce fans to Kate Bishop, a character well-known in the Marvel comics, who will be an integral part of the new series.

    Thor: Love and Thunder—in theaters November 5, 2021

    In the fourth feature film in the Thor franchise, Jane Foster, played by Natlie Portman, will become the Mighty Thor, the Goddess of Thunder. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Portman star, with Taika Waititi set to direct.

    Black Widow—in theaters May 1, 2020

    The first film of Phase Four stars Scarlett Johansson, who reprises her role of Natasha Romanoff, as well as MCU newcomers David Harbour, who plays Alexei aka The Red Guardian; Florence Pugh as Yelena; O-T Fagbenie as Mason and Rachel Weisz as Melina. Cate Shortland directs.

    To conclude the presentation, Feige also surprised the enthusiastic Hall H crowd with the announcement that two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali will star in the new Marvel Studios feature film Blade.

  • Disney Announces D23 Expo 2019 Full Schedule

    Disney Announces D23 Expo 2019 Full Schedule

    The D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim is the ultimate Disney fan event where all the details emerge for what’s to come at Disney Parks and Disney has released the schedule for this years event.

    An immersive pavilion will provide an insider’s look at new themed lands, attractions, shows, and more, in addition to a jam-packed schedule of entertaining presentations and a number of exclusive shopping opportunities for every Disney fan.

    Showcasing an array of new experiences for guests around the world to enjoy for years to come, the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion will give fans a unique look at the exciting developments underway at Disney parks around the world. Attendees will see a dedicated space showcasing the historic transformation of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. They will also see Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guests to join alongside the Avengers in fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.

    The fan-favorite Hall D23 presentation with Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will take place Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. Guests will be treated to more details on much-anticipated attractions, experiences, and transformative storytelling that set Disney apart.

    During the three-day event, fans can scoop up never-before-seen collectibles across the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products-operated retail shops on the Expo floor: shopDisney.com | Disney Store, Disney DreamStore, Mickey’s of Glendale, and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Attendees will be introduced to new collections that celebrate milestone anniversaries and favorite characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, along with must-have official D23 Expo 2019 gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.

    There are many other exciting offerings to discover, including several special panel presentations:

    The Music and Sounds of Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge

    Friday, August 23, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

    Sound design is an instrumental layer of storytelling found throughout every Disney park, resort, and cruise ship. Join Imagineering Music Studio lead Matt Walker in discussing the creative process behind the original music and sound design heard throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join Imagineers and collaborators who will share how they developed all-new iconic soundscapes while taking inspiration from the rich legacy of Star Wars music and sound design, from the land’s epic John Williams-composed musical score to the sounds of low-flying starships.

    Behind the Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between

    Friday, August 23, 4 p.m., Stage 28

    Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail in creating Disney costumes. Go behind the scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the D23 Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book.

    Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years

    Saturday, August 24, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

    Celebrate Disney’s famed home of 999 happy haunts. The attraction’s rich history has generated global fandom from both the living and the unliving. Our ghost host has assembled a procession of bodies you will be dying to meet!

    Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks
    Saturday, August 24, 3:30 p.m., Stage 28
    Disney Imagineers continue Walt Disney’s legacy in creating themed environments where beloved stories and characters come to life. Join Imagineers Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge to learn about the creative process for dreaming up and developing new Disney experiences as we invite guests to enter authentic worlds previously seen only in a film, a book, or one’s imagination.

    Travels with Marty: A Conversation with the Sklars and Imagineers

    Saturday, August 24, 6 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage

    Celebrate the legacy of Disney Legend Marty Sklar as his colleagues, mentees, and family recount the journey of publishing his last book and discuss his lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.

    Inspiring Women Behind Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge

    Sunday, August 25, 2 p.m., Stage 28

    Meet some of the talented women from across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. Hear stories about their roles and experiences in developing everything from the original backstories of the land and its inhabitants, to the themed merchandise, galactic fare, and the interactive elements found throughout Black Spire Outpost.

    Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career with Kevin Rafferty

    Sunday, August 25, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage

    Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty as he reminisces about a career spanning 40-plus years, from a dishwasher at Disneyland to builder of immersive worlds. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.

    Marc Davis in His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Park

    Sunday, August 25, 5:30 p.m., Stage 28

    Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the artwork and career of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Featuring artwork from Marc for the creation of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the presentation will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the storied attraction.

    Disney Store Artist Signing Schedule

    Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24, Talent Central

    Come meet the artists and designers behind some of our amazing D23 Expo product ranges:

    • Disney Pixar Tiki Mug Signing with Jerome Ranft – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
    • Midnight Masquerade and Animator Villains Collections with Steve Thompson and Courtney Watkinson – Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Talent Central
    • The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary Collection withSteve Thompson, Bryan Mon, Daria Vinogradova, Diana Tran, and Cathy Clark-Ramirez – Saturday, August 24, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central  

    Disney Parks Designer Collection Artist Signing Schedule

    Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, Talent Central

    Meet the artists behind the latest releases from this exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands:

    • Jerrod Maruyama – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Talent Central; Saturday, August 24, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Talent Central  
    • SHAG – Saturday, August 24, 2  – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central  
    • Noah Fine Art – Saturday, August 24, 2  – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central  
    • Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe – Saturday, August 24, 9:30  – 11 a.m., Talent Central; Sunday, August 25, 5 – 6:45 p.m., Talent Central

    Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children ages 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $79 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children ages 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

  • Harry Styles in Talks to Play Prince Eric in Disney’s ‘Little Mermaid’

    Harry Styles in Talks to Play Prince Eric in Disney’s ‘Little Mermaid’

    Disney has cast yet another actor to go under the sea in Disney’s live-action Remake of “The Little Mermaid.” Singer turned actor, Harry Styles is in early talks to play Prince Eric in Disney’s reamke of the 1998 animated classic.

    Halle Bailey will portray the Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of being a human, while Melissa McCarthy is playing her evil aunt Ursula.

    Styles was famously a member of boy band One Direction who then struck out on a successful solo career. He made his acting debut with Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan’s World War II drama that grossed over $526 million worldwide and collected several Oscars.

    Eric is the human prince who catches Ariel’s eye. The mermaid saves the prince from drowning and then makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to exchange her voice for legs in order for a chance to make him love her. He is key in the final battle against Ursula.

    “Mary Poppins Returns” director Rob Marshall is helming. The film will incorporate the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee wrote the script.

  • Woman Orders ‘Moana’ Cake for Her Daughter but Baker Hears ‘Marijuana’

    Woman Orders ‘Moana’ Cake for Her Daughter but Baker Hears ‘Marijuana’

    The stakes are “high” in the cake making business. A Georgia woman tried to order a “Moana”-themed cake for her daughter’s 25th birthday, but the local cake maker mistakenly heard “marijuana” instead.

    The green-and-white decorated cake Davis received included a “My Little Pony” horse with blood-shot eyes and a puff of smoke next to her, as well as a cannabis leaf tattooed on her haunch. There was also a larger cannabis leaf on the cake. Both photos were outlined in icing and sandwiched between “Happy 25th Birthday Kensli.”

    Kensli Davis took to social media and was rather blunt about the twist to her special day. Davis found the situation humourous and the cake was still the “High” light of the party as you can see in her post below:

    Kensli Davis’ mom said workers apologized and offered to make another cake, but she stuck with the first one because it was just too funny.

    Cassandra Walker, the Georgia mother of two who made the cake, isn’t laughing. She told USA TODAY she made the cake after her manager, who she says she misheard Davis’ mother, told her it was OK.

    Walker said Dairy Queen fired her for the mistake on Monday, which was her birthday. 

  • First ‘Maleficent 2’ Full Length Trailer Released

    First ‘Maleficent 2’ Full Length Trailer Released

    Today, Disney released the first full length trailer for “Maleficent 2” and it reveals more of the dark fairy’s involvement with soon-to-be Queen Aurora’s political movement.

    “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, the follow-up sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent”, sees the return of Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora.

    The sequel to the 2014 film is set five years into the future, and it appears Maleficent will continue to explore her hot-and-cold relationship with Aurora as Aurora gets engaged. Take a look at the teaser-trailer below:

    The sequel is described as “a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent”, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.”

    Joachim Rønning directs from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster. Film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

    Maleficent: Mistress of Evil hits theaters nationwide October 18.

  • Oswald the Lucky Rabbit TV Series in the Works for Disney+

    Oswald the Lucky Rabbit TV Series in the Works for Disney+

    Oswald the Lucky Rabbit may be getting his own series on, Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+.

    Disney hasn’t made an announcement about the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series, but writer Christopher Painter (SpongeBob SquarePants) seems to have confirmed the new project.

    His online resume lists a new series called Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in the “Animated Television” section. Painter lists himself as a writer on the series for “multiple episodes.”

    Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is an anthropomorphic rabbit and animated cartoon character created by Walt Disney for cartoon animal films and distributed by Universal Studios in the 1920s and 1930s, serving as the Disney studio’s first animated character to feature in their own series. A total of 27 animated Oswald one-reelers were produced at Walt Disney Animation Studios (the Walt Disney Studio at the time).

    In 1928, Charles Mintz took the rights of Oswald from Walt Disney and claimed Oswald as an official Universal Studios character. In November 1928, as a replacement to compete with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created Mickey Mouse for the Walt Disney Studio.

    It wasn’t until 2006 that The Walt Disney Company was able to re-acquired the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back from NBC Universal. ESPN’s parent company traded the contract of NFL play-by-play analyst Al Michaels to NBC Universal in exchange for various sports considerations and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

    Disney says its new streaming service, Disney+, will cost $6.99 per month when it launches in the U.S. on November 12.

  • FIRST LOOK: Disney Releases First ‘Mulan’ Live-Action Remake Trailer

    FIRST LOOK: Disney Releases First ‘Mulan’ Live-Action Remake Trailer

    Disney has just released the first trailer for the upcoming live-action remake of their classic 1998 film “Mulan.”

    Yifei Liu was cast as Hua Mulan following a year-long global casting search in November of 2017. Set to star alongside Yifei are stars Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Gong Li as a still-unnamed villain, Jet Li as The Emperor, and Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan. 

    Take a look at the trailer below:

    Mulan is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver along with Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek. The film will shoot on location in both New Zealand and China, and is set to open in the US on March 27, 2020.

  • Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dead at 20

    Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dead at 20

    Actor Cameron Boyce, best known for his role as the teenage son of Cruella de Vil in the Disney Channel franchise “Descendants,” has died at the age of 20.

    Boyce, who played Carlos de Vil in the “Descendants” movies, died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his spokesperson.

    An official cause of death has not been announced, but his family released a statement Sunday saying Boyce “passed away in his sleep due to a seizure that was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.

    “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken,” the family statement said.

    According to his bio on the Disney Channel, Boyce was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was a dancer who got his acting start in commercials, then television and film. Boyce starred alongside Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups” and “Grown Ups 2,” and other film credits include “Mirrors,” ”Eagle Eye” and the indie feature “Runt.” He also starred in the upcoming HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher.”

    A Disney Channel spokesperson released a statement Sunday saying that from a young age, Boyce dreamed of sharing his artistic talents with the world and was fueled by a desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives through his humanitarian work.

    “He was an incredibly talented performer, a remarkably caring and thoughtful person and, above all else, he was a loving and dedicated son, brother, grandson and friend,” the statement said. “We offer our deepest condolences to his family, castmates and colleagues and join his many millions of fans in grieving his untimely passing. He will be dearly missed.”

    “Descendants 3” is scheduled for release in August.

  • Today in Disney History: Walt Purchases Disney Studios on Hyperion Ave

    Today in Disney History: Walt Purchases Disney Studios on Hyperion Ave

    On this day in 1926, Walt and Roy Disney put down a $400 deposit on a lot at 2719 Hyperion Ave., where they plan to build a new animation studio in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles, California.

    Their neighbors were a gas station and an organ factory. The new studio included two small offices for Walt and Roy Disney, a camera room, and a large partitioned work area for the animators and ink and paint staff. The building will serve as the Disney’s base for the next fifteen years.

    The original Disney Studio had been in the back half of a real estate office on Kingswell Avenue in Hollywood, but soon Walt had enough money to move next door and rent a whole store for his studio. That small studio was sufficient for a couple of years, but the company eventually outgrew it, and Walt had to look elsewhere. He found an ideal piece of property on Hyperion Avenue in Hollywood, built a studio, and in 1926, moved his staff to the new facility.

    It was at the Hyperion Studio, after the loss of Oswald, that Walt had to come up with a new character, and that character was Mickey Mouse. With his chief animator, Ub Iwerks, Walt designed the famous mouse and gave him a personality that endeared him to all. Ub animated two Mickey Mouse cartoons, but Walt was unable to sell them because they were silent films, and sound was revolutionizing the movie industry. So, they made a third Mickey Mouse cartoon, this time with fully synchronized sound, and Steamboat Willie opened to rave reviews at the Colony Theater in New York November 18, 1928. A cartoon star, Mickey Mouse, was born. The new character was immediately popular, and, a lengthy series of Mickey Mouse cartoons followed.

    As Walt and his animators became more creative and innovative technically and artistically, the studio had to grow to meet the demands of Walt’s vision. During the next four years the original studio building went through several renovations and additions until a two-story building called “Animator’s Building # 1” and a sound stage were added in 1931. Walt and Roy purchased additional plots of land surrounding the studio and built the “Animator’s Building #2/Shorts Building”in 1934, Ink and Paint and Annex buildings in 1935, and a “Features Building” in 1937. Several other smaller buildings were constructed on the property, including a Wurlitzer Organ building, warehouse, film vaults, sound stage monitor room, camera room, and a garage for Mickey Mouse’s car.

  • Disney’s Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel

    Disney’s Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel

    Halle Bailey will be part of Disney’s world. Disney announced today, the R&B singer and actress has been cast as Ariel in Disney’s next live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”

    “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” director Rob Marshall said in a statement.

    Bailey, best known for her work on Freeform’s Grown-ish and as one half of the singing duo Chloe x Halle took to Twitter immediately after the news broke to share her excitement as you can see in the post below:

    Bailey is joining a cast that includes Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, while Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula.

    The story centers on the mermaid Ariel who yearns to live among humans and finds her wish granted when she trades her voice for legs from the sea witch, Ursula.

    “Mary Poppins Returns” director Rob Marshall is helming. The film will incorporate the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee wrote the script.

    David Magee wrote the latest script for the reboot after Jane Goldman. Marc Platt, Marshall, Miranda and John DeLuca are producers. No release date has been set yet.